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Independent The Taft

November 1 - 7, 2013

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

November 1 - 7, 2013 • Volume 8 Issue 17

“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

Saturday November 9th 5 p.m.

All You Can Eat Prime Rib, BBQ Chicken, Red Potatoes & Salad $12.00 Per Person Starts at 5:00 pm until gone!

No To Go’s

$1.50 Domestic Drafts 5:00pm to Close

New Creations Nail Salon Opens on 6th Street

Ten Percent Firearms

TUHS Students Attend Future

Farmers of America Greenhand Leadership Conference in Wasco

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

November 1 - 7, 2013

Shop Taft

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

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save youFine money on •quality Jewelry Candles jewelry!

• Gifts

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

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style Salon and Boutique

WatchWatch Batteries Batteries

Replaced

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Most $4.00 Some $8.00

Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Black Gold Brewing Company

Let’s Go Shopping!

An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Check out our weekly new arrivals.

Debuting Our

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

Inside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700 915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Sale Sale Sale

on Smartphones We Now Repair iPhones, Galaxy S3, Computers, Sterios and TV’s Visit us at our Two Locations 1016 6th St. 610 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 Taft, CA 93268 661-745-4855 661-745-4954

acme jewelry co.

Now Serving Our Original

25 Hill Blonde Ale Smashing Pumpkin Ale Halloween Eve Thursday, October 31st

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Ten Percent Firearms

Fall Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Blue Jeans & Bling

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

Elaine Arnold, Owner Pedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing Dee Morgan, Esthetician Facials Waxing and Microdermabrasion

Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes Children’s Jeans & Shirts

Samantha Hagstrom Massage Therapist European and Hot Stone Prenatal Massage

Monday - Friday 11am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Host a party 401 Center Street Visit us on Facebook sales@bluejeansandbling.com

763-9100

510 6th Street, Ste. A - Taft (661) 765-2335

November 1 - 7, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 News.................................11 Shop Taft........................12

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

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.

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Chamber Annual Trout Fishing Derby November 16 Saturday, November 16, 2013, the Taft Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Trout Fishing Derby at Buena Vista Lake Evans. Prizes in each age group will be awarded with a $1,000 grand prize awarded to the fisherman who catches the heaviest Trout, with a chance to win $20,000 for matching a pre-determined weight.

Beginning at 6 a.m., registered participants may fish until 2 p.m., with awards being given out at 2:15 p.m. All fishermen must bring their fish to the weigh station to get weighed to be eligible for prize money. “This is a great family event with a chance to catch some large fish and win money,” Event Coordinator Shannon Jones said.

Anglers of all ages are invited to compete in the Derby. Adults are $20, children 13 and under are $10. Enrollment forms may be obtained from the Taft Chamber Office, 400 Kern Street in Taft, and in Bakersfield at Bob’s Bait Bucket, 2131 S. Chester Avenue, The Fishin’ Hole, 3400 Buck Owens Blvd, and Kern River Bait, 8011 Niles Street. Completed forms may be turned in early and registrations will be accepted at the gate. Contact the Taft Chamber at 661-765-2165 for more information.

The gates at Lake Evans open for the Derby at 6:00AM, on Saturday, the 16th, and fishing will continue until 2:00 p.m. All fishing laws will be observed, and no observers are allowed to enter during the Derby’s duration.

Registration will take place on site Saturday morning as well as Friday, November 15, from 5-8 p.m. outside the Shell station at the corner of Enos Lane & Highway 119. Wristbands are required for entry into Lake Evans.

West Side Recreation Vendor and Craft Show November 15 and 16, Vendors Sought Westside Recreation District will be hosting a VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW on Friday, November 15 (5:00-8:30 p.m.) and Saturday, November 16 (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.). Vendors and crafters of all types are welcome to participate. Fee is $40 per space (table/chairs included) and all items must fit within an 8’x10’ space. Registration will begin on Tuesday, August 13 at 8:30 a.m. in the District Office. To have more information emailed to you, please leave your email address in the comments below, send us a direct message, or email steph@wsrpd.com.

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.

acme jewelry co.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save you Fine money on quality Jewelry • Candlesjewelry!

• Gifts

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long Publisher@taftindependent.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Joan Raymond Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Dr. Harold Pease Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

F i n e

J e w e l r y

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

We Have Black Baggallini Handbags.

Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries

Paddyway Candles

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin The West Side Recreation and Park District Community Theater presents the musical Guys and Dolls at the Taft High School Auditorium. They are having four shows on Thursday November 14th- Saturday November 16th at 7pm and Sunday November 17th at 3pm. Adult tickets are only $7.00 and Children (3-12) and Seniors are only $5.00. Tickets are for sale at the door.

There is a Children’s Vaudeville Pre-Show. The Community Theater Crew works very hard to put on these great shows. Please save the date to attend at least one, if not all 4 great shows.

The Taft Fox Theatre and Westside Bowling Lanes are both open 7 days a week.

Monday Night Football at the Taft Petroleum Club. Doors open at 5pm.

The Westside Community Resource Center has started their 2013 Thanksgiving Food Drive. Call 765-7281 for donation info. Laborers of the Harvest and Taft Needs Center are also taking donations for the Holidays.

Tonight- 1st Friday Cruise Night. Starts at 6pm. Food, Drinks, Cruising, Friends, Music, Lions Club famous BBQ, bring a chair.

Taft High Football is at Home. Bobcats kickoff at 5pm. Wildcats kickoff at 7:30. Go WILDCATS! Saturday- Lions Club BBQ at Waldrops Auto Parts, 601 Kern Street at 11:30am.

