Mayor Paul Linder Economic Development

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January 4 - 10, 2013

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January 4 - 10, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 25

“Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley”

Le Miserables: Jane McCabe’s Review

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2013: Mayor Paul Linder Optimistic About Local Economic Growth and Development

by Michael Long

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$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Exp. January 30, 2013

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January 4 - 10, 2013

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Smog Test and General Repairs Front End Repairs Transmission Service Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service and Repairs Call Today for an Appointment 763-1055 Corner of 3rd and Center Street 110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

January 4 - 10, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Recreation Report..........4 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Movie Review...................8 Classified Ads.................10 Opinion and Feature....11 Shop Taft........................12

The Taft Independent 508 Center Street P.O. Box 268 Taft, California 93268 (661) 765-6550 Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com Website: www.TaftIndependent.com Locally and Independently owned since 2006 The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,500 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Independent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscription home or businessdelivery of the Taft Independent is available for $6.50 per month or $78.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR. Send us your letter to Taft Independent at the above address. Limit it to 300 words and include your name, address, and phone number. Fax: (661) 765-6556. Email your letter to: Publisher@taftindependent.com.

ADVERTISING. Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representative at (661) 765-6550, or email to Publisher@taftindependent.com.

Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone orders are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

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Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument” Have a community event that you would like to include?

Email it to us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

Radio Controllefd Model Airplane Fun Fly Sundays at 8 a.m.

Radio controlled model airplane enthusiasts can participate in a “Fun Fly” each Sunday at 8 a.m. at the Westside Recreation and Park District.

The public is invited to come and watch fun flyers execute basic moves and maneuvers with radio controlled aircraft including rolls, loops and inverted flight.

The public can also meet the pilots and learn how to get involved and become a fun flyer.

The event will be held each Sunday at the Recreation district, 500 Cascade Place Building C beginning at 8 a.m.

The cost is $2 per person top watch and $3 per person to participate.

For more information, please call 763-4246.

Gas Prices Rise Slightly

California, December 31- Average retail gasoline prices in California have risen 4.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.55/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 10,526 gas outlets in California. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.0 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.27/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices yesterday were 5.8 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 13.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 13.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 1.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“2012 was a year that focused the spotlight on our nation’s oil refineries; it showed us the vulnerability of our infrastructure and what can happen to prices at the pump when infrastructure is compromised. We began the year with a BP refinery fire in Cherry Point, WA that caused massive spikes on the west coast.

The spring delivered challenges for Great Lakes refineries and pushed Chicago gas prices to a record high. Similarly, the California summer saw major refinery outages there and new record high prices,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst.

“Hurricane Sandy delivered a punishing blow to the East Coast causing refinery shutdowns, flooding and power outages. The resulting fuel shortage triggered mile-long lines for gas. NY gasoline spiked to a price level exceeding Honolulu and Anchorage as the highest in the U.S. GasBuddy is proud to have been called in by NY officials to provide counsel and data identifying the most current retail gasoline price updates and trends throughout the NY metro area,” said Gregg Laskoski, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst.

With elevated prices across much of the country for prolonged periods, 2012 brought the highest average price ever for U.S. consumers: $3.60 per gallon.

For a closer look at the GasBuddy Year in Review, please visit http://www. scribd.com/GasBuddy or view the document directly: http://www.scribd.com/ doc/117521912/GasBuddyYIR

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS Taft- A caring community under Christ We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Emmons Park Drive (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

The Pregnancy crisis center is now open and available for support and assistance.

For information, call 763-4791 If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488.

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

Advertising Contributing Writers June Woods, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

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News Briefs Kern County Airport Director Jack Gotcher Announces Retirment Kern County Airports Director Jack Gotcher has notified the Board of Supervisors that he intends to retire on March 23.

The County will immediately open recruitment for his post.

Gotcher was appointed in 2006 after serving as Deputy Director of Airports since 2003.

Gotcher had a central role in coordinating construction of the $43 million William M. Thomas AirTerminal at Meadows Field.

Gotcher developed the airport security plan to meet stringent new federal requirements imposed after the September 9, 2001 terrorist attack and directed airport emergencyresponse training for county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. He also directed engineering, planning, and safety for more than $10.5 million in runway improvements and repairs at Meadows Field, and he is managing conversion of the old Meadows Field terminal. Gotcher also oversaw the two-year planning process to implement international passenger service offered by Mexicana Airlines in 2007, which required a $1 million renovation of the old Meadows Field terminal and construction of a $7 million Federal Facility at Meadows Field to house operations by U.S. Customs, Border Patrol, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and Agriculture inspection agents. Although international service has since been suspended, the physical and regulatory infrastructure enable Meadows Field to retain an International Airport designation for future passenger and cargo service.

During Gotcher’s tenure, Meadows Field expanded air travel to more than 345,000 passengers in 2006 before the economic recession reduced air travel. As Kern County’s economy improved, United/Continental has resumed service to Houston and has expanded service to Denver with two flights each day, and U.S. Airways now offers three daily flights to Phoenix. Gotcher supervised a three-year effort to secure creation of a Federal Foreign Trade Zone at Meadows Field in 2010, which will provide local jobs by enabling the duty-free entry of components forassembly in Kern County before the finished goods are shipped overseas or enter the United States.

Gotcher said the airport is negotiating to bring cargo service to Meadows Field in the near future. In addition to expanding commercial air service, Gotcher arranged for local developers to build 300,000 square feet of general aviation hangar space at Meadows Field during his term as Airports Director.

A 25-year veteran of the United States Air Force who completed two combat tours as a pilot in Vietnam, Gotcher is a founding member of Honor Flight Kern County and Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors. He and his wife Sharon will remain in Kern County where he plans to continue his involvement with community activities and veterans’ groups.

Assemblywoman Shannon Grove Named Vice Chair of Natural Resources Committee SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) has been appointed Vice-Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee for the 2013-2014 legislative session. Grove will also continue to serve on the Assembly Budget Committee, where she has been an outspoken advocate for fiscal responsibility and restraint.

“Going into my second term, I vow to continue to defend the interests of Kern County,” said Assemblywoman Shannon Grove. “Legislation presented in the Natural Resources Committee will seriously impact our local economy, and my role as Vice Chair will give me an opportunity to continue fighting for policies that allow the private sector to create good jobs and put people back to work.”

The Assembly Natural Resources Committee is responsible for evaluating legislation relating to air and water quality, climate change, energy, forestry and land management. Significant issues expected to come before the Committee this session include California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform and legislation to regulate the oil and natural gas industry’s “fracking” extraction methods.

“The people of Kern County feed, clothe, fuel and protect not just the state but the entire country. What we think and do here in Kern County does matter, because if our key industries – agriculture, energy production, and defense – are under attack from the state legislature, it hurts not just on the local level, but statewide and nationally,” Grove said. “As Vice Chair of Natural Resources, I’ll work to ensure that these vital industries are protected so they can continue to thrive.”

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pm Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm 24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres 768-4655

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Wed. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

Lunch and Dinner Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pm Saturday 4 pm - 9 pm 215 Center Street, Taft 763- 1815

Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Craft Beers Open Monday to Friday 6:30am to 8pm Saturday 7:30am to 8pm Sunday 10am to 2pm 508 Center Street 765-6556

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, January 04, 2013 through Thursday, January 10, 2013 Django Unchained (R) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:15), 7:25, 10:30 Sat: (1:15), (4:15), 7:25, 10:30 Sun: (1:15), (4:15), 7:25 Mon - Thu: 4:15 AM, 7:15 Les Miserables (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:00), 7:00, 10:00 Sat: (1:00), 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 Sun: (1:00), 4:00, 7:00 Mon - Thu: (4:00), 7:00 Parental Guidance (PG) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:30), 6:45, 9:00 Sat: (2:15), (4:30), 6:45, 9:00 Sun: (2:15), (4:30), 6:45 Mon - Thu: (3:45), 6:00, 8:10

Damon’s film ‘Promised Land’ overlooks fracking’s boon to U.S.

By William Bennett

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café Asian Experience and Steakhouse Asian Food and Pizza

January 4 - 10, 2013

Anti-Fracking Flick Channels Science Fiction

Left Coast liberals would explode natural gas revolution If you don’t have the facts on your side, make some up. That’s Hollywood’s typical scheme for pushing its left-wing views on American audiences. Tinseltown’s “Promised Land” puts a heavy thumb on the scale in favor of Big Green in its battle to vanquish the natural-gas industry in the debate over hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” The film is thinly disguised propaganda designed to turn public opinion against an affordable energy source that could prove the undoing of hopelessly inefficient windmills and solar panels.

“Promised Land,” which opened Friday, portrays an economically depressed rural town that becomes the battleground between a rapacious natural-gas corporation and noble environmentalists.

The firm wants to buy up drilling rights to local lands, but conscientious activists mount resistance, arguing that the natural-gas wells could contaminate the water table and damage their wholesome community.

Fracking is a breakthrough procedure for tapping natural gas that pumps water, sand and chemicals into underground seams, cracking shale rock and releasing trapped pockets of gas previously unreachable. The technique has made it possible to tap hundreds of trillions of cubic feet of natural gas trapped underfoot and promises to transform the United States into “the Saudi Arabia of natural gas.”

Not coincidentally, the Environmental Protection Agency is investigating whether fracking can contaminate underground water tables — exactly the controversy portrayed in the film. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson has spent the past four years as commanding general in President Obama’s war on fossil fuels. She announced her resignation last week, effective following Mr. Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration, but the changing of the guard is not likely to alter the regulatory agency’s direction. Triggered by a claim of contaminated water in Pavillion, Wyo., the EPA probe could lead to onerous restrictions on fracking designed to reinforce the White House’s ideological commitment to trendy energy firms that have an alarming tendency to go bankrupt after the subsidies run out.

“Promised Land” was written by Matt Damon, former star of the silver screen’s “Bourne” series, and John Krasinski, from NBC’s “The Office.” Mr. Damon is not shy about sharing his radical political views and made a point of being seen among the Occupy Wall Street protesters. While he claims to be fed up with the slow-moving pace of Washington politics, he backed Mr. Obama twice, and he raised money for Democratic senatorial candidate Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts.

Mr. Damon has been less forthcoming about his personal views on fracking, telling Reuters, “The point is that the movie should start a conversation.” He says he was unaware that the film was partially funded by a media company owned by the United Arab Emirates, a fact uncovered by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. The state, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has a clear interest in hindering the growth of the natural-gas industry in the United States, which threatens to undercut America’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

If “Promised Land” is any indication of the forces shaping Big Green’s favored treatment by the left-wing WashingtonHollywood axis, the EPA’s conclusions about fracking are apt to be contaminated by science fiction rather than reflect genuine science.

Reprinted with permission from the Washington Times

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There are “a lot of scare tactics in play here,” Steve Butler, protagonist of the new anti-hydraulic-fracturing film “Promised Land,” warns a local politician skeptical of the benefits of hydraulic fracturing. Played by Matt Damon, Butler is an earnest salesman for the energy giant Global Crosspower Solutions, bent on convincing a rural town in Pennsylvania that hydraulic fracturing will save its outdated agrarian economy from collapse.

At first glance, Butler seems like a savior to the town, promising poor, unemployed farmers an economic renaissance. But he quickly becomes a villain -- a henchman of the big, bad corporation out to exploit the destitute and uninformed through bribes and get-rich-quick promises. That is, until a wizened old man (representing the film’s voice of justice) stands up to Butler at a town meeting and exposes the alleged dangers of hydraulic fracturing that Butler was covering up.

The town, taken aback, puts its hydraulic fracturing decision up for vote. Butler feels confident in his ability to persuade the town until an anti-fracking environmentalist named Dustin Noble appears on the scene. Noble is David taking on Goliath, saying he wants to stop Butler because Global’s fracking allegedly destroyed his family’s longstanding farm with water contamination.

With charm and wit, Noble wins over the town and leaves Butler at the point of despair. But then the film takes an unexpected twist.

I won’t give away the film’s ending, except to say that its antifracking message relies predominantly on -- to use Butler’s own words -- scare tactics. Never once does the audience see hydraulic fracturing in action or even a well or the controversial wastewater.

“Promised Land” lacks any substantive scientific evidence illustrating the alleged dangers of fracking.

Instead, the film falls back on many conventional anti-capitalist themes. The “only reason you’re here is ‘cause we’re poor,” declares a farmer to Butler at one point.

Of course, what the film does not explain is the incredible economic revolution that hydraulic fracturing has already brought to much of America. From 2008 to 2011, natural gas production in the U.S. has risen a staggering 10%, according to a recent report from the International Energy Agency. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts U.S. natural gas production will increase 44% by 2040, thanks in large part to increased shale gas production made available by hydraulic fracturing.

The energy boom is bringing jobs and increased tax revenues back to rural America and not just to the pockets of big energy companies, as Damon and his co-writers would have you believe.

Inflation-adjusted income in America’s rural areas is up 3.8% per person since 2007, while it has declined in urban areas. The unemployment rate in North Dakota, home of much of the Bakken shale reserves, is a stunningly low 3.1%.

And contrary to Damon and company’s screed, it’s not all about the money. Many states, such as Texas and Oklahoma, use the tax revenues from oil and gas to fund state education projects, health care obligations and rainy-day funds.

As to the controversy surrounding the environmental safety of hydraulic fracturing, “Promised Land” offers little credible, scientific evidence to illustrate the alleged dangers of hydraulic fracturing. It’s worth noting -- because “Promised Land” does not -- the head of the Environmental Protection Administration, Lisa Jackson, is on record as saying, “In no case have we made a definitive determination that the fracking process has caused chemicals to enter ground water.” Furthermore, Jackson said in February, “(Fracking technology) is perfectly capable of being clean. It requires smart regulation, smart rules of the road.”

A monumental energy revolution is under way in this country.

And while industry leaders and politicians are debating the best way to effectively and safely bring the benefits of this revolution to millions of Americans, Damon and his colleagues instead aim to frighten the potential benefactors of this revolution.

