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Independent The Taft

November 15 - 21, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

November 15 - 21, 2013 • Volume 8 Issue 19

“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

The Place (661) 766-2660

Homemade Pies

Order your holiday pies Place your order

by November 25th Pick them up by noon on the 27th at The Place or we will deliever to the Oilfield Monument Park on the 27th at 4pm A $1.00 delivery fee will be added per pie

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft Now Serving Our Original

This Week In Taft

25 Hill Blonde Ale Debuting Our

Smashing Pumpkin Ale 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

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

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa Elaine Arnold, Owner Pedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing Dee Morgan, Esthetician Facials Waxing and Microdermabrasion Samantha Hagstrom Massage Therapist European and Hot Stone Prenatal Massage 510 6th Street, Ste. A - Taft (661) 765-2335

Used Book Store in Taft

We Now Repair Cell Phones Coming Soon 1016 6th St. Taft, CA 93268 661-745-4855

Hours Monday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and DSaturday 10am to 3pm

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

November 15 - 21, 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

acme jewelry co.

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

Let’s Go Shopping!

Check out our weekly new arrivals.

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

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 An American Craft Brewery in Taft Now Serving Our Original

25 Hill Blonde Ale Debuting Our

Smashing Pumpkin Ale Beer Growlers To Go! 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Ten Percent Firearms

We Now Repair Cell Phones Coming Soon 1016 6th St. Taft, CA 93268 661-745-4855

Fall Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899 REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

YOUR AD HERE

Elaine Arnold, Owner Pedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing

CALL

Dee Morgan, Esthetician Facials Waxing and Microdermabrasion

765-6550

Samantha Hagstrom Massage Therapist European and Hot Stone Prenatal Massage 510 6th Street, Ste. A - Taft (661) 765-2335

November 15 - 21, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3 Westside News.................5

Events

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.

November 17th 5 p.m.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church Corner of 5th and Woodrow Streets.

Evensong Follwed by a free Scottish style dinnner All Are Welcome For Information 765-2378

Community Thanksgiving Brunch November 28, 2013 10 am to 12 noon 217 Taylor St. Veteran’s Hall Taft CA We would like to invite you and your family to join us for a traditional Thanksgiving Brunch! If you live alone, if your oven doesn’t work or if you just don’t want to cook.

It’s free!! Please be our guests!

If you would like to be a blessing or share your blessings with others, we would welcome your help!!

For more information please call 661-765-6066

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

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin

Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7

TAFT INDEPENDENT

F i n e

J e w e l r y

We Have Baggallini 14K Gold •Handbags.

Sterling Silver Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Fine Jewelry 50% Off Tag Watch Batteries

Hand Made Obsidian Knives

Tonight, Saturday, and Sunday the Taft Longhorns Travel Baseball Team is having their 2nd Annual Turkey Baseball Tournament. Over 20 teams with kids ranging from 8 to 12 years old will be here from all over California. They will be playing at Little League Fields 1 and 2. They will also be playing at three of the Softball Fields. There will be several vendors and the Midway Sunset Lions Club will be serving their famous BBQ. 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, several churches, and Taft Needs Center are all taking donations for the Holidays.

The Midway Sunset Lions Club is taking Donations for the “Taft Christmas for Seniors.”

The West Hills Church of the Nazarene and several other churches are collecting for Operation Christmas Child. Fill a shoebox for children with hygiene items, supplies, etc. Contact the Church for a list of items.

Tonight and Saturday- The WSRPD Community Theater presents Guys & Dolls at 7pm. Sunday at 3pm at the Taft High Auditorium. Tickets only $7 for adults, $5 for children.

Tonight- Craft Fair from 5:00-8:30pm. Saturday 8:30-3:00pm at the Rec, 500 Cascade Place.

Saturday- The Taft Chamber Fishing Derby at BV Lake (Lake Evans) from 6am-2pm.

Taft IDPA Monthly Shooting Match at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club. Registration at 8am.

Taft Toys for Tots Run. Registration at 8am in the Taft Petroleum Club, rides starts at 10am and ends at BV Roadhouse. Vehicles welcome.

Taft Camera Club 80th Anniversary at the West Kern Oil Museum, 1-3:30pm. Slide Show and refreshments.