JFL All Star Game at the Taft High Football Stadium. B Team starts at 4pm, A Team will follow.

Wednesday- Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner is at 7:30.

Save the Date for these Future EventsNovember 8th: Taft High Football at Home vs. Kennedy. Bobcats Kickoff @ 5, Wildcats Kickoff @ 7pm.

November 9th: Golden Empire 4H Turkey Shoot/BBQ at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club. Sign up at 9am. BBQ from 11-2pm.

November 14-16: The WSRPD Community Theater presents Guys & Dolls at 7pm. November 17th at 3pm at the Taft High Auditorium. Tickets only $7 for adults, $5 for children.

November 15: Craft Fair at the Rec from 5:00 – 8:30 pm November 15th-17th: Taft Longhorns Travel Baseball Team Tournament at Franklin Field. Contact Les Clark for Vendor information.

November 16th: Craft Fair at the Rec from 8:30 – 3:00 Taft Chamber Trout Derby from 6:00 am-2:00 @ Lake Evans (BV) Taft Toys for Tots Toy Run. Starts at the Taft Petroleum Club and ends at BV Roadhouse. Registration begins at 8am, ride starts at 10am. Vehicles welcome. Please donate for the kids!

Taft Camera Club 80th Anniversary at the West Kern Oil Museum. 1-3:30.

Slide show and refreshments.

November 30th: Taft Shooters Challenge 2013 (Geocaching/Shooting Event) at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club at 7am. Registration is $40.00 for 1 -4 Team Members December 2nd Taft Christmas Parade December 6th: 1st Friday of the Month Christmas Cruise Night on Center Street. Starts at 6pm.

December 7th: Kern Trail Riders Horseshoe Tournament at the Taft Petroleum Club.

Soroptimist Luncheon and Home Tours This Wednesday is Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Doors open at 5pm. Dinner is at 7:30. Tickets are only $12.00. Dinner includes delicious meat, salad, beans, bread, dessert, door prizes, and 50/50. The November Sponsor is the great Asian Experience. The October Sponsor Accelerated Environmental, provided the best Industry Night since Oildorado 2010. Industry Night is a great way to advertise your Business and meet several people from around Kern County. To advertise your business, bring a gift and tape your business card to it. You do not have to be a Petroleum Club Member to attend Industry Night but they are accepting new members.

Come out to the oldest Petroleum Club in the USA, the Taft Petroleum Club.

Hand Made Obsidian Knives

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Hammonds Peanut Brittle

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

Tuesday November 5th, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

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.

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

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

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

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, November 01, 2013 through Thursday, November 07, 2013 Ender’s Game (PG-13) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 6:45, 9:00 Sun: (4:00), 6:15 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM Free Birds (PG) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 6:00, 7:45 Sun: (4:15), 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:00 PM Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (R) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 7:00, 9:10 Sun: (4:15), 6:10 Mon - Thu: 6:45 PM

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

October is Over I hope everyone in Taft is either at the Wildcat Game or Cruise Night tonight. We just had Red Ribbon Week in our Schools. I was very impressed with the Red Ribbon Rally that Taft City Schools had at Lincoln Jr. High. I hope everyone talked with their kids no matter what age about the dangers of drugs. Everyone has lost a friend or two from drugs. Once drugs catch you it is near impossible to get off them. Most of our crime going on is because of drugs. I have worked around thousands of addicts on the streets, Jails, and prison and it is tough for them to quit using drugs. Even if they really do want to get off drugs a large percentage can’t do it. Most of the people I know that successfully got off drugs for good did it through God. If you know someone who is serious about getting off drugs they need to start with a good Church and go from there. In the end we need to remember the old saying, “Just say No!” When thinking about youth programs, youth groups are first to come to mind. The other night the West Hills Church of the Nazarene Youth Group came by when they were reverse Trick or Treating. This was the first time I’ve seen reverse Trick or Treating. Instead of me giving them candy, they gave us yummy cookies. That was very nice of this great crew. I have always been impressed with Billy and Krista Long’s awesome Youth Group and now they got a few more bonus points. If you have a teenager I suggest you have them try the West Hills Youth Group. They are a great group of kids and young adults that are out and about in our community doing the right thing. They are a tight group that can lean on one another and in this world you need positive friends. West Hills also has a Kids Caravan for 1st to 5th graders. I absolutely loved my Youth Group Days at the First Baptist Church in Jr. High and High School.

Speaking of community, I went through the West Side Rec’s Haunted House a few times at the old Skate Escape last week.

It was a lot of fun and great to walk through the old Skate Escape where I use to spend lots of my time. It was amazing to see all the volunteers that helped make this great. There were little kids to adults working hard to either scare you or dance the night away. Everyone seemed to have a blast in there. No matter which way you look at it our Rec is doing a great job. I was excited when I heard they were having a Haunted House this year. They have not had one in a long time. I looked forward to the Rec Haunted House and Carnival every year when I was a kid.

Drive by the Rec and see the new “Oil Field” Whiffleball field that is being built. The Rec really does, “work hard so you can play!”