Clearly we cannot take this energy revolution for granted.

“Promised Land” will not be the last of its kind. The public deserves to know the truth about America’s energy potential.

By freeing up more state and federal lands for drilling, cutting unnecessary, burdensome restrictions while protecting wells and ground water with safe and smart regulations, every American might soon get his own slice of the real promised land.

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January 4 - 10, 2013

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West Side Recreation Report Check us out online!

Need more information on programs, classes or facilities?

Visit us on the web: www.wsrpd.com www.facebook.com/wsrpd www.quickscores.com/wsrpd www.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE Saturday, February 2 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium 500 Cascade Place, Taft Girls ages 4 and up $30 per couple ($10 each additional daughter) Don’t miss out on the 5th Annual Father Daughter Dance – this year with a rainbow/candy theme. Girls ages 4 and older may be accompanied by their father, guardian or adult relative. The special evening includes DJ music, photographs, sweet treats and more fun surprises. Ticket purchase deadline is Friday, January 25. **Tickets are limited and not guaranteed; buy yours before they sell out!** BEADS & MORE BEADS Wednesday, January 16 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades K-6 $2 per person Bring your imagination to this fun hour of designing and making a variety of bead specialties. We will have all the supplies you’ll need to create necklaces, bracelets, and fuse bead iron projects.

PLAY & GROW WITH ME When: Tuesday Mornings Classes begin: January 8, 2013 8:45-9:15 a.m., 10-20 months 9:30-10:00 a.m., 21-30 months Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Adrienne Cloud This class is designed specifically for interaction between mothers (father, grandparent, guardian or other adult) and their babies. Children need to learn how to play with each other and socially interact with others. They will learn through play and learn from each other. Children should be walking to participate.

Classes will be held on a monthly, ongoing basis.

TINY TOT KARATE Who: Ages 3-5 (preschool) When: Tuesday Afternoons Time: 4:45-5:15 p.m.

Sessions: January 15 – February 12 and February 19 – March 19, 2013 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $25 per session Instructor: John Dodson GYMNASTICS Who: Grades K and older When: Monday Evenings Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Session: January 7 – February 11, 2013 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional sibling) Instructor: Suzanne Hale CHEERLEADING When: Tuesday Evenings Ages 3-5, 4:00-4:30 p.m.

Grades K-3, 4:30-5:00 p.m.

Session: January 22 – February 26, 2013 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per person ** no shirts and poms in winter session Instructor: Nicole Cleveland AEROBIC KICKBOXING Who: Ages 14+ When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday – beginning January 7, 2013 Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Amy Steers This fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense. Classes will be held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.

WEST SIDE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT 500 Cascade Place, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-4246 info@wsrpd.com www.wsrpd.com

YOGA & PILATES Who: Ages 14+ Morning Flow Yoga – Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 5:15-5:45 a.m.

Pilates – Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Yoga – Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00-8:45 p.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month ** register prior to attending class Instructor: Valerie Taylor, R-HYI Pay one low monthly fee and have access to all three classes! Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Class space is limited – registration is REQUIRED prior to attending class.

ZUMBA FITNESS Who: Ages 17 + When: Wednesday Evenings Time: 6:30-7:25 p.m.

Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $20 per month Instructor: Chelsea Dickard This fun fitness class focuses on Latin-inspired dance and dance exercise to Latin music: Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Raggaeton, Hip Hop and Mixed Music. Classes operate on an on-going basis. New students are welcome at any time. Fees must be paid prior to attending class.

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALL Who: Ages 4-6 Practices: 1 day during the week Games: Weeknights or Saturdays (varies by team) Session: January 22 – March 2, 2013 Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Registration deadline: Thursday, January 10 Fee: $35 per person TINY TOT BASKETBALL Who: Ages 2-4 When: Thursday Evenings Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Session: January 24 – February 14, 2013 Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Registration deadline: Thursday, January 10 Fee: $25 per person COED SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL WINTER LEAGUE Season begins: Thursday, January 17 Fee: $350 per team Registration deadline: Thursday, January 10 Mandatory Manager’s Meeting: Monday, January 7 – 6:30 p.m. – Rec Center WOMEN’S SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL WINTER LEAGUE Season begins: Tuesday, January 15 Fee: $350 per team Registration deadline: Thursday, January 10 Mandatory Manager’s Meeting: Monday, January 7 – 6:00 p.m. – Rec Center MEN’S SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL WINTER LEAGUE Season begins: Tuesday, January 15 Fee: $350 per team Registration deadline: Thursday, January 10 Mandatory Manager’s Meeting: Monday, January 7 – 7:00 p.m. – Rec Center S.T.O.P. PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS (Strive To Optimize Participation) Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? Children in low income, single parent or multiple participant households are eligible! For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced program fees, give us a call in the District Office at 763-4246.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALS Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at West Side Lanes in the Recreation Center. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday. Rental fees start at $100 for 2-lane rentals. Rental prices include shoes, balls and use of the party room. Please phone 765-6677 or 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.

PARTY PACKAGES Make your reservation now!

Need help planning a birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower? We can help! For one low fee, we will provide a room, plates, napkins, forks, cups, balloons and invitations – all to match your theme or colors.

And for a little extra, we can help with activities, too! Package prices start at $130. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call the District Office at 763-4246.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP Saturday, January 12 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Community Center Activity Building Ages 15 and older $5 per person Bring your own supplies!

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE Monday, Feb 4 – Wednesday, Feb 6 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium $5 per person **Register the first night of class** (next class: May 6-8, 2013)

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

2013: Mayor Paul Linder Optimistic About Future and Local Economic Growth and Development

Newly appointed Mayor Paul Linder stands in front of the new Family Dollar Store being constructed next to McDonalds on Kern Street. This is Linder’s 10th year on the Taft City Council and his second term as mayor.

By Michael Long Councilman Paul Linder, Taft’s newly appointed mayor, is stepping into office at the best of times and the worst of times.

The city budget suffered a major blow when the state closed the Taft Community Correctional Facility last year, at a loss of more than $900,000 in revenue, and a cost of more than $1 million from city reserves to close the facility and pay unemployment compensation to former CCF employees.

Most of the funds used to make up the shortage came out of the city’s general fund or reserves, putting pressure on funding for other city services like city staffing and public safety.

Without income from the CCF, the city is being forced to look at layoffs of city staff and possibly in the police department if the city not able to somehow replace lost revenues, reopen the CCF or generate more sales taxes.

Moreover, the local economy over the past several years hasn’t been any help when it comes to sales tax dollars - a major source of city revenue of up to $1.5 million annually - because city residents, according to a recent study by a developer revealed that many city residents spend most of their sales taxable dollars on retail shopping in Bakersfield, instead of Taft where those dollars could be invested by the city into local community infrastructure and road improvements.

After employment in local government agencies, oil is the next largest employer in the area. In the world of oil development, Taft is in the sweet spot sitting on top of the Monterrey Shale Formation where as much as 2/3rds of all the technologically recoverable oil in the lower 48 states is located. This is fortunate for Taft at a time when the nation is headed towards a future of energy self-sufficiency, with the US eventually surpassing Saudi Arabia as the largest producer of oil in the world. Despite government goals of alternative energy development, the local oil industry ensures that Taft will have a long and prosperous future of employment in oil.