The JFL All Stars take on Bakersfield at 6pm at Taft High’s Martin Memorial Stadium. Go Taft!

Save the Date for these Future EventsNovember 21st: Taft Tea Party Meeting at 6pm at Black Gold Coffee House.

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 4th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Doors open at 5, Dinner at 7:30pm.

December 5th: Fort Dinner December 6th: 1st Friday of the Month Christmas Cruise Night on Center Street. Starts at 6pm.

Breakfast with Santa at the West Side Rec. Soroptimist Luncheon and Home Tours December 13th and 14th is the Annual Drive Thru Nativity at the West Hills Church of the Nazarene at 300 Lassen Street.

As you can see there is a lot to do this weekend in Taft. There really is something for anyone no matter who you are. The Taft Camera Club has been around for 80 years. Who would not want to win a $1,000 fish?

The Taft IDPA brings people from all over to Taft. The Community Theater is so much fun no matter what age you are. The Taft Longhorns are fully stocked with the best future athletes in Kern County with the best Coaches around. The Rec Craft Fair has been missed so much and people from all over Kern County are so excited it is back. The Taft Toys for Tots ride will bring joy to so many kids. Don’t forget to end your day cheering on the JFL All Stars and lets get the WIN over Bakersfield! These events will bring lots of money into Taft!

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Black Hills Gold 50% Off Tag

Tuesday November 19th, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

Hammonds Peanut Brittle

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

European Soaps

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 15, 2013 through Thursday, November 21, 2013 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG-13) Thu: 8:00 PM Thor: The Dark World (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:30, 9:00 Sun: 4:00, 6:30 Mon - Wed: 6:30 PM Thu: 5:00 PM Free Birds (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:00, 8:00 Sun: 4:10, 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:00 PM Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (R) Fri & Sat: 6:15, 8:30 Sun: 4:15, 6:15 Mon - Thu: 6:15 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.

Politics, I’m not a Fan We just had a great Veterans Day. Please remember what these Veterans did for all of us not just on Veterans Day but every day. Thank you to all that served our great Country.

As it is dark early now, hopefully the cold weather will slow down the criminals for a few weeks. Christmas will be here soon so be prepared because burglaries usually pick up right before Christmas. Keep your eyes open and your outside lights on. Another Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled in December.

Last month Los Angeles County pulled the plug on the Taft CCF for the second time. They blamed it on Taft being in a lawsuit with the State. This makes no sense at all. Taft is suing the State; the State is not suing Taft. It just shows how Sacramento Politics ruin a good thing. Taft has so many good things going for it but this is a step back. Some people are mad at the City but do you really think they wanted this to happen. The City of Taft is a victim of bad politics. The sad thing is there is probably nothing we can do about it at the moment. Please remember all that bad politics lately during our next election.

Most weeks Dr. Pease writes articles in the Independent.

I remember him as a kid from going to school with his kids and seeing him at Taft College. He is one of the smartest people around. I love reading his articles and listening to him speak. I wish some of these Politicians in Sacramento and Washington DC would listen to him because they would learn a thing or two.

Randy Miller also writes in the Independent and always has some great words of wisdom at the Council meetings.

I’ve known Randy all my life and always have liked him and his family. He is a straight forward person that does not lie to you like the Big Dog Politicians. Some of the Big Dogs should spy on the Taft Council Meetings and maybe they would learn something from normal people.

Even amongst the normal, it seems inevitable that someone is upset with a crazy neighbor. Most neighborhoods have the one bad house. Whether the neighbors are dealing drugs, loud parties, 10 families living in one house, not keeping up the yard, parking cars all down the street, crazy adult kids, and I’m sure you have several other horror stories.

Most of the time the Cops and Code Enforcement have their hands tied and can only temporarily fix the problem.

We need to start doing something with the landlords. The Landlords let these bad neighbors move in and they need to move them out. Most of the eyesore houses and buildings have landlords out of town that do not care. There are several good people that we see every day at the store that have rentals full of these bad neighbors.

It is hard to find a decent house to rent or buy in Taft. It would be nice if these landlords would stop renting to bad people today. This could be the first step to cleaning up Taft.