On a different note, I went to the amazing West Kern Petroleum Summit at Taft College a few weeks ago. It was a very educational event. Kern County is here because of Oil and this great event made me very proud of Taft. As always US Representative Kevin McCarthy spoke very well. Senator Jean Fuller was a very popular speaker and was excellent. They had several other Politicians and Big Guns from the Oil Industry. All of them were very impressive and made a lot of sense. With the Government shutdown recently and so many bad things happening it was nice to see Politicians speaking that I agree with. One of the best speakers of the day was Ann McElhinney. Ann really broke down the truth about Fracking. Google Ann when you get a chance, I wish we had more people out there like her. She is very honest and smart unlike so many others these days. I heard the Petroleum Summit is going to be held again in two years so if you missed it this round be sure to catch it next time.

That week with the Taft College Ribeye Cookout and the Petroleum Summit showed how much we need a nice Hotel in Taft.

I saw several old friends from out of town at both events. Several of them said the Caprice and Holland Inn were sold out and they would not stay in the others. All these people came for the Ribeye Dinner, and then drove to Bakersfield afterwards. The next morning they drove back to the Petroleum Summit then left afterwards.

Some live in Bakersfield and others came from everywhere and are

November 1 - 7, 2013

Taft Branch of Kern County Library & United Way of Kern County Offer Community Conversations on Education, Income & Health

United Way of Kern County is partnering with the Kern County Library to offer community conservations in the branch libraries countywide. Public libraries are the perfect place to bring people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives & build communities. Communities discover what they care about through conversation and can generate action for positive change. Local residents are invited to participate in these community conversations to build strong communities in the areas of education, income & health.

The Taft meeting will be held at the Taft Branch on Tuesday, November 5, at noon. Refreshments will be served.

Protect Your Family: Free Taft Safety Fair This Saturday

By Joan Raymond

Team Firestopper will host a free Safety Fair for Taft residents this Saturday, November 2.

Through the generous assistance of Ek Hills Occidental, the Red Cross will distribute FREE smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, surge protectors, disaster preparedness kits, and FREE lunches to attendees.

The American Red Cross Kern Chapter will hold the fair for 50 registered families living in Taft. There are still 15 spaces available. To register, please contact your local Red Cross chapter at (661) 324-6427.

Everyday Red Cross volunteers provide food, clothing, prescription medications, temporary shelter and other essentials for disaster victims of home fires. Occidental of Elk Hills, Inc. presents Team Firestopper though a generous donation encouraging Kern County residents to Be Red Cross Ready by taking three simple steps. Build a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.

The Fire Safety Fair will be held Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 from 11:00am – 1:00pm, at West Side Community Center, 500 Cascade Place, Taft, CA 93268.

staying in Bakersfield hotels. Almost all of them said they would love to stay in Taft if there was somewhere nice to stay.

A few years ago I took a trip to Stockton and stayed in a Hotel there. It was not fancy but nice. It had a nice pool and spa, sports bar, weight room, nice rooms, restaurant, huge lobby for socializing, and a big hall for events. It was across the Street from several nice shops, restaurants, bars, and much more. It would be nice if our new hotel was something like this. Taft does already have a nice weight room at the Rec and nice restaurants but we do need some more Restaurants here. Taft has Pizza Factory, Domino’s, Asian Experience, La Salsa, Hacienda, Vicente’s, and Mi Casita to just name a few. We have Pizza and Mexican Restaurants covered but we need some other kinds of restaurants as well. You can’t beat events at the beautiful Fort, the Rec, Taft Petroleum Club or the Catering at OT Cook House but it would be nice to have everything close. We lost our Taxi Service several years ago so several people do not go out because they can’t drive. We have so many wonderful things to offer but it seems that we are still missing a few critical pieces to the puzzle that may be coming in our near future.

When thinking about future opportunities the CCF always comes to mind. Once again it sounds like Los Angeles County has put one to us on the CCF deal. Hopefully things got settled this week and the CCF will be housing some of our finest criminals soon. The ball is still rolling for the Motel, RV Park, and Homes off Hillard Street. Rumor is all of these projects will be started in the next few months.

For many of us all we can do is wait and see what happens.

October is over and November is a new month so stay positive Taft!

John Swearengin

November 1 - 7, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

TUHS Honors Students of the Month

Sharp, Romero Accepted Into Regional Honor Choir

Four students at Taft Union High School have been honored as students of the month for September. They are: senior Brad Odom, junior Jen Rivera, sophomore Ruby Stith and freshman Kassandra Jackson. The students were selected by the Renaissance program, which promotes academics.

Brad, who also was a student of the month last November, was praised by his teachers in band, drama and English.

He is the drum major for the band and color guard and is “an excellent leader and an amazing musician learning to play trombone, baritone, trumpet, clarinet, piano and many percussion instruments,” band director Amanda Posey praised.

“Brad has a heart of gold,” Posey continued. “In the past four years, Brad has played in the drumline, school plays, jazz band, marching band and concert band. He is a brave, young man who cares for his classmates and works every day to encourage the band and guard to perform their best. At football games, he strives to combine the band, guard and cheerleaders in performance. He does a great job in the stands and really helps rev up the crowd. Brad uses his personal time to help with the band and drumline at Lincoln.”

“Brad has been in two of the school’s musicals and I’m sure he’ll participate this year too. He is always willing to help underclassmen and teach them the ropes,” drama teacher Kelly Morris added.

“Brad brings a dimension to my English class that would otherwise be somewhat limited. He is funny and engaging, and he keeps me and other students entertained. But he is also serious when he needs to be, doing his best even when he is struggling with the material. I respect him for this,” Kevin Hughes added.

“Jen (Rivera) is an amazing student. She comes in ready to get the job done, and produces exceptional work,” praised Mark Fitzsimmons, her graphic communications teacher.

