Ti 1 8 16 all

Independent The Taft

January 8 - 14, 2016

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

The Taft Independent

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

January 8 - 14 2016 • Volume 9 Issue 28

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

Qik Smog & Tune Taft Inn Main Street & South 6th Street No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Local Motorcycle Repair

European and Japanese Street Bikes and All Dirt Bikes Safety Inspection Professional Service Dirt and Street BikeTire Mount and Balance Experienced Mechanics Basic Tune-up to Major Overhaul

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

Proudly Servicing The Taft Area For Over Ten Years

See Our Ad On Page Two (661) 345-7350

Grand Opening January 14, 2016 - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Guest Room Sneak Peak Property Tours and Explore our Amenities Enjoy Drinks and Appetizers.

203 South 6th Street, Taft, CA 93268 Phone (661)-745-5555 Fax (661) 745-5999 www.bestwestern.com

The Taft Independent

2

January 8 - 14, 2016

Shop Taft Passion For Nails western shop & PET Wash Fish - Reptile - Supplies Tack - Feed - Livestock Supplies Western Clothing - Boots - Work Apparell Pet Grooming Fred and Cheri Shaw 419 Harrison Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

661-765-4377 Fast • Friendly • Affordable Se Habla Espanol 661-301-4660 24 Hours/ 7 Days a Week

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Pub Burger and French Fries Every Day $7.50 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

Diabetics Welcome CHECK-IN TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND GET $1 OFF

Men’s Clothing, Boots & Shoes In the Save A Lot Shopping Center

1014 6th Street • Taft In the Save A Lot Shopping Center Monday to Friday

10am-7pm and Saturday 9am-6pm

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Salon and Boutique

Fall is in the Air. Check out Our New Fall Fashions.

Armstrong Locksmithing New Local Locksmith Commercial - Residential - Automotive & More Professional Key Duplication & Code Generation

Monday - Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

Bring This Ad for a Free House Key

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class Bakery

Fresh Pies Baked Daily Cakes and More Now Serving Frozen Yogurt

(661) 348-7884 LOC. # 6214

Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

420 Center Street 623-1783

BRC Painting

Mobile Sandblasting and Printing Inc.

“Proud to Serve” Industrial - Farming - Trucking - Oil Extending and Restoring The Life of Your Investment

Merced Moreno - Licensed Bonded (661) 345-7350 P.O. Box 755, Buttonwillow, CA 93206

Adam Dayton Lic. No. 983535 (661) 809-3919

Billy Ray Cox

Contractors License 988395 (661) 623-4082 Billyrcox1@hotmail.com 900 E. Ash Street, Taft, CA 93268

January 8 - 14, 2016

Events Inside

The Taft Independent

Taft Business of the Week Foster’s Donuts

Shop Taft..........................2

By Gardener Field

Calendar...........................3

Westside News................6

Liberty Under Fire........8

The Taft Business of the Week: Foster’s Doughnuts at 1040 Kern Street. Foster’s has a huge selection of Doughnuts. They also have breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and cookies. They are open 7 days a week. Come in today.

Shop Taft........................11

The Taft Independent

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

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

Tuesday, January 19, 2015 – 6:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER 209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA (661) 763-1222

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com Website: www.TaftIndependent.com Locally and Independently owned since 2006

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscription home or business delivery 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. 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 Publisher@taftindependent.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Stephanie House, Jerry Livingston Wesley Morris Andreas Fault, William R. Taft Columnists Randy Miller Dr. Harold Pease Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Wine Down Wednesday at The Bank Sports Lounge at 6pm. Sage Brush Annie’s will be serving their amazing wines. There will be a large selection of wines, appetizers, and much more. Wine Down Wednesday is the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Save the Date for these Future Events-

Classified Ads.................10

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.

By Andreas Fault

Friday-Sunday- Worcs Series Round 1 Motorcycle Racing at Honolulu Hills Raceway.

Tuesday- Taft High Boys Basketball at Home vs. Arvin. F/S at 4, J/V at 5:15, Varsity at 6:30. $5.50 Discount Night at the Fox Theatre.

Wednesday- Wine Down Wednesday at The Bank Sports Lounge at 6pm.

Taft College Women’s Basketball at Home vs. Fresno City at 5pm.

Thursday- Best Western Plus Taft Inn “Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting” from 3-5pm.

Westside Watcher..........4

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.

Taft Calendar

3

AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND POSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE www.cityoftaft.org TELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11: Wednesday 8 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.

The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers News and Feature Writers Experience Required.

Contact The Taft Independent Send Bio or Resume to Publisher@taftindependent.com

West Side Urgent Care Dr. Timothy Lee, Board Certified Pediatrician Taking appointments for children under the age of 18 Monday thru Friday 1:00pm – 5:00pm 765-1935

January 16th: Taft Sportsmen’s Club Annual Banquet, R.S.V.P @ 765-0416 ext 3.

January 22nd: Taft College Dinner and Auction at the Fort will MLB Veteran Charlie Hough, call 763-7829 for tickets.

January 23rd: Sno White “4th Saturday Car Show” at 6pm. Come show off your Hot Rod. February 3rd: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club.

Dinner at 7:30pm.

February 5th: 1st Friday Cruise Night on Center Street at 6pm.

February 6th: Rotary Club Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast from 7-11am at Taft High. Tickets $5.

West Side Rec “Father Daughter Dance,” from 7-10pm.

February 6th-7th: Dirt Diggers “Taft Grand Prix” at Honolulu Hills Raceway.

February 7th: Superbowl at The Bank Sports Lounge, Pizza Factory, Arts Corner, Oasis, Taft Moose Lodge, Paik’s Ranch House, or Hacienda Grill.

February 11th: Taft Chamber Installation Dinner “Masks and Mimosas” at the Fox Theatre.

March 12th: Taft Chamber Golf Tournament at Buena Vista Golf Course.

May 21st-22nd: Taft Relay for Life at the Taft High Track. www. relayforlife.org/taftca.

Friends of the Fort “Annual Membership Drive and Dinner” on Thursday January 28th. Social Hour and Music at 5, Dinner at 6pm. Dinner Tickets are $20. Fort Memberships are available from $15 for individuals to $500. Corporate Sponsorships are $1,000 to $25,000. Come by The Fort or call 765-7371 for tickets and information. “Preserving the past for the future.”

VFW Announces Raffle Winners, Poker Tournament February 26th VFW Post 11012 in Maricopa recently raffled a 42” TV. The winner was drawn on December 15th, the winner was - Suzie Crownover.

The following donated the money for the TV: A&A Express, Artz Liquor, Ten Percent Firearms, Paiks Restaurant We would like to thank everyone who supported out fundraising efforts.

The VFW Poker (Texas Hold’em) tournament will be held February 26th @ 5:30pm.

If anyone is interested, they may call (661)735-2862. If no answer, leave a message with contact information and someone will get back to you ASAP.

The Taft Independent

4

Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The

Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

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. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

Black Gold Brewing Co. American and Asian Food Burgers Pasta Thai Food Espresso - Beer - Wine Craft Beers Open Monday to Friday 7am to Close Saturday 7:30am to Close Sunday 10am to 12pm 508 Center Street 765-6556

Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM

Week of Friday, January 08, 2016 through Thursday, January 14, 2016 Daddy’s Home (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:20, 8:30 Sun: 3:20, 6:25 Mon - Thu: 6:25 PM Sisters (R) Fri & Sat: 6:30, 9:00 Sun: 3:30, 6:15 Mon - Thu: 6:15 PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:00, 8:45 Sun: 3:00, 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:00 PM

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets” Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sat. and Sun. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Promoting Taft On Thursday, February 11th, the Taft Chamber is hosting the Annual Chamber Installation Dinner and Community Awards Ceremony at the Fox Theatre. The Taft Chamber invites you to participate in a variety of ways. Your business, service club, or organization can donate a themed basket or group of items for the silent auction. Purchase tickets to the event, sponsor, or bid on silent auction items at the event. Your donation will be recognized at the event, during the auction, in the program, media advertisements, and event slideshow. Come in the Taft Chamber or call them @ 765-2165 for more info. Thank you Cathy and Shannon for all your hard work.

Taft Industry Night is the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Taft Petroleum Club. Industry Night is to promote all Kern County Businesses. The next Industry Night is February 3rd. Tickets are $15 and includes meat, salad, bread, beans, and dessert. They also have door prizes and a 50/50 Drawing. Bring a prize with your business card to advertise your business. The Taft Petroleum Club is the 1st Petroleum Club in the World.

The West Side Recreation and Park District keeps all of us Taftians happy and brings thousands of others to Taft.

Thousands of people come to the Rec Gym every week right now for Basketball Season. The Gym wall is the perfect place to advertise your business. When you walk in you notice the Holmes Western, Chicken of Oz, and other signs in the gym. The Rec is probably the best place on the Westside. It brings so many people here rather to watch sports, play sports, frisbee golf, Natatorium, whiffleball, softball, craft show, Father/Daughter Dance, Senior Center, Gym, etc, Thank You Les Clark the 3rd for keeping the Rec on top of the Kern County Map. 1st Friday Cruise Night brings lots of business to the restaurants, shops, and the Fox Theatre each month. The Lions Club also sells their famous Tri Tip Sandwiches. The next 1st Friday Cruise Night is February 5th.

Taft Service Clubs do so much to help Taft and bring people here. The Soroptimist Christmas Home Tours and Luncheon was one of the biggest events of the year. The Oildorado Celebration was one of the biggest and best celebrations in the State. Get ready for Oildorado in October of 2020.

The Taft Independent is the perfect place to advertise your business or event. When you go into Paik’s Ranch House, OT Cookhouse, Pizza Factory, and so many other places you see people eating, talking with friends or family while reading the Taft Independent. Lots of people from all over the world come to West Kern Oil Museum, and you’ll see these people grab an Independent while leaving the Museum.

January 8 - 14, 2016

Letters and Rants The Affordable Care Act’s Special Agents

By Janet Trautwein

The Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges are open for business. Millions of uninsured Americans have just a few more weeks to select a policy that will cover them this year.

Agents and brokers can help consumers understand the options that are available and get the coverage they need. They’ve been matching consumers with appropriate coverage for decades. They’re our nation’s best hope for getting the millions of uninsured Americans covered.

Health insurance is a complex product. Even for industry experts, it can be difficult to find the right plan at the right price.

Agents’ and brokers’ ability to do just that is becoming even more valuable as the cost of coverage grows. This year, average premiums for silver plans on the exchanges -- the most popular coverage option -- are up to 10 percent higher than last year. Premiums for less-generous bronze plans, which cover a smaller share of patients’ health costs, have surged by 11 percent.

Health insurance is growing more expensive because medical care is growing more expensive. Prescription drug costs shot up 13.6 percent between 2014 and 2015. Medical costs increased 6.8 percent in 2015 and are projected to jump 6.5 percent this year.

Agents and brokers have been able to shield their clients from some of these trends. According to research from the University of Minnesota, premiums are 13 percent lower in counties with the greatest concentrations of brokers.

Agents don’t just save consumers money -- they also help patients with claims or reimbursement issues following enrollment.

Furthermore, agents are familiar with the details of plan and can help an enrollee find a plan that fits his or her specific health needs. And brokers are legally required to have liability insurance, which protects consumers if there are any errors in the enrollment process.

Agents and brokers have already proven essential to the exchanges. They’re responsible for about 40 percent of existing sign-ups through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces. In Kentucky alone, brokers helped 55,000 people enroll in exchange plans last year.

Without brokers and agents, exchange enrollment would plummet. That would be disastrous. The exchanges are counting on high levels of sign-ups, particularly among the young and healthy. Insurers need their premiums to offset the costs of providing care to those who are older and sicker. If enrollment is insufficient, the marketplaces will quickly become insolvent.

As the Affordable Care Act matures, the enrollment process is destined to change. Agents and brokers can ensure that declining enrollment and consumer confusion are not among those changes.

Several events are possibly being planned for Taft in 2016all these events get Taft people out and bring people to Taft, some of them are- The Car Show, Taft Toy Run, 5k Janet Trautwein is CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

Run, Golf Tournament, Fishing Derby, 1st Friday Cruise Night, Rec Dodgeball Tournament, Health Fair, Rotary Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast, Fort Bubba’s Okie Dinner, Arenacross Series, Softball Tournament, Taft Relay for Life, It pays to advertise in Wine Down Wednesdays, Comedy Shows, Taft Industry Night, Soroptimist Garden Tours and Luncheon, Women’s The Taft Independent.