If you’re unhappy with a business or a residence and you know who the landlord is, contact them and see what they can do. Maybe then we can get some of these people to leave Taft instead of the good people leaving Taft. This is not just a Taft problem, it is everywhere. The good thing about Taft is everyone knows everyone so you probably can locate the Landlord easily. This could be an easy first step to start getting control on our Crime Problem.

If you watched the Taft City Council Meeting the other night you would have seen how the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park is having problems with a bad landlord. The owner of the park lives out of State. The owner keeps raising the rent but does not maintain the park. These great residents own their Mobile Homes but most pay rent for the land they sit on. These people are truly trapped in a bad situation. The owner will not even maintain proper chemicals in the pool. Just driving by you can see the interesting colors on the walls.

I recently heard about a great kid from a great family that has messed up his life and his family’s lives because of drugs.

November 15 - 21, 2013

Supervisors Appoint Judd To Head Kern Medical Center

Kern County Supervisors today appointed Mercy Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Russell Judd to head Kern Medical Center. He will begin working at KMC on December 16.

Judd, who was a member of KMC’s administrative team from 1991 to 1996, will return to KMC as Chief Executive Officer under a 5-year management contract that Judd and two other administrators who comprise KMC Management Inc. are negotiating with the County.

Judd began his tenure at Mercy in 2004 when the downtown Mercy Hospital faced financial hardships and closure. Judd restored the fiscal health of Mercy Downtown Hospital while expanding Mercy Southwest Hospital to a position as one of Kern County’s premier hospitals. Prior to his leadership at Mercy, Judd served as CEO at three hospitals in Community Health Systems, one of the nation’s largest for-profit hospital groups.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Maggard said Supervisors believe that a management company will provide the greatest opportunity for KMC to be sufficiently flexible and responsive to enable it to thrive under Health Care Reform. He praised Judd’s record of success as a key factor in the Board’s decision.

“We are pleased to welcome back Russell Judd,” Supervisor Maggard said. “As a former KMC administrator who has extensive experience in private and nonprofit hospitals, he understands what it will take to place Kern Medical Center back on solid financial ground in a rapidly changing health care environment. He also shares the Board’s commitment to delivering the highest quality health care at Kern Medical Center.”

Supervisor Maggard said he anticipates the Board of Supervisors will approve a management contract with KMC Management Inc. on December 3.

Within just a month he went from a normal smart good kid to a total mess. He started hanging around a new friend and things went downhill from there. Red Ribbon week was a few weeks ago. I know Taft City Schools did a great job talking about the dangers of drugs but us parents need to talk to our kids all of the time about drugs. You have to know who your kids are friends with, where they are, and keep them busy.

Speaking of busy kids, Taft High Football, Cross Country, and Volleyball are all over or about to finish their season while Basketball Season is now here. It is very important for kids to stay busy. A bored kid can get in all kinds of trouble. If your Child is not currently playing a sport or maybe does not play sports there are several other ways to occupy their time. There are several Clubs at Taft High.

Choir and Band will benefit them now and down the road.

The Rec has several programs to look into. Throughout the year, the Rec always has the beautiful weight room but they also have sewing classes, Community Theater, Yoga, Dance, Softball, Hunter Safety Courses, and much more. I personally believe all kids should be involved in Church Youth Groups.

The Rec is putting in more lights at A Street Park that should be a great asset to keeping kids busy in the evenings.

In my opinion our parks should be for our kids, then families, then for everyone else. Us adults, we need to remember the kids should have control of the parks, we should not monopolize them. Do not get me wrong, our parks are for everyone but as adults we can drive somewhere else. A kid who walks from down the Street or rides his bike there with friends should not be turned away from adults playing basketball all night long. Maybe even invite them to play with you. Every interaction with a youth is an opportunity to make a difference in their lives. Stay positive Taft!

John Swearengin

November 15 - 21, 2013

Iraq War Veterans Hero Speaks at TUHS Veterans Day Rally

American hero, former Cpl. Wesley Leon-Barrientos, gave his legs and nearly his life for his country. Friday, his never-say-die optimism shined through in a speech that enthralled the Taft Union High School student body at a rally in honor of Veterans Day. Standing on his rake-thin metal prosthetics on the auditorium stage, Barrientos, 29, said that it wasn’t that long ago that he was a senior at Ridgeview High School, and not a very good one. He wasn’t sure he would graduate. He was not on track to graduate. He didn’t really care. Then came Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorist attack on American soil awakened him. His life took on purpose. He studied hard and graduated. Then the native of Guatemala enlisted in the Army at the age of 18.