How the City is Financed Taft’s city government is financed by property taxes, sales taxes, motor vehicle licensing fees and other revenues unrelated to oil extraction, so the city is dependent on these revenues to support local infrastructure, street and road maintenance and public safety.

And therein lies the challenge for Taft’s city leadership and city staff in the year 2013. Trying to secure enough taxes and fees and enterprise funds - dollars that come from unconventional sources that fund police, fire and other city services.

Despite the funding challenges, Mayor Linder is optimistic about the coming year. He and the rest of the city council are hopeful that the city will be able to reopen the CCF and collect nearly $1 million in profits from the operation of the now vacant prison that could be spent directly on street repairs, improved pubic safety resources, backlogged maintenance issues and new funding for one time city upgrades.

Linder says he believes that planned development and new retail will bring about more jobs, more shopping opportunities, and new housing for those who work in Taft but commute from Bakersfield.

Housing and retail shopping Housing is Taft’s number one challenge. Retail shopping opportunities are also in short supply. These issues seriously effect Taft’s economy by forcing locals to do the lion share of their shopping and major purchases in Bakersfield.

The result is that most of the people who work in Taft and the westside live in Bakersfield, and most of those who live in Taft do most of their shopping in Bakersfield, leaving the city sales and property tax poor.

Because of the perpetual shortage of housing and lack of retail shopping, the city is unable to attract the countless thousands of workers who reside in Bakersfield but work on the westside. One only has to take a look at California Highway 119 or 58 in the early morning or the late afternoon to see the heavy flow of bumper-to -bumper traffic to realize that Taft is missing out on millions of dollars in property tax revenues and retail sales tax dollars.

This “jobs-housing imbalance” has many effects on workers who must spend between 1 and 2 hours a day in their vehicles getting to and from work. Driving also cost those drivers hundreds of dollars in vehicle maintenance and gasoline costs every month. Many companies also provide company vehicles and carpool services to get employees to Taft since public transit is not an option to remote westside oil field and administrative sites.

Linder expressed optimism on future housing options in 2013.

Noting that Taft had always been a landlocked city surrounded by oil company owned lands, little property was available to build new homes and provide local housing. When Westside Properties LLC purchased more than 2,000 acres of land for housing and commercial development a decade ago, the city saw a solution to the land availability problem. But the recession of 2008 set in and housing developers disappeared.

Today, however, local housing developer Bob Colston is slowly overcoming some very difficult environmental challenges and government red tape to build up to 394 new housing units along Hillard Street where the city’s Rails to Trails parkway extension is being developed.

January 4 - 10, 2013

What is Local Economic Growth?

Local economic development (LED) offers local government, the private and not-for-profit sectors, and local communities the opportunity to work together to improve the local economy. It focuses on enhancing competitiveness, increasing sustainable growth and ensuring that growth is inclusive. LED encompasses a range of disciplines including physical planning, economics and marketing. It also incorporates many local government and private sector functions including environmental planning, business development, infrastructure provision, real estate development and finance.

The practice of local economic development can be undertaken at different geographic scales. A local government pursues LED strategies for the benefit of its jurisdiction, and individual communities and areas within a local government’s jurisdiction can also pursue LED strategies to improve their economic competitiveness. Such approaches are most successful if pursued in partnership with local government strategies. LED is thus about communities continually improving their investment climate and business enabling environment to enhance their competitiveness, retain jobs and improve incomes. Local communities respond to their LED needs in many ways, and a variety of approaches can be taken that include: •

Ensuring that the local investment climate is functional for local businesses; • Supporting small and medium sized enterprises; • Encouraging the formation of new enterprises; • Attracting external investment; • Investing in physical (hard) infrastructure; • Investing in soft infrastructure (educational and workforce development, institutional support systems and regulatory issues); • Supporting the growth of particular clusters of businesses; • Targeting particular parts of the city for regeneration or growth (areas based initiatives); • Supporting informal and newly emerging businesses; • Targeting certain disadvantaged groups.

Source: The World Bank

Linder said that if city residents realized that spending money locally really helped the local economy, more people would spend more money shopping and buying cars in Taft.

Linder said that 2 new Dollar stores are locating to Taft, offering more choices and lower cost. This he said, would give people more options for shopping in Taft.

In addition, a new Pizza Hut, Popeyes Chicken and a possible chain restaurant will open soon in town.

Mayor Linder stands by his classic 1967 Camaro in front of the athletic field on 10th Street where he helped lead the effort to develop a sports facility on behalf of Taft High School where he worked at the time. City planners told Linder that they were not interested in using the site for a sport facility, but for multi-family housing instead. Despite this opposition from city staff, Linder and the school district got the facility built.

“The proposal is to build different sized houses ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 hundred square feet,” Linder said. “This proposal is the best development yet for new housing in Taft and I believe that it will happen.”

Numerous retail shopping opportunities are also beginning to materialize.

“The possibility of new retail shopping opportunities coming to Taft are great, Linder said. “Taft needs another grocery store.”

City Budget Crisis Cities exist on sales tax, property tax and enterprise funds (sewer and trash collection). No extra funds for general services come from the state or federal government to provide city services, so cities are on their own for operational expenses. Local government must always ensure that the local economy is healthy and encourage economic activity to bring in revenues to fund its operations - like police and fire services, well maintained roads and alleys, and other essential city services.

The city budget is a relatively small one at approximately $5 million per year, when compared to other city budgets. And dozens of

(Continued on next Page)

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January 4 - 10, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

cities around the state are in terrible financial shape due to deficit spending and debt, public employee pensions, and lower property tax receipts due to the housing downturn.

If fact, Taft is in much better shape - due to its conservative approach to budgeting - than many California cities that have filed, or on the verge of bankruptcy. While better off financially than most California cities, Taft took an unexpected hit when the state closed down the city’s Community Correctional Facility last year.

The facility brought nearly $1 million dollars annually - money the city used to beef up the police department - and allowed the city to use offset dollars on other programs.

The unexpected shock saw the city layoff nearly 60 prison employees costing the city about $1 million in unemployment payments it had to make - the city did not have unemployment insurance and the state was suppose to pay any unemployment - but the city was stuck with the payouts.

Moreover, the city lost the $1 million that the prison made in profits for funding public safety. In all, the city had to scramble to replace these funds - approximately $1.4 million - from 3 different sources, and a possible a 4th.

The first two sources were the obvious. The city took money from the general operating fund and reserves to make up budget shortages.

The third source was to freeze hiring and eliminate funded positions that were vacant to cut down on the losses, which has saved the city approximately $450,000. The 4th option, which has not been implemented is laying offing or cutting back hours of current employees and police officers.

Mayor Linder made it clear that public safety has always been his and the council’s number one priority, and that laying officers between 2 and 4 in the worst case - would be an absolute last resort.

“The city is doing all that it can,” Linder said, “to prevent employee layoffs and is working hard to get the prison reopened.”