“Playing at the No. 5 spot on the varsity tennis team, Jen has a record of 23-11 and qualified to participate in the Area (Kern County) Tournament,” coach Jim Carnal said. “She has really strived to improve this year and will probably be No. 1 or 2 next year. She is a really smart player, hitting alleys and taking steep angles for easy wins. She is a true scholar-athlete.”

“Every teacher wishes they had more students like Ruby Stith,” science teacher April Ashmore praised. “She is a hard worker and finds a good balance between her academics, athletics, and her social life. She has great style and is just her ‘own person’ which is a hard thing to be at her age.”

“Present Ruby with a challenge and you’ll see her eyes light up! This is a well-deserved award

Taft Union High School tenors Isaiah Sharp and Jordan Romero were accepted into the Central California Regional Honor Choir. The duo qualified to sing in the Central California Honor Choir Nov. 14-16 in Stockton. After three days of rehearsal, the choir will perform in front of the public in Stockton on Nov. 16.

Sharp is a senior; Romero a junior. Romero said of the Kern County tryout, singing in Italian at Bakersfield High’s Harvey Auditorium, was “nerve wracking. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I felt like I wasn’t going to make it at all. When I found out that I made it, I was in utter shock.”

Sharp also plays saxophone and plans to pursue a four-year degree by starting at Taft College. He said he is excited and glad to have the opportunity to represent Taft High.

For the audition in Bakersfield, the boys had to learn an Italian solo, sing some scales and triads, match pitch from memory, and sight-sing in order to qualify for the prestigious event, explained choir director Amanda Locke. Six Taft students auditioned for the regional state honor choir Photo by Jim Carnal Isaiah Sharp and Jordan Romero were accepted into the Central California Regional Honor Choir. for an outstanding person,” added Oil-Technology coordinator Ted Pendergrass.

Long-term drama substitute teacher Sarah Hamblin added, “Ruby is my niece. I can honestly say that she is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met, and I’m not being biased. I’m so proud of her.”

“Kassie ( Jackson) definitely deserves the award ... She is a conscientious student with a kind, outgoing personality who brightens my day when I see her every morning in my first-period class,” English teacher Stacy Lackey praised.

Agricultural science teacher Teresa Taylor added, “Kassandra has a great attitude, is always positive, kind and helpful to classmates and her teacher. She is usually smiling when not hard at work on her assignments.”

“She always has a smile on her face and loves to give high fives, and encouraging words to other students,” PE teacher Tanya Mauldin added.

Photo by Jim Carnal Taft High students of the month for November were: sophomore Ruby Stith senior Brad Odom, junior Jen Rivera and freshman Kassandra Jackson.

New Creations Nail Salon Opens on 6th Street

A new nail service salon, New Creations, has opened at 212 6th Street in downtown Taft. The Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau and the owner, Lorena Statler, celebrated the salon’s grand opening on Wednesday with guests, Chamber board members, and clients of the new salon. The salon offers acrylics, gels, rock stars and pedicures. For more information or an appointment, please call Lorena at (661) 623-4470.

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

November 1 - 7, 2013

Karen Mitchell Wins First Local Health Care Foundation Donates $6,000 To Place, Multiple Ribbons at Kern West Side Health Care District County Fair

By Joan Raymond Karen Mitchell only revealed to a few people she’d entered five pictures in this year’s Kern County Fair. It had been a while since she had submitted anything and didn’t want to make a big deal about it.

Mitchell didn’t even know the judging results until a friend called her husband Robert with the good news.

It turned out she had won several ribbons in the professional category: First Place, Best of Division and Sweepstakes for her abstract photograph of ashes on the wall of their home after a fire, First Place for her photograph of the charred remains of the family nativity set, and Honorable Mention for a portrait photograph. “I was so excited,” said Mitchell, “Last time I entered was 27 years ago in the amateur division.”

Mitchell, co-owner of KC Photography & Framing in Taft, had not even thought about the competition when she took the winning photos. When she saw how flames from their house fire from last March made ash patterns on the walls, she only wanted to capture the images. She also noticed unique changes in their nativity set, “The figures were charred and destroyed, but the cracks in the resin seemed to glow.” She said she took lots of pictures from several different angles because it was so striking. Later she used Photoshop to bring out the effects in each picture.

Always interested in photography, Mitchell was enrolled in Regional Occupational Program (ROP) photography in high school. She graduated in 1979, attended Taft College, and received a BA in Fine Arts from Fresno State. “It was my favorite subject. I took every photography class offered, and even took journalism classes to get more experience.” She worked at Henley’s in Bakersfield in the photo department for three years before opening her own business in Taft, June 1986.

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon Please join us Friday, November 1, 2013

LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC

with A STONES THROW featuring Jeff Simpson 7:00pm - 9:00pm (in Saloon)

CHEF’S SPECIALS: Petite Filet Mignon 6oz. Filet Mignon served w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables & topped w/ Veal Demi Glaze $15.95

The West Side Health Care Foundation, a local non-profit organization organized to support the West Side Health Care District presented a check for $6,000 to the district at a public hearing held at the Historic Fort last week. Dr. Washington (3rd from left) of the Taft Urgent Care thanked the foundation members for the donation which will be used to fund a patient computer processing system at the urgent care facility.

Along with her business, Mitchell also teaches at the high school level - ROP Retail Fashion Merchandising. Although she doesn’t currently teach photography she passes on her fine arts knowledge by showing her students how to use Photoshop. They use the program to manipulate images which are printed on mugs and sweatshirts and then sold in the student store.