He wanted combat. He wanted to fight. He got his wish: The 4th Infantry Division.

The American-led Coalition forces invaded Iraq in March 2003. He was in country in 2004.

After his first tour, “I felt I had to do more for my country,” he said. He went back, this time with the historic and prestigious 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles. He was sent to the Sunni Triangle of Death. Barrientos was a .50-caliber machine gunner. As his team was speeding to battle at 50 to 60 mph, his vehicle ran over an IED. Speed saved his life as the explosion occurred behind him. He received minor cuts to his face. In another firefight, his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He suffered a shrapnel wound to the back of his head. He earned two Purple Hearts during his second tour.

“We had 20-hour firefights. That was the life. It was nice. A hot meal every other day. Hot showers every other week.” Eighty-five percent of his unit was wounded or killed while he was there.

Then came the third tour and his third Purple Heart. His unit was in a firefight and he ran out of ammo. He was sent back to meet up for a resupply. The enemy flanked him. They drove for safety.

It was another IED that ended his combat service. The bomb exploded right under his seat. “I saw my foot in the Humvee and I said, ‘Oh that can’t be good.’” He lost his left leg and his right foot in the blast. “I knew pain was good and I felt nothing,” he recalled. “I lost a lot of blood. I woke up two days later in Germany.”

His nurse asked him, “Do you remember what happened?”

“I got blew up.”

“Your left leg is gone. Your right foot is gone and you’re probably going to lose your right leg”, she said. He did. His hand was also mangled and his jaw was broken.

“You had me scared for a second,” he told his nurse. “I thought it was something serious. It’s not my first time getting blown up.”

Walter Reed Army Medical Center doctors told him he might be able to walk in six to eight months and possibly run in 18 months on his prosthetic legs. He said, “We’ll see,” and predicted that he would walk in three months and run in six. He did. And he set the new standard recovery rate for people who lose their legs, he told his audience.

Barrientos went through a dark period but now focuses on the positive. “I was a professional warrior. Now I look at it that I am a professional amputee. I lost so many of my brothers. I’m happy to be alive and have a second opportunity.”

While the war was controversial, Barrientos said, “I’m very proud of that deployment. We shed our blood for them. We actually made a difference in that country.” Iraqis can now protest in the street and the country is no longer run by a brutal dictator, he explained.

His life after his overseas service is arguably even more impressive. He started the Life Over Legs website with the goal of “serving my community (he lives in Bakersfield) the same way I served my country … to encourage and motivate others who are facing challenges of their own.”

In an effort to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by veterans and uniting them, he attempted to hand pedal a wheelchair bicycle across America from Bakersfield to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. He made it as far as Memphis. He didn’t make that goal but he gave it his best effort.

Barrientos told his young charges, “If I change one person for the better, it will be worth it. I ask you, ‘What are you doing to leave this world a better place than you found it?’”

Social studies teacher Brad Van Roekel came on stage and gave the students a tangible target.

He is spearheading a care package project to make Christmas a bit more merry for overseas soldiers.

Afterward, senior Guadalupe Salomon said, “He (Barrientos) made me realize that … people actually are willing to take a risk and lose their life to protect us. I cannot thank him enough for serving our country. God bless his heart.”

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Miller Time Hi Everyone,

It has been about 10 days now since the City of Taft reviewed the contract for the CCF sent by the State Department of Corrections, which we sent back to them. They indicated early on that it was a negotiation and we felt free to red line some parts of the contract to reflect some of the concerns that we had. We don’t feel that any of the changes that we requested were in any way outrageous; on the contrary, we felt we were pointing out some of the thought processes that they overlooked from the City’s perspective. Our main goal by re-opening the facility is to protect the City of Taft’s taxpayers. We cannot afford to get into a contract that depletes our reserves and that will put us at future financial risk. It is in their ball court now, and we’ll see just what push vs. shove comes down to. Wish us well.

I, along with City Councilman Orchel Krier and some City staff, attended the Kern EDC Energy Summit this past Wednesday. It was a morning session with the final speaker closing out at 1:30. Most of the speakers spoke on wind and solar projects that are going up in and near Kern County. In fact Kern County is leading the State and if not the nation by charging ahead with renewable energy projects. Most of the Kern County projects are in and around the Mojave area.