Currently, the city still has to find a way to cut $400,000 remaining debt, but they have until June to make any decisions. Locating a county sheriff ’s department with over crowded jails, and reopening the CCF would go along way to restoring most of the funding shortfalls and prevent layoffs, Linder said.

To help prevent layoffs in public safety, Linder says the city is talking with Taft Union High School and the City Schools district to see if they could pick up more of the cost of the school’s resource officers. The resource officer program which places police personnel at the schools has had a tremendously positive effect on attendance and student conduct Linder said.

City’s Enterprise Zone A few years ago, Taft was fortunate to have an area of the city designated by the state as an Enterprise Zone.

California’s Enterprise Zone program was established in 1984 to stimulate business investment in depressed areas of the State and create job opportunities for Californians. Enterprise Zones create and retain jobs, even in the most difficult economic times.

Enterprise Zone companies are eligible for substantial tax credits and benefits including: Hiring Credits - Firms can earn $37,440 or more in state tax credits for each qualified employee hired; Up to 100% Net Operating Loss (NOL) carry-forward. NOL may be carried forward 15 years under most circumstances, and corporations can earn sales tax credits on purchases of up to $20 million per year of qualified machinery and machinery parts.

Hotel It’s been decades since Taft has experienced new hotel construction. While new hotels have been built in just about every community - Wasco, Shafter, etc. - in Kern County, Taft has been left out.

Today, however, the city has been in negotiations for nearly a year with several different hotel developers to build a 50 plus room hotel

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with a meeting room for up to 150 persons that would also attract an adjacent family style restaurant. While not confirmed, the city could be very close to landing a new hotel at the corner of 6th Street and Main Street on the Rails to Trails property. This would bring dozens of new jobs and tens of thousands of dollars in transit occupancy taxes to the city.

Economic Development Authority Recently, the city of Taft and Kern County, with the urging of the Taft Chamber of Commerce, resurrected an economic development tool that was created in 1998, but inactive since shortly after its creation.

When the state closed down all local government redevelopment agencies last year, it left a void and Taft and Kern County brought the EDA back to life to help stimulate growth and development.

The agency is a joint powers agreement between Kern County and the City governed by a 5 member board of directors composed of local volunteer businesspersons. Like the city and county, the EDA has extraordinary powers to purchase and sell land, to construct new buildings, borrow money, issue bonds, condemn property and clean up blighted areas to bring about economic development westside.

The EDA is close to signing a contract to have the Fresno State University Rural Development Program conduct a 6 month study with 25 local residents, business, educational and government leaders to determine local needs and establish economic development goals.

So far, the City of Taft, The Kern County Board of Supervisors and Taft College have jointly committed to funding the study.

City Government and Administration An important and positive change in leadership in city government has also taken place according to Linder. Linder said that the selection of Craig Jones as the city new manager was a wise choice following a time of conflict and low employee moral at city hall under the former manager.

“We made the right decision when we hired Craig,” Linder said.

“Craig knew everyone at city hall, and as a longtime employee he was knowledgeable about city needs and priorities. He has the confidence of the city council and has the best interests of the city at heart.”

The Future The city also has other irons in the fire. The city is participating in a study of the redevelopment or relocation of the airport, something that has been under used to date. Caltrans and the federal government are very interested in the improvement of the airport in Taft because of it location 800 feet above the valley floor, and room for growth. Local business could also exploit the airport to attract and stimulate economic activity that airports bring to cities.

One councilman is also suggesting that the city look at obtaining Charter Law city status. Charter law status gives a city more freedom to innovate and to pass ordinances according to local need. Councilman Orchel Krier has stated that he would like to pursue the idea with the council.

Oildorado 2015 In 2015, Taft will celebrate Oildorado, the quinquennial event that celebrates the oil history and heritage of the community, and also provides a good shot in the arm economically. In 2010, Oildorado was a huge success and more than 35,000 people visited the city during the 10 days celebration. In 2015, Mayor Linder will be the president of Oildorado.

Taft has a geat many resources to sustain a growing community.

Sewer capacity, water supply, a first rate community college, and a very popular recreaction district provides the city with the many amenities and the infrastructure required to sustain economic growth and attract residents.

The future task for decision makers - council members, planning commissioners, city staff and the business community - is to understand the need, plan for and implement a future that brings local residents jobs, housing, retail shopping and prosperity to the community.

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Employer Mandate a Recipe for Unemployment

By Sally C. Pipes Wal-Mart just announced that it will not offer health insurance to new employees who work less than 30 hours a week. It’s reserved the right to do the same for existing workers.

For these new policies, Wal-Mart’s employees can thank Obamacare.

The federal health reform law’s “employer mandate” requires companies with over 50 employees to provide insurance for anyone working 30 or more hours a week or face fines. That creates a strong incentive for companies to push their workers into a workweek fewer than 30 hours -- and thereby avoid the additional costs Obamacare intends to saddle them with.

Wal-Mart isn’t alone. The employer mandate will make it harder to for many businesses to operate efficiently, to hire new employees -- or to ensure that existing employees can stay on full time.

Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter recently came under fire for stating that the employer mandate will take a bite out of his company’s pie. He said that his pizza chain’s franchisees would likely cut back employee hours -- and that Obamacare would add up to 14 cents to the cost of each pizza.

The owner of several Denny’s franchises in Florida has contemplated slapping a 5-percent Obamacare surcharge on every meal, and a New York Applebee’s franchisee has said he may stop hiring because of the additional costs borne by the law.

Obamacare’s defenders suggest that these businessmen are just greedy. But it’s been widely known that the employer mandate would deliver a hefty blow to businesses since the president’s healthcare reform law was merely a bill.

In early 2010, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the employer mandate would force businesses to pay $52 billion in tax penalties from 2014 to 2019.

That money will have to come from somewhere -- whether higher prices for consumers or reduced wages for workers.

Further, the CBO recently cautioned that the employer mandate would cause a 0.5-percent reduction of the American labor force. That may not sound like much -- but it’s equivalent to eliminating about 700,000 American jobs.

These job cuts will hurt the working poor most. According to a paper by Harvard economist Katherine Baicker and University of Michigan economist Helen Levy, those who earn within three dollars of the minimum wage are at the greatest risk of losing their jobs thanks to an employer mandate. Baicker and Levy concluded that “1.4 percent of uninsured full-time workers would lose their jobs” under the mandate.”

In some cases, the employer mandate may backfire -- and actually encourage businesses not to provide health insurance.

Businesses that do not furnish coverage must pay $2,000 per employee, excepting the first 30, if at least one of their workers receives subsidized coverage through the new insurance exchanges.

Folks with incomes of up to four times the poverty level, or nearly $90,000, could qualify for subsidies.

So a firm with 50 employees could be looking at a fine of $40,000.

But health insurance is expensive -- far costlier than the fine. Average premiums for single coverage were north of $5,600 in 2012 -- and above $15,700 for family policies, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Many employers may find it more economical to pay the fine and turn their workers loose in the exchanges.