While she’s at work Robert runs the business, plus he’s the framing and remodeling expert. They keep busy photographing special events such as weddings, class reunions, and commercial work.

One of her favorite subjects to photograph is high school seniors. “I use great lighting, washes, and backgrounds. I help them relax and feel comfortable, because when they feel good, they look good.”

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

Pot Roast Pot Roast is slow-cooked with onions, celery & carrots.

Served w/ Mashed Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables $10.95

Jalapeno Chicken Burger Chef ’s Special Creation served w/ Fries.

Freshly-ground Chicken & Jalapeno Patty served w/ Lettuce, Tomato, Swiss Cheese, Bacon & Mayo.

AND... smothered w/ Sauteed Jalapenos for that extra kick!!! $9.95

Lunch Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-2pm Dinner Hours: Tues-Sat 4-9pm Closed: Sunday and Monday www.otcookhouse.com find us on facebook 205 N. 10th Street 661.763.1819

765-1935 HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY NOON TO 9 P.M. SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS 10:00 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

100 E North St. Taft CA

Whether she’s looking at patterns of ashes, protruding mountains beyond the Taft landscape, or people at a special event, Mitchell sees everything differently though the lens of her camera. She likes to interpret her subjects in her own unique way, finding beauty where others might not notice.

“Once you learn how to see and appreciate details that might have previously not caught your eye, everything opens up.”

Mitchell’s award winning photographs: abstract photograph of ashes on the wall (left), and award winner for photograph of charred remains of a family nativity set (bottom left).

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

Senior Portraits Class of 2014 Fun and Easy

Free clothing change, multiple pose packages, yearbook photo Starting at $99 + Tax. Book now to purchase 16x 20 print for $27.00 with any package. Offer ends August 24th.

Have Camera, Will Travel. Call today for more details and appointment 763-5429.

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

November 1 - 7, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Chamber of Commerce Announces Post Card Contest

The Taft District Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Taft Camera Club, has announced their first Postcard Contest.

Taft citizens are encouraged to submit their best photos to the Chamber in any of the following categories: Oilfield/Oilfield Equipment, Scenery and Nature, People, Taft Oilworker Monument, Taft Landmarks/ Businesses, and Oildorado. The following age categories will be in force: Child (up to 11 years), Youth (12-18 years), Adult Amateur, Adult Professional, Historical (old photos, photographer unknown).

The contest officially opened Tuesday, October 29, and entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2013. Individuals may submit as many as five entries for the contest.

“We want to have postcards available in the Chamber Gift Shop that depict actual scenes and happenings in Taft. We felt this contest was the best way to get authentic pictures of Taft.” stated Kathy Orrin, Executive Director of the Taft Chamber.

Entry forms are available in the Chamber Office and in a few other locations around town. Each individual entry must be accompanied by a completed entry form.

The Taft Camera Club will serve as judges for the contest. Contest winners will have their pictures made into postcards which will be sold in the Chamber Gift Shop. Credit to the photographer will be given on the published postcards. Best in Show will be given $100 and a ride in a special car in the Taft Christmas Parade, December 2, 2013. The winners will be announced at the Taft City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, and televised on the local Taft Channel.

“We are excited to be able to show off our town and our talented photographers in this contest”, stated Orrin.

“These postcards will memorialize many of the things that are great about our town.”

Taft Opens Collection Sites for Christmas Project Taft Residents Packing Joy into Shoeboxes for Needy Children Overseas

With holiday supplies already covering the store shelves, Taft individuals, families, churches and groups are working to make Christmas a reality for needy kids around the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement. Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, is ramping up as Taft residents prepare to collect 690 gift-filled shoeboxes during National Collection Week (Nov. 18–25).

At these local collection sites in the Taft area, anyone can drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child overseas. Then using whatever means necessary—trucks, trains, boats, bikes and even elephants—the shoebox gifts will be delivered to children worldwide. For many children, the shoebox gift will be the first gift they have ever received.

New Hope Temple

308 Harrison

Taft, CA 93268 Operating Hours: Mon- Nov. 18 - Thurs- Nov. 21: 9 a.m.

- 1 p.m. Fri- Nov. 22- Sat- Nov. 23: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sun- Nov. 24: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Mon- Nov. 25: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

For more information regarding these collection locations, call 1-800-567-8580.

Though the shoebox gifts will often travel thousands of miles, Operation Christmas Child offers a way for participants to follow their box, by using the donation form found at samaritanspurse.org. Donors will receive an email telling the country where their shoeboxes are delivered.

Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 100 million shoebox gifts to suffering children in more than 100 countries since 1993. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect another 9.8 million gift-filled shoeboxes in 2013. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed

by Franklin Graham.

8

Liberty Under Fire Diane Feinstein seeks to limit 1st Amendment rights of bloggers.

By Dr. Harold Pease

In a recent headlined story of the Los Angeles Times, “Bill to protect journalists clears Senate panel,” The Senate Judiciary Committee, in a 13-5 vote, proposed to forward Dianne Feinstein’s bill to limit 1st Amendment rights of bloggers.

Although hailed as a protection for “real” journalists it allows the government to define such and establish criteria for those reporting on the government and other news events. Such has infuriated the younger generation who get most, if not all, of their news from websites and believe that anyone has the right to report any news that they witness. It also offends Constitutionalists who believe it to be a serious violation of the First Amendment.