The Carrizo Plains project along Hwy 58 encompasses 4,700 acres with 22,000 acres of offset land nearby. They have installed 8 million solar panels for this project. They have mitigated the site for dust control by going with the terrain rather than scraping it level. They have hired a herd of sheep to keep the weeds down. It uses little water and while many of the panels were made in China, all the support beams are made in the USA. Lots of folks went to work, lots of trucks were used, lots of fuel and food were consumed, and lots of energy will be generated. Only downside is when the sun don’t shine, the project sits idle.

One of the speakers called Kern County, “Megawatt Mecca”. Solar and wind is based on the factor of intermittency verses demand. When the wind isn’t blowing and the sun goes down the other sources of power must come on line to replace that lost power. Sometimes in the afternoon this can have the power grid scrambling to make up 10,000 lost mega watts. The little known Independent System Operator makes sure that California does not have brown or black outs and that the state is supplied with enough power, many tines with less than seconds of notice, to keep from having the power outages we had early in the past decade. The nuclear plant at San Onfre went off line for good, so the ISO is now looking to replace the daily 2,200 loss of megawatts it was generating. The consensus by the speakers was that the power future looks good if the State and the other counties can allow the permitting process be as easy and as thorough as the Kern County Planning Department. You might also remember that the Westside is doing its part by adding to the power grid by the presence of 5-6 co-gen plants that are generating close to 2,000 megawatts of power using clean burning natural gas.

This conference wasn’t about oil per se, but it is the big elephant in the room. We can be energy independent of foreign oil if fracking is to be allowed. There are many billions barrels of oil in deeper depths in California, and it has been proven that it can be safely extracted, as it has been for 40-50 years. Do you remember any groundwater contamination by oil companies verses the AG/pesticide runoff that contaminated ground water up the valley some years back ?? As much as the environmentalists would like, oil helps run this nation and it is not going to be easily replaced anytime soon. One of the speakers spoke of having a picture of a Nissan Leaf on his desk but he drives a Dodge Ram 2500 to haul his horses around; electric vehicles haven’t come that far yet. That kind of paints the picture for most of us that live up and down the valley. They also mentioned that China and India are building 200 coal fired power plants this year trying to keep up with their burgeoning middleclass, while not giving any concern to the environmental consequences. If you think by any stretch of the imagination we have dirty air go over there. Our environmentalists should go climb all over their backs because those countries are the cause of their global warming fears, not California, not the USA. I sometimes rile about the government workers who worry more about their jobs rather than doing their jobs. The following unaccredited quote sums it up: “The bureaucratic constituencies goals are primarily interested in preserving and protecting bosses, jobs, and offices and preserving enterprises, defending disliked press articles, and preserving their budgets”. Certainly I hope you don’t put the City of Taft in this basket; but look around, are government agencies serving you the taxpayer, or perpetuating their existence no matter what the cost ?? How about our state legislature and Congress, heh ??

We are on the cusp of good things to come in Taft; it has been a difficult road your City Council has been and is going down. Stick with us; keep your spirits up, think positive, you could be living in Bakersfield. Remember, “there is only one trip in life, don’t you want to enjoy it” ??

See You Around Town, Randy Miller Livin’ in Taft

Visit Us Online www.taftindependent.com.

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 5 p.m.

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Operation Christmas Child in Taft

November 15 - 21, 2013

TUHS Students Volunteer for Red Cross Preparedness

Celebration its 20th Anniversary,, Operation Christmas Child Collects Shoebox Gifts for Children Overseas during National Collection Week-Nov. 18-25.

This holiday season, Taft residents are joining millions of people across the U.S. and around the world to fill empty shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for 9.8 million impoverished children and orphans. The soap, toothbrush, pencils and toys we so often take for granted in the U>S> can bring excitement and hope to a child living in extreme poverty . This simple shoebox gift is an opportunity to change a child’s life.

Lighthouse Church (208 Harrison St.) is hosting a shoebox packing party this Saturday Nov. 16th at 9:00 am. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, small toys and empty shoeboxes would be appreciated; but are optional. Please come and held us pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. Thanks to Kmart, Kmart employees and Taft area citizens for collecting/purchasing hot wheels cars for the past three weeks, we will have the much treasured cars to put in these shoeboxes!

