It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

Independent The Taft

October 28 - 3, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

October 28 - 3, 2011 • Volume 6 Issue 18

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

It’s 102 In Taft New Figures Dedicated At Oil Worker Monument

Opal Smith Celebrates Her 102nd Birthday

By Jessica Skidgel

Zombies In Taft!

At 409 Garrat Street Happy Halloween!

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street • 765-6550

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

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

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

Fall Fashion In Stock!

Hooded Tees, Sweaters, Jeans, LA Idol Jeans, Boots, Clogs and more!

Lic # B-721903

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

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

SAN JOAQUIN 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 Now authorized dealers Pay your bills here for Boost Mobile Pre Paid Cards prepaid phones

Hablamos Espanol 661-745-4954 610 Center Street

Automotive Center

Get Your Car Ready EVERYDAY OIL CHANGES GAS ENGINE $35.99 OR LESS

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

DIESEL ENGINE $71.99 OR LESS

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

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

Like Us on Facebook

Personal Style

acme jewelry co.

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

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

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

October 28 - 3, 2011

FALL SPECIALS !

$199.99

Cooling System Flush

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

A/C Service

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

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. Nov. 30, 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 28 - 3, 2011

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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Community Events News Briefs Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

News Briefs.......................3 VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm

Westside Watcher............4 West Side Recreation Report..........5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Westside News.................8 Obituary............................9 Classified Ads.................10

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

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.

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 Maricopa Ladies Auxiliary Craft Faire & Swap Meet Saturday, November 5th Maricopa Ladies Auxiliary VFW will be having a craft faire and swap meet on Saturday, Nov 5th 8am-3pm 600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa. Tables are $25 to rent. If interested in renting a table call Nelda Floyd at 333-3425. Tables must be paid for by Nov 3rd. Bring your crafts and junk for a fun day. We have space for 20 tables, so call early!

A Sharp Piece of Awesome Community Poetry Slam!

On November 18th, at 6:00p.m. the Taft College Literary Magazine Club will be holding a community poetry slam at Black Gold Cafe & Deli. Please arrive by 6:15 to receive people’s choice ballot. (Everyone votes!)

The event is sponsored by Black Gold Cafe and The Taft Independent. Anyone may participate.

Arrive with an original work of poetry or prose. Read for no more than three minutes. Everyone present votes for a favorite piece by secret ballot. Copies of the 2011 issue of A Sharp Piece of Awesome will be available for sale. Donations for the 2012 issue will be accepted. Editorial staff of journal will be present to accept submissions for 2012 issue.

The author with the most votes will be published in the Taft Independent.

Prizes will be given for second and third place as well.

Questions? email sharppieceofawesome@gmail.com.

Do you Have The Winning Numbers From The 50/50 Drawing?

The September 23rd football game was rained out before the winning 50/50 ticket was drawn. This ticket was drawn and the winning number announced at the October 14 game. The winner will have until November 14 to claim his/ her winnings of $94. The winning number is 771374. Thank you for supporting the Band Booster Club 50/50 drawings, which provide scholarships for TUHS Band members. Please come to the TUHS office to claim your prize.

The Taft Chamber Trout Fishing Derby Is Back!

On Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 6AM, fisherman will gather at Lake Evans, Buena Vista Aquatic Park in hopes of catching the biggest fish. This event is open to all families and their kids ($20 adults, $10 child). There are 3 different age groups to compete in (1-7 years, 8-14 years, and 15 and older) Each group’s heaviest trout caught wins prize money with $1,000 for the heaviest trout of the day caught. The winner has a chance to win $20,000 for their fish if the weight matches a predetermined weight! Register at the Taft Chamber at 400 Kern Street or Bob’s Bait Bucket at 2131 S. Chester in Bakersfield. Be sure to reserve your camp space at Buena Vista too!

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday November 1st, 2011 – 6:00 p.m.

Country Hoedown At the Historic Fort Saturday, November 5th

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

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.

Operation Christmas Child Saturday, November 5th You are invited to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Community Packa-box Party Saturday, November 5th from 1pm to 5pm at 201 Harrison Street. Bring an unwrapped toy and a shoebox (if you have one) The toy cannot be a knife, gun, or a toy holding weapons such as army men. Children between the ages of 2-14 from 100 different nations all over the world will receive the boxes.