Feinstein ostensibly targets bloggers who reveal national security information, which today is expanded to virtually anything negative of the government, but her example is “a 17-year old with his own website.” To get an emotional reaction, she links the 17-year old in possession of a “five dollar” website with Edward Snowden’s extraction of classified information, a most unrealistic scenario. Besides many believe Snowden’s whistle-blowing revelations justifiable because the federal government had gone far beyond acceptable limits when it recorded everyone’s email, Facebook and phone messages, which it still does.

At issue is whether the media shield laws, which most states have, apply to bloggers as well as journalists. This allows reporters, who report information that the government does not want disclosed, to be shielded from having to reveal their sources to the government. The Feinstein amendment to the federal Media Shield Law (itself constitutionally questionable) would limit the law’s protection only to “real reporters,” not alternative media types like bloggers.

Housed in the Feinstein bill were phrases “covered journalist” and “legitimate news-gathering activities,” obviously only “professional mainstream journalists”—criteria that could exempt even this column. Therein lies the problem.

Who is a “legitimate” reporter and who will decide? And if this law were in place who would dare criticize the government? In a free country the government cannot be in charge of its own criticism.

To be an “approved journalist” S. 987, the Feinstein Amendment, requires such to meet one of the following criteria: one must work as a “salaried employee . . . for any continuous three-month period within the two years prior to the relevant date” or, have “substantially contributed . . . a significant number of articles . . . within two years prior to the relevant date” or worked as a “student journalist at an institution of higher education.” The effect is to control the media by controlling those who are the media.

Throughout world history tyrannical governments have attempted to control two things to preserve their power: information and weapons. Kings always fear negative information about their governance and work to eliminate such when possible; then weapon control is less needed. But when they fail to stop the dissemination of negative information weapon control, in our case gun control, becomes critically important to them. The more regimental a government becomes the greater their desire to restrict information and weapons. We are no different. It is no accident that the Bill of Rights identifies and removes these possibilities from the federal government altogether. Amendment I, “Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press” and, Amendment II,“ . . . the right of the people to bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Sorry Senator Feinstein you cannot define the press, nor can you make law with respect to it, most certainly none that limits free press as is the effect of your bill. Many feel that the Internet and blogs are the only real free press that we have for exactly the reason that you wish to limit it—anyone can put anything they wish on it. Libel and slander laws

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Miller Time Hi Everyone,

How many times a day do you hear or say “How are you ?”. Then that person says it right back to you, “How are you ? “, but nobody really answers the question, how are you.

Do they really want to know or are they so immune to this phrase that it is really rendered useless ??

Sometimes people are really hurting and to ask them that seems rather awkward. If you were to ask me last week how I was doing, I had a really bad cold and if I saw you I would have given you a whole rundown of all my aches and pains and coughs. So, sometimes unless you really want to know how that person is doing and are willing to sit and listen, find another opener; “how are you” is getting kind of old and stale. How about “What’s happening ? “ Do you feel like the City Council, that we are caught between a couple of bullies, the State and LA County ?? We have been put off and ignored for over two years now. The State just up and dumped us to save money, then turned around and shipped inmates out of state. Really, that was a money saver ?? Other states are enjoying our CA tax dollars and employment benefits, while we had to lay off 50+ valued employees and are having to pay their unemployment benefits that we are having to sue the State over, so they’ll honor our contract we had with them. Now they want to do business again, with worse terms than before. Then LA totally wanted our facility, but through a series of musical chairs in the LA County government, they put us off since we sent them a signed agreement in Aug 2012; then they vote for it, 3 for with two abstentions. We’re told to gear up, they want us open by Nov 18th, the agreement and check is on the way. Now they go into close session and vote 3-2 to rescind the contract because of our lawsuit with the State, like they didn’t know. The cost of housing inmates in LA County jails is about $112 a day per, we were going to charge them $61 a day. Our lawsuit has nothing to do with LA County, but now we get the two abstention voters, voting to rescind our contract. Think there is some politics going on ?? It is just shameful what the City of Taft has been put through by these bullies. They can threaten to sue us and they know we don’t have the funds to go after them. On top of this is Kern County, which would rather spend 100 million for a new jail to house only 700 inmates. They have to match it with 10 million in county funds at an annual cost of 26 million to run it. We can house 500-600 inmates (550 x 60 x 365 = $12,045,000) for a year. Ask the Sheriff what his cost per inmate is and why hasn’t he talked to the City of Taft to use our facility, even if temporarily, so they can keep the turnstile inmates out of our cities ?? So here we sit for the past two years with a very fine facility, great staff, great reputation for running a jail and these bullies can’t make up their political minds.

A couple of weeks ago, the Superintendent of the Kern College District asked for a 25k raise that would put her over 300k per year. It amounted to about 10% over a few years time. Problem is, they have declining enrollment, cut still function to keep disclosures honest should they hurt the innocent. The defense of John Peter Zenger against libel charges in 1735 is often seen as the cornerstone of press freedom. He was found innocent when he railed against the corrupt colonial governor because it was the truth. Your legislation appears merely to be a veiled attempt to damage or end the free press. See video of her offering amendment in question at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bywtn9RIDRw 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.

November 1 - 7, 2013 class offerings, facility and staff and haven’t gotten raises, and they have raised tuition costs. What is the raise based on and if she doesn’t get it does she take a walk ?? My comeback is always, “what if they drop dead tomorrow, what do we do then ??”. They have a board of directors that have compared salaries at other institutions and feel that she is under paid.

The other institutions look at Kern and use their salary schedule, and then it all just escalates over time, every entity raising salaries. I have seen a number of salary comparisons and we even have hired firms to look into what is “fair” compensation for certain positions. What is fair is what each entity can afford for the area in which they operate. I say take it or leave it. If they can get better money elsewhere then that is where they probably will go when they get another offer.

If the City Council of Taft were to take the advice of all the so called experts and salary schedules and list of qualifications and eduction requirements, we wouldn’t have Craig Jones as our City Manager. He has been the best person for this job since I have been on the Council. We knew he knew his stuff, but the range of his knowledge and expertise has been amazing. We didn’t take a chance on him, we saw in him what we all wanted in any employee; dedication, desire, thirst for learning, loyalty, and integrity. He may want more money some day but he’ll know when the time is right to ask.

We won’t be looking at some chart to figure that out. Right now he is doing the best job he can for your City and I ain’t blowing smoke.

I was just thinking about the irony of million dollar baseball players taking the next five months off. Are they vacationing, doing that list of honey do’s around the house, worrying about how to stretch their money out, worrying about all the things we worry about every day ?? Wanna bet they are meeting with their agents and lawyers about jumping ship, disregarding loyalty to a team or city and going for more bucks ?? Guess I’m getting too cynical as I age.

See you Around Town, Randy Miller Livin’ in Taft

November 1 - 7, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli Serving Since 1939

WE HAVE ALWAYS STAYED CONSISTENT! Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5:00 pm. www.sagebrushannies.com

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

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

Check Out Our Website Maricopaquiltcompany.com And Facebook Page 370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

(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.

Ice Blended Mocha Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors

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

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

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

Charles V. & Jennifer Landwehr and Angie Milner

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111 FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

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

Gateway Temple

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

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

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

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Parish Hall Available for Rent

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

First Baptist Church

Where on Earth Are We? A sermon series on Prophesy Pastor Trent Meadors

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In The Taft Independent

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Unlike other funeral homes we have retained • Our Same Name • Our Same Ownership • Our Same Management • Our Same Licensed Staff

Call Today!

765-6550

Community Christian Fellowship 631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Clergy The Rev. Heather Mueller 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

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

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

Info call 765-7151

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

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for upAds to 5are lines, and $7line. per Phone, issue forfax, up mail to 10orlines.

Classified $2.00 per dropYard off Sale ads arethe free. fax, mail or drop off your ad to the your ad to TaftPhone, Independent.

Taft Independent.

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

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

Photodo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, or $10 with a photo. Email us (or bring to our office) a photo Yard Sale adscar, are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines of your home, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the $2 rest.each.

Classified ads is now Wednesdaysat at 12 2 p.m.

Classified addeadline deadline is Wednesday p.m. (noon) Phone: Phone:765-6550 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

Taft Independent 508byCenter St., Taft, CA 93268 Payment can be made cash, check, or credit card.

Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

Midway Elementary School is seeking a director for the annual Christmas Program. A resume and references are required. Salary is $1,500. The Christmas Program is scheduled for December 18th, 2013 @ 6PM. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street, Fellows, CA 93224.

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.

Help Wanted Part time

Yard sale. 203 Buchannon St. Lot’s of stuff. Sat. and Sun. al day.

109 D St. 8am-4pm Sat. only.

107 Madison St. 11-2.

8am - 1pm.Mermaid coffee table, dish washer, ent. center., ladder, seiko watch, copper pipes. poker tanle, more.

Moving sales. 411 Sierra. Lots of nice baby/ toddler clothes, misc. homes items, toys, furniture. All in great condition. Open @ 7am.

Estate Sale. Sat. Nov. 2.

131 Franklin. 8am -2pm Yard Sale. 109 D Street.

8am - Noon. Saturday.

Yard Sale. Sat. 8 am Dusk. 203 E. Lucard St. 28 Cougar Ct. - Peace Luthern Church. Market Place at Peace. Sat. 8am-1pm. Yard Sale.

Avon, crafts, bake sale, breakfast and lunch.

Free popcorn/free coffee Peace Luthern Church.

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED

Taft City School District is accepting applications for Substitute Instructional Aides, ASES Activity Leaders, Healthcare Specialists, Food Service, Custodian and Crossing Guards Employment process includes written exam, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and physical exam with drug screen. A written exam for these positions will be given on Tuesday, November 12th. Application and Job Description may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Friday, November 8th at 4 p.m. EOE

SERVICES CHILD CARE SERVICES FOR SALE Oak bunk bed set wit drawers and desk attached. $200 obo.

623-6458

AUTOMOBILES Motor Home For Sale.

1986 Toyota Dolphin.

Milage 52,000 miles.

Excelent cond. All amenities. $4,000 or best offer. 745-4229 or 378-1383.

PETS Found Dog. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd. Alberson’s Parking Lot. 623-2852, 745-4323.

Found dog. Female ptbull mix. Found at Franklin Field. Call 7659158.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT HOMES FOR SALE

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

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

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

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list 420 Montview Ave. Taft.

2 bed, 1 ba. One car garage. Fenced yard.

Must sell. $47,000. 661972-7807.

For Sale by Owner. Apr. 1,200 sq. st. Moving conditions. 3 bd. 2 ba. $100,000. 763-3111.

305 “D” St. Charming house. New Kitchen, baths,floors. total remodel. payments cheaper then rent $99,000

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

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

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

November 1 - 7, 2013

Ken Shugarts

549-1068

Air Conditioning & Heating

Preserving for the Future

Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469 Steve 805-570-8760

MOBILE HOMES $800 per month. $1000 dep. Clean 2 bd. 2 ba.