Pool League, Craft Fair, Taft Sports Shooters monthly matches, Rec Basketball Tournament, Chamber Sit and Our Readers do not pay to see your ad.

Sip, Concerts, Oktoberfest, 3th of July Fireworks Show, Call 765-6550 Dart League, Fort Cowboy Hoedown, Maricopa Gusher Days, Street Concert, Taft High Swimming and Track InviCall 765-6550 Today! tations, Taft Grand Prix at Honolulu Hills, Rec Whiffleball Tournament, Roller Derby Match, and much more. Hope everyone has a Blessed 2016.

January 8 - 14, 2016

The Taft Independent

5

2016 Brings New Laws to California More renewable power, equal pay for women, and restrictions on police searches of cell phones, computers and electronic data highlight a list of new California laws for the new year.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed 808 bills in 2015, more than 120 fewer than in 2014. While most of the new laws take effect on New Year’s Day, 92 were passed as urgency measures, which means they became law as soon as they were signed.

For example, SB405 by state Sen. Robert Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, allowing drivers to avoid paying traffic fines and penalties before they get a court hearing, already is law.

The renewable power and gender pay-gap bills were both huge wins for the governor.

While intense lobbying by the oil industry forced Brown to dump his plan for cutting the state’s oil use in half from the final bill, SB350 by state Sen. Kevin de León, D-Los Angeles, calls for the state to get half its electricity from such renewable sources as solar and wind power by 2030.

The new Fair Pay Act, SB358 by state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, closes loopholes in current antidiscrimination rules to make it easier to challenge employers paying women different rates from men for similar work. It also makes it illegal for employers to bar workers from talking about their pay or their co-workers’ pay if the purpose is to determine wage fairness.

California also enacted what is believed to be the nation’s widest-ranging electronic privacy law. SB178, by state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, requires that, except in emergency situations, police must get a search warrant before going through someone’s e-mails, text messages, GPS data and other electronic information.

“It brings the state’s statutes into the 21st century by recognizing that we communicate with each other digitally,” Leno said when the bill was signed in October.

Other measures that took effect Friday include: Highway lane use: Current law requiring slow-moving vehicles to let traffic pass now also requires bicycles to use the next available turnout when five or more vehicles are behind them.

Driving under the influence: Drivers in four California counties, including Alameda, will remain part of a pilot project requiring those convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to install an ignition-interlock device on their cars. The existing program now will expire on July 1, 2017.

Officer-involved shootings: All California law enforcement agencies now must collect information on incidents where a police officer or civilian is shot or when use of force by an officer or civilian results in serious injury or death. The information must be sent to the state Department of Justice by the end of each year.

Gun-violence restraining order: People who fear a family member could hurt themselves or others can apply for a court’s gun-violence restraining order to limit, for up to one year, that individual’s access to firearms.

Medical marijuana rules: Provides a statewide licensing and regulatory framework for all parts of the medical marijuana industry, including cultivation, manufacture, transportation, storage, distribution and sale. Specific rules will be set by the state departments of Consumer Affairs, Food and Agriculture, and Public Health.

Bike bridge tolls: Pedestrians and cyclists will not be required to pay sidewalk tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge and any state-owned toll bridge. The ban expires in 2021.

Ivory sales ban: Expands the state’s existing ban on the sale of elephant ivory to include almost all elephant ivory or parts, including those obtained before 1977, which previously could be legally sold. Owners of items made of ivory, elephant parts or rhino horns now have until July 1 to sell them, with fines of up to $50,000 for sales after that.

Initiative fees: Filing fees for state initiatives are increased to $2,000, up from the current $200, in an effort to curb what have been called frivolous measures designed more to make a political or social statement than to actually be put on the ballot.

Motor-voter registration: California adults who apply for or renew a driver’s license will automatically be registered to vote, although they will be allowed to opt out if they don’t want to be registered.

Campus gun ban: People legally licensed to carry concealed weapons will not be allowed to bring their guns onto school or college campuses without permission from campus authorities.

Family leave rules: Expands existing law allowing parents, guardians and grandparents to take time off for a child’s school activities to include step-parents, foster parents and those who stand in for parents. It also broadens the current kin-care law to include grandparents, grandchildren and siblings.

Earbuds and headsets: Makes it illegal to wear headsets, earbuds or earphones inserted in or covering both ears while operating a motor vehicle or bicycle.

No more aliens: Modernizes existing law by removing the term “alien” from the California Labor Code as a definition for an immigrant.

Religious accommodation: Bars employers from retaliating or discriminating against employees who ask for accommodation for their disabilities or religious beliefs, regardless of whether the accommodation was ultimately granted.

Cheerleader pay: Cheerleaders for professional sports teams now will be treated as employees of the team, making them subject to state minimum-wage and work rules.

Other important bills signed by the governor have not yet taken effect. One of 2015’s most controversial measures, SB277 by state Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, which requires almost every elementary and high school student to be vaccinated, regardless of the family’s personal beliefs, won’t become law until July 1. Likewise, a ban on using the term “Redskins” for school or athletic team names, mascots or nicknames, was signed in 2015, but won’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2017.

Taft Sportsman’s Club Banquet Saturday, January 16th The Taft Sportsmen’s Club Annual Banquet 2016 will be held on Saturday January 16, 2015 starting at 6 PM at OT Cookhouse at 205 North 10th Street in Taft. RSVP is required and tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for children 3-12.

We will be handing out club awards and giving out the Sportsmen of the Year trophy. We will also have a raffle for guns, prizes, and have many kids prizes as well. It is always a great night of fun and fellowship for everyone.

If you are interested in attending please RSVP at rsvp@taftsc.com or call us at 661 7450416 extension 3 and let us know how many adults and children will be attending. You can pay at the door, but only if you have RSVPed.

6

January Proclaimed Human Trafficing Awareness Month (Bakersfield. CA) - The Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking (KCAHT) Third Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Month kicked off this morning at the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting in Bakersfield.