Indeed, former CBO Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin estimates that as many as 35 million Americans out of about 160 million could lose their existing employer-provided insurance thanks to -ironically enough -- the employer mandate.

Taxpayers will pay the price. Richard Burkhauser and Sean Lyons of Cornell and Kosali Simon of Indiana University estimate that the feds could have to spend an additional $48 billion a year if employers dump their workers into the exchanges.

For now, though, the employer mandate’s impact will largely be felt in the business community, at firms as big as Wal-Mart and as small as the local diner. “I don’t know what secret [the politicians] know, where they just assume we can write them a check,” Sam Facchini, owner of Metro Pizza in Las Vegas, recently told a Nevada newspaper. “We can’t pay for this. Most of us operate on a thin margin and trying to stay in compliance [with the law] will make things much tighter.”

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Liberty Under Fire

Movie Review

Give Teachers the Right to Protect their Students

Les Miserables

Dr. Harold Pease

In 1862 the French Romantic writer Victor Hugo published his seminal work Les Miserables, touching upon the political and social issues and artistic trends of his time. After completing his first novel, The Hunchback of Norté Dame, Hugo had began planning a major novel about social misery and injustice as early as the 1830s, but it would take a full 17 years for Les Misérables to be realized and finally published in 1862. It was one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century.

Les Misérables is based on the Christian principle of redemption. The novel opens in 1815. Jean Valjean, a convict who has spent 15 years in prison for stealing a loaf a bread to feed his sister’s starving children, escapes. He is unable to find work because his papers indicate that he is a convict. He finds sanctuary in a convent where he is fed, given a clean bed, and treated kindly, but he is so embittered that he steals the convent’s silver and flees. When apprehended and returned, the priest, Bishop Myriel, tells the police that he gave Valjean the silver but that he forgot to take the candle sticks…

This extraordinary act of mercy is transformative: from now on Jean Valjean is a changed man, a force for good in the world. Eight years later he is a wealthy factory owner and is appointed mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer. One of his workers, Fantine, who is working to support her daughter Cosette, is fired when it’s discovered that she had the child out-of-wedlock. When Fantine arrived at Montfermeil, she left Cosette in the care of the Thénardiers, a corrupt innkeeper and his selfish, cruel wife.

Fantine is unaware that they abuse her daughter and use her as forced labor for their inn. She continues to pay their growing, extortionate and fictitious demands. In desperation, Fantine sells her hair and two front teeth, and resorts to prostitution to pay them. She is slowly dying from an unspecified disease, probably tuberculosis.

One of the revelations that surfaced from the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre was that deranged gunman, Adam Lanza, carried hundreds of rounds of ammunition, enough to kill all 450 children in the school. What stopped him? Apparently he decided to kill himself when he heard police sirens and knew that the officers were nearing the scene and their guns would soon confront him. They say it takes a gun to stop a gun. Besides suggesting a possible solution, not here-to-fore considered, of having a recording of sirens approaching on some external sound system to frighten away those committing crimes on school grounds, why not give teachers and others assigned to children the right to protect their students, if they wish it, as well.

Just one gun somewhere on the premise could have been enough. Lanza had ten minutes of unrestrained killing time before he took his life ending the massacre before police arrived after 991 notification. If but one concealed weapons permit holder had been nearby it could have saved perhaps eight minutes of indiscriminant slaughter. How many lives is that?

This is not to suggest that every teacher must participate, only those who wish to. Hundreds of regular citizens in my county already carry concealed weapons everywhere except in gun free zones. Such is the same in most counties throughout the land.

Law enforcement normally see them as an asset, the ultimate backup should they need extra help and also because cops know they can’t be everywhere at the same time as Sandy Hook demonstrated. Why not let them do so on school grounds as well allowing them to be an asset of protection wherever they are. It would cost the school nothing. Chances are every school already has two or three concealed weapons permit holders among its faculty and staff now. Again, why not let those who wish to protect their students do so?

These folks are among our finest citizens. Obtaining a concealed weapons permit requires a thorough investigation, a near perfect record from law enforcement, a stated need to carry, and some training. Normally they are older more mature folks and, in the case of teachers, we already trust our children with them. They are already on the scene, where a policeman could not possibly be.

What a deterrent to a would-be killer if he knew schools are no longer entirely gun free.

Gun free zones clearly do not work. They certainly do not keep killers away. Most massacres in the United States have happened in gun-free zones. Anticipating no resistance, rather then deter they entice killers giving them access to large groups of unprotected, good, and innocent victims—often children. Presently the only hope that a teacher, wishing to protect his/her students has is to hide them and at Sandy Hook that helped a few.

In my classroom, as in most, there is but one door. Everyone inside, including me, has been set up by his own government to be a victim. In my classroom the door cannot be locked from inside should I hear gunfire outside. There is a small back room (often kept locked by the school because it houses sensitive computer wiring connections) where some could hide from that side of the room if they had access and time. Hopefully a potential gunman would then think no one was inside and move on to another classroom—but this is not enough. Since Sandy Hook I have asked students sitting on the door side of the room, upon hearing gun fire from outside the room, to lineup next to the wall, remove the fire extinguisher from the wall next to a door that opens outwardly, and spray or hit the intruder as he enters, the others behind him then overwhelm the intruder after the distraction, but this is all that I can do and it is not enough. Since my students are adults this might work. Better yet, a teacher or student with a concealed weapons permit, need only pull out a weapon and fire a couple of rounds at a very surprised, then very dead, killer.

Elected officials, please give us a fighting chance to survive.

Most of us have done nothing that should justify disarming us, or fearing us, and thus leaving us with virtually no hope of survival.

You may answer, “We can’t just let anyone have a weapon of mass destruction!” You already do!! Anyone, 16 and older, can have access to an automobile, which is decidedly a weapon of mass destruction—even if he might commit crimes with it. This brings us back to the lessons of Sandy. Adam Lanza did his deed in a location that he knew was gun free and ceased his rampage of killing

January 4 - 10, 2013

By Jane McCabe

only because someone else, in this case the police, would soon be firing at him. Next time let that person be a teacher with a concealed weapon which would allow so many more students to live.

Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution.

He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

Valjean finds Fantine and takes her to a hospital, where she dies in peace because he promises that he will care for Cosette as his own daughter. This is the first of five books.

Les Misérables enjoyed considerable success during Hugo’s lifetime. In the 20th Century it was frequently was a stage play and towards the end of the 20th Century it evolved into a popular, long-running Broadway musical. Its latest reincarnation is the new movie that opened on Christmas Day in theaters all over the country, starring Australian Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert, Amanda Seyfried as the grown Cosette, Helena Bonham Carter as the wicked Mse. Thénardiers, and Sacha Baron Cohen as her husband.

In times past the makers of musicals would tape the songs long before the scenes were filmed, but the makers of this movie did not do this—they filmed the stars spontaneously singing their songs, which gives the production greater dramatic flexibility and immediacy. This is especially true when Valjean sings his signature number, “What have I done?”

“What have I done, Sweet Jesus, what have I done?

Become a thief in the night, become a dog on the run?

And have I fallen so far and is the hour so late?

That nothing remains but the cry of my hate?

The cries in the dark that nobody hears?

Here where I stand at the turning of years

If there’s another way to go I missed it twenty years ago.

My life was a war that could never be won…

They gave me a number and murdered Valjean

When they chained me and left me for dead

Just for stealing a mouthful of bread.”

In past productions the famous French actor Gérard Depardieu and Liam Neeson have played Jean Valjean, but I doubt they lent his character more sympathy than has Hugh Jackson in this role, a role he seems to have been born to play. Perhaps it’s the gentleness in his demeanor that persuades us of his goodness. Anne Hathaway makes a strong, memorable Fantine—our hearts are wrenched hearing her sing, “I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I’m living.”

Many worthwhile films open at the end of the year so that they will have a chance for the Oscar nominations coming up in 2013— this year we have Lincoln, Anna Karenina, The Master, Life of Pi, Argo, Django Unchained and others, all worthwhile films. Daniel Day Lewis may very well win an Oscar for his portrayal of Lincoln or Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lancaster Dodd in The Master. I haven’t seen Lincoln yet, but I would give my votes to Hugh Jackson and Anne Hathaway for their performances in Les Misérables.

This is movie not to missed!

January 4 - 10, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

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Open 7 Days - 765-6556 508 Center Street • Taft TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” Pastor Cindy Brettschneider Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AM Adult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PM Wednesday Night Service 6:00 PM Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft 661 765-4292 Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 8:30A.M. English 11:00A.M. Spanish

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Gateway Temple

First Baptist Church Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

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Community Christian Fellowship

604 Main Street • P.O. Box 578 Maricopa, CA 93252 • (661)769-9599

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and Mary A. McWhorter

New Hope Temple “Connecting Lives” 308 Harrison Street 765-4572 Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service 6 p.m Bible Classes All Ages Wednesday 7 p.m.

631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Services 10am 1000 6th St. Weekly Classes Mon - Thurs Please call 765-7472 for info

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Licensed Funeral Directors

For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley

Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive We invite you to join us each week as we worship

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

www.nlctaft.org or nlctaft@bak.rr.com

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS Taft- A caring community under Christ We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Emmons Park Drive (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

The Pregnancy crisis center is now open and available for support and assistance.

For information, call 763-4791 If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488.

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

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Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS If Missed… Call Office at 7635135

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED Construction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/ Hazardous Waste/Tires Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Classified Adsare are$3.00 $2.00per perissue line. for Phone, fax, maillines, or drop off Classified Ads up to three $5 per issue ad for to upthe to Taft 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard your Independent.

Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft your Independent.

Ad photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5.

Boxed ads are $5 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 office) a for photo of your home, car, truck motorcycle and lines, $16 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20orlines. we’ll do the rest.

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, lines $2 each. or $10 with a photo.

Email us (oradditional bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon) Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550

For Rent

426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550 Paul Joyce 805-218-1686 Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

Preserving for the Future

January 4 - 10, 2013

Business Services Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191

Get It Rented!

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax: E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

MOBILE HOMES

Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 YARD SALES Advertise your yard sale ad. 3 lines for $2, additional lines after that $2 each. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 12 p.m.

Wednesday.

48 ft. truck reefer full of antiques and misc. $8,000 obo. 978-7807.

1-4.

ANNOUNCEMENTS New AA meeting just started in Taft at the Chevron Valley Credit Union Community Room. 7:30 am every Saturday morning. We read a topic from As Bill Sees It. 9-19.

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public.

Info call 716-4000.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-379-0848 for RESPITE CARE info.

Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

YARD SERVICES HELP WANTED Brown & Reich Petroleum Is currently accepting applications for a full time delivery driver.

Requirements: class A license, HAZMAT and tanker endorsement,

clean DMV record, preemployment physical and drug screen required. Experienced preferred, interested applicants may apply at 215 S. 6th Street. Bring DMV print-out. 661-7655457.

Pismo Beach. 55+ trailer for sale. 2 blocks from beach shopping in Pismo, completely remodeled. Call for info or showing. (661) 9787573. Asking $22,000.

HOMES FOR RENT

NOW HIRING MACHINIST.

Candidates will be required to successfully complete a preemployment physical and drug screen.

Southern Sierra offers a competitive salary and benefit package.

Applications may be picked up at our business office or resumes may be faxed or emailed to: Southern Sierra General Engineering, Inc. P O Box 1113 857 Oleander Road Taft, CA 93268 661-765-6182 Office 661-765-6155 Fax www.southernsierrainc. com hr@southernsierrainc. com

CHILD CARE SERVICES

WANTED Reloading equipment and supplies. Also lathe and milling machine.

661- 205-8706.

Junk Cars Wanted.

Cash Paid. 805-0552.

FOR SALE 48 ft. truck reefer full of antiques and misc. $8,000 obo. 978-7807.

1-4.

2 door Refrigerator.

25 1/2 cf.. in excellent cond. 763-1714. 1-4.

Leather office chair.

763-1714. 1-4.

AUTOMOBILES PETS

Lost Mini Aussie. Black\ grey\white w/tan spot on face. Blue eyes, female.

Rexxie. REWARD. 661765-5862.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Taft Property Management 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good areas.

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

LAND FOR RENT 10 Acres. $500 per mo.

Maricopa. Has water.

972-7807.

LAND FOR SALE Land for sale. Lots. in the country. $1,000 to $2,000 each. 978-7807.

1-4.

ROOMS FOR RENT HOMES FOR SALE

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase Can’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short sale!

Wondering how buying a house works? Set an appointment with Karri to watch a FREE video on the process.

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list.

FOUND PETS LOST PETS

33 ft. house trailer $1,000 obo. 9787807.1-4.

House for sale. 2bd. 1 ba. $15,000. Lanmd rent $300. mo. 972-7807.

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500 Lic # 01525550

224 B St #A 2/1 $500 205 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600 400 Woodrow #7 1/1 $625 501 ½ Jackson 2/1 $700 307 Philippine 1/1 $700 605 4th St 2/1.75 $750 116 Franklin 3/1 $900 306 Taylor 4/1.75 $900 600 D St 4/1.75 $1,200 House for rent . $650 mo. $200 sec. dep. 2 bd. 1 ba. 972-7807. 1-4.

House for rent. 2bd. 1 ba. 661-747-6968.

3bd. 1 ba. 310 Kern St. $800 plus dep. 661-7655000. on.

House for rent. 2bd, 1 ba. Very nice. $800 mo. plus dep. 203 Lucard.

765-4644 or 363-3005.

APART. FOR RENT 1bd. 1ba. Upstairs. $475 Mo. plus $475 dep. 155 1/2 North Street. (661) 477-9636. 12-28.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr. Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath. $99 move in special. No Pets Allowed. 765-7678.

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

Be Seen!

Classified Ads in the Taft Independent $2 per line Box your ad for $5 more call 765-6550 Happy Holidays and Merry

3,500 Taft Independents Published Each Friday, The Largest Weekly Circulation

The Taft Independent We look Forward to Serving Our Readers and Advertising in a Prosperous 2013.

322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-5000

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

Newspaper in Taft!