Carrisa Plains Women’s Club Holiday Craft & Gift Show Sunday, November 20th The Carrisa Plains Women’s Club will be holding their annual Holiday Craft & Gift Show Sunday, November 20th from 10am to 4pm at the Carrisa Plains Heritage Association Community Center at 10750 Carrisa Hwy 58, Carrisa Plains. There will be door prizes, raffle, homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, specialty gifts, lunch, dessert booth. Come to visit, come to eat, come to brows, come to buy. For booth information call Debbie Twisselman (805)459-9838 or Jani Kasfeldt (805)475-2231 or Gail Traver at (805)475-2285 or (805)674-3780

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.

Taft Wine Club Kicks-Off at Black Gold November 17th Paso Robles Wines to Debut

Local wine lovers will be able to enjoy fine wines from the Paso Robles wine growing region on Thursday, November 17th when Black Gold Cafe and Deli will host it’s first wine club event.

The event will feature red and white wines from the famous coastal wine growing area, with a discussion on each wine and a its uniqueness.

For more information, or to become a member of the club, call Black Gold at 765-6550.

Visit Our New Website! www.taftindependent.com

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 Sagebrush Annie’s 7 am to 4pm.

Restaurant and Wine Tasting Saturday 7 am to 2 pm Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm Sundays 7:30 am to 10 am Dinner by Reservation 1010 6th Street, Taft 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa 763-5156 (661) 766-2319 Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Your Restaurant Listed Open Monday to Saturday HERE Lunch served 9am-1pm Call 765-6550 Dinner served 5pm - 8pm 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 HELLDORADO 2 Saturday, Oct 29th 7pm to 1am

Special guest DJ Chuy spinning the tunes all night.

Drink Specials: Test Tube shots, dry Ice drinks and jungle juice. Costume Contest: Best Male, Best Female, Best Couple & People’s Choice

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

October 28 - 3, 2011

Editorial

Westside Watcher

“We are here once again to dedicate an addition to the biggest, baddest, tallest bronze monument in the state of California...”

Mayor Randy Miller speaking last Saturday at the Oilworker Monument dedication of two new figures.

Mayor Miller’s Oilworker’s Monument Dedication Speech

Last Saturday, Taft turned out to dedicate two new figures at the Oilworker’s Monument. Mayor Randy gave this speech praising the monument committee and artist Benjamin Victor. The monument was mentioned in a recent San Francisco Chronicle article drawing many visitors to Taft to see the beautiful broze sculpture entirely paid for with private contributions from local oil companies, residents and hundreds of families that had a part in the history of Taft’s oil fields.

Welcome everybody, What a great day to be in and live in Taft. We are here once again to dedicate an addition to the biggest, baddest, tallest bronze monument in the state of California if not in all the western states. If we can confirm it, we might even go as far to brag all the way to the east coast.

What a magnificent memorial to the hard working men and women of a dedicated work force that brings this country the home grown energy resources that drives this nation and its economy.

Black Gold!

We stand here today and say that we do our part everyday to make this country energy efficient and we are proud of who we are and what we do and who we represent.

My mother’s parents came to this area in 1925 and lived in a tent house in the Belridge area before they came to Taft, when my grandfather then began a 40 year career with the Honolulu Oil Company. He would be truly amazed at the number of drilling rigs that are dotting those same hills today. To paraphrase Al Davis of the Oakland raiders: “Drill, Baby, Drill!!”

This monument is a corner stone for the re-vitalization of our core downtown area. We are looking to the future when all this empty land will be filled with thriving businesses and will be a walkable area for families and students and visitors to take in the planned park areas and to be able to wander down the rails to trails all the way to the West Kern Oil Museum and beyond.

The City of Taft is energized for the future and we are a destination city where folks will come to visit our monument, the museum, our historic downtown and the Fort. They will want to visit the Carrizo plains and the Wind Wolves Preserve, and our plans for a regional park, and maybe even want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

We have nearby golfing, boating and fishing, motorcycling activities, hunting, bicycling, oilfields to behold, come to think of it: what don’t

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

we have to offer? We have good weather, good water, lots of dirt for development and expansion, a great City Council. Why don’t all those thousands of people who drive over here every day not want to live here? It’s not because we don’t have great people already here. We just have to continue to work together to sell Taft to the uninformed on what Taft really has to offer.

The Monument Committee is to be commended for a brilliant idea and following through to leave Taft a legacy that will be enjoyed by generations to come. This is a proud day to be a Taftian, but then every day is a good day to live in Taft. I ask that all of you: Enjoy this monument, take care of this monument, be proud of this monument.

City of Taft Receives Two Federal Grants

By Jane McCabe The first is a grant totaling $770,000 to further construction of the Rails to Trails—to build an asphalt path located in the east section from 2nd Street to the Oil Museum, a project length of 2,900 feet, and to enhance the path with landscaping and lighting, and by adding bike lockers and benches.

The second is for $457,400 to build safe routes to schools by providing vehicle speed feedback signs, a crosswalk from the Fort to the Childhood Center, and 30 wheelchair ramps.

Chamber of Commerce, Service Clubs Plan Christmas Parade, Gillaspie Named Honorary Grand Marshall

Dr. Kathy Orrin of the Taft Chamber of Commerce and leaders from Taft’s 5 service clubs met Thursday to plan the city’s annual Christmas Parade.

This year’s parade will be held on Monday December 5th, beginning at 7 p.m.

This year’s parade theme is Christmas in Red, White, and Blue.

The committee also decided to honor civic leader Don Gillaspie as Honorary Grand Marshall. Gillaspie passed away earlier this year.

Parade entry forms can be picked up at the Chamber offices at 400 Kern Street or by calling the Chamber at 765-2165. Fopr more information, contact the Chamber.

Maricopa Ladies Auxiliary VFW

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Craft Faire and Swap Meet

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

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

Saturday, November 5th 8am-3pm

Open 7 Days

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa

Tables are $25.

If interested call Nelda at 333-3425.

Bring your crafts and junk for a fun day!

October 28 - 3, 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

TIE-DYE T-SHIRTS Tuesday, November 15 3:00-4:30 pm Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades 2-8 $3 per person ** pre-registration required by November 14 Bring a new, washed 100% cotton t-shirt and you will be able to tie-dye it! We will have all of the supplies to make a cool shirt. Kids are encouraged to wear old clothes to work in. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

GYMNASTICS Who: Grades K and older When: Monday Evenings Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Session: November 7 – December 12 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional family member) Instructor: Suzanne Hale 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.

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALL Who: Ages 3-6 Practices: Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Games: Saturdays Place: Recreation Center Gymnasium Fee: $25 per person Registration deadline: January 5 PONYTAIL SOFTBALL – EARLY REGISTRATION $40: November 1 – December 22 $45: December 27 – February 23 $50: after February 23 (dependent on program availability) NO SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 23.

Sign-up early for Ponytail Softball and save 10%! Early bird registration fee is only $40. The softball program is for girls ages 715. Practices begin the week of March 12, 2012 and the season begins April 14, 2012.

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.

BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALL MINI LEAGUES Basketball – Thursday Nights, beginning November 16 Volleyball – Thursday Nights, beginning November 17 $50 per team (plus nightly official fee) ** pre-registration required by November 9 Mini Leagues are for ages 14 and older and are held at the Recreation Center. Each team plays one night per week, 2 games per night. The leagues run for 4 weeks. Each team must have a minimum of 5 players and a maximum of 7 players per roster. Sign-up now at the Recreation Center!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

PARTY PACKAGES Make your reservation now!

Need help planning a birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower? We can help! For one low fee, we will provide a room, plates, napkins, forks, cups, balloons and invitations – all to match your theme or colors. And for a little extra, we can help with activities, too! Package prices start at $130. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call the District Office at 763-4246.

MARK YOUR 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

Taft’s Grande Dame, Opal Smith, Celebrates Her 102 Birthday

By Jessica Skidgel

Opal with her nephew Harry.

Taft’s grande dame, Opal Smith, turns 102 on Saturday, October 29th.

I had the chance to sit down with Opal a few weeks ago, nearly four years from the first time The Taft Independent interviewed

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 11-1-11 thru 11-5-11)

Tues.

11-1-11 Lunch

Chili Burger

$8.95

Tues.

11-1-11 Dinner

BBQ Beef Ribs

$10.95

Wed. 11-2-11 Lunch

Chicken Club

$8.95

Wed. 11-2-11 Dinner

Braised Lamb Shank $14.95

Thurs.

11-3-11 Lunch

Beef Kabobs

$9.95

Thurs.

11-3-11 Dinner

BBQ Pork Ribs

$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full

$13.95/ $15.95

Fri. 11-4-11 Lunch

Chicken Fettuccine

$9.95

Fri. 11-4-11 Dinner

$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

Prime Rib

$15.95/ $18.95

Bone In Ribeye

$18.95

Sat. 11-5-11 Dinner

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

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

her. Always smiling, she called me Kid and Honey throughout the interview.

When the Taft Independent met with Opal in 2008 she was living alone and maintaining her own condo.

Today, as she turns 102, her life is still very much the same except she now stays with her 89 year old nephew Harry Wilson in his condo, next to hers.

Opal is well known for being a “neat freak” and often refers to her nephew as a “fanatic” when discussing the cleanliness of their homes.

“Harry keeps house, Opal and Bill’s wedding portrait from 1927. kid. He’s a fanatic like me, ya know. He vacuums everyday.” as Opal is telling me this, Harry is in the background getting ready to dispose of his old vacuum as he received a new one that morning.

You can see Opal and Harry most days at Black Gold Café & Deli having a bowl of soup and the sandwich of the day. On Thursday, the staff at Black Gold surprised Opal with a birthday party and a cake big enough to feed an army.

“This is the prettiest cake I have ever seen,” Opal said.

In 2010 Opal was the grand marshal of Taft’s 100th birthday celebration during Oildorado, it was only fitting as she was 100 years old herself and has seen Taft through eyes that only few can imagine.

Opal began her time on the Westside in 1920 when she first arrived in Taft by train at age 11. Opal came to Taft in a time that is hard to imagine today...no sidewalks, a small town atop 25 Hill, and no bathrooms in the homes.

Opal’s nephew, Harry, was born the next year in December. Opal’s mother helped deliver Harry and called Opal on the phone that day.

“We had telephones back then, kid. My mother called me and then she came to get me to see him that very day,” Opal recalls.

Opal went to Conley School for one year when she was in the fourth grade and then her father received a job Opal’s retirement from Standard Oil.

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on a lease in Maricopa where the family then moved. Opal attended school in Maricopa from fifth grade through high school. In 1927 at the age of 17 Opal married the love of her life, William Earl Smith (Bill) who was 10 years her senior, they were married for 72 years and 23 days, Bill passed away 12 years ago this month.

At the age of 21 Opal found her faith and became “saved”. She has been a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Taft ever since. When she became saved she stopped drinkOpal today. Photo by Karen Mitchell, ing, and shortly thereafter KC Photography Bill followed suit.

Opal and Bill had a wonderful love for each other. They never had children, but their nephew Harry was like the son they never had, taking him with them on trips. They took Harry to Europe on six different occasions.

“Bill just loved Harry, we have always been so close,” Opal says.

Opal and Bill did a lot of traveling throughout the years, they have been to Europe 7 times, the orient 3 times, China, Japan, Australia, Hawaii 8 times and to the Holy Lands.

During the 1940’s as many were getting ready to serve the country, Opal feared that Bill would get drafted so she decided to get a job. To get started she needed to finish high school. She went back to TUHS as a senior, she was in the junior classes and graduated with straight “A’s”. Opal then attended school for a year at Central California Commercial College in Fresno to brush up on some clerical skills. Upon returning to Taft, Opal landed a job and began her career at Standard Oil. Opal truly enjoyed her time at Standard Oil. “I never had a boss that didn’t compliment my work.” she said. Opal retired from Standard Oil in the early 1970’s she had worked her way up to the head of payroll and even had her own private office.

In 1950, Standard Oil employees were given the opportunity to purchase stock in the company. Bill and Opal each purchased 5%.

As we continue talking about Taft’s booming days, Opal casually mentions that she has plans to donate to Taft College. I asked her why that was at the top of her list.

“Honey, because I didn’t get to go, I worked. I want to help keep these schools good, they have always been top notch and that’s the best thing.”

Sitting down with Opal was a special experience. At 102, she is a remarkable woman with a sharp, witty sense of humor. She asked just as many questions about me as I asked of her after the interview. We talked about goals, love and life in general, but the message she left me is one to remember for life.

“I hope people really see there is a God, honey, and to serve him!

I’ve had such a good life, even after Bill. I have maintained my life and kept going. I am so grateful for the past 12 years, even without him. You have to make the best out of what you’ve got. I have still lived in the same house. I have managed to carry on. You have to.

Even now, I have imposed on Harry, but he takes such great care of me. God is so good.”

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October 28 - 3, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

New Superintendent At Maricopa Taft College Phi Theta Kappa Holiday Photo Shoot School District

By Nicole Frost The Maricopa School District has recently undergone some changes, including the addition of a new superintendent. Dr. Scott Meier, an Oregon native, took the position in hopes of making a difference for the students, parents, and community.

Even though he has only been at the district for one month, he has worked to catalyze a stream of new ideas and improvement for the school.

Meier received two Bachelor’s Degrees Dr. Scott Meier from Oregon State University and a Doctorate Degree from Laverne University in California. He started out as a teacher 32 years ago and he has also held positions as a vice principal, principal, and many superintendent positions all over California for many different district sizes and types.

Coming from a poor community that wasn’t very educationdependent, Meier saw his calling in the school systems.

“Although many of my siblings didn’t graduate, I was determined to,” explained Meier. “It was tough, but I had teachers that encouraged me through it. I wanted to do the same for other kids and I wanted to give back. My whole career is based on helping children become what they want to be. Education is the equalizer.”

Since he came to the Maricopa School District, Meier has been working nonstop not only in his office, but on campus with the kids.

“This is the best job because there are never two days that are alike,” said Meier. “I wear many hats as a small school superintendent. I’ll be on the playground with the students, speaking to parents, handling disciplinary issues, working with the staff members, improving and discussing technology, meeting with secretaries and going over activities, and talking with board members. It’s a busy jobs and the days are long, but it’s all about giving the kids a hug and sending them on their way to do their homework and prepare for tomorrow.”

As superintendent, Meier has many plans for the future of the school. Currently, the staff is discussing the addition of a new

By Nicole Frost The Taft College Phi Theta Kappa Club will be hosting a holiday photo shoot on November 4th and 5th. All proceeds will go to the club and its causes.

Dr. Brian Jean will be the photographer for the event and holidaythemed props and accessories will be provided. Photo sessions will take place in the banquet room in the Taft College cafeteria and no appointment is necessary. However, priority will be given to those with an appointment.

“We make about $700 profit every year from this shoot,” said Jean.

On Friday November 4th, sessions will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Students, community members, families, and individuals are all welcome.

The photo package includes a CD of all purchased digital images, one 8x10 print, two 5x7 prints, and 12 wallet-sized prints.

There is a $15.00 sitting fee that is applicable towards your overall package if you decide to purchase your photos. Prices start at $15.00 if you have an ASB sticker and if you’re a Phi Theta Kappa member.

If you have an ASB sticker but you aren’t a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the price is $20.00. For everyone else, $25.00 will buy the full photography package.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Brittany Johnson by phone at 661-378-1183 or by email at princessbj@ yahoo.com. Come next weekend to support Taft College’s Phi Theta Kappa Club and make some holiday memories! business-related program.

“We’re considering helping out high school to focus more on careers and businesses after they finish school,” said Meier. “We could add student-run businesses so that they have a strong educational background, skills in teamwork and knowledge of business practices.”

Although a lot has already been done to better the future of Maricopa’s youth, there are even more improvements to come.

“I am truly fortunate to be here and I’m looking forward to the future,” said Meier. “In just a month, I’ve seen such a difference. I’m excited about the possibilities of out future!”

TUHS To Honor Most Improved Student & Staff Member

Taft Union High School will honor its most improved student and its classified staff member of the year at the fall Renaissance rally from 1:50 to 2:55 p.m. on Halloween Day, Monday, Oct. 31 in Mullen gym. The rally, which celebrates academics, is open to alumni and the public.

The Halloween theme will be Goosebumps. The Crypt Kicker, a band composed of staff members, will play the “Monster Mash” song for a dance contest. Activities include a monster makeup game and a gruesome relay, which ends in Frankenstein coming to life.

Spring 2011 Top Cats — students with a GPA of 4.0 or above— will be honored. Top Cats achieve a GPA above 4.0 by earning A’s in honors classes. Also being honored are: the Point 5ers (students who raised their GPA by at least 0.5), the 39ers (students who didn’t miss a day of school the entire first quarter), and last semester’s honor roll students.

Students nominated by staff for good attitudes and staff nominated by students will wear T-shirts they received for their positive attitudes, explained Greg Goossen, Renaissance team coordinator.

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

October 28 - 3, 2011

Zombies from Davy Jones’ Locker Spook Taft Residence

From The Mayor Hi Everyone, Hope all is going well for you and yours as were are starting to head into the fall season.

Gratefully the weather has finally cooled off and we are having some very pleasant Taft days.

I recently reminded you that it is important to talk with your adult family members as their history are what make up who you are. My mother recently passed away after a great run of 91 years. She very much enjoyed her life in Taft and my brothers Roger and Rich and I thank all of you for your kind thoughts, support, and prayers. Fortunately, mom had her mind and memory right up to the end, and we were able to glean more about our roots before she was gone. Now all my first cousins and we are the adults on both sides of my family, so we have to honor our parents by continuing the history and remembrances of the family from times gone past for our children. We hadn’t really counted on this new responsibility.

Well as you may have heard, Taft went national last week or so. It was not necessarily the kind of news about our great community that we want people talking about. Apparently, a couple of skydivers decided to make an “R” rated video while jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. I have viewed the video and it is the kind of thing you can find on any night on cable TV. It went on the internet and attracted quite a bit of attention for its 15 minutes of fame. The issue is the video mentioned Sky Dive Taft. It could have been filmed anywhere but Taft was mentioned and we get the unwanted notoriety.

When a business has the name of the community in its title, there is a certain amount of responsibility that goes along with that. What they do, so does the community. Good and bad publicity goes both ways. Taft is working very hard to become a destination city and to attract people who want to come here and see our great monument, museum and other attractions. Sky Dive Taft is one of those attractions. I hope that they and we all have learned a lesson from this incident and that not all of us that live, work, and play in the community are isolated. What we say and do can come back to haunt us and can reflect on the community as a whole. Remember we all live here, not just reside here.

Unfortunately, you have also read and heard about the closing of our Community Correctional Facility (CCF). We entered into a contract with the State Department of Corrections in the early 1990’s to take in state prisoners and house, educate, and prepare them for release. We could do this at a substantial savings to the state while also making a small profit each year for the City to help fund the PD and other City services. With the change in the state budget and a federal requirement to empty beds in our state prisons, we were forced by the state to close our CCF not because we were doing an excellent job, but because of politics. This meant the loss of over 60+ CCF employees. Being that this is a contract, we are a contractor and our employees like many oilfield contractors, work when we have a contract in place. We cannot absorb them into other city departments. The funds that support their salaries and benefits go away with the ending of the contract. We are having budget woes like many other cities and this will certainly put us in a tailspin for a while. Shafter, Delano, Coalinga, and other cities are having the same issues. We continue to aggressively pursue other contracts with counties that will be inundated with state prisoners that they don’t have beds for so that we can bring our workers back as quickly as possible. Until any new contracts are signed, our employees will be drawing unemployment. A sad day for those affected employees, their families, and the city as a whole. We have certainly valued their dedication and service over these many years and wish them well.

If you have lived in Taft long enough, you have seen the boom and bust cycle that we go through with our economy tied to oil. Being a one horse town, this has a great affect on our business community. In the olden days when the roads out of Taft weren’t as straight as they are now, our business community did pretty good. Locals shopped Taft. But then the dynamics changed, People were making a better living, their expectations are higher for things they want, advertising is much more aggressive, and people are willing to drive out further on those straighter roads to get what they want. Where did that leave many of our local downtown businesses ?? Many couldn’t compete any longer and went out of business. There have been many others that have opened then closed their doors because they couldn’t seem to find their niche market. Many had expectations that were too high: I have opened my doors, they shall come. Business people have to know one major question has to be answered by their customers: why should I come to your business and why should I come back ?? Appearance, customer service, clean and safe facility, product lines, customer service, knowledgeable help, convenient hours, customer service, having a business plan, capital funding, and good customer service are all the things that are needed to be in business today. It isn’t just Taft, this is true everywhere. All I have ever asked is that you give our local merchants a chance at your business, maybe for a second time. Like your relatives you don’t visit, the next time you need something now, that business might just not be there the next time. Shop Taft First!!

By Jane McCabe

Go to 409 Garrat Street some evening before or on Halloween if you want to see them stalking across the lawn with their grotesque poses and ghoulish faces.

You’ll also see a ship, the Black Pearl (from the pirates of the Caribbean) with its zombie captain leering in front of the mast.

Davey’s Locker is the folklore name for the place where sailors who die at sea go, i.e., to the bottom of the sea. It’s an idiom for the bottom of the sea. It is used as an euphemism for death at sea (to be sent to Davy Jones’s Locker), whereas the name Davy Jones is a nickname for what would be the devil, saint, or god of the seas. This nautical superstition was popularized in the 19th century.

For the past three or four years home-owner Dusty Wise has put up a display of zombies from Davy Jones’ Locker for Halloween. This year he added the ship.

According to Mr. Wise these zombies are unhappy because they cannot die.

At Christmastime the Grinch who stole Christmas, his dog and sled ride across his roof.

Zombie photos c/o Arthur Tamayo

Randy Miller Your Proud but Humble Mayor

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October 28 - 3, 2011

Obituary

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Daniel Nelson Pomeroy Daniel Nelson Pomeroy (Dan to his family and friends) –57, lost his battle with cancer October 23rd, 2011 at San Joaquin Hospital in Bakersfield California.

Dan was born September 17th, 1954, in Sioux City Iowa, the son of Ronald Eugene and Doris Twila Pomeroy.

Dan married, Betty June Cash, on November 14th, 1975 in Carthage Missouri. They relocated to California in October 1991 to be closer to family.

Dan & Betty celebrated 35 years of marriage last November and together they raised their three children, Ronald Edwin, Brian Matthew, & Stormie Renee.

Dan was a dedicated Sergeant at the Taft Federal Prison where he worked since it’s opening in 1997.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife Betty, his sons Ron and Brian, his daughter Stormie, son-in law John, grandchild Braxton Daniel and his son from his first marriage Christopher Robert who resides out of state.

Daniel also leaves behind six siblings, Heather LaMora of Michigan, Patrick Pomeroy, Arnold Pomeroy, Suanne Ashmore and Karla Sparks all who reside in California and Karen Finstad of Wisconsin.

A service of remembrance will be held from 11 am until 4 pm Friday, October 28th, 2011, at the First Baptist Church of Taft. Viewing services will begin at 11 am and conclude at 3 pm.

Funeral service will follow at 3 pm.

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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

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Gateway Temple

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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

TAFT INDEPENDENT For Rent

Classifieds

220 Montview 3 bed 1 bath.

Fenced yard. Granite counter tops $795.

Paul Joyce 805-218-1686 Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

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

$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.

Business Services COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

$1 - $20 Call David 661293-0359 or 661-7656497. We will pick up!

For Sale FOR SALE Gibson L.P. Studio gtr.

Wine Red/Gold Hrdw.

Lots of extras,Custom.

238-9723,Chris

AUTOMOBILES

Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am-4pm 1168 Wood Street. Furniture, secretary desk, maple coffee table, odd chairs, dinette tables, etc.

122 Lucard Street Saturday 6am - 12pm.

Wirlpool Fridge and misc.

Computer Repair Graphic Arts Web Design Virus Removal 661-623-5188 YARD SERVICES John’s Yard Service.

Basic Yard Care and Tree Trimming. 762-7292 or 839-7640.

407 E Street Sat. 7p.m.

Lot’s of stuff and plants.

Employment

Swap Meet Fri & Sat. 8am-8pm. Lucky 7 Parking Lot B St & 10th St. Lots of Everything!

HELP WANTED

Multiple Family Yard Sale Saturday 7am1pm 27507 Pine Street Valley Acres.

Nov. 5th and 6th.

219 Madison St. Sat. & Sun. Nov. 5 and 6.

7 a.m. to ? 30 years of stuff.

Needs Center Yard Sale Saturday 5th 7amnoon. 518 main Street.

Clothes & household items. Silent auction.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Taft House Sober Living. Beds available. $450 per month. 661 623-5188.

Surplus of donated walkers and bedside commodes (potty chairs) to be used in the community. Contact 769-8559. Ok to leave message.

Paul Peters Constructon Inc. is now accepting applications for experienced heavy equipment oper., and Class A truck drivers.

Must have a valid California dirivers license and a passport card. Benefits incl.

401K, medical, and vacation. Apply at 415 King Street in Maricopa.

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

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS PETS Seven sweet lovable older kittens. must find homes or pound bound!

Will make great pets.

765-7379 or 810-9400.

LIVESTOCK LOST PETS

Real Estate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

BUSINESS FOR SALE

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Wanted WANTED Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552 Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid

FOR SALE 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.

of storage sp. outside! $1350 mo. $1350 dep.

Avail Nov. 18. Call Tina 623-1670.

HOMES FOR SALE

3bd 1 ba. $850 Mo. plus dep. 661 623-5188.

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.

MOBILE HOMES 2006 Modular home in park. Energy efficient, vaulted ceilings, 1,600 sq. ft. 765-6611 90’s mobile home. 3 bd.

2 ba. full appliances, fully carpeted, Central heatt and a/c. 123 N. 10th St. Sp. 36. 623-1281.

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

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 406 Philippine 2/1 $650 601 4th 2/1 $650 205 W Ash A,C & D 2/1.5 $700 602 Elkhorn 3/1.75 FOR SALE Why rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!

Complete list of homes for Sale and Rent available!

4 bd 2 ba. house on corner lot. Built in pool, covered RV parking, firepl., living rm, dining rm,tile thoughout kitch. and bath. Bonus storgage rm. plus lots

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.

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 Maricopa 501 Klipstein 2bd with den, laundy hook ups, fenced yard. $600 mo + $900 dep.

(805)929-3185.

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

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

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.6999823. 420 Finley Dr. Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’s Pool,lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333.

Beautiful new large 1\1 triplex. Huge yard, Granite oak cabinets, stove and dishwasher, washer\Dryer hookups. $750. mo. plus dep. (805)550-0565 or (909)851-4228. $99 Move In Special.

108 Center Street. (661) 846-6403 or (661) 7657678.

PUBLIC NOTICE Michael Long, Publisher The Taft Independent 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STET OF

October 28 - 3, 2011

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 CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MICHAEL LONG TO HAVE THE STANDING OF THE TAFT INDEPENDENT AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION ASCERTAINED AND ESTABLISHED.

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

CASE NO: S-1500CV-274771 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR ORDER DECLARING STATUS OF NEWSPAPER AS ONE OF GENERAL CIRCULATION (GOV. CODE 6021) Notice is hereby given that, on January 18, 2012, at 8:30am, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in Department 14 of this court, located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, petitioner intends to apply for an order declaring the newspaper known as The Taft Independent to be a newspaper of general circulation for Taft, California.

DATED: SEPTEMBER 23-2011 Petitioner Michael Long, Publisher The Taft Independent 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 _________________ Michael Long, Publisher That Taft Independent 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STET OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MICHAEL LONG TO HAVE THE STANDING OF THE TAFT INDEPENDENT AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION ASCERTAINED AND ESTABLISHED. CASE NO: S-1500CV-274771 PETITION TO ASCERTAIN AND ESTABLISH STANDING AS NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION (GOV. CODE 6008, 6020) Petitioner, Michael Long, alleges:

1. Petitioner is the publisher of the newspaper known as The Taft Independent, hereafter referred to as “the newspaper.”

2. The newspaper is a newspaper of general circulation published for the dissemination of local news and intelligence of a general character in Taft, California. The business address of the newspaper is 508 Center Street, Taft, California.

3. The newspaper has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers, numbering 536, and a substantial distribution to paying subscribers, numbering 346, within the City of Taft, California.

4. For more than three years preceding the filing of this petition, the newspaper has been established under the name of The Taft Independent, and has been so established and published, that is, issued and sold or distributed regularly every Friday in Taft, Californai.

5. During each year of the three-year period preceding the filing of this petition, the newspaper has maintained a minimum coverage of local news and intelligence of a general character of not less than twenty-five percent of its total inches; it has had only one principal office of publication, located in Taft, California.

WHEREFORE, petitioner prays for judgment ascertaining and establishing the Taft Independent as a newspaper of general circulation, as defined in Section 6008 of the

Government Code, for the City of Taft, County of Kern, California.

Dated this September 23, 2011 Petitioner Michael Long, Publisher The Taft Independent 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 I, Michael Long, am the petitioner in the aboveentitled proceeding. I have read the foregoing petition and know the contents thereof. The same is true of my own knowledge, except as to those matters which are therein alleged on information and belief, and as to those matters, I believe it to be true.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is tru and correct.

September 23, 2011, Taft, California.

Signed Michael Long

Get It Rented!!

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October 28 - 3, 2011

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

2012 Bikes are Arriving NOW!

745-4919 Qik Smog & Tune

608 Center St.

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

Devon’s Body Shop

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 Winter Accessories for your Aquariums and Terreriums DON’T FORGET TO KEEP YOUR REPTILES & AQUATIC PETS WARM THIS WINTER! Aquarium Heaters & Heat Cables

Exo Terra Heat Rocks and Mats

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

www.shawswesternshop.com

Great Turtle Accessories In Stock!

Food, Heaters, Islands & More!

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

9

4730 & 4760 Airport Drive Bakersfield, CA 93308 • 661-393-2547 • Porterville 559-784-0277

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 28 - 3, 2011