KCAHT Coalition Chair Phil Gazley received the proclamation from the Kern County Board of Supervisors while fellow KCAHT members, representing over 50 agencies involved with our on-going efforts to combat Human Trafficking, joined him for this important first event of the Month.

“Human Trafficking is a crime where one victim is too many,” Gazley stated. “The message we want to send in this important month is that human trafficking is not just somewhere else. It is here in our communities across the county.

We also wish to make people aware that though human trafficking of foreign nationals is a sad reality, Americans trafficking Americans is a much more common occurrence.”

Gazley shared that in 2015 in Kern County, 130 individuals were formally identified as victims of human trafficking: 123 of those were victims of sex trafficking; 7 were victims of labor trafficking; 117 were US citizens and residents; 13 were foreign nationals; 44 were minors; 86 were adults; 8 victims not assisted.

“This number is significantly higher than previous years because of ongoing improvements in victim service protocols, prevention efforts, the continued goodwill of the local community and also because of an increase of funding.

Donors have included Canyon Hills Church, Bakersfield West Rotary Club and Mill Creek Church and the Semloh Foundation.”

Additional on-going support also comes from the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, The Women’s Center of High Desert, the Kern County Department of Human Services, as well as several other agencies serving on the KCAHT steering committee.

KCAHT and Magdalene Hope invite you to attend the premiere of “The Trafficked Life - Rescued, Restored and Redeemed,” taking place at the Majestic Fox Theater, 2001 H Street in Bakersfield, on Thursday, January 7th, 2016.

The doors open at 5:30 PM. This movie premiere will also include live Music from the Brothers Barton, a resource fair, and a panel discussion including trafficking survivors and the subject experts featured in the film. Tickets to the event are $20 and include the film with access to all other entertainment and are on sale now at etix.com. Tickets can also be purchase at the Majestic Fox Theater Box Office.

The Taft Independent

January 8 - 14, 2016

On Friday, January 8th, 2016, join KCAHT for our Third Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Liberty Bell in Downtown Bakersfield at Noon. Special Guest Mayor Harvey Hall will present a Proclamation from the City of Bakersfield. This awareness event will also include words from trafficking survivors, details about our January plans and the groups working with us to raise awareness, and a resource fair. This event is free and open to the public.

Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking (KCAHT) is a grassroots coalition that was created to facilitate a comprehensive approach to combat human trafficking in Kern County through prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships. KCAHT, launched in 2012, is comprised of more than 50 organizations including Law Enforcement, Victim Services Providers, Legal Service Providers, City and County Government Departments, Health and Mental Health Care Providers, Faith Communities, and Concerned Citizens that are dedicated to working together to address the critical issue of Human Trafficking in Kern County. The coalition members aim to - Provide victim services - Actively encourage a victim centered and evidence based approach that results in effective protection and prosecution.

- Raise public awareness through events and media - Provide prevention to vulnerable communities - Provide and facilitate training for Law Enforcement, Health Care Providers, service providers and other interested parties - Perform community outreach to relevant populations For additional information or for special arrangements for coverage, contact Heidi Carter-Escudero at 661-633-7104 on by cell at 661-203-2653. Thank you for your coverage of these important events.

Black Gold Brewing Company Brew Pub - Grill - Cafe

TUHS Boys Beat Tahachapi

TUHS JV Boys get the win vs Tehachapi on their home court 50-32.

By Michael Pait It was nice to see the boys finally play a strong game. We have not played our best game yet though...the sky is the limit with this group of kids if they put their minds to it.

We came out in the first quarter and opened up a 10 point lead. The last half of the second quarter we made some mental mistakes and turned the ball over quite a bit and the half time lead was 24-20. At the half we made some adjustments and extended the lead and never let Tehachapi get back into the game.

We had a lot of things happen that don’t show up in the stats book. The kids hustled and worked hard to contest the shooters. Tehachapi likes to shoot off the screen and our kids fought over and under the screens to contest a lot of shots.

Holden Williams led in scoring with 13 points and 1 assist.

Zack Tuaila had 12 points and 5 assists Jordan Chauvin had 10 points Arturo Leon had 8 points all in the first half.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers LLC

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Jeff Miller • Kathy Devine

(661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell License No. 0E02096 E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

Now Serving Splash Cafe Clam Chowder In a 3/4lb. Pyrenees Bakery Bread Bowl 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556 SHOP LOCAL FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS

$8.95

George and Billy Terry Owners 301 Tyler, Corner of Cedar and Tyler

Call us Today

Happy New Year

661-745-4920 661-327-4028 Main Office 417 1/2 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 DMV Services AUTO - HOME - BUSINESS - LIFE

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935 HOURS

Monday thru Friday 8:00am –9:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm 100 E North St. Taft CA

MEXICO INSURANCE

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week 7 am to Midnight - 7 Days a Week

New Years Healthy Options Rosemary Chicken Salad Salad $6.95 Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini $6.95 Gourmet Hot Dogs Hebrew National All Beef Hot Dogs on a 7” East Coast Bun California Dog East Coast Dog Pastrami Dog Chili Cheese Dog New York Dog Chicago Dog 149 Kern Street, Taft, CA 763-1740

Oildorado Specials New York Steak $11.95

Breakfast Burritos $5.95 Mondays .99 cent Tacos Tuesdays Chicken Frajitas $7.95 $20 for 20 Tacos Every Day! 330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street 745-4898

January 8 - 14, 2016

The Taft Independent

Miller Time Hi Everyone, Sorry for the mix up last week, I sent the publishers an old column by mistake. Hope that everyone was good this past year so that Santa brought you peace, happiness, love, good health, and a few goodies. The Miller family was truly blessed in all those regards. We have our daughter serving in the Air Force, a nephew in the Army, and another nephew in the Coast Guard. Unfortunately none of them were able to come home for Christmas but they are all out of harm’s way, all being based stateside. The technology that is available today just blows my mind. We were able to Facetime with our daughter, Skype with my nephew in the Army and I’m sure my brother’s grandson in the Coast guard got in on one of those marvels too. We also got to Facetime with Riina, our foreign exchange student from Finland, who is now married and has a one year old son. It is amazing; no lag in talking, picture was perfect, like they were in the next room. There is a lot of good and bad about the internet but when you can spend time face to face with a loved one faraway, even if it is on a screen, it is way good. We were able to travel down to the LA area to spend Christmas day with Ginny’s family at her sister’s house; we only had 45 attending, missing seven, lots of food, cheer and gifts. We celebrated Ginny’s birthday (the 24th) and my son Andrew’s birthday (the 1st) together with family at his new condo. All in all again we were so blessed with good weather, light traffic, everyone doing good; just got to get the holiday added pounds back off.

The new year will be upon us by the time you read this; lots to look forward to and to reminisce about this past year.

The City of Taft had a good year topped off by finally the Best Western Taft Inn opening before Christmas. You need to drop by and check it out. Once you are in the lobby you can transport yourself to be in city you want to be. It is very modern, very nice rooms, great rates, good location, and ready to serve you or your friends and neighbors needs.

There is a new oilfield supply warehouse going up on Gardner Field Road, behind the K Mart, with lots of yard space for storage. The City is on track to start the new transit center next to the Oil Workers Monument that has been reconfigured to better meet the needs for parking, traffic flow, better use of the building for staff and the public. It will be a great addition to the Rails to Trails project and hopefully we will be having more interest shown by investors who will see what we know Taft to be, a great place to work, play, live, and learn because we are the best of places.

I got to thinking about back when I was a young driver, as I have been driving by all the gas stations with wildly different prices on gasoline. When I started driving in 1960, gas was 24.9 a gallon everywhere. I had a hand me down, from my brother Roger, 1950 Olds 4 door with a V-8 that probably got less than 10 miles to a gallon. When I drove it, it never ventured out of town except to go out Petroleum Club Road and jump on the railroad tracks and ride it back into town.

After school I’d come out to my car and there would be two or three friends waiting inside (never locked the doors) for a ride home. I’d ask for some money for gas and I’d average .53 cents in change. The gas gauge never got past ¼ of a tank and I ran out of gas in it my junior year more than 10 times, gratefully didn’t have to push it up hill to a service station. I had a car, but could hardly afford it. When I did get a part time job for a buck’nhour, I saved up and bought a set of thin stripe fake white walls for the tires. You popped the tire off the rim, and slipped the fakes between the rim and tire and blew the tire back up. Big rage back then, the Visit Uspaint Ongave it some style. white stripes against the dull grey I couldn’t save up enough money to buy some baby moon Facebook

7 hubcaps to be really cool. My senior year my folks bought me a 57 Ford two door hard top, six cylinder, column shifter, that one made a few trips out of town. I had it just before I went into the Navy, sold it for $200 and a 49 Plymouth 4 door which I drove for a couple of weeks, then sold the Plymouth for 50 bucks. Them were the days for sure.

By the way, just who do we blame for the gas pricing out on 199 and I-5 at $3.79 a gallon, isn’t that the sincerest form of price gouging ?? I’ll never go there to purchase anything, and I recommend you not also. But it sure makes Chevron and Mobil look bad in the driving public’s eye. We need to support our oil industry, but really !!!

Lots going on in the world that is coming home to roost; we have to be just a little more careful these days. Lots of loonies out there wanting to take your life; please be careful, call it in if you see anything suspicious, because if you don’t and something terrible happens, how would you feel ??

Wishing you all the best for a Happy New Year and better times.

Randy Miller Your Happy Mayor

Visit Us On Facebook or at taftindependent.com

Black Gold Brewing Company Brew Pub • Grill • Cafe Lunch and Dinner American and Thai Food

Mon-Sat 7am-2pm 5pm-8pm Sunday 7am - 1pm

Hand Crafted Ales

25 Hill Light Ale Old’s Cool Irish Red Wing Nut Brown Ale Petroleum Highway Porter Midway-Sunset Citra Pale Ale

Free WiFi Sports TV Outdoor Patio Smoking Area Pet Friendly

Espresso and Specialty Coffee Drinks 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

8

THE RUBBER DUCKY CAR WASH A JONAS KIRK MYSTERY

BY DICK SNYDER In the world of Geraldine Wright, there were two ways to do things, her way and the wrong way. Throughout the little community of Woodland Park stout men with red noses ducked from her view as though little children caught marking a sidewalk with chalk. Women of every rank, especially those over age 30, kept one of their proverbial eyes in the back of their heads on the alert for Geralll…dine, spitting out her first name in private conversation, and when in public addressing her always as Mizzzzz Gerrrr…all…dine (long pause) Wright.

Equipped with orange/red hair, pasty, flaccid arms, stout legs and a waistless torso, Geraldine proved to be endlessly tiresome, irritating, offensive and judgmental about all things and people. Her words came from a tinny voice, slightly pitched to irritate, carrying the full range of absolute certainty. Wealthy enough to project that sense of superior review that only the rich can generate, she watched her money carefully, every purchase, every delivery subject to microscopic assessment.

She wore dresses always, usually loose fabric sporting red/ yellow floral patterns without regard to hem length, coordinating overlays, or fashion renewal. Most notable were her soft, knit caps sometimes lined with sheep wool, but always featuring ear flaps that dangled alongside the edge of her face. Loose string ties allowed her to lift them up to the top of her head, or let them dangle and flow in a delayed arc as she swiveled her head about on her sticklike neck looking for disorder in the world around her.

Some very respectable people in the community had mentioned from time to time that it might be nice to elect her to some statewide office just to get her out of their lives. The idea delighted gossips, amused community elite and stunned all college graduates in Woodland Park, but it remained a wish without a sponsor.

I myself found her amusing, a kind of small town idiosyncrasy, a symbol of “by-cracky” philosophy, personifying the hand-wringing despair of those who believed that preserving old-fashioned ideas could impede the flow of new age waves of change. When she appeared in public, I found it a daily treat to just follow her about, quietly observing ways that she made others uncomfortable, noting the narrowing eyes of her critics, the flared nostrils of her targets and the reddened faces of those caught in a public flaw of conduct. My, she had a way of putting people on edge! I guess I counted myself lucky that she brought me quiet amusement.

My name is Jonas Kirk, resident of Woodland Park, and happy enough to awaken most mornings in a pleasant log cabin with views of rolling hills near the Mississippi River, vistas that reached well into the bordering state of Wisconsin. Can’t say that I built my own house, but I’m happy enough to own up to my penchant for splitting logs harvested from my five acres of birch, oak and maple. Exercise is good for the soul and the combination of jogging and walking that I worked into my daily routine provided me with both day-dreaming and body restoration. It’s a good thing, I guess, that I don’t have to work, having inherited family funds sufficient to keep me whole, and while I was familiar enough with travel to far-away places, I called Woodland Park my home, and I was happy enough to share it with Geraldine.

Not so the rest of the community. Local merchants wished for her midnight disappearance, would gladly have paid for her one-way trip to anywhere. When she took to the shops, she did so with method, order and a ruthless eye, her comments beginning from the moment a small bell identified her entry, until the moment that it rang with relief as she left. Fabric shops like Sew N’ Go proved particularly vulnerable to her observations about yardage placements, measurements, available quality and styles. Hans Gruber’s Ceramic Images one of her favorite haunts, regularly pulled the shades and locked his door when he was lucky enough to see her coming. Some had been forced to close permanently. The Smoooth Sanding Company roughened the community as it expired, to the bitter complaint of its owner, Ralph Hanson. The Dairy Depot closed its windows when Geraldine tested its cones and found soy instead of milk

The Taft Independent

Liberty Under Fire “We Cannot Wait for Congress to Act on This”

By Harold Pease, Ph. D “We cannot wait for Congress to act on this,” so said President Barack Obama Tuesday in his first address to the nation in 2016. In essence he will now make the laws dealing with the 2nd Amendment himself because Congress refused to make law the President wanted. Mostly the executive orders (new laws) expand required background checks and the number of those requiring a sales license to sell guns (which requires tremendous paperwork, expense, and about a year to obtain). This Congress refused to pass three times during the Obama administration. Even gun exchanges between family members come into question. Potentially this means that people who violate the law made by the president alone will go to jail or be otherwise punished as with kings and dictators.

This is reminiscent of a statement made by the White House just two years ago on executive amnesty. “We’re not just going to sit around and wait interminably for Congress.

We’ve been waiting a year already.” In this instance, some in Congress had worked on what was called the Dream Act that would extend amnesty and place illegal immigrants on a course toward full citizenship. Lacking popularity, twice it failed to get the majority vote of both Houses of Congress required by the Constitution, thus leaving long-standing existing immigration law unchanged. Obama, failing to get a favorable vote from Congress, openly defied Congress and the Constitution by ordering a like measure to that defeated, implemented anyway. It has since rightly been blocked by the Judicial Branch as having been an overreach by the President, thus unconstitutional.

Executive amnesty was outright contempt for Congress and the Constitution and the President knew it. Twenty-seven solids in the mix. Its owner, Sarah Blount, walked the shops of Woodland Park trying to raise a petition to have the red-haired scourge charged as a public nuisance. The Wright Stuff left the community sometimes smiling, other times grimacing, but everyone tracked her every move, and shared their frustrations in quiet whispers to close, close, friends. Geraldine…Geraldine…

Geraldine.

In a wry sort of way, those businesses that survived her scrutiny took some pride in boasting that they treated their customers the Wright Way. Bank O’ Banks, owned by Mel LeBlanc financed everything from homes to bikes. Louie’s Gas N’ Go filled everyone’s tank with prices comparable to those in Texas. Alf Anderson’s Rubber Ducky Car Wash provided haven to those metal, salt calked hulks of modernity called automobiles, cleaning them off in minutes and sending them back into the winter fray ready to keep tires and windows squeaky clean. Even Hugo Schwartz’ Candy Shop had survived the imprisonment of its owner when Hugo’s son, Wilfred began to spin out family recipes for chocolates that left every passerby salivating as the sweetness of those cascading displays of magical blends of white and dark chocolate treated the eye and nose. Geraldine shopped there regularly…and happily.

But Ole’s Doughnut ‘Ole absorbed every crumb of Geraldine Wright’s harrumphs and whining, whether her irritation focused on the size of the bear claws (too small), the quality of the coffee (too black, too hot), the filling in the Danish (too scanty) or the sizzling sounds and scents (too much grease) of bacon laced eggs that adorned most plates from six a.m. ‘til noon. Geraldine herself had never eaten a meal at Ole’s but she stopped in from time to time, purchased plain cake doughnuts, black coffee (sweet) and primly made her way out the door with a critical comment or two about the scent of humans mixed with the sugary scents and fattened flavor of foods being consumed at the crowded tables. Every filled face watched her every move, then exhaled quietly when she closed the door on her way out.

To be continued…

Copyright 2016, Dick Snyder Released to Taft Independent for one printing only on January 8, 2016

January 8 - 14, 2016 times prior to his doing the order he argued that it would be unconstitutional were he to do it. As for example, on March 28, 2011, he said, with respect to the idea of nullifying Congress on the deportation issue. “The notion that I can just suspend deportations just through executive order, that’s just not the case, because there are laws on the books that Congress has passed.”

Indeed, by executive order Obama has changed existing law at least 30 times, most notably in the Affordable Care Act, which today is not the bill passed by Congress in 2010. In doing these, and the new parade of executive orders on gun control, the President is replacing Congress as the only federal lawmaker of the land.

There is nothing more clear nor basic in the Constitution than the separation of federal power into three branches, one to legislate, another to execute that law, and a third to adjudicate possible violations of that law when contested—a division of power held “sacred” until the last few decades. The Constitution reads: “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives”(Article I, Sec. I).

The Executive branch has NO authority to make law—any law!!!! Nor does it have constitutional authority to alter existing law. Executive Orders are constitutional only when they cite a single, recently passed law of Congress, where that law needs a statement of implementation by the executive branch. Originally they were but interdepartmental directives.

A president can only suggest a need for new law in his State of the Union Address, and either sign or veto a law passed

by Congress, which then, if vetoed, must be overridden by a vote of 2/3rds of both houses to become law. That is it.

I warned my readers when Obama blatantly violated the Constitution on executive amnesty that “if not challenged

by Congress his alterations would become existing law by practice without the consent of the peoples’ representatives, voiding the role of Congress, and that he, upon finding a weak Congress, would repeat the practice of making law by decree.” He has!! Some have used the word dictatorial to describe the practice. I renew this warning, not just for Obama but also for presidents who follow from either party, as they will use past practice to justify desired practice and the trend to nullify Congress as the only federal lawmaking body will continue. Executive Orders that have the force and effect of law must stop to preserve liberty.

Obama’s present override of Congress on 2nd Amendment issues is an even more blatant abuse of his oath of office, to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” To protect the separation of powers and end Obama’s threat to the Constitution, Congress must publically renounce all his new executive orders and fast track immediately to impeachment. Yes, the Constitution requires that he be retired in twelve months anyway but a bill of impeachment reestablishes the precedent that the people will not tolerate the defilement of the Constitution thus discouraging constitutional rogues of the future. Failing to do so weakens Congress’s sole role as the federal law-making branch of government, the clarity of the 2nd Amendment, and the integrity of the presidential oath of office.

Democrats must see that their failure to insist on a retraction of all law-making executive orders forever weakens the sole power of Congress to make all law and places us on the road of government by decree or edict of one man. We must choose the Constitution over party. The Constitution is there to protect all parties and all citizens from arbitrary and caprices rule as just announced. Please let it work.

Dr. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and 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.

January 8 - 14, 2016

9

The Taft Independent

Your Ad Here!

THERE IS Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

Wine Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5:00 pm.

www.sagebrushannies.com

Now Celebrating Our 26th Year

Call 765-6550

8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY FABRIC NOTIONS • GIFTS WED.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT.•10:00-2:00 Need a Unique Gift Idea?

Come Check Out the Variety of Pre-Made Quilts Available More info on www.maricopaquiltscompany.com Wednesday - Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am to 2pm.

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

NO

SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE

Charles V. Landwehr Licensed Embalmer & Funeral Director 46 Year Experience Jennifer Landwehr Licensed Funeral Director 30 Years Experience Angie Milner Licensed Embalmer & Funeral Director 28 Years Experience

Erickson & Brown Funeral Home SERVING THE TAFT AREA SINCE 1939

501 Lucard St., Taft, CA 765-4111 FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618 EMB6287 EMB 7999 604 Main Street • P.O. Box 578 Maricopa, CA 93252 • (661)769-9599

Gateway Temple

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

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 4279722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

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.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE

Your Ad Here!

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Jeff Miller • Kathy Devine

Call

Taft First Assembly

765-6550

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers LLC

(661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell License No. 0E02096 E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Childcare Available During Services Info call 765-7151

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

Morning Worship 10:30

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study Wednesday 6 p.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m. www.standrewstaft.org The Rev. Heather Mueller 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

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

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

Your Affordable Church Ad Here

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Community Christian Fellowship

765-6550

10

The Taft Independent

Classifieds

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for Classified $2.00 per off up to 5 lines,Ads andare $7 per issue forline. up toPhone, 10 lines.fax, Yardmail Sale or adsdrop are free. your adfax, tomail the or Taft Independent.

Phone, drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Deadline for submission is Wednesdays at Noon.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

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

Boxed adsCar, aretruck $5 or additional.

E-mail us $5 (orper bring Photo Ads. house for sale ads are week,toor our $10 office) a photo ofus your home, car,office) truckaor motorcycle and with a photo.

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

Yard Saleads ads are $3 isfor 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified deadline now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesdays at Noon.

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

YARD SALES

Estate Sale. Dec. 9th.

147 North St. 9am. No early birds please.

We do estate sales. Let us make the job easy.

Renee (760) 535-8721 or (661) 378-5366. Old’s Cool Antiques & More.

HELP WANTED Midway Elementary School District is hiring an Executive Secretary. Must have at least 3 years of experience and an Associate’s Degree. The deadline for applying is February 5th 2016 at 2p.m. Interviews will be scheduled following the deadline. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street, Fellows, CA 93224.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT General Manager/Systems Operator New Cuyama, CA COMPANY DESCRIPTION: The Cuyama Community Services District was formed on November 17, 1977. The District is governed by a board of five directors and was organized for the purpose of providing water, sewer service and street lighting within the district boundaries.

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: The General Manager is responsible for a wide variety of tasks necessary for the efficient production and distribution of water and operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is a salaried position that requires the General Manager to work independently with minimum supervision. The position is hired by the Board of Directors.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: · California T2 – Water Treatment Certification · California D1 – Distribution Certification · California G2 – Wastewater Operator Certification · Strong understanding of operations of water treatment and wastewater treatment plants · Strong Management skills · Strong written and oral communication · Must have a valid California Drivers license · Must have computer skills, including using Microsoft Office and Windows · Must pass a physical exam Additional information about the position will be provided upon request.

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should forward their

cover letter and resume to: Attn: Board of Directors Cuyama Community Services District P.O. Box 368 (4853 Primero Street) New Cuyama, CA 93254 Phone: (661) 766-2780 Fax: (661) 766-2632 ccsd@inreach.com 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. Experience preferred. Simple IRA and group insurance options available.

Interested applicants may apply at 212 S. 6th Street. Bring current DMV print-out. (661) 765-5457.

FOR SALE For Sale. Yard Sale.

New pockey knives, survival knives, watches, rings, necklaces, braceltes, earrings, etc. $3.99 to $24.99. each. 813 Pierce St. Sunday. Jan 3rd. 10am - 4pm.

OPEN HOUSE HOMES FOR SALE Americana Real Estate

Preserving for the Future

Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469 322 Kern St. 661-7655000 Lic # 00447658 & 01942324 503 A St, 2/1.5 w/ large bonus room & garage, fireplace, 1132 sf, $96,900 112 Loma Vista, 3/1 w/pool & garage, newer roof, A/C & windows, new flooring throughout!

1085 sf, $149,770 406 S. 10th St, 3/2 w/ office, 2 car garage, Complete Remodel incl. electrical, plumbing, A/C, windows, stucco, all new interior,1520 sf, $175,000 Pick up a list of all homes For Sale at 322 Kern St or call 661-765-5000

HOMES FOR RENT 2 bd. No. pets. wood flors., dw, w/d hookups, frig.. w/ice maker, stv, @ cook top, firepl., garage, gard. inc. nice. 1 yr. lease. $850 plus. 661 599-6971.

2bd. 2 ba. no pets. ac, wd hookups, cook top and stv. new paint, fenced gard. inc. 1 yr. lease $850 plus. 661 5996971.

West Valley Real Estate www.BuySellMan-

age.com (661) 763-1500 Cal BRE Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 218 4th St #4 Studio/1 $425 218 4th St #6 1/1 $475 728 ½ Kern St #B 1/1 $475 904 Stanislaus #2 & #3 $600 630 E St #B 2/1 $600 601 4th St 2/1 $650 623 San Emidio 2/1 $750 525 S Kern 2/2 $750 617 Buchanan 3/1 $775 528 D St 2/1 $850 26088 Orange 2/1 $850 514 Grant Terrace 2/1 $900 709 Kern 3/1 $900 321 A St 3/1 $900 108 E Calvin 3/1 $950 509 A St 3/1.75 $1,000 502 D St 3/1.75 $1,000 340 F St 3/2+Studio $1,200 211 E Lucard 3/2.75 $1,200 314 Pilgrim 4/2 $1,350 110 Village Way 4/2+Pool $1,800 212 4th St Laundromat opportunity $500 216 4th St Office space $500

Fire Wood for Sale Got Fire Wood!

1/2 Cord & Cord prices.

All wood is delivered right to you!

Stacking is extra. Seasonal cottonwood & popular.

Tim of Cuyama.

1-805-868-1221 or Email Tim4you69@gmail.com

House for Sale Specializing in Owner Rentals and Home Maintenance - Call 293-0192 for Quick Service Specializing In Cooler Service and Repair!

Open House. 5 bedroom, 2 ba. 803 Front Street.

Taft. $89,950. Call for appointment or for viewing (661) 900-4439.

January 8 - 14, 2016 01942324 Americana Real Estate 322 Kern St. 661-7655000 Lic # 00447658 & 01942324 509 F St, 2/1, Central A/C Heat, Newer Kitchen, $850 mo + Dep Avail soon, 811 Madera, 4/2.5, Remodeled, $900 mo + Dep Pick up a list of all homes For Rent at 322 Kern St or call 661-765-5000 300 Olive, Maricopa, 3/1, Recently remodeled, $750 mo + Dep Pick up a list of all homes For Rent at 322 Kern St or call 661-765-5000

APART. FOR RENT Very clean Apt. 1 bedroom. $425. mo. $200 deposit. 406 Lucard St. Apt. B. Call 765-7015.

1bed. 1 ba. Apt. $600 mo. $500 dep. Call for appt. 805-550-0565.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-

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 7674. 420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit. No Application Free.

Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.starts at $500 per month.

Plus Sec. Dep. Call (661) 846-6403 or (661) 765-7678.

ROOM FOR RENT

Real Estate Services Laura Vega DRE 01942324

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

G&S CARPET CO “No Job To Small” Immediate Installation!

Hours: T-F 9-5 Sat. 10-3 Closed Sun./Mon. Eve By Appt.

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile 661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

January 8 - 14, 2016

The Taft Independent

Sandy Creek Estates

New Homes for Sale in Taft THE PORTER

Randy’s Trucking

1550 SQ. FT. 3-BEDROOM 2 BATH GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN AND BATHS STAINLESS STEEL

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

APPLIANCES TILE FLOORS ON ALL WET AREAS COVERED PATIO FENCED LOT LANDSCAPED FRONT YARD

THE STERLING

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

2220 SQ. FT. 4-BEDROOM 2 BATH GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN AND BATHS STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES TILE FLOORS ON ALL WET AREAS COVERED PATIO FENCED LOT LANDSCAPED

Custom or Semi-Custom

Options Available Real Estate Services Laura Vega DRE 01942324

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

FRONT YARD

Visit our website www.Sandycreekestates.com

Try Our New Breakfast Menu The Taft Independent

January 8 - 14, 2016

7am to 9:30am Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Black Gold Brewing Company Breakfast Menu Served 7am - to 9:30am

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich

$5.95

One fresh fried ranch egg with bacon and cheddar chesse on a bun

Biscuits and Gravy

Homemade sausage and gravy over two baked flour biscuits

$6.95 $3.50

Half Order

Bacon or Ham Breakfast Burrito

$6.95

Combo Breakfast Burrito

$8.95

Bacon and Eggs

$7.95

Ham and Eggs

$9.95

Steak and Eggs

$12.95

Ham and Cheese Omelette

$8.95

Ortega Omelette

$9.95

Vegetable Omelette

$7.95

Huevos Rancheros

$8.95

Our giant burrito with your choice of bacon or ham wrapped in a giant freshly made flour tortilla stuffed with jack & cheddar cheese, potatoes and veggies Our giant breakfast burrito with ham, bacon and sausage wrapped in a giant, freshly made flour tortilla stuffed with jack & cheddar cheese, potatoes and veggies Two fresh farm eggs, three slices of bacon, hash brown potatoes and toast Ham steak with two farm fresh eggs, hash brown potatoes and toast A 6 oz. Ribeye Steak with two eggs and hash brown potatoes Our omelette made with 3 farm fresh eggs with diced ham, with jack and cheddar cheese Our omelette made with 3 farm fresh eggs with ortega peppers, jack & cheddar cheese and avacado slices Our omelette made with 3 farm fresh eggs and fresh cut veggies Our version of a mexican favorite with two fresh farm eggs, taco style fillings served on two freshly made corn tortillas

Side Orders

Egg 2 Bacon Strips Sourdough or wheat toast

$1.25 $1.50 $1.25

Coffee Orange Juice Milk Mimosa Orange Juice and Sparkling California Wine

$2.00 $2.25 $2.00 $5.00

We support local business. When possible, we purchase our products from local merchants and farmers. Our eggs come from freerange, vegetarian feed chickens from SZRanch in the Cuayma Valley. Our flour and corn tortillas are supplied by La Villa market where they are made fresh daily. We strive to promote practices that help preserve local businesses and maintain our local tax base.

Qik Smog & Tune

(661)763-4445

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Pub Burger and French Fries Every Day $7.95

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

We sell and service Mountain Bikes, BMX, Skateboards and Scooters.

Just added: Roller Derby Skates and Accessories 608 Center St.

745-4919

Classified Ads. $2 Per Line.

Yard Sale Ads $3.00 Best Ad Deal in Taft