By Appointment

Happy Holidays

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

from the Taft Independent

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Christmas From

Real Estate Services and Property Management Listings – Sales - Property Management Local Service You Can Depend On

Your Business Ad Here Will Make the Differrence

765-4191 or 549-1068

$8 per week and Up. Be Seen in the Taft Independent. call 765-6550

Jackson’s Automotive Smog Test and General Repairs Front End Repairs Transmission Service Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service and Repairs Call Today for an Appointment 763-1055 Corner of 3rd and Center Street 110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, Califor nia

The Largest Craft Beer Selection in Kern County Beers On Tap

16oz 22oz Fat Tire $4.50 $5.50 Firestone CPA $4.50 $5.50 Blue Moon $4.50 $5.50 Sam Adams Seasonal $4.50 $5.50 Alaskan Amber $4.50 $5.50 Shock Top $4.50 $5.50

Craft Beer 12oz 22oz

AMBERS Alaskan Amber $4.00 $7.00 Alleycat Amber Ale Lost Coast $4.00 $7.00 Deschuttes Green Lakes Amber Ale $4.00 Old Scratch Flying Dog Amber $4.00 Tioga-Sequoia Amber Lager $4.00 ALES Alex Smith Nut Brown Ale $8.50 Anchor Steam $7.00 Anchor Liberty Ale $4.00 Anchor Barleywine Ale $4.50 Arrogant Bastard Ale Stone Brewery $7.00 Bear Republic XP Ale $7.00 Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale $7.00 Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale $4.50 Firestone 805 Ale $4.00 Firestone DBA $7.00 Flying Dog Tire Biter Golden Ale $4.00 Lagunitas Hop Stoopid Ale $7.00 Pranqster North Coast Belgian Style Golden Ale $4.50 Rogue Dead Guy Ale $7.00 Uinta Anniversary Barleywine Ale $4.50 PALE ALES Acme Pale Ale $4.00 Deschuttes Mirror Pond Pale Ale $4.00 Drakes 1500 Dry-Hopped Pale Ale $4.00 Tioga-Sequoia Mt. Whitney Pale Ale IPA Alaska IPA Acme IPA $4.00 Ale Smith IPA Avery Brewing IPA $4.00 Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA Deschuttes Chasin’ Freshies IPA Deschuttes Hop Henge IPA Deschuttes Inversion IPA $4.00 Deschuttes White IPA $4.00 Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA Drakes Denogginizer Imperial IPA Drakes Jolly Roger Imperial Dark IPA Firestone Union Jack IPA Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA Flying Dog Classic IPA $4.00 Lagunitas Hop Stoopid IPA Lagunitas IPA Lagunitas DayTime IPA $4.00 Napa Smith Organic IPA $4.00 Rogue Brutal IPA Sierra Neveda Ruthless Rye IPA $4.00 Shipyard Monkey Fist IPA Stone IPA Tioga-Sequoia General Sherman IPA Uinta Hop Notch IPA $4.00

PORTERS Alaska Smoked Porter $8.50 Anchor Steam Smoked Porter $4.50 Deschuttes Black Butte Porter $4.50 Flying Dog Imperial Porter $4.50 WHEAT Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat Tioga-Sequoia Half Dome Wheat $4.00 SEASONALS Anchor Brewing Small Beer Firestone Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout $4.50 Flying Dog K-9 Winter Ale $4.50 Deschuttes Jubelale Festive Winter Ale $4.00 Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ $4.00 Lagunitas Censored Red Ale Lagunitas Red Copper Ale Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin $4.00 Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Wild Ale New Belgium Hoptober Ale $4.00 New Belgium Snow Day Winter Ale $4.00 Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale

$7.00

FRUIT BEERS Dogfish Head Apricot IPA Dogfish Head Punkin Ale Magic Hat No. 9 Wailua Kona Passion Fruit Wheat Wild Blackberry Lager Wild Blueberry Lager Wild Raspberry Lager

$7.00

SPECIAL EDITIONS Black Butte 24th Birthday Reserve

$7.00 $7.00 $7.50 $7.00 $4.00 $8.00 $8.00 $7.00 $4.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00

DOUBLE IPA Firestone Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA $8.50 Flying Dog Double Dog IPA $4.50 Dogfish Head 90 Minutes IPA $4.50 Lagunitas Maximus $8.50 Stone Ruination IPA $8.00 Uinta Brewing Detour Double IPA $8.50 Uinta Dubhe Imperial Black IPA $4.50 PILSNERS Scrimshaw North Coast Pilsner $4.00

STOUTS 12oz 22oz Deschuttes Obsidian Stout $4.50 Drakes Drakonic Imperial Stout $8.00 Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout $4.50 Stone Imperial Russian Stout $8.50

$4.50 $4.50 $4.00 $4.50 $4.50 $4.50 $4.50

$4.00

$7.00

$4.00 $4.00 $7.50 $7.00

$7.50

$17.00

CIDERS Angry Orchard $4.50 Wyders Raspberry Cider $4.50 Wyders Pear Cider $4.50

Imported Beer

Newcastle $4.00 Moreti $4.00 Peroni $4.00 Saint Pauli Girl Stella Artois $6.00 Red Stripe Wells Banana Bread Youngs Double Chocolate Franziskaner Weissbeir Schneider Weise Weihenstephaner Weiss Bier Weihenstephaner Vitus Weizenbock

$6.00 $6.00 $6.50 $6.50 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00

Domestic Beer

Budweiser $3.50 Bud Light $3.50 Coors Light $3.50 Mississippi Mud Black & Tan Quart

$6.50

Wines and Champagnes Glass Bottle Blackstone Merlot $6.50 Stella Rosa Red $6.00 Bella Sera Chianti $6.00 Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc $4.50 Barefoot Chardonney $4.50 Barefoot Pinot Grigo $4.50 Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon $4.50 Barefoot Merlot $4.50 Tobin James California Champagne Moet and Chandon Imperial Champagne

$18.50 $18.00 $18.00

$18.00 $45.00

Opening Soon: Our Expanded Kitchen and Microbrewery!

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

209 Harrison Street • Taft (661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

January 4 - 10, 2013

Used to be Paul’s BMX

Bike Shop

Bikes Are Here!

Diagnostic Specialists Service & Repairs • Smog Repairs Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front End Brakes • Fuel Injection

(661)765-5000 or (661)343-0507

$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad* *1996 Vehicle or newer

Qik Smog & Tune

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

Randy’s Trucking Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping • Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades • • Rear Operator Control Panel •

western shop & PET Wash January Clearance Full Grooming Salon Jackets 30% Off

Lert us wash and Brush out those wooley dogs

Dickies and FR Wrangler

Flannel Shirts 30% Off Dickies Insulated

Nails 12.00 2nd Dog $9.00

Hats - Boots - Jewelry - Purses - Jeans

Birds - nails and Wings $9.00 with beak $14.00

Coveralls $49.00 Overalls $42.00

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

www.shawswesternshop.com

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3

419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway We Cater Your Place or Ours Full Bar Available For Your Special Event

Happy New Years from all of us at the Tumbleweed Cafe 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR