Taft ARC

Independent The Taft

October 7 - 13, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

October 7 - 13, 2011 • Volume 6 Issue 15

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

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 8th

$10.00

ALL YOU CAN EAT

The Taft Arc

Serving People with Disabilities

Pork Ribs, Bratwurst, Sour Kraut, Red Potatoes and Salad NO TO GO’s Starts at 5pm Until Gone

$1.50 Domestic Drafts 5pm Until Close Meet Your Public Servants, Kim Fields, TUHS Campus Supervisor

Annual BBQ Saturday Best Of Taft 2011 Ballot On Page 5

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 7 - 13, 2011

Shop Taft Get Ready For Back To School with Next Step!

ITEM OF THE WEEK HCG Solution $39.99

Come in for our Back To School Membership Specials & Savings! $25/mo

Open 24 Hours!

506 Center Street

(661) 205-5579

Anderson Business Services Bookkeeping • Income Tax • Notary

WE COME TO YOU!

Schedule of Services

Acknowledgments & Jurats $10 per signature Mortgage Documents $150 per set Mobile Notary Service $1 per mile

Sandy Anderson

Notary Public Certified Signing Agent

Greg Anderson

Mobile Notary Public Certified Signing Agent

Call For Appointment 765-7665 Sandy 577-6790 • Greg 577-6032

Miller’s Direct Beauty Supply Outlet

510 Center Street

763-5445

Tuesday - Friday 10am-7pm Saturday 10am-3pm Always the Best Deals 3 for $1 Sidewalk Sale Saturday 10am-4pm

Visit Our New Website! taftindependent.com

Passion For Nails Nail Services:

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

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

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save you money on quality jewelry!

Personal Style

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

TRICK or TREAT

Acme Jewelry will be closed on Tuesdays when Ray is in LA. Please call first 763-5451 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

Angela

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

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

SAN JOAQUIN BSacPkETCoIASLchSo!ol 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)

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. Sept. 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!

All Hard Bound books, Cookbooks & VHS Tapes Only $.25!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

October 7 - 13, 2011

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

News Briefs.......................3 Westside Watcher............4

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

Letters To The Editor....4

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!

Westside News.................5

End of Times Gallery Fall Art Classes

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

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.

Westside News.................7 Community Voices..........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

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.

Taft ARC Barbeque Saturday, October 8th The Taft ARC will be holding a BBQ on Saturday, October 8th from 11am to 2pm at the Taft ARC, located at 204 Van Buren St. $10 a plate and includes tri tip, salad, beans, roll, drink and dessert. Lunch ticket includes a drawing for Harris Ranch Meat Basket. Raffle tickets for other prizes 6 tickets for $5 or $1 each.

TUHS Class of 1971 Reunion Dance Saturday, October 15th 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.

Oktoberfect October 21-23 Oktoberfest is comingto 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 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.

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

Best Of Taft 2011 It’s that time of year again, we are so proud to announce our 5th annual Best of Taft readers poll revealing what you, our readers, consider to be the top businesses, organizations, nonprofits and people in your community! But first, you need to fill out this ballot (on page 5). It has to be at least 30 percent filled out to be counted.

Make your marks, then drop it off or mail it to us by Friday, October 14th. The Taft Independent will announce the winners on Friday, October 21st. You won’t want to miss it, and we don’t want to miss your input!

One ballot per person, please. All submitted ballots must be at least 30 percent completed. If mailed, no more than two ballots are allowed per envelope.

And if dropped off, no more than two ballots may be delivered by one person.

And please, no photocopies. Drop your ballot by our office or mail to 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268.

McCarthy Announces Mobile Office Hours for October On Wednesday, October 12, a Field Representative for Congressman Kevin McCarthy will hold office hours in Taft.

“Hearing from members of the community helps me better serve you in Washington, and mobile office hours provide a great opportunity for you to share any concerns and comments directly with my staff ” said Congressman McCarthy.

“You can also receive assistance from my office on any number of issues, including help with federal agencies. I encourage people to come out and participate this month.”

Office hours will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at the Taft College Library located at 29 Emmons Park Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Local Contact: Vince Fong, District Director for Congressman McCarthy (661) 327-3611. Congressman McCarthy’s Website: http://www.kevinmccarthy.house.gov

Taft Farmers Market Thursdays 5pm - 7pm

5th Street Plaza October 13th is the Last Market of the season!

Fruits, Vegetables, Fish, Plants, Herbs, Arts, Crafts and more!

For more information please contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 765-2165 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 ribeye 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.

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 Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide 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

Taft Community Correctional Facility To Close November 14th More than 40 Correctional Officers and Staff to Be Laid-Off

By Michael Long, Publisher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

October 7 - 13, 2011

Taft City Council Update

By Kent Miller The city has a whole new set of user and regulatory fees, approved after a public hearing at Tuesday’s meeting of the Taft City Council.

Some of the fees were raised, a few lowered and some stayed the same. But none can exceed the estimated cost of providing the service for which they were levied, according to the resolution passed by the council to revise the fees.

The fee structure analysis was developed by the Temecula-based firm of NBS, which examined 210 city service areas in planning, building, public works, police, code enforcement, animal control, administrative, and park and facility rental.

“The ... analysis identified significant under-recovery in each of the city’s current building fees,” NBS reported. “The current costrecovery level for the majority of building fees ranges between 25 percent and 40 percent.”

Most of the fees – 152 – were raised, while 15 were decreased, 19 “either increased or decreased depending on individual applicant/project characteristics,” 19 remain unchanged and five were added, according to NBS’ report to the council.

The city has been operating on a fee structure updated in 2007, which primarily modified planning and zoning, and public works engineering fees, NBS reported.

“The cost of service analysis conducted in this study revealed that the majority of fees currently imposed by the city recover less than the city’s full cost of performing the fee-related service or activity,” NBS stated.

“There were three primary phases of analysis used throughout this cost of service study: ... cost of service analysis, ... cost of recovery evaluation, (and) ... fee establishment.”

Highlights of the new fee structure include: * Initial review of site plan, old zero, new $90; * Design review of site plan, old $100, new $210; * Plan review for temporary sign, old $150, new lowered to $45; * Zone variance, homeowner application for an existing dwelling, old $900, new lowered to $150; * CEQA negative declaration, old $500, new billed per hour with a minimum of $3,900.

Some fees which could impact the average Taft resident include: * Fingerprinting, old $10, new $29 plus pass-through of outside agency costs; * Concealed weapon carry permit, old $28, new $58 plus outside agency costs; * Accident-related police report, old $11, new decreased to$9; * False-alarm response, old zero, new zero for first three in a calendar year, then $50 per response; * License for altered dog, old $5, new $6; * Animal impound, first violation, old $65, new decreased to $37; * Impounded-animal food and care per day, old $5, new $6.

Paik’s

Special guest DJ Larry Disney will be playing some great tunes at 8pm Friday, October 8th

Ranch House Restaurant

Come on down for a great dinner, great drinks and great people and stay and enjoy some of the best DJ music at 8pm

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

“Where Everybody Meets”

The Taft Community Correctional Facility will be closed down

by November 14th, forcing the city to lay-off more that 40 correctional officers and staff.

According to Taft City Manager Bob Gorson, the state funded correctional facility, which houses up to 512 inmates and employs more than 40 correctional officers and staff, will close because a contract between the city and the state to house inmates will expire.

“We’re shutting down the facility, pending approval by the city council,” said Gorson. “The facility will be empty by November 30th.”

State officials have cited early release parole programs which allow the release of low-security inmates back into communities, as well as several budget cuts that have forced the state to end the contracts.

Gorson said that the city council will hear a proposal from staff for severance packages for correctional officers and staff on October 18th. More than 40 personnel would be affected Gorson said.

Gorson said that the city is in negotiations with several Southern California Counties to house county inmates and keep the facility open. However, he said that the soonest that the prison might receive new prisoners would be next March.

Gorson said that the city would make every effort to rehire the corrections officers if the city reopens the facility.

Letters to the Editor Congrats Cowboy Carson Wranglers jeans...$26.99, cowboy hat...$29.99, western boots...$49.99, the look on a child’s face after winning his first rodeo event...priceless!

For the second year in a row, 5 year old, Carson Rodart competed in the Great Kern County Fair Jr Rodeo. This year stepping up to the age group of 5 through 8 year olds. On Saturday, October 1st, Carson participated in 4 events which include, dummy roping , stick horse racing, goat tail untying, and dummy cow milking. Taking 1st place in the dummy cow milking, Carson won his first trophy! Later in the day Carson was “BRIBED”, into gearing up to join in on some muttin bustin! Although he only held on for about 3 second, not long enough to qualify for finals, he did a great job! Mom and dad are so proud of him for taking part in such a thrilling sport! Watch out National Finals Rodeo and PBRA, here comes Cowboy Carson!

Subscribe for home delivery of the Taft Independent today!

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

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!!

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________________________________

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

765-6915

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

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 7 - 13, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

The Taft Independent Best of Taft 2011

What’s your favorite Restaurant? Who makes the best pizza?

The best Burger? Or, what is your favorite business?

The Independent is seeking your vote for the Best of Taft 2011.

Submit your nomination and vote today for the following categories or make up one of your own.

Vote your choice for The Best of Taft 2011 Best Pizza_____________________________________________________ Best Mexican Restaurant ________________________________________ Best Burger____________________________________________________ Best Coffee ____________________________________________________ Best Breakfast _________________________________________________ Best Restaurant, Period __________________________________________ Best Meal for your Money_________________________________________ Best New Business/Company ______________________________________ Best Salon ____________________________________________________ Best Stylist ____________________________________________________ Best Mechanic or Auto Body Shop _________________________________ Best Health Club/ Gym __________________________________________ Best Teacher/Professor ___________________________________________ Best Sales Clerk ________________________________________________ Best Waitress __________________________________________________ Best Tourist Destination (What brings people to Taft)__________________ Best Property Management Firm/Real Estate Agent ____________________ Best Bank/Credit Union _________________________________________ Best Local Band ________________________________________________ Best Convenience Store __________________________________________ Best Place to Pamper you Pets/Groomer/Grooming_____________________ Best Customer Service/Friendliest Staff______________________________ Best Person/Place for Home Improvements ___________________________ Best Place to People Watch _______________________________________ Best Non Profit Organization______________________________________ Best Community Event ___________________________________________ Best Elected Figure ______________________________________________ Best Community Volunteer_________________________________________ Best Law Enforcement Professional__________________________________ Create Your Own Category. Best____________________________________ Best of Taft Rules: Submit your nominations to the Taft Independent on this official form. Mail this form to our office located at 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 or drop in our door mail slot, or fax the form to 765-6556. Nominations will only be accepted on this form.

DEADLINE to file your form is Friday, October 14th, 2011 WINNERS will be announced on Friday, October 21st, 2011.

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

The Arc, Serving People With Disabilities

ARC-Taft is a non-profit agency providing services to adults with developmental disabilities. ARC has been providing services to these special citizens of the Westside since 1952. The program was started by a group of parents with special needs children. At that time there were no services on the Westside for their children and they did not consider placing them in an institution an option. These pioneers, with a strong support group of friends and family members, founded the Westside Training Center in the building that is next door to the Girl Scouts of America. In the

early 1960’s the program moved to its current location at 204 Van Buren Street. Our focus is to develop and increase the independent living skills of our clients.

We provide a wide array of services.

Some of these services include: reading, writing, learning our phone numbers and addresses, budgeting, grocery shopping, cleaning house (yuck), and cook- MaryAnn Hagstrom awarding a trophy to Sharon Wright for selling the most BBQ tickets ing (yum). ARC to the Taft ARC BBQ, Sharon has sold the has a transportation program that most tickets for the last five years. provides services to and from our day program and medical appointments. Training is provided during our day program, which runs Monday through Friday 8-2, and to individuals living in their own homes.

Our community has always been very supportive and generous to those we serve and of our fundraising efforts. As is the case for a majority of non-profit organizations fund-raising is a necessity.

We will be hosting our annual Octoberfest barbecue this Saturday, October 8th. The event is held at the ARC 204 Van Buren Street from 11-2pm. Tickets are $10 each and include a chance to win a meat basket. We are also selling raffle tickets, 6 for $5. We have numerous raffle prizes donated by a variety of generous vendors from our community and 4 tickets to the UCLA vs Colorado football Continued on Page 11

Meet Your Westside Public Servants, Kim Fields, TUHS Campus Supervisor

By Nicole Frost

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 10-11-11 thru 10-15-11)

Tues.

10-11-11 Lunch

Chicken Philly

$8.95

Tues.

10-11-11 Dinner

BBQ Beef Ribs

$10.95

Wed. 10-12-11 Lunch

Charbroiled Chicken Burger

$9.95

Wed. 10-12-11 Dinner

Roast New York

$12.95

Thurs.

10-13-11 Lunch

Hot Beef Sandwich

$8.95

Thurs.

10-13-11 Dinner

BBQ Pork Ribs

$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full

$13.95/ $15.95

Fri. 10-14-11 Lunch

Hot Turkey Sandwich

$8.95

Fri. 10-14-11 Dinner

$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

Prime Rib

$15.95/ $18.95

Sat. 10-15-11 Dinner

Pot Roast with Veggies $10.95

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

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

NOW ACCEPTING

KERN FAMILY HEALTH CARE

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

October 7 - 13, 2011

Kim Fields “He bleeds blue and gold,” commented junior Julia Laguna about one of Taft High’s friendliest and most spirited employees.

Kim Fields, Taft High’s Campus Supervisor, has been “bleeding blue and gold” for the last 11 years.

“I started out in gardening,” said Fields. “I’ve been Campus Supervisor for ten years.”

Fields was born and raised in Taft and he graduated from Taft High in 1983. Originally aspiring to be a mortician, Fields is happy to have found his current occupation.

“I have the job of a lifetime,” said Fields. “I’m happy and I want to be the best supervisor ever!”

I asked a few kids around campus what they thought of Fields, and they all gave me similar answers.

“He inspires me to be nice to other people,” said senior Daisy Guitron.

Fields has been married to Gina, who is also a Taft High employee, for 25 years and they have two children together.

“She was the only girl I ever dated,” said Fields.

Although he doesn’t have one specific day that he thinks is the most memorable, Fields lives to see kids change their path from good to bad.

“It makes me want to show up tomorrow,” said Fields.

Whether he’s supervising a dance, chaperoning a field-trip, helping a new student find his classes, or just patrolling the campus with a smile, Fields loves what he does almost as much as the students love him.

“I have a job that was designed for me,” said Fields “I can honestly say that I work to provide a safe environment at school for the greatest kids in the world!”

October 7 - 13, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Taft College Foundation Presents Houchin Blood Bank October Second Annual Cougar Rib-Eye Donor of the Month, Randy Miller Cookout 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. Beverages will be available for sale, including beer & wine, as well as sodas. Water will be complimentary.

Once again we are fortunate to have as our event sponsor TRC Operating Company, Inc. As with a last year, a special feature of the evening will be a salute to our local veterans, who will be our special guests for the evening.

There will be 150 tickets available to veterans and their spouses on a first come first serve basis.

Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students/children, and may be obtained by calling 661.763.7952. In addition, you may purchase tickets at the Taft College Student Services Cashier, Administration Office, 29 Emmons Park Drive, Taft, CA. This year, with the renovation of the IT Building, the parking lot configuration in front of the Student Services/Administration Building was changed. There are now four (4) twenty (20) minute loading zone spaces, to expedite a quick entry and exit for ticket purchase and pick-up.

The public is cordially invited to attend!

You would expect the Mayor of Taft, California to be a tremendous booster for his community, but Randy Miller also likes to promote the importance of blood donation. Randy has more than 7 gallons to his credit, and likes to give “double reds” on the Trima machine at the blood bank in Bakersfield.

He finds the less frequent appointments netting the same units to help others fits his busy schedule.

Randy likes to tell people: Randy and Ginny Miller “Someway, somehow, somewhere, people you know will need blood. It just takes a little of your time to see that it is available when needed”. The meaning of this hit home with him personally when his mother recently needed blood to save her life.

Randy retired as a Social Services Supervisor with the Kern County Department of Human Services after 15 years then worked as the Executive Director of the Taft Chamber of Commerce until December 2009. He has served as Mayor of Taft since 2010. He and his wife of 37 years, Ginny, have two children, Andrew 23, and Melissa 26. They enjoy RV camping, and Randy recently completed a 500 mile loop of the Central Coast on his Gold Wing motorcycle with a buddy.

The Mayor is justifiably proud that Taft does its part to contribute to Kern County’s blood supply. Taft Community drives provided 290 units in 2010. We appreciate Randy’s commitment to the Trima program and his ongoing efforts to convince others to save lives through blood donation.

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 8th

$10.00

ALL YOU CAN EAT Pork Ribs, Bratwurst, Sour Kraut, Red Potatoes and Salad NO TO GO’s Starts at 5pm Until Gone $1.50 Domestic Drafts 5pm Until Close

8

Community Voices

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Muzzling Ministers and the Constitution

By Dr. Harold Pease Freedom Sunday, held Oct. 2, is now over. This was the Sunday when 539 ministers throughout the United States defied the IRS and federal government and did at least three things in common in their Sunday sermons. They identified where the candidates stood on the issues, what the Bible says on these issues, and where a follower of Jesus Christ should stand. Their followers, of course, are left to make their own decisions, but the clergy is no longer silent. The following day they mailed a recorded copy of their sermon to the IRS; all the evidence that is needed to deny their 501C3 tax exemption status.

Standing by to defend three first amendment rights, that of freedom of speech, religion, and even assembly, is a group of 2500 attorneys united under the Alliance Defense Fund should the federal government wish to enforce the previously constitutionally uncontested Lyndon Baines Johnson Amendment initiated in 1954. Thirty-three pastors successfully did this in the year 2008, 84 in 2009, and 100 in 2010 with no retribution. In fact, no church’s tax exemption status has been taken away for having done so in the 57 years the amendment has been in place.

Proponents encourage other ministers to follow their Pulpit Freedom Movement by going to www.speakupmovement. org or by phoning 1-800-telladf. Consider the over-the-pulpit political statements made by Martin Luther King, Jr., Jessie Jackson or even Jeremiah Wright.

The ministers argue that the Johnson Amendment which resulted in the tax exemption legislation known as 501C3, wherein tax exempt organizations cannot endorse or oppose candidates, was actually designed to deal with two businessmen in Texas who had used tax exempt money to oppose the future President Johnson, and that the legislation was never intended to be used on churches. Whether that is so or not, the IRS viewed it so and constantly threatens to apply it. The effect has been to “silence and chill the pastors.” At election time pastors frequently receive a letter reminding them that they can lose their 501C3 status should they make political statements as a pastor.

The movement demands a return to pre-1954 when there was no government censorship on the pulpits of America at all, whether left or right on the political spectrum—true separation of church and state. Both persuasions should have pulpit freedom.

Is this activity constitutional? Absolutely!! It is an American tradition. Many of the Founding Fathers were clergymen and used their pulpits before and after the American Revolution to foster a better understanding of liberty. The Constitution only denies the requirement of a religious test “as a qualification to any office of public trust under the United States.”

The First Amendment also specifically denies Congress from making any “law respecting an establishment of religion.” Any attempt to muzzle the clergy is unconstitutional.

The urgency of the ministers picking up their traditional role as a conscience of the culture is critical for the saving of the culture. Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Beltville, Maryland said it best. “In the next decade or so what America will be for the next few hundred years, I believe, will be decided.” Speaking directly to his clergy colleagues he continued, “Would you want to be someone who stood by and did nothing and had no voice in changing America for good, that lives through years of regret that you did nothing when you could have spoken out? Or, will you be someone, no matter how small your congregation is, or how large your congregation is, that will take up the challenge to follow Christ and endure momentary discomfort in trying to figure out how to articulate the message? That is a little price to pay for the benefit that we can bring to the entire culture.”

No pastor should fear the IRS. Clergy, it is your constitutional right and responsibility to speak boldly and clearly on any subject that you think important. If not you, who? If not now, when? Your government has muzzled you with fear and intimidation. Remember parishioners came to you for guidance. A good Shepherd will give it to them. Clergy who were unable to participate October 2, are invited to do so on another Sunday. Again, who will speak if the church is silent? After all, it’s about your liberty, please pass this along.

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

Taft College Awarded $10 Million In Grants From The United States Department Of Education On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, Taft College will hold a Press Conference to celebrate the awarding of two grants from the United States Department of Education; $870,000 per year in an Individual Development Grant and $1.2 Million per year in a Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant for five years. These grant monies are part of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Articulation program authorized under section 371 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) to assist Hispanic Serving Institutions to develop and carry out activities to improve and expand their capacity to serve Hispanic and other low-income students.

Taft College, located in the western Kern County part of the San Joaquin Valley of central California, is a two-year public Hispanic serving community college with a critical and difficult mission to attract and increase the number of Hispanics choosing STEM majors while providing increased support to ensure successful outcomes, retention and degree completion.

Taft College is the only institution of higher education in a 45-mile radius and the only avenue to education for students in an expansive service area, which is undergoing dramatic demographic and economic change and, which by most measures, is severely underserved educationally.

Engineers are critically needed and through this project, Taft College and its partners, CSU Bakersfield and the University of La Verne, will combine expertise and resources to address the critical need for well-trained Science Technology Engineering and Math specialists locally and regionally to service the energy/oil and agricultural industries that are becoming increasingly dependent upon technology and require technology literate employees.

The official program will begin at 10:30 a.m. with light refreshments immediately following.

The public is cordially invited to attend.

Visit Us Online Taftindependent.com

October 7 - 13, 2011

From The Mayor Hi Everyone, Fall is starting to arrive at our footsteps. A few early thunderstorms may have a given us a portent of what may lie ahead in the coming months.

Thunderstorms are a little scary as the lightning strikes seem to come frightening close and have caused a number of fires in the local mountains that has cost us precious manpower, dollars, and resources not to mention a hit on our air quality.

The cooling rainstorm we just experienced cleans the air, knocks the dust off, and gives us spectacular views of our local mountains. Plus, that soaking rain trickles down into our aquifers to replenish our precious water resources. This storm seemed to be a little early as we don’t normally experience rain until November. The wetter and colder it gets, it brings the dreaded Tule Fog that much sooner. Be careful out the there when you are driving in the wet, cold fog as you need to slow down to save your life and maybe mine.

Hope you have noticed all the drilling activity going on especially in the Honolulu Hills area. I don’t know all the specifics of what is happening, all I know that when you see a drilling mast up in the air you put a number of contractors to work: grading, rat hole diggers, gravel packers, mud suppliers, electricians, service rigs, cementers, drill bit suppliers, diesel suppliers, vacuum trucks, and on and on. To outsiders and the uniformed those towers of light in the night sky doesn’t look like much but those drilling rigs are stirring the economy in the right direction. We all know that the oil companies make money at $50 to $70 per barrel of oil but when they are making a 100 bucks a barrel it is time to spend some of that excess and that is exactly what they are doing. The $100 price has been sustained for quite some time so it is nice to see new projects going up like the one by OXY on Midway Road. All we can hope for in the City of Taft, is that those contractors and oil company folks are using local people; that they are spending money at our local gas stations, suppliers, and restaurants; and that this is not a fluke but a sustained effort to get more of our oil out of the ground to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Hopefully, the Department of Oil and Gas will come to their senses and start working with the industry that they regulate as they have in the past rather than trying to stifle new production and throw up road blocks to a vital driver of California’s economy. Black Gold !! Bring it on.

The City of Taft is working on our Veterans Park Monument area and I think you will be truly impressed when you see the final product. City maintenance crews are painstaking taking their time to make us even more proud and patriotic as we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom that we all enjoy in this great nation of ours. I have been assured that we will be ready to go on Veterans Day this coming November 11th. We’ll keep you informed as to the details as they become available. Just mark your calendar now to join us.

The Taft ALL Star Band, made up of Lincoln Jr. High and TUHS band members, has finally reached their fundraising goal of $53,000; so they are on their way to Washington DC on Nov 6th. where they will be catching up with their luggage and band equipment courtesy of a Wal-Mart truck heading that way a week earlier. They were very proud and thankful to report all the funds they raised came from the Westside. The kids worked very hard on this project and were awed by the generosity of so many people. The Taft community does support its own; they have now learned a valuable lesson about being part of a caring community. Hopefully, they will play it forward in their lives. Good luck and make us all proud while you are in our nation’s capital.

As I get older, I realize that there are fewer of my love ones around me. As the baby boomers are getting older (I was born in 45), we are losing more and more of our relatives. My grandparents and all my aunts and uncles are gone now as is my father. All the adults I knew as a kid growing up in Taft are no longer here.

My mom is now the matriarch on the two sides of our family. The realization is setting in that I am quickly rising to the top of the family tree or the bottom, depends on your prospective. I am now that adult I looked up to. It doesn’t seem like I am and sometimes I probably don’t act like it, but to all my second cousins I and my other first cousins we are it. We all are those old folks. Although I am not fretting about my age, this realization just seems strange at this stage of my life. Probably what I am hinting at is seek out those aunts, uncles, and grandparents because they may not be around when you get around to wanting to sit down and talk to them. Their past is your history and it makes you who you are today. There is a saying from my high school year book I like to pass on to people it goes like this : “All the great men are dead now and I’m not feeling well myself.”

I’d appreciate hearing from you. Sometimes I wonder if you enjoy my meanderings or not. If you have an idea or thought or a suggestions for my little column, let me know. I am grateful for the opportunity to reach out to you. I love Taft, hopefully you do too. If someone asks you where Taft is, do what I do, tell them “We are located 7 miles north of Maricopa”. Let’em figure that out.

Randy Miller Your Proud but Humble Mayor

October 7 - 13, 2011

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Crude

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

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

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

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

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Marketing is important to your business. The Taft Independent has marketing opportunities for every budget, large or small. By advertising in the Taft Independent, you will reach over 7,500 potential customers every week. To make a small budget go a long way, call us today at 765-6550

ADS STARTING AT

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508 Center Street or email taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

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

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!

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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.

Business Services COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

weekly home and business deliveries.

CDL and Insurance Required. Experience Preferred.

Incentive Based Compensation.

Call 765-6550

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY If interested in vendor space at 428 Center Street please call Jane 765-9470.

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

Yard Sale. Sat. Oct 8th.

8am - ? 717 Polk St. Halloween and Xmas items, much more.

Sat 602 Grant Terrace 8am. Oak ent. center, drum set, battery operated Jeep, 2 TV’s, school clothes.

201 8th St. Heritage Park Club House Sat 7am-12pm. Lots of stuff.

1210 Williams Way, multi family. Furn., crib/ youth bed, formals, suits, misc. Sat. 7am1pm 427 1/2 A. Street.

Saturday & Sunday.

Floor buffer, organ, household items, bar stools.

Couches, recliners, mattresses, end tables, baby stuff, misc.

Saturday and Sunday 7am-12pm. 427 B St. Yard sale Saturday 10/15 8am-12pm.

212 Jackson St. TV, furniture, musical instruments.

Get It Rented!!

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line!

Call Today (661)765-6550

Welding truck for rent, like new, Ford diesel w/ cat diesel welder 7454177

Employment Wanted HELP WANTED CITY OF TAFT PART-TIME TRANSIT OPERATOR $13.20/hour Under general supervision operates a transit vehicle up to and including a 20 passenger bus. The system is a Dial-ARide and Fixed Route service. Candidate must be dependable and able to work varied shifts including splitshifts and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications - High School diploma or GED certificate.

Must possess a State of California Class B Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement and will be required to obtain a General Public Paratransit Vehicle (GPPV) operator certificate.

Application Process: Application and job description may be obtained at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, or www.cityoftaft. org. Final Filing Date: 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2011.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of application. Postmarked applications will not be accepted. EOE. The Taft Indepenent is looking for a part-time individual to solicit subscriptions and make

WANTED

FOUND PETS PETS

For Sale FOR SALE Pickers Buy & Sell 428 Center Street. Tools, Furniture, Household, Collectables.

Sofa Brown microfiber high back, like new $300. Ab-Lounge Sport $50 203-0277 1 chair-recliner, 10” table saw, router & table 30 gal air tank.

Engine stand, oxygen & actylene, gauges w/ tanks & cart. Elect motors misc power tools 765-2444.

MOTORCYCLES AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock

MOBILE HOMES

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

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.

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!

room, 2 baths, pool, lg garage, spa, spacious kitchen. $135,000.

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.

HOMES FOR SALE Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase 114 Franklin $40K (Contingent) 106 Lee St 3bed 2 bath $129,500 Wondering how buying a house works? Set an appointment with Karri to watch a FREE video on the process.

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 TWO HOUSES AVAILABLE NOW. 1/1 cottage with fully fenced yard and covered, off-street parking. $490/m. 3/1 remodeled house downtown on double lot, lrg LR, lndry. $690/m.

Mark King 805-6894122.

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

APART. FOR RENT

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list or drop by the office. ____________________

MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

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

106 E. Warren. 2 bed-

Creekside Apartments.

October 7 - 13, 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

Plumbing • Septic • Roto-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

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.

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.

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street

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

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Lot for a Little

Marketing is important to your business. The Taft Independent has marketing opportunities for every budget, large or small. By advertising in the Taft Independent, you will reach over 7,500 potential customers every week. To make a small budget go a long way, call us today at 765-6550

ADS STARTING AT

$

10

PER WEEK

508 Center Street or email taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

October 7 - 13, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs First Two California Fatalities From West Nile Virus in 2011

The Arc continued from Page 6

A 37-year-old man and an 86-year-old man, both from Kern County, are the first reported fatalities from West Nile virus (WNV) this year, Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health, announced today “These unfortunate deaths remind us of the potential danger from mosquito bites and West Nile virus,” Chapman said. To date in 2011, 88 human cases of WNV from 18 California counties have been reported. Last year 111 cases and six fatalities were reported.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – will develop serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Individuals 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms. Studies also show that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

Chapman said that the most effective way for individuals to prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus is to remember the “Four D’s”: 1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

2. DRESS – Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure to mosquito bites.

3. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes that carry WNV bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

4. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available from your local mosquito and vector control agency) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds and dead tree squirrels on the Web site or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

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

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

Annual Taft Chamber Golf Classic A Success

See our new Website taftindependent.com

Remember To Vote For Your Favorite Restaurant, Business and More for The Best of Taft 2011! Ballot On Page 5

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

Saturday, October 1, we had 160 players competing for the top spot in the 4 man scrambles Taft Chamber 10th annual golf tournament at Buena Vista Golf Course. Jason Johnson, Scott Anderson, Mike Yates, and Chris Skeels took home 1st place, winning $1,600 with a gross score of 54, 18 under par. The top 9 teams placed and won prize money as well as men and women’s long drive, pitching contest, and putting contest. Putting contest winner Ron Kilmer made the 10’ putt in the 4th round of semi-finals to win $200 and his 50’ putt for the $10,000 prize was a little short. Hector Aguilar won the pitching contest at 12¾” from the hole. The event was a great success, even if we were eating dinner in the dark! Next year, we hope you will participate in the tournament again and know we will be starting it a little earlier!

Thank you so much to all of our sponsors (Tumbleweed Café, State Farm: Kathy Herm, Oildale Tire Taft, Asian Experience, United Security Bank, Direct Safety Solutions, Taft College, Taft Midway Driller, Pizza Factory, Domino’s Pizza, Rotary Club, S&S Printing, Taft Independent, Fernando Amorteguy, Colston Construction, Accelerated Environmental Services, TRC, A+ The Employment Company, Volvo Rents, Huddleston Crane, General Production Services, TCI, Precision Bodyworks, Artz’s Liquor, Dave’s Glass Shop, Erickson & Brown, State Farm: Julie Franks, Baker Hughes, Conoco Philips, Syangro and Clariant Oil Services), to all of the volunteers (Zack Orrin, Carl Caldwell, Janet Miller, Carey Carpenter, Adele Ward, Tanner Leikam, the crew at A+ The Employment Company), to our Board Members, Orchel Krier, Bob Leikam, Michael Long, John Neumann, Dennis Schertz, to Chief of Police Ken McMinn, and of course our Event Coordinator, Shannon Jones, without all of their tremendous contributions and dedication, this tournament would not have been able to get off the ground.

Seniors! It’s Portrait Time!

Por que se van a Bakersfield?

Aqui estamos.

Servicios Rosy’s Closet

game in November. We will be serving tri-tip, salad, beans, rice, a roll, dessert, and a drink.

The salsa is made from tomatoes we grew in our garden and the dessert will be a peach cobbler from our trees. You might have sampled some of our produce at the Chamber’s Farmer’s Market on Thursday evenings this summer. Our garden also provides a beautiful setting for senior, wedding, or family portraits, for which donations are gladly accepted. This year we began renting our facilities. We have packages available for small and large groups. And we are willing to do our best to accommodate your needs.

The money raised through our fundraisers goes toward field trips and activities planned for our clients. ARC clients are citizens of Taft and enjoy attending and participating in numerous community events We are avid Taft High supporters of their sporting events and cultural programs and enjoy a tasty lunch now and then at the Maricopa Tea Room.

We would like to thank our community friends for the support and look forward to seeing you and your appetite this Saturday at our barbecue.

Nuestro Personal Amable

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

Free Clothing Changes, Unlimited package poses & 24 Extra Wallets *offer only available with this coupon limit one coupon per package

Now offering “inspired” portraits, as unique as you are.

CALL NOW 763-5429

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

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 7 - 13, 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