This year, Taft residents hope to contribute 1,000 gifts to the global collection goal of 9.8 million gift-filled shoeboxes.

Since 1992,Operation Christmas Child has collected more than 100 million shoebox gifts and delivered them to needy children.

Anyone can participate in Operation Christmas Child. The time to pack a shoebox gift is now! For More information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child call Kim Miller at 763-4373 or visit samaritanspurse.org. Taft’s drop-off site is New Hope Temple (308 Harrison St.) Nov. 18-25, 2013, with the following hours: 11/18 Monday 9am-1pm 11/19 Tuesday 9am-1pm 11/20 Wednesday 9am-1pm 11/21 Thursday 9am-1pm 11/22 Friday 3pm-6pm 11/23 Saturday 3pm-6pm 11/24 Sunday 9:30am-11:30am 11-25 Monday 9am-11am Operation Christmas Child, a project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, is the World’s largest Christmas project of its kind. Through simple gifts and a message of

OT

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Thirty-Nine Taft High Oil-Technology Academy students volunteered for the Red Cross preparedness event on Oct. 19.

The students canvassed Taft neighborhoods as part of the Team Firestopper program in the Central Valley. Students provided fire safety materials to residents about how to build a family emergency preparedness kit, create an evacuation plan, properly install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, use a fire extinguisher and demonstrated hands-only Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. The program was designed to reduce the more than 450 residential fires in the Valley hope, children learn they are loved and not forgotten. For many of these children, the shoebox gift will be the first gift they have ever received.

A year-round, online giving tool also conveniently allows anyone to build a box. By visiting the project’s website at samaritanspurse.org, participants can select a child’s age and gender, shop through an online selection of gifts, virtually “pack” an empty shoebox, and finish it off by writing a note of encouragement. Operation Christmas Child volunteers will pack the shoebox gifts and ship them on behalf of the donors.

Using special tracking technology, participants can also “follow” their shoebox and discover the country in which their gift will be delivered to a child in need. To register a shoebox gift, use the donation form online.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935 HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY NOON TO 9 P.M.

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS 10:00 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

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

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November 15 - 21, 2013

Gusty Winds Prompt Health CautionPotential for Blowing Dust Valley-wide

The potential for blowing dust this weekend as a result of gusty winds has prompted local air-pollution officials to issue a healthy cautionary statement through Sunday November 17, 2013]. The health caution is in effect in the following counties: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Valley portion of Kern.

Winds may produce areas of localized blowing dust, which can result in unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter 10 microns and smaller (PM10). Exposure to particulate pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections.

Where conditions warrant, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions.

Residents can check the nearest air monitor to their location to determine localized conditions. Visit the Real-time Air Advisory Network page on the District’s website to subscribe for free: http://www.valleyair.org/Programs/RAAN/raan_landing. htm.

For more information, visit www.valleyair.org or call a District office in Fresno (559-230-6000), Modesto (209-557-6400) or Bakersfield (661-392-5500).

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Derby Acres Shooter Arrested, Multiple Weapons Seized

On Sunday, November 10, 2013 at about 12:25 A.M., deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 24000 block of Highway 33, in Derby Acres. Deputies were told that, 40 year old Steven Cordova was suicidal and armed with a multiple firearms. Upon arrival, deputies were able to make contact with Cordova, who was inside the residence.

At approximately 3:35 A.M., Cordova opened the front door of the residence and fired several shots. Cordova continued to fire numerous shots while inside the residence. Deputies evacuated people in the immediate area from their homes and requested the Kern County Sheriff ’s Office S.W.A.T. Team respond for assistance. Traffic was diverted on Highway 33 between Cloud Avenue and Derby Avenue.

At approximately 6:00 A.M., Deputies engaged Cordova outside of the residence. Cordova was armed with an assault rifle and handgun. Deputies fired at Cordova and subsequently took him into custody. Cordova was transported to Kern Medical Center for treatment, and his injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.

No deputies or additional civilians were injured during this incident. This investigation is ongoing and more information will be sent out when it becomes available.

Certified Pistol Instructor Certified Range Safety Officer CCW Renewals 1st Saturday Every Month New Applications 2nd Saturday of Every Other Month Starting in November Call (661) 342-4032

Time for a Change?

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Includes: Oil and Filter Change Tire Rotation 27 Point Inspection Certified Service All makes and models!

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HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

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501 North Street, Taft

Hours

TAFT Chevrolet - Buick

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Up to 5 quarts of oil. Tax, Synthetic Blend, Full Synthetic, and Diesel oil EXTRA. Can not be combined with any other coupon or discount. Expires 12-31-13.

Ben’s Books

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Monday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and DSaturday 10am to 3pm

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

8

Liberty Under Fire President takes control over climate change

TAFT INDEPENDENT

trine of Nullification, as did their predecessors, in 1800, 1832, and in the 1850’s to preserve federalism and the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution. When the Constitution is revered in name only, which is becoming common to both parties.

By Dr. Harold Pease On November 1, 2013, President Barack Obama, by executive order entitled “Preparing the United States for the impacts of climate change,” decreed himself to be over climate control—this without a shred of constitutional authority. Executive Orders have the force and effect of law and only the Legislative Branch is empowered to make federal law (Art. I, Sec. I, Clause I). Moreover, Article II, which houses a president’s power, does not list anything remotely similar to climate control regulation. As such the states alone have all non-delegated powers and unless they forfeit that power to him by way of an amendment, as per Article V, he is not only stealing Congress’s power to make law but also the states’ sole jurisdiction over climate regulation, if any.

The E.O., begins: “By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to prepare the Nation for the impacts of climate change by undertaking actions to enhance climate preparedness and resilience, it is hereby ordered as follows.” Then follows five pages of small print outlining the “actions” that will be. But there is no authority actually cited, as has been the practice with previous presidents, because there is none. He made it up.

The Order establishes a Task Force consisting of seven Democratic Governors and the Republican Governor of Guam together with 14 mayors, two county officers and two tribal representatives, also mostly Democrats. They are charged with working with state and local officials “to strengthen climate resilience,” (a buzz word for more control of state and local functions) and helping local governments “make smart decisions.”

Smart decisions imply falling in line with, in this case, Democratic Party federal government thinking. Many of us remember the Environmental Protection Agency similarly created by a Richard Nixon executive order some 43 years ago and how it now influences a sixth of the economy. Government likes to grow.

By a mere stroke of a pen one man, with no authority to make rules for us, initiates a process to unleash mountains of new regulations on unsuspecting farmers, businesses, and property owners, as happened with the EPA, in this case dealing with droughts, flood control, carbon emission, wildfires, green space and who knows what else. Businesses will have to fill out a Climate Action Plan before they can proceed. Building codes will have to be updated. I see sweeping new changes to land use and resource policies. I see a further weakening, almost to non-existence, of state, county, and city jurisdiction and in turn the amplification of federal power over every person in the United States. One builder once told me that a third of the costs of a new home was compliance with EPA rules. Perhaps a similar amount will be needed to meet all the new mandatory climate guidelines.

But the biggest damage is what it does to the Constitution when the executive branch replaces Congress as the lead rule-making body. When Congressmen, because of loyalty to party rather than to the Constitution, excuse their president, as did Republicans under Nixon in 1970 and Democrats now under Barack Obama, become too weak to take back their power.

When States no longer have the will to use the Doc-

Of course, as with all federal programs, states, counties, and cities will be funded as they fall in line with “smart decisions.” In 43 years from now will climate related rules and regulations, emanating from an unelected bureaucracy, dictate another one-sixth of the economy? The EPA precedent says yes.

November 15 - 21, 2013 The Founding Fathers’ concept of separation of powers has been heavily altered between these two imperialistic presidents—Nixon and Obama. The Constitution allowed only the Legislative Branch to make federal law. A law’s review by 536 individuals (435 members of the House, 100 Senators and 1 President) served as a filter for bad law as only one bill in thirty survived to enactment.

Congress must say no to this and any executive order that has the effect of making law. We must return to the Constitution with Congress alone making all federal law or, in time, we will lose the rest of our liberty.

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 15 - 21, 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

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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.

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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

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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

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

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) 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.

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.

In the Alley. 508 Center Street. Sat. 7am.

Hanging light fixtures, two indus. ceiling fans, 4 chair metal outdoor patio set, lots of misc.

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED Paramount Farming Company is currently recruiting for Ag &Trailer Mechanics.

This position is located in the Lost Hills area.

Candidates with strong welding, mechanic, and fabrication skills are encouraged to apply.

Duties: Maintenance and repair on company farming equipment and trailers Diagnose and repair of: hydraulic, suspensions, electrical, hitches, frames, and airbrake systems Minimum Qualifications: 2 years of welding, mechanic, or equipment maintenance experience Valid CA driver license PFC is an equal-opportunity employer. We offer a benefit package including 401K, medical, life insurance, vacation, and paid holidays.

Salary is DOE. Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Please send resumes to: Attention: Human Resources 33141 East Lerdo Hwy, Bakersfield, Ca 93308 Or email to: careers@ paramountfarming.com HELP WANTED VACANCY CAFETERIA – 5 Hour Food Service Worker (two positions) Taft Union High School

District is accepting applications for two 5-hour Food Service Worker positions in the cafeteria, Pay Rate $13.81—$16.82 p/hr.

E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and resume, Written Exam, Interview, DOJ Clearance, Physical and Drug Screen.

Application, Job Description and Salary Schedule are available at the TUHS Business Office, 1 Wildcat Way, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. M-F. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 20th. Written test will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Thurs., Nov. 21st, at 7:00 p.m.

HELP WANTED VACANCY CUSTODIAN Taft Union High School District is accepting applications for the position of Custodian (preference for California school bus license) E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, DOJ Clearance, Pre-employment Physical and Drug Screen, and background check. Vacancy is for a 12-Month position, 8 hours per day, salary range $3,075 - $3,744 per month.

Applications, Job Descriptions, and Salary Schedules are available at the TUHS Business Office, 1 Wildcat Way, 7:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. M-F. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. Written exam will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application.

Written exam will be administered on Thursday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall.

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

VACANCY OFFICE ASSISTANT – PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE (Receptionist/Switchboard) Taft Union High School is accepting applications for the position of Office Assistant.

Principal’s Office (Receptionist/Switchboard) E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, DOJ Clearance, Physical and Drug Screen. Vacancy is for a 12-Month position, 8 hours per day, salary range $2,855 - $3,476 per month in 5 annual steps.

Applications, Job Descriptions and Salary Schedule are available at the TUHS Business Office, 1 Wildcat Way, between 7:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. M-F. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2013.

Applicants submitting an application must test to be eligible for employment. Test will be administered in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.

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Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469

Phone: Phone:765-6550 765-6550

YARD SALES

Preserving for the Future

CHILD CARE SERVICES

WEST KERN WATER DISTRICT ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN Monthly Salary Range of $3,517.43 - $5,608.18, plus benefits West Kern Water District is seeking applications from candidates who have experience performing responsible accounting and administrative work in the preparation, process and maintenance of accounts payable and other accounting records, including customer billing.

Successful applicant will have the ability to work independently and perform detail oriented work on multiple, concurrent tasks in a timely and accurate manner.

Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent; completion of course work in bookkeeping and accounting, supplemented with 4 years of progressively responsible experience in bookkeeping, financial or statistical recordkeeping; must be computer literate in word processing and spreadsheet programs.

An application and job description can be obtained at the District office, 800 Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268. Application must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2013. The successful applicant will be subject to a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.

EOE.

FOR SALE AUTOMOBILES PETS 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

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.

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 $600 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $700 401 A St 2/1 $800 110 E San Emdio 2/1 $925 326 E St 3/2 $950 302 E. San Emidio 3/2 + Pool $1,150

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

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

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile 661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

November 15 - 21, 2013

Ken Shugarts

549-1068

Air Conditioning & Heating

100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 518 Center St Retail Space $500 520 Center St Retail Space $500 Nice 3/1 house. Lrg living room and kitchen. and lndy. New dishwasher. All wood flrs. 1 car garage. Avail now. $795. mo plus $1,100 sec. dep.

(805) 689-4122

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

Studio Apartment. $550 mo.

Cable, and utilities incl. $500 dep. Avail Nov. 1st (661) 623-4792.

30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

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

APART. FOR RENT Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit.

No

We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

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

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

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

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

Shop

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

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

November 15 - 21, 2013