Large living rm. Incl. stove and refrig. Indoor laundry rm. Fenced front & back yard.

Carport. Max. number of occupants 4. See Craigs list. No pets.

Call (805) 598-4123.

MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit.

No Application Fee. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. Call (8661) 8466403 or (661) 765-7678.

Visit Us Online

We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

taftindependent.

3,500

100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 518 Center St Retail Space $500 520 Center St Retail Space $500 Studio Apartment. $575 mo. Cable, and utilities incl. $500 dep. Avail Nov. 1st (661) 623-4792.

Westside Real Estate 765-5000 1 to 3 Bedrooms Available $550 to $800 per month Westside Real Estate & Property Management Inc. Pick up a list at 322 Kern St (661)765-5000 3/2 – 1 Acre Lot 28179 McClarren Ave. very spacious $950.00 $950.00 Outdoor pets only 319 San Emidio Apt A – Refrig & Stove Incl. $600.00 $600.00 3bd 2 ba home in Dustin Acres on 1 appx. 1 acre. $1,400 mo. Contact Estate Realty at 661589-2448.

APART. FOR RENT Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr.

Taft

Every Friday - Free To Our Readers.

The Largest Weekly, Most Widely Read Newspaper in Taft!

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30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

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

and on

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

Independents Published

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

com

HOMES FOR RENT

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 www.BuySellManage. com FOR RENT 500 Lucard 1/1 $490 205 W Ash #D 2/1.5 $600 601 4th 2/1 $650 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $700 320 E St 2/1 $750 401 A St 2/1 $800 111 Lexington 3/1 $875 224 B St 3/1 $900 110 E San Emdio 2/1 $925 326 E St 3/2 $950 302 E. San Emidio 3/2 + Pool $1,150

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

By Appointment

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Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

TUHS Graduates Parents from PIQE Program

TUHS Students Attend FFA Conference Thirty-nine freshmen enrolled in the agriculture program at Taft Union High School attended a Future Farmers of America Greenhand Leadership Conference in Wasco on Oct. 9, along with 200 other students from local high school agriculture programs.

The Greenhand Conference is a freshmen-only leadership conference designed to inform students about the FFA and agriculture education. During the five conference sessions, students learned about the many opportunities available to them as agriculture students, developed valuable leadership skills, and networked with other local agriculture students from around Kern County.

Photo’s: Patricia Olea (right) shows off her Greenhand leadership certificate of achievement on the bus ride back to Taft.

Thirty-nine Taft High freshmen (below) attended the FFA Greenhand Leadership Conference.

On Tuesday night, October 22nd Taft High held its first graduation ceremony for 30 parents who completed the school’s new Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) program.

The program provides information for English-speaking and Spanish-speaking parents as they help their students navigate through high school and into college. Eighteen schools in Kern County from primary to middle to high school have contracts with the Bakersfield-based business, explained PIQE facilitator Remy Ruida.

Superintendent Blanca Cavazos was familiar with the program from her tenure at Arvin High and invited the team to Taft. They provided information to parents about UC and Cal State entrance requirements, the Scholastic Aptitude Test, and answered questions and provided parenting techniques during nine 90-minute sessions over the school’s first quarter, Ruida said. “The main purpose is to enable parents to be more involved in school,” she said. “We teach them the basics and get them involved in their student’s education.”

At the graduation dinner Tuesday, Principal Bernie Valenzuela told the parents that Taft High offers five Advanced Placement classes, Calculus, Statistics, Spanish, Chemistry, and U.S. History, and may soon add European History for sophomores.

He made the parents aware of the SAT preparation class taught after school in the fall and spring; the free buses to College Night in Bakersfield in the fall; and the on-line test preparation program Shmoop. He said that school officials are planning on sending students by bus to the National College Fair at the Anaheim Convention Center on April 27.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Cavazos praised the PIQE graduates and said that the program will return in the spring for another run.

Graduating parent Steve McDaniel told those assembled, “We have the power to guide the direction of our children’s lives. … Take that information and that power … and guide and direct the lives of our children.”

Graduation photos by Jim Carnal PIQE facilitator Remy Ruida (top) hugs graduate Paula Meeks.

Superintendent Blanca Cavazos presents certificate to Yessica (left column).

Certified Pistol Instructor Certified Range Safety Officer

Superintendent Blanca Cavazos presents certificate to a smiling Janett Palacios (center column).

Superintendent Blanca Cavazos presents certificate to Irene Rosales as her daughter watches (2nd center column).

CCW Renewals 1st Saturday Every Month New Applications 2nd Saturday of Every Other Month Starting in November

Some of the graduates pose with Superintendent Blanca Cavazos (bottom center column).

Call (661) 342-4032

Students take photos of their parents graduating from PIQE class (below)

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

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

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

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

Qik Smog & Tune

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

November 1 - 7, 2013

Used to be Paul’s Bike KHS Mountain Bikes and 2014 BMX Bikes Are Here!

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

Now Serving Our Original

25 Hill Blonde Ale

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Debuting Our

Smashing Pumpkin Ale

General Automotive Repairs

Halloween Eve Thursday, October 31st

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

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 •

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

Would you like to REDUCE OR ELIMINATE your STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY? If you own a business in the Taft area you may be eligible for tax credits up to $37,440 per qualified employee.

There are many advantages and cost savings for businesses in the Taft Enterprise Zone.

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Call today for more information: 661763-1222, Ext. 12

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

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Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe Reservations Recommended for Dinner

24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR