A View From Center Street

Independent The Taft

October 14 - 20, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

October 14 - 20, 2011 • Volume 6 Issue 16

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

2 Wheel Production Donates Bike Fest Proceeds To Needs Center & Alpha House

A View From Center Street Tough Times For Local Businesses On Center Street

Taft High FFA Earns Awards From Kern County Fair

News Reports Ground Skydive Taft Mile High Club

By Jane McCabe

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street • 765-6550

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

Open Monday-Saturday • 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm

Spice Up Your Day! Try Our Seasonal

Pumpkin Spice Latte Try It Hot, Iced or Blended

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

October 14 - 20, 2011

Shop Taft Passion For Nails Nail Services:

Membership Special

$19/mo with 18 month contract New Classes Coming Soon!

Cardio Kickboxing & Abs of Steel

Open 24 Hours!

506 Center Street

(661) 205-5579

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save you money on quality jewelry!

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star (we also treat ingrown nails)

Fine Jewelry • Gifts 14K Gold • Sterling Silver 14K • Sterling Silver Black Hills GoldGold • Jewelry Repair • Watch Batteries Candies • Candles • And More!

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Like Us on Facebook Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

(661)745-4913

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

acme jewelry co.

Personal Style

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

TRICK or TREAT

Watchwill Batteries Acme Jewelry be closed on Tuesdays when Ray is in LA. Please call first• 661.763.5451 763-5451 426 CENTER STREET Thank You Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

J & D Recycling 1277 Kern Street

Special with Angela Hanna Hair Cut Only $12 Color, Cut & Style $47 Highlights Extra $10 up

Lic # B-721903

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

Angela

Visit the boutique to see our New Arrivals of LA Jeans and more!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

SAN JOAQUIN BSacPkETCoIASLchSo!ol Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

10% OFF on ALL Otter Box Cases For different phones, iphone 3 & 4

Replacement Phones for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile

Pay your bills here for prepaid phones Hablamos Espanol 661-745-4954 610 Center Street

Automotive Center

Get Your Car Ready

For The New School Year!

EVERYDAY OIL CHANGES GAS ENGINE $35.99 OR LESS

(up tp 7 qts oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

Now authorized dealers Boost Mobile Pre Paid Cards

DIESEL ENGINE $71.99 OR LESS

(up to 3.75 gal oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

$199.99

Cooling System Flush

(includes up to 2 gal coolant, flush kit, conditioner)

A/C Service

We Can Haul Away Most Large Items Roll Off & Small Bins Available Call Us Today • (661)765-6752 Recycling is OUR Business

Ten Percent Firearms

(includes up to 3oz of Freon, 2oz dye)

Overall Vehicle Inspection (visual inspection of all external components) (tax, haz waste fee included)

Billy Messenger Voted Best Mechanic for 2009 and 2010

531 Center Street • 763-1123

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Brand Clothing Shoes • Jewelry A Hint of Class Name Accessories & More Ben’s Books

FREE

Tire Rotation & Brake Check Plus We will check all fluids & tire pressure *Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

29

Plus Tax

$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Exp. Oct. 31, 2011

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

523 Finley Drive • 765-7147 • Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 8am-1pm

Come See My Fall Garden & Gifts

Inside The Historic Fort 915 N. 10th Street Suite 34 (661)623-1783

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Gift Certificates Available!

Perfect for any occasion

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

October 14 - 20, 2011

Inside Community Events.........3

News Briefs.......................3 Westside Watcher............4 West Side Recreation Report..........5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 A View From Center Street....................8 Classified Ads.................10 Westside News...............11

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: Editor@taftindependent.com.

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Managing Editor Advertising Jessica Skidgel Layout & Design Jessica Skidgel Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins, Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Community Events News Briefs Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument” VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm The VFW will hold Bingo Night every Tuesday at 6:30pm at 600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa. Doors open at 5:30pm, buy in is $5 a pack, food will be served. Come on out, bring a friend and support our vets!

End of Times Gallery Fall Art Classes The End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is offering the following Fall classes: Tuesdays - Adult drawing class, 1-2:30pm Wednesdays - Adult Painting Class (acrylics) 1-2:30pm Thursdays - Adult Water Color Class, 1-2:30pm Saturdays - Children’s Art Class, 10-11:30am. Supplies provided for a $3 fee per class.

All classes are $12 per session, $40 per month.

Please call for supply lists. For more information, please call Jane at 661-765-4790 or 661-623-0494.

Grandma’s Attic Preschool Story Time Every Saturday Through Nov. 19th

The fall session of Grandma’s Attic Storytime has begun at the Taft Branch Library and will continue every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. through November 19. Aimed at 5 to 8 year-olds, Grandma’s Attic offers an old trunk full of surprises and stories presented by a different volunteer reader each week. Children who participate will receive a form to return to their teacher for credit in their school reading program. Preschool Storytime, for 3 to 5 year-olds, takes place weekly on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Parents are always welcome to attend, or may enjoy some library or computer time while their child is occupied.

For more information, call 763-3294 or visit the library at 27 Emmons Park Drive.

Ladies Auxiliary Of Maricopa Food Drive for Kern County Veterans Pantry Ladies Auxiliary of the Maricopa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11012 will be collecting non perishable food items to help replenish the Kern County Veterans Pantry. We will be collecting food for a month. We have donation boxes at Chevron Valley Credit Union, Taft Nails and at our post, 600 Hazelton St. in Maricopa. The postis open Tuesday nights from 5pm - 9pm. You may call Charlotte Barta at 623-1029, Theresa Mowery at 699-6021 or Nelda Floyd at 333-3425 if you need anyone to pick up your donation. Won’t you please give back to our veterans, they gave a lot for our freedom.

TUHS Class of 1971 Reunion Dance Saturday, October 15th

Best Bet Weekend, Taft College Children’s Center Yard Sale Fundraiser The Taft College Children Center is having a yard sale this weekend to raise money for the center. Stop by the Children’s Center located at 729 Ash St. across the street from The Historic Fort Saturday and Sunday from 6:30am til its gone!

If you have any items you would like to donate please bring them by the center . We would love furniture, house ware, home decor, tools, nick nacks etc.

Also, bring any clothes you or your children have grown out of; the clothes that do not sell will be donated to needy families from the children center that can use them.

Donate and support a good cause.

Haydens Hope First Annual Blanket Drive Haydens Hope thrift store will be holding their first annual blanket drive to help keep Taft warm this winter.

Haydens Hope is asking for your donations of gently used, clean blankets to contribute to the drive. Blankets can be dropped off at the thrift store located at 522 Center Street until Saturday, November 5th.

If you are unable to drop off your donation you can call for a pick up, 661-763-1110. The blankets will be given to those in need on Saturday, November 5th at 2pm.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

On Saturday, October 15th the TUHS Class of 1971 will be holding a reunion dance at the Petroleum Club. We would like to invite our friends to the dance at 9pm. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. For more information contact Debbie at 765-5654.

Tuesday October 18th, 2011 – 6:00 p.m.

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

Taft College Second Annual Cougar Rib-Eye Cookout Thursday, October 20th

On Thursday, October 20, 2011, the Taft College Foundation will host its Second Annual Cougar Rib-Eye Cookout, on the Taft College Campus, in the Quad area. From 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. there will be a Social Hour, with dinner service beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. and continuing until 8:00 p.m. The evening will include formal presentation of colors & flag salute, live music by the band “Blackboard Playboys,” from Trout’s of Bakersfield, a couple of surprises, a raffle for all ticket holders to win a 37 inch flat screen, and of course fabulous rib-eye steaks, prepared by our able caterer, Orchel Krier of the Tumbleweed Café & Bar. The dinner menu includes steaks, salad, beans, bread, and ice cream for dessert. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students/children, and may be obtained by calling 661.763.7952.

Oktoberfest October 21-23 Oktoberfest is coming to Taft, October 21- 23, 2011! There will be food vendors selling german food including brats, sauerkraut, and sausages as well as other local food favorites. A beer garden with several microbreweries and a full bar will be set up along the Rails to Trails stage area with live entertainment all weekend. Located along the Rails to Trails down to 5th Street Plaza, a craft and vendor faire, bounce houses, a large carnival, and games are some of the activities for this weekend event. Kicking off the festival, a carnival opens Thursday, October 20 and runs until Sunday, October 23.

You can buy presale booklets of tickets for $15 for 25 tickets. Tickets can be redeemed at the carnival, Thursday-Sunday and are good on all of the rides. One ticket booklet can be redeemed for a wristband on Thursday night for unlimited rides 5:00-10:00pm only. You can purchase tickets at the Taft Chamber of Commerce, Hayden’s Hope, Personal Style, State Farm Julie Franks, Ten Percent Firearms, Westside Furniture and the Westside Recreation. On Saturday, October 22 at 10AM, join us as we Dedicate the Newest Bronze Sculptures to the Taft Oilworker Monument. Sculptor Benjamin

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.

Victor will be here to unveil the woman and son figures that are being added to the Monument. There is no charge for the dedication and a luncheon at the Taft Petroleum Club will follow. Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased at the Taft Chamber. For information about the event or to become a vendor for Oktoberfest, stop by 400 Kern Street, Taft, or email shannon.taftchamber@gmail.com, or call 765-2165.

Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 5th Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 5th 8am-1pm at Peace Lutheran Church.

Tables are available to rent to sell your wares- crafts, yard sales, farmers market or whatever. Bake sale and eats are available- chili, hot dogs, chicken on a stick, popcorn and drinks. Call to reserve your table jean at 765-6248

Country Hoedown At the Historic Fort Saturday, November 5th Enjoy a great evenin’ at the Historic Fort with music, BBQ, dancin’, raffle & silent auction. Saturday, November 5th Happy Hour 5pm, Western BBQ 6pm Country music & dancin’ 7pm featuring Jerry Hall & Trick Shot. Advance tickets recommended for $20, tickets at the door, $25, RSVP by October 31.

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Quote of the Week

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

Asian Experience

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

Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Paik’s Ranch House Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm Where Everybody Meets Dinner by Reservation Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa Open 7 Days (661) 766-2319 Mon. Tues. Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Wed. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm Taft Crude Coffee House 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft Coffee House and Deli Monday – Friday 7 am to 4pm.

Sagebrush Annie’s Saturday 7 am to 2 pm Restaurant and Wine Tasting Sundays 7:30 am to 10 am Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 1010 6th Street, Taft Dinner by Reservation 763-5156 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319 Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Open Monday to Saturday Your Restaurant Listed Lunch served 9am-1pm HERE Dinner served 5pm - 8pm Call 765-6550 Wine Tasting on First Thursdays 508 Center Street 765-6550

Westside Entertainment

Get Your Events in the Westside Entertainment Guide.

Call 765-6550 or fax 765-6556

Your Restaurant Sagebrush Annie’s Listed Here!

Wine Tasting Food and Pizza Asian ExperienceAsian Lunch and Dinner Call Dinner by Reservation Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

765-6550!

Award Winning Saturday 4 p.m.Wines - 9 p.m.

Live Music Saturday Nights Starting as low 766-2319 as $12 per 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa week!

215 Center Street 763-1815 Always Fresh!

Dine In or We Deliver 765-4143 700 Kern Street

Mon. - Fri. 10am 2;30pm Taft, CA

Your Restaurant Listed Here!

Call 765-6550!

Starting as low as $12 per week!

Taft Petroleum Club Ribeye Steak or Chicken Dinner from 6pm - 8pm

Every Monday is football at the club with great drink specials and free food.

3 large screen TV’s so you don’t miss the action!!

The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversary’s. The hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 4:30pm to Close

Editorial

Westside Watcher

October 14 - 20, 2011

News Reports Ground Skydive Taft Mile High Club

“Anyone who allows an activity to occur that could affect his or her ability to concentrate on flying the aircraft or could result in the pilot being physically jostled or lose control of the aircraft could constitute a violation of federal aviation regulations.”

- Ian Gregor, FAA Spokesman commenting on the mile high incident at the Taft airport.

Students from Across the Country Unite to Spread Messages of Violence Prevention and Share Student Safety Tips during America’s Safe Schools Week (October 17-21, 2011)

Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) members across the nation will strengthen their resolve to unite to voice positive choices and ways to prevent school and youth violence as part of America’s Safe Schools Week (October 17-21). Youth in elementary, middle, high schools, colleges and community-based agencies will empower, encourage, educate and engage themselves and others in preventing violence while bringing awareness to the escalating issue of violence in their schools and among their peers. By focusing on crime prevention, conflict management and service to their school and community, these students will inform other students and educators on the effects of violence and provide important skills to deescalate personal and peer-on-peer conflicts as part of their activities. SAVE members across the country are showing how they are a part of a positive solution, as they live by SAVE’s slogan of “Youth Voices… Grown-up Choices!”

Wednesday of the week, October 19, is National SAVE Day. This is an important opportunity for young people to draw attention to the issue of school and youth violence and what students can do to make a difference. In the United States, youth violence is a significant public health problem. Homicide is the second leading cause of death of young people, with an average of 16 youth victims each day. Approximately 20 percent of high school students report being bullied at school and more than 30 percent of high school students report being in a physical fight according to a CDC national survey. More than 619,000 young people ages 10 to 24 were treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained from violence in 2009. (Centers for Disease Control, 2011) School and youth violence is having a major impact on young people, parents, school, law enforcement officials, and society and all awareness and educational opportunities need to be made to protect our schools, youth and future.

If you are interested in starting or supporting a SAVE chapter in your school or community or in obtaining safety tips for parents and students, visit the SAVE website at www.nationalsave.org or call toll free at 1-866-343-SAVE.

Paik’s

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

Or, What Happens in Taft Does Not Necessarily Stay in Taft

by Michael Long, Publisher The next time you visit the K-Mart in Taft with your kids, you might want to think about covering up their eyes if the Skydive Taft airplane appears in the sky overhead.

Last week an enterprising “porn star” who works part-time for the local skydiving company decided to make a skydiving porn video with a willing employee in hopes of interviewing about the experience on the Howard Stern radio show.

According to just about every news outlet on the internet, CNN and Fox News television, several newspapers and the Drudge Report, porn star actor Alex “Voodoo” Torres and a female employee went up in the company’s skydiving aircraft for a “jump” with a cameraman in tow.

A video posted later on the internet for a short time showed the two enterprising skydivers engaging in pre-jump activities in view of the pilot as the plane climbed to altitude.

When the plane reached the jump off point, Torres and the topless female jumped from the aircraft in tandum and further engaged in non-conventional skydiving acrobatics that brought the local skydiving company some unwanted attention in the national media.

Both apparently landed without incident. A spokesman for the Taft Police Department said that no charges were being brought against the couple.

Conservative Taft has very strict ordinances on dancing, prostitution, massage parlours, bingo and card games, and it seems to many residents that the law might somehow have been violated by a company that has a business license and permit from the city to operate.

Visit Our New Website! www.taftindependent.com

Subscribe for home delivery of the Taft Independent today!

Delivered weekly to your home or business only $6.50 per month!

Open 7 Days

Name_________________________________

Mon, Tues, Thurs - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

Address________________________________

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Start Date____________End Date__________

Please complete and mail with your check to: The Taft Independent, P.O. Box 268, Taft, CA 93268 Please make checks out to Taft Independent

October 14 - 20, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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 steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House PUMPKIN DECORATING WORKSHOP Tuesday, October 18 3:30-4:30 p.m.

The Historic Fort, 915 N. 10th Street, Taft Ages 4 and up $5 per person (includes pumpkin) Come on down and pick out your own pumpkin from The Fort’s Pumpkin Patch! After choosing the perfect pumpkin, we will decorate them with cool craft supplies. Younger kids will need to bring along an older helper.

HALLOWEEN SWEET TREATS Tuesday, October 25 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-8 $3 per person We will be making caramel apples and jumbo cookies just in time for Halloween.

DANCE CLASSES Who: Ages 3 and up When: Mondays or Wednesdays Season: September 2011 – May 2012 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $20 per month Instructor: Vicky Waugh Participants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes take place one day per week either on Monday or Wednesday. A full class listing is available in the District Office or on our website.

Class enrollment is limited so register now!

TINY TOT & INSTRUCTIONAL P.E. When: Monday – Friday Ages 2-3, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Ages 4-6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Program Begins: November 7 (operates year-round) Where: Recreation Center Gymnasium Fee: $3 per child, per day or $25 monthly What a great way for your little one to burn off some energy before nap time! This is an open gym session designed exclusively for little ones. Enjoy this fun-filled parent & me multi-sport/physical activity time with your child by tumbling on mats, shooting baskets, catching footballs, kicking soccer balls, running obstacle courses and other fun activities. A t-shirt is included in the price of monthly memberships.

PUNT, PASS, KICK & CATCH Who: Ages 3-5 When: Saturdays Session: October 22 – November 19 Fee: $35 per child Registration deadline: October 20 Kids will discover the joys of football without the contact. This program teaches the basics of the game, teamwork and fun.

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

GRID IRON FOOTBALL CAMP Who: Ages 8-15 When: Saturday, November 19 Time: 12:00-5:00 p.m.

Where: Recreation Center Fee: $40 per person Registration deadline: November 17 This football camp will focus on drills (footwork, technique and fundamentals), weight and height measurements, competitions and awards. The camp is being hosted by our very own Kern County Superstar, Ben Ossai. Ben attended Stockdale High School and has football experience with the University of Washington, NFL Rams, AFL Spokane Shock, CFL BC Lions and the UFL Las Vegas Locos.

YOUTH BASKETBALL Division I: Ages 7-9 Division II: Ages 10-12 Division III: Ages 13-15 Division IV: Ages 16-17 Registration deadline: December 2 Fee: $40 per person Practices start the week of December 13, 2011 This basketball program gives kids the opportunity to have fun while developing and strengthening their basketball skills during practices and games.

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.

FALL BOWLING LEAGUE Who: Ages 16+ When: Monday – Thursday Evenings, beginning November 7 (each team plays one night per week, 3 games per night) Time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: West Side Lanes (Recreation Center) Fee: $40 per team to register (will be applied toward first night’s dues) Registration deadline: November 7 (register at West Side Lanes) This is a 10-week sanctioned league for 4-person teams (coed – any combination). After the initial fee due at the time of registration, weekly fees of $10-13 per person will be collected the night your team bowls. A mandatory Captain’s Meeting will be held on Monday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. League information and prices will be discussed. For more information, please call the Recreation Center at 765-6677.

RECREATION CENTER The District’s new Recreation Center is now open! The Center includes a full-size gymnasium, weight room, 4-lane bowling alley, preschool room, activity room and restrooms/locker room.

For more information, including operating hours and programs offered, visit the Recreation Center page on our website (www.wsrpd.com) or give the Center a call at 765-6677.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALS Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at the bowling alley in the new 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. The Center and bowling alley are slated to open in early September. Call 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.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3, 2011 The District’s 33rd Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Community Center this December. Vendor registration is currently underway in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. The fee is $40 per space. All vendor types are welcome; no pre-made food may be sold. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or steph@wsrpd.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR BINGO Thursday Afternoons Games start at 1:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Ages 21 and older Buy-in varies, $10-15 average Cash pots! Pull-tabs also sold.

EAGLE MTN. BUS TRIP Monday, November 7, 2011 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bus leaves from Community Center Ages 21 and older $3 per person Call 763-4246 to reserve a spot on the bus!

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

TUHS Update: Go ‘Cats

This week at Taft High, there is a lot going on for just about everyone.

The Wildcats have performed well in athletics all week, with wins for tennis, football and girls’ golf. The Varsity tennis team played against Wasco High School last Tuesday and won with a score of 7-2. Yesterday, the Frosh/Soph football team defeated the Arvin Bears 24-0 and the Varsity football team has a game against Arvin tonight. This will be the first Varsity football game of league. Come to the game tonight and support your ‘Cats!

Senior Luis Rodela was named the defensive Player of the Week last week in the Varsity game against East and senior Jamie Gonzales was responsible for the Hit of the Game that same day.

The girls’ golf team is currently ranked second in league and soccer conditioning has already begun. Boys’ basketball is also starting official practices soon. We can definitely look forward to a promising season from both the Taft High soccer and basketball teams.

The Taft High marching band and color guard will be performing this Saturday at a competition in Simi Valley. Wish them luck as they perform their “Blues Brothers” themed show for the judges.

Hopefully the Wildcats do well in all of their competitions! Go ‘Cats!

2 Wheel Production Donates Proceeds From Taft Bike Fest To The Alpha House And The Needs Center

On Wednesday, October 12th 2-Wheel Productions presented the proceeds from last months First Annual Taft Bike Fest to The Alpha House and The Needs Center. Checks were given to The Alpha House in the amount of $2,000 and to The Needs Center in the amount of $500. The event organizers plan to make the successful event and annual bike event bringing bike riders from around the state.

West Side Urgent Care

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon 205 N. 10th St. (661)763-1819

Specializing in Steak & Seafood

Lunch

Dinner

Tuesday - Friday Tuesday - Thursday 4p.m. - 9p.m.

11a.m. - 2p.m. Friday & Saturday 4p.m. - 10p.m.

CLOSED SUNDAY/MONDAY

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 10-18-11 thru 10-22-11)

Tues.

10-18-11 Lunch

Shrimp Burger

$9.95

Tues.

10-18-11 Dinner

BBQ Beef Ribs

$10.95

Wed. 10-19-11 Lunch

Sea Bream with Potatoes, $10.95 Veggies & Marinara

Wed. 10-19-11 Dinner

Stuffed Bell Peppers $10.95

Thurs.

10-20-11 Lunch Thurs.

10-20-11 Dinner Fri. 10-21-11 Lunch Fri. 10-21-11 Dinner Sat. 10-22-11 Dinner

Korean Style Short Ribs BBQ Pork Ribs

$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full

Hawaiian BBQ Pork Sandwich Prime Rib

$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

Sauteed Seafood Spaghetti

$8.95

$13.95/ $15.95 $8.95 $15.95/ $18.95 $14.95

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

205 N. 10th Street . (661)763-1819

October 14 - 20, 2011

NOW ACCEPTING

KERN FAMILY HEALTH CARE

Oktoberfest Comes To Taft October 21st Get ready for the first annual Taft Oktoberfest starting next Friday, October 21st. Come on out for a great beer garden, full bar, food and craft vendors, a carnival, bounce houses and live music on the Rails to Trails.

Live music for the weekend is as follows: Friday October 21 Headliner: Last Chance Band, also playing - Soup Kitchen Cooks & All the Kings Men. Saturday October 22 Headliner: Good Question, also playing - Nyceria, Lunatic Fringe, and X-Statik ($5 cover on Saturday for entrance into stage area).

On Saturday, October 22nd the two newest figures for the Oil Workers Monument will be dedicated. For more info, call the Taft Chamber at 765-2165.

Best Of Taft 2011 Winners Announced Friday, October 21st

FOR OUR CONVENIENCE: No phone calls or authorization required to be seen at the Urgent Care!!!

We are open: Monday - Friday 12pm-9pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-9pm Holidays 10am-9pm 100 E. North Street • (661)765-1935

The ballots are all in and being counted for the Best of Taft 2011. Winners will be announced in our next issue on Friday, October 21st. See if your votes made the cut!

October 14 - 20, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Taft High FFA Students Earn Awards At Kern County Fair

By Teresa Taylor Taft High FFA Adviser

Nathan Wilke Taft High Future Farmers of America students did an excellent job representing Taft at the Kern County Fair.

Students won the swine educational theme display and the sheep educational theme display.

Nathan Wilke was awarded the fourth place senior FFA beef showman as well as first place in his class and fourth place overall in the Kern fed and bred market steer competition. He also took second place in his class of shorthorn market steers.

Leon Letterman’s shorthorn steer placed second in class and was awarded the Group 1 market steer blue ribbon. Payden Bethel’s Hampshire hog placed first in the Hampshire market hog weight class and third overall. Arizona Pilgrim’s Duroc and Johanna Wilke’s crossbred market hogs both were awarded the Group 1 blue ribbon market hog award. Chelsey Voliva’s crossbred lamb placed fourth in her weight class and received the Group 1 blue ribbon market lamb award while Josie Burke’s natural colored lamb took eighth place and received the Group 1 blue ribbon market

lamb award.

Jose Malagon and Josh Hawkins assisted in making the award-winning displays and helped all of the Taft FFA exhibitors with their animals.

Thanks to the generosity of many sponsors and buyers, Taft FFA members sold their market animals in the Kern County Fair Junior Livestock Auction for a combined total of more than $18,000. Students use the funds to Chelsey Voliva reinvest in future projects or save for their college or trade school expenses.

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Pirate Band Halloween Party!

Saturday, October 22nd

$10.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT

Chicken Enchiladas & Deep Pit Pork, Tortillas, Beans, Rice & Salad

NO TO GO’s Starts at 5pm Until Gone $1.50 Domestic Drafts 5pm Until Close Live Music: Pirate Band “Cutthroat Reef”

Yo ho, yo ho, its a pirate’s life for me Feel free to wear a costume!!

Payden Bethel

8

TAFT INDEPENDENT

October 14 - 20, 2011

A View From Center Street

Do You Know Me?

Looking for a male resident of Taft that is currently in his 60’s. He went to Citrus Heights, CA, around 1987 looking to meet Cornelia (Nellie Jo) Ruth; he was turned away at the door by a relative. Believe his father might be James Nelson Ruth who worked in the Texaco oil fields in/around Taft from 1920-1961. It was noted the Taft resident has a strong resemblance to the pictured individual.

If you have any information on this please contact Amy at 801-201-6771 or email at amyanastasion@msn.com.

Taft Defeats Another Entrepreneur

By Jane M McCabe In my short tenure as the owner of the End of Times Gallery I’ve watched a few businesses open and close on Center Street. Soon I’ll be next in line. Some businesses—notably Acme Jewelry and Personal Style Salon—do pretty well, even in this tough economy, but most, after struggles of various durations, close.

Drive up and down Center Street and you’ll see two-thirds of the stores stand empty.

The problem isn’t particular to Taft.

Across the nation many smaller towns have been victimized by urban blight because of various economic factors—retail franchises have been the death blow to mom-and-pop stores, and so forth. They can’t compete price-wise with multi-national companies. Some small towns have been revitalized because imaginative entrepreneurs have opened creative businesses.

It stands to reason that the businesses that offer essential services, like hair-cutting salons and restaurants, have a better chance of surviving than those for which people need to spend discretionary income. About the last thing someone who is struggling to make ends meet might buy is a painting.

Those who attend the weekly Chamber of Commerce meetings on Wednesday mornings are all too aware that most Taft residents tend to do most of their shopping in Bakersfield, both because of the array of choices and because prices are lower there. Efforts are continuously made to encourage residents to shop in Taft, with sad to say, dubious results.

I probably would have stood just as good a chance of succeeding had I opened an art gallery in Antarctica…so, please indulge me if I voice a few complaints: Behind every business that opens its door is a dream. The entrepreneur usually not only wants to make a living but also wants to contribute something to the community. In my case I wanted to contribute more culture to Taft; not only did I want the gallery to show art but I wanted it to be a place for concerts, discussions, poetry readings and the like.

For a number of weeks I ran an ad in the Independent inviting musicians who wanted to play to please contact me—I got no response, not one.

The Sunday afternoon poetry reading lasted exactly two weeks. By the third week Susan Griffith, a fine Taft poet, and I were looking at each other and wondering where the poets had gone.

Last spring, the family of the late Joy Archibald donated many of her paintings and supplies to the gallery. Joy was a Taft resident, an artist and teacher. Because they had been donated I could offer her work and supplies at a very good prices.

Out of about a hundred works I sold three.

Taft was an oil town and it’s an oil town still today. As such, it’s hardly a bastion of culture. Few here seem to have an appreciation of the arts.

An appreciation of art is something usually instilled in a person when he or she is young. A good teacher may teach her students to play an instrument or how to look at paintings—this will continue to enrich their lives.

When I opened the gallery, members of the Rotary Club, the City Council, and the Chamber of Commerce smiled from ear to ear and said just how delighted they were to have an art gallery in Taft. They said they supported my efforts. They would show up for events but few of them ever reached into their pockets to purchase anything. It was kind of like saying they supported Domino’s Pizza, going to the outlet, standing around, nibbling on samples and leaving.

Every entrepreneur who has opened and closed a business has his story to tell. As a last ditch measure to make ends meet, I rented out space to another vendor, Pickers Buy and Sell. After a promising start, Mr. Alexander is closing—the word got out that he was willing to buy things. He got more sellers than buyers. He has a kind heart and would sometimes buy things just to help the seller out. It wasn’t a situation good for business.

Taft has defeated many entrepreneurs. I suppose others will try their hand at making a go of business here. I hope they do their homework before they try. If there is an answer to this “how to encourage residents to support local businesses” I don’t know what it is.

I’m not bitter. It’s been a wonderful experience. I’ve met a number of wonderful people. Mostly I wanted to show my work and that I have done (even if people did not know what to make of it.) But, of course, I’m a little sad too, perhaps more for Taft than for myself.

HAYDENS HOPE Thrift Store Together we can help keep our Teens in Taft off the streets.

10% Off ALL Pants Saturday, October 15th - Friday, October 21st

661-763-1110 522 Center Street Find us on Facebook

Mike & Angela Hayden Owners haydenshope@ymail.com

God Bless!

What’s Happening At The Taft Chamber of Commerce Among the things discussed at the October 12th meeting at the Taft Chamber of Commerce was a bill proposed to the California legislature denying illegal aliens medical treatment and penalizing employers who hire them by taking away their business licenses. The bill contains the clause “except for agricultural workers,” indicating the ambivalence felt about using migrant workers. It “cuts both ways,” their work is needed and yet it should not take work away from American workers.

Members are skeptical about the high-speed rail project, afraid that the contract for the manufacture of the trains would be awarded to Chinese companies, who would also be employed to install them. Members feel there isn’t sufficient demand for high speed trains to justify their expenses.

On October 30th the Taft Union High School All Star Band members, 53 students in all, are boarding a bus bound for Washington, DC, where they will perform at the World War II and Lincoln Memorials. They will return to Taft on Friday, November 4th.

The West Side Ministers’ Association is selling tickets to the Friday, November 11th, Condors Ice Hockey game at the ice hockey rink in Bakersfield. Proceeds will contribute to community outreach.

Bob Jordan, director of Taft Manna 4 U, said its annual Thanksgiving dinner will be on Tuesday, November 22nd at 201 Harrison from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Taft College will host a rib-eye barbecue for veterans at Taft College on Thursday night, October 20th. On Friday there will be events on the Rails to Trails.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 22nd, at 6th Street and Supply Row, the new figures added to the Oil Workers Monument will be dedicated, followed by a lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Petroleum Club. Also, on Saturday the West Kern Oil Museum will host Boom Town Days at the museum.

Visit Our New Website! www.taftindependent.com

October 14 - 20, 2011

Obituary

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Crude

Coffee House

H. LOUISE MILLER 1920 – 2011

The Only Mortuary On The West Side Where All Arrangements And Funerals Are Personally Directed By

Louise went peacefully to be with her Lord on October 12, 2011 with her three sons and her grandson, Roger, III, at her side, after complications from a recent surgery.

Mom was born in the proverbial log cabin on the family farm on May 31, 1920 in Campbell, MO to James and Fay White.

The family moved to Long Beach, CA in 1925 and then later to Taft where her father worked for Honolulu Oil Company. She met her future husband, Roger, in Maricopa at a skating rink where Roger honed his skate dancing skills.

On a whim in 1938, they went with another couple to Las Vegas to witness their wedding vows when they up and decided to get married themselves. Mom was still in her senior year at TUHS so they waited until she graduated to announce they were married.

Three years later the first of her three sons, Roger, was born. Mom worked during WW II for Standard Oil as a secretary in the engineering department at 11-C Camp. When the war ended, son number two, Randy, came along. In 1948, son number three, Richard, was born to seal her fate as a stay-at-home mom. In 1957, mom went to work for the Kern County Welfare Department where she retired in 1983 as an Eligibility Worker. Mom was known as a sharply dressed woman whenever she left her home. She is probably best remembered for her trademark white bouffant hairdo, which was all hers, riding around Taft in her small blue convertible automobile. She enjoyed life to the fullest and loved being with her family and her many friends and she loved living in Taft She enjoyed painting, reading novels and catching up on all the talk going on around town. Never a mean word said, always a special kindness and gentleness given to all. She will always be remembered and loved by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Roger, her brothers, Vane and James, her beloved sister, Ila, and her other brother and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her sons and their spouses, Roger, Jr., Randy and Ginny, Rich and Janet; her grandchildren, Roger, III, Ryan, Jordan, Jeffrey, Jessica, Melissa and Andrew. She leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren. We especially want to acknowledge and say thank you to the overwhelmingly wonderful care these past many weeks that was provided to her and the family from the staff at Hallmark Assisted Living, Mercy Hospital Truxtun and Hoffmann Hospice, all of Bakersfield. Please join us for a celebration of life that will be held for mom at The Historic Fort in Taft on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Prior private graveside services were conducted by the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home in Taft. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The Historic Fort or the West Kern Oil Museum. There are no visitation hours scheduled and the arrangements were under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. www.EricksonAndBrown.com

Licensed Funeral Directors

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111 Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors Open 7 Days - 763-5156 1010 6th 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

YOUR CHURCH AD HERE! CALL TODAY! 765-6550 Subscription Form

Subscribe for home delivery of the Taft Independent today!

Delivered weekly to your home or business only $6.50 per month!

Name_________________________________ Address________________________________ Start Date____________End Date__________

FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

Ice Blended Mocha

Please complete and mail with your check to: The Taft Independent, P.O. Box 268, Taft, CA 93268 Please make checks out to Taft Independent

Gateway Temple

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 487-2416 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 UTURN Youth Service Sunday 6pm 1000 6th St. Weekly Classes Mon - Thurs Please call 765-7472 for info 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 Angel Food Program Tues. 9am - 12pm Thurs. 3pm - 6pm

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

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 763-5135

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

Classifieds

Classified Ads areare $3.00 per issue for upPhone, to threefax, lines, $5 per Classified Ads $2.00 per line. mail or issue off for up to 5 andTaft $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard drop your adlines, to the 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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Affordable Rents We’ve Got em!

$5.

Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 our office) a photo of$20 your car,$25 truck lines, $16 for 12 lines, forhome, 15 lines, for or 20 motorcycle lines. and we’ll do the rest.

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, Yard are $2Email for 3us lines, additional or $10Sale withads a photo. (or bring to our lines office)$2a each. 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

Preserving for the Future

Phone: 765-6550

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

Payment canbebemade made cash, check, or credit Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft, CATaft, 93268.

Taft Independent210 508 St., CA 93268

Community 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.

Employment Real Estate HELP WANTED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

The Taft Indepenent is looking for a part-time individual to solicit subscriptions and make weekly home and business deliveries. CDL and Insurance Required.

Experience Preferred.

Incentive Based Compensation.

Call 765-6550

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

BUSINESS FOR SALE

If interested in vendor space at 428 Center Street please call Jane 765-4790.

Yard sale Saturday 10/15 8am-12pm.

212 Jackson St. TV, furniture, musical instruments.

Saturday 7am-1pm. 407 Pilgrim Ave. Computer monitors, clothes and more!

436 Phillippine St. Saturday and Sunday 7am-? Organ, bar stools, household items and more!

504 Shasta. Saturday 8am-11am furniture, appliances, clothes, decor and more.

Wanted WANTED Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552 Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661293-0359 or 661-7656497. We will pick up!

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

For Sale FOR SALE

MOTORCYCLES AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS PETS

Back to School PC Tuneup Special For $27 661-623-5188

Established local Taft business. Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli.

Excellent location, near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $25,000.

Room to expand product offerings. Good family business. Call 661-623-4296.

HOMES FOR SALE

Electric stove $150 firm 623-1845.

Business Services

FOR SALE

LIVESTOCK LOST PETS

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase Commercial: 330 California (old post office) Maricopa 616 Poso,(restaurant & dry good w/ beer & wine license)Maricopa Residential 417 Tyler $60K 3bed/ 2 bath 415 Buchanan St $35,500 cash only Can’t make payments call me!!

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 or drop by the office. ____________________

106 E. Warren. 2 bedroom, 2 baths, pool, lg garage, spa, spacious kitchen. $135,000.

MOBILE HOMES HOMES FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 www.

BuySellManage.com.

FOR RENT 200 1/2 Van Buren 1/1 $500 601 4th 2/1 $650 709 Kern 3/1 $900 340 F St 3/1 + 1/1 $1,200 516 Grant Terrace 4/2 $1,350 FOR SALE Why rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!

Complete list of homes for Sale and Rent available!

523 Naylor St. 3 bd/2ba $1,100 mo + dep.

408 Jackson St. 3bd/1ba $950 mo + dep.

707 1/2 Filmore 1bd/1ba $430 mo + dep.

(661)343-0507.

3bd/2ba 719 Fresno St. in Maricopa $500 mo call (760)912- 7888 2bd/1ba indoor W&D hookups, fenced yard. $550 mo + dep.

(805)325-0256.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.6999823. 420 Finley Dr.

New 1 bd/1ba carpet, oak cabinet, granite, tile, appliances. W&D hookups. Small yard, no pets. $650 mo + dep.

New Large 1 bd/1ba Patio & Off street parking. W&D hookups, appliances included. $725 mo + dep.

2 bd/1ba New flooring, cabinets, counters, ceiling fan, appliance.

W&D hookups $800 mo + dep. (805)550-0565 or (909)851-4228.

Advertise With The Taft Independent Call Today!

765-6550 Classified Ads $2 Per Line

TWO HOUSES AVAILABLE NOW. 1/1 cottage with fully fenced yard and covered, off-street parking. $410/m. 3/1 remodeled house downtown on double lot, lrg LR, lndry. $690/m.

Mark King 805-6894122.

Starting As

APART. FOR RENT MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057

Business Services

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Cleaning Services My Fair Ladies Cleaning Services Comm. and Residential Serving the Westside 661.477.3455 Lic. No. 007657 Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191

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

Get It Rented!!

Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’s Pool,lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333.

Prime Location 3bd/2ba 2 car garage $1,300 mo + $1,000 dep. 613 Sunset Ln. 763-4696 or 623-1533

5 bed, 2 bath house 205 E St. $1000/mo + $1300 security deposit call 661-979-3113

October 14 - 20, 2011

Other Ads

Low As $8 Per Week!

Ask Us How To Market &

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line!

Call Today (661)765-6550

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

WANTED

Taft Independent Subscription-Circulation Manager The Taft Indepenent is looking for a part-time individual to solicit subscriptions and make weekly home and business deliveries. CDL and Insurance Required. Experience Preferred. Incentive Based Compensation.

Call 765-6550

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller

License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

Promote Your

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

Business!

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

October 14 - 20, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs CalFresh Grant Offers Opportunity to Tackle Obesity Crisis in Kern County

Kern County Department of Human Services Director Pat Cheadle and Public Health Services Director Matt Constantine are pleased to announce that Kern County has been identified to receive a one-time grant that will be used to help both agencies work towards improving the wellbeing of county residents, with a focus on CalFresh recipients.

Kern County was selected by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to receive $350,000 that will be given to the Kern County Department of Human Services and an additional $350,000 to be given to the Department of Public Health. The two agencies will work together to achieve the pilot project objectives.

“We are excited to be given this opportunity to tackle the issue of obesity that Kern County faces within the entire community,” says Director Cheadle, “but we are especially excited to be able to directly educate our CalFresh clients on how to increase their fruit and vegetable choices and improve the health of their families.”

“Almost 66% of Kern adults are considered to be overweight or obese and 35.9% of our 7th graders are considered to not be physically fit,” said Matt Constantine, Director of Public Health Services. “This grant presents a great opportunity for both DHS and Public Health to work towards reducing the obesity and chronic disease epidemics affecting our residents and to positively impact the well-being of our community.”

The objective of this pilot project is to provide an avenue for the Department of Human Services and the Public Health Services Department to coordinate efforts in community nutrition education outreach and intervention for CalFresh participants. This grant will strengthen the existing partnership between Public Health and Human Services, as we are already working together, along with many others, as part of the “Call to Action,” Kern County’s Chronic Disease and Obesity Action Plan.

The fundamental goal of the Action Plan is to improve the health of Kern County residents by using a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach to the problem. Some of the specific components of the Action Plan that this grant will help to address include sponsoring and promoting opportunities for children, youth and their families to engage in physical activities and nutritional education.

The CalFresh Program, formerly known as Food Stamps and federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps to improve the health and well-being of qualified families by adding to their family’s food budget.

Currently there are more than 53,000 families (133,405 people) receiving these benefits in Kern County, the majority of which are children. Current data demonstrates that we have seen a 30% growth in our Cal-Fresh applications over the past 2 years due to the continuing decline in the economy. It is estimated by CDSS that over 300,000 people in Kern County are eligible to receive CalFresh benefits. In the past, there has been little funding available to reach out to CalFresh families. We are excited about the possibilities this grant offers us in working to improve the health and wellbeing of our entire community.

For additional information or to arrange for an interview, please contact Heidi Carter-Escudero at (661) 633-7104.

Your Weekly Gas Price Update Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen 2.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.79/g on Monday, October 10th. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.42/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, October 10th were 73.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 14.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 24.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 61.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“After oil prices briefly dropped to $75/bbl in the last two weeks, we’ve seen a mini-rally take place, driving prices up to a more recent mark of $82/bbl. The volatility we continue to see in oil prices isn’t surprising, and will likely continue as a fragile economy and some upbeat investors play the market,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst. “What this means for motorists is a continued roller coaster ride at the gas pump. While I don’t expect a huge of movement in either direction, these up and down fluctuations in gas prices will become the norm ahead of a volatile Spring 2012 time period,” DeHaan adds.

Negocios Hispanos Sponsored by Edward J. Herrera Insurance Negocios de venta

Edward J. Herrera Insurance Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public Somos una Agencia Independiente Con Varias Aseguradoras Prominentes Para Darle El Mejor Servicio

Lo Representamos A Usted Para Darle Un Excelente Servicio Como Usted Se Lo Merece

Por que se van a Bakersfield?

Aqui estamos.

Servicios Rosy’s Closet

Hombres y Mujeres Ropa y Zapatos 401 Center Street Mar. - Sáb. 10am-8pm Dom. 11am-8pm Cerrado los Lunes

Su anuncio aquí!

Las bajas tasas!

Llame hoy mismo!

765-6550

The Cell Fone Store Móviles y Accesorios y alimentos y más 510 Finley Drive 661-765-2500

G and F Footwear

Athletic and Tennis Shoes Vans - Nike - Levis Adio and More!

T-Shirts and Pants 405 Finley Street In the Pilot Plaza Phone 340-8609

Nuestro Personal Amable

Central Valley Residents Demand More Time to Review High Speed Rail Proposal Approximately 5,000 Postcards Sent to High Speed Rail Authority Requesting an Additional Time to Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report A coalition of Central Valley residents who are alarmed by the potentially devastating impacts of the proposed high speed train that will cut through the area have sent approximately 5,000 postcards to the High Speed Rail Authority today, demanding extra time to review and comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report.

The group, which is made up of homeowners, farmers, students, service organizations, business owners and concerned taxpayers, say that the current review period is not long enough to read, understand and comment on the 17,000 page report, especially when considering the fact the rail proposal as written would eliminate up to 2,200 acres of farmland, cause 282 businesses to close their doors and demolish 527 homes – all in Bakersfield alone.

The High Speed Rail Authority recently released a confusing statement regarding a new alternative alignment for a segment of the rail in Kings County. It was left wholly unclear what impact this would have on the review period of the existing Draft EIR, although the statement confirmed that the current comment period would still end on October 13th – which is simply not enough time.

The Authority continues to press forward despite serious warning signs about the ability of the state to build the rail line within budget. The initial $43 billion estimate has ballooned to over $60 billion, according to some estimates. In May 2011, California’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office said the Rail Authority’s financial assumptions were optimistic and its management inadequate. It also cited “significant risk” the project would ever be finished.

Just last week, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield introduced a bill to freeze federal funding for the high speed rail, stating that, “Responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars is always important, and now more than ever. We cannot afford to throw money we don’t have at a project most don’t have confidence in.”

“The High Speed Rail Authority has huge issues to deal with, including the growing coalition of residents in the Central Valley that is demanding more time to review a project that will have an enormous impact on our lives. And if the funding isn’t there, why start it at all? We need more time, and the Authority owes it to the taxpayers here in the Central Valley to review this enormous project in more detail,” said Michael Kennedy, Principal of Bethel Christian School in Bakersfield. “More than 4,000 Bakersfield residents are asking the High Speed Rail Authority to slow things down and run a sensible public process. The price is just too high to rush this process,” he said.

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS WED.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-2:00

Check Out Our Website! maricopaquiltcompany.com And Facebook Page!

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

417 1/2 Center Street Taft, Ca 93268 (661)745-4920 Lic. # 0277365 www.edherrerainsurance.com Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 4:30 pm. www.sagebrushannies.com

Now Celebrating Our 22nd Year

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

12

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Used to be Paul’s

Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public We are an Independent Agency With Many Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies To Best Suit Your Needs

Why go to Bakersfield? We’re here!

We Represent You To Give You The Best Service

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

Our Friendly Staff

417 1/2 Center Street Taft, Ca 93268 (661)745-4920 Lic. # 0277365 www.edherrerainsurance.com

Devon’s Body Shop

Bike Shop

2012 Bikes are Arriving NOW!

745-4919 Qik Smog & Tune

608 Center St.

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

October 14 - 20, 2011

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

Precision Bodyworks & Towing

We take the DENTS out of ACCIDENTS

(661)763-4445

Phone (661)763-4420

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

FAX (661)763-1389

Certified C.A.P. Station General Automotive Repairs

Cell (661)577-6785

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

317 Main Street • Taft

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 SUPPLY Farmer’s Meat Based Dog Food Shaw’s Pet Wash Meat 1st 40 lbs

$24.

99

Click on over to our website to see exactly what’s in stock and available to order.

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Fall Specia&l September October

www.shawswesternshop.com

Specializing in flea treatments, medicated baths and soar foot care

The Works

Our full groom includes soothing natural shampoos and conditioners, blueberry vanilla facial, nails, ear cleaning, perfume spritz and your choice of nail color or hair color accent.

Saturday Appointments Available!

Sept. 24th, Oct. 1st, Oct. 15th, Oct. 22nd & Oct. 29th

Nails clipped and filed $12 Each additional dog or cat $9

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 You Special Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available Event 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Open 7 Days a Week

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations