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Independent The Taft

November 27 - 3, 2015

The Taft Independent

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

November 27 - 3 2015 • Volume 9 Issue 22

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

Qik Smog & Tune

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Local Motorcycle Repair

European and Japanese Street Bikes and All Dirt Bikes Safety Inspection Professional Service Dirt and Street BikeTire Mount and Balance Experienced Mechanics Basic Tune-up to Major Overhaul

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

Proudly Servicing The Taft Area For Over Ten Years

See Our Ad On Page Two (661) 345-7350

N o w S e l l i n g Te c h I n s p e c t e d a n d S m o g g e d Q u a l i t y Us e d C a r s

Tickets Available at the Oildorado Store

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886 www.monarchfsa.com

Financing Available - Buy Here-Pay Here Available

The Taft Independent

2

November 27 - 3, 2015

Shop Taft Passion For Nails

Ad

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

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Pub Burger and French Fries Every Day $7.50 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Your Here!

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

765-6550

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Salon and Boutique

Fall is in the Air. Check out Our New Fall Fashions.

Armstrong Locksmithing New Local Locksmith Commercial - Residential - Automotive & More Professional Key Duplication & Code Generation

Monday - Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

Bring This Ad for a Free House Key

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class Bakery

Fresh Pies Baked Daily Cakes and More Now Serving Frozen Yogurt

(661) 348-7884 LOC. # 6214

Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

420 Center Street 623-1783

BRC Painting

Mobile Sandblasting and Printing Inc.

“Proud to Serve” Industrial - Farming - Trucking - Oil Extending and Restoring The Life of Your Investment

Merced Moreno - Licensed Bonded (661) 345-7350 P.O. Box 755, Buttonwillow, CA 93206

Adam Dayton Lic. No. 983535 (661) 809-3919

Billy Ray Cox

Contractors License 988395 (661) 623-4082 Billyrcox1@hotmail.com 900 E. Ash Street, Taft, CA 93268

November 27 - 3, 2015

Events Inside

The Taft Independent

Taft Business of the Week

Personal Style Hair Salon and Boutique

Shop Taft..........................2

By Gardener Field

Calendar...........................3

Westside Watcher..........4

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

Liberty Under Fire........8

Classified Ads.................10

The Taft Business of the Week: Personal Style Hair Salon and Boutique at 423 Center Street. Personal Style is owned and operated by great longtime Taft Resident Vickie Gregory.

Personal Style is one of the longest running businesses in Taft.

They have women’s clothes, accessories, shoes, and much more.

Start your Christmas Shopping at Personal Style.

Shop Taft........................11

The Taft Independent

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

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

Tuesday, November 17th, 2015 – 6:00 p.m.

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

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com Website: www.TaftIndependent.com Locally and Independently owned since 2006 The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,500 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Independent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscription home or business delivery of the Taft Independent is available for $6.50 per month or $78.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

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

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 Stephanie House, Jerry Livingston Wesley Morris Andreas Fault, William R. Taft Columnists Randy Miller Dr. Harold Pease Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

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.

The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers News and Feature Writers Experience Required.

Contact The Taft Independent Send Bio or Resume to Publisher@taftindependent.com

West Side Urgent Care Dr. Timothy Lee, Board Certified Pediatrician Taking appointments for children under the age of 18 Monday thru Friday 1:00pm – 5:00pm 765-1935

Taft Calendar

3

By Andreas Fault Christmas at The Historic Fort Holiday Gift Show and Dinner is this Thursday from 5-8pm. Dinner is only $8- includes a sandwich, salad, dessert, and coffee or tea. R.S.V.P. @ at The Fort or call 765-7371 for Dinner. The Fort looks even more beautiful during Christmas.

Friday- Taft Black Friday Specials at our local stores. Shop Taft.

Saturday- Small Business Saturday. Please support our Taft Businesses.

4th Saturday Car Show at Sno White. Every 4th Saturday Park and Show your Hot Rod from 6pm-?

Sunday- Family Fall Fest at the Rec Center from 12-4pm. $2 admission, $3 meal ticket.

Monday- Taft High Boys Basketball vs. Mira Monte at home.

Wednesday- Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club.

Doors open at 4:30, Dinner at 7:30pm Thursday- Taft Fort Dinner and Holiday Gift Show.

Taft Tea Party Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6pm at the Taft Veterans Hall.

Save the Date for these Future EventsDecember 4th: 1st Friday Christmas Cruise Night on Center Street. Starts at 6pm.

December 5th: Taft Disc Golf Winter Open, register at the Rec by November 25th.

Honolulu Hills Raceway Practice, gates open at 7am, practice 8am2pm. $25 for riders, spectators are free.

December 7th: Taft Christmas Parade on Center Street at 6pm.

December 10: Taft College Bookstore at 515 Finley Drive, “Open House” from 4-7pm.

December 12th: Taft Soroptimist Christmas Home Tour.

Christian Simpson Fundraiser Coed Softball Tournament at Franklin Field, starting at 7am. $240 per team. Call Kory Mays at 877-7297 for info. Help Christian’s Fight against cancer.

West Hills Church of the Nazarene “Drive Thru Nativity Scene,” at 300 Lassen Street.

February 6th: West Side Rec “Father Daughter Dance,” from 7-10pm.

May 21st-22nd: Taft Relay for Life at the Taft High Track.

1st Friday Christmas Cruise Night is next Friday on Center Street.

Several Shops will be open late for Christmas Shopping and Black Gold Brewing Company will be rocking. Come cruise, shop, eat, drink, see a movie, and have a good time.

It pays to advertise in The Taft Independent.

Our Readers do not pay to see your ad.

Call 765-6550 Call 765-6550 Today!

The Taft Independent

4

Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The

Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

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

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

Black Gold Brewing Co. American and Asian Food Burgers Pasta Thai Food Espresso - Beer - Wine Craft Beers Open Monday to Friday 7am to Close Saturday 7:30am to Close Sunday 10am to 12pm 508 Center Street 765-6556

Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Showtimes November 24 - December 3 Creed (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 7:30, 9:45 Sun: 2, 7:10 Mon - Thu: 8 The Good Dinosaur (PG) Fri & Sat: 5:30, 7:45 Sun: 2:15, 4:30 Mon - Thu: 6 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (PG13) Fri & Sat: 5, 10 Sun: 4:30, 6:45 Mon - Thu: 6:15

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Shop here

By William R. Taft The weekend after Thanksgiving is the 1st Official Christmas Shopping Weekend.

With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday I hope you’re planning on shopping in Taft.

No matter what your looking for our Taft Stores are now stocked for Christmas Shopping.

The people that are not shopping will probably be putting up Christmas Lights this weekend. Several families love spending the nights driving around looking at the beautiful lights. These days I suggest you put up lots of Christmas Lights for safety reasons. Crime goes way up during the Holidays and will be worse than ever with Governor Brown changing our laws to protect the bad guy.

Christmas Lights light up yours and your neighbors yards and thieves hate lights. Several good families will be cruising your Street looking out lights so that should keep the thieves away.

The last few weeks there has been lots of problems with door to door salesmen. Some of these salesmen even contacted children on their way home from school and scared them. These salesmen have rights but why would you scare Jr. High kids on their way home from school while you say you’re a good person trying to make a living. These salesmen were selling a cleaner. These salesmen also showed several others the checks they were given for cleaner they sold to your neighbors thinking that would help sell their cleaner but it only made me more scared to buy their product. This group did have a license for the City but was denied one from the County. Several others had run in’s with a group asking for money from our Veterans on Veterans Day. They were very forceful and none of them were Veterans. Law Enforcement did a great job with the calls dealing with them. If they come back down the road it is up to you if you are interested but I’d suggest you politely tell them no and keep your home and cars locked. I suggest if you don’t know who is coming to your door selling items and if they are not from Taft City Schools, local church, etc, that you do not buy anything from them. This is a perfect example why you should support our Taftians, not the people that come here and make money and leave to spend it somewhere else.

There are several stores around town to get great gifts for Christmas but there are also lots of other places to get a Gift Certificate from, like The Fox Theatre, OT Cookhouse, Pizza Factory, Black Gold Brewing Company, La Salsa, West Side Bowling Lanes, Rosemary and Thyme, etc.

The Color Bar Salon at 518 Center Street is now open, next to the Fox Theatre. A few have been confused, it is a Hair Salon, it is not a Saloon. Speaking of a Saloon, their neighbor Black Gold Brewing Company has several new brewed beers on tap. Black Gold will start serving breakfast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this December. So gets some eggs and they already have the best coffee in town.

It recently got pretty cold. Taft has lots of places to keep your car running great for winter. You can walk anywhere in Taft but downtown drop your car off for maintenance at either Monarch Fleet, Messenger’s Automotive, Clark’s Tire Shop, or Jackson’s Automotive, then walk over and have breakfast at either Black Gold, Oasis, or Candy Cafe. After breakfast shop downtown, get a treat at A Hint of Class Bakery, and if your car is not ready have lunch at one of the breakfast spots, or The Bank Sports Lounge, Ong’s Cafe, or Sno White. Don’t forget other excellent mechanics at Qik Smog and Tune, Harrison Street Automotive, Hookers Automotive, and for a fast oil change Taft A-1 Lube.

I talk about Shopping Taft almost every week. People forget what we have here and don’t realize without local sales tax things would be horrible here. I’ll put Acme Jewelry Store against any jewelry store in Kern County, stop by and shop yourself this weekend. Stay safe, lock your doors, and put up lots of Christmas Lights. Happy Holidays Taft.

November 27 - 3, 2015

Pets for Vets, Free Pet Adoption for Veterans

Kern County, in partnership with Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation, is proud to announce a fundraising campaign called “Kern County Pets for Vets.”

“Pets for Vets” is a fundraising platform through www.gofundme.com to raise money for free pet adoptions to eligible Veterans and their families. The Kern County Animal Services Department has previously partnered with the Animals for Armed Forces Foundation ® on successful adoption events and this fund raising platform will help make those successful events a continuing program.

Beginning Friday, November 20, 2015, the Kern County Pets for Vets fundraising campaign will kick off in an effort to cover all adoption fees associated with adopting a spayed or neutered dog or cat from any of the Animal Shelters operated

by Kern County. Free adoptions are available to Active Duty personnel, current and former members of the Reserves and National Guard, veterans of the U.S. military, and/or their immediate family members on a first come first served basis. In the event that adoption requests surpass donations, a waiting list will be created. To confirm eligibility simply bring one of the following forms of ID to your nearest Kern County Animal Services Shelter:

· A Military ID

· Kern County Veterans ID card

· Dependent ID

· DD-214 or

· NGB Form 22 Bakersfield shelter -- 3951 Fruitvale Avenue Mojave shelter -- 923 Poole St. Lake Isabella shelter -- 14891 Hwy 178 If you would like to help support Pets for Vets, go to https:// www.gofundme.com/kcpetsforvets

Los Padres Visitor Center Closing to Observe Thanksgiving Holiday Los Padres National Forest officials announced the Supervisor’s Office Visitor Center will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Visitor Center will resume regular business hours on Monday, November 29, at 10:00 am. ‘ For more information about Los Padres, please visit our website (www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf ) or Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/lospadresnationalforest).

The Taft Independent Visit Us On Facebook or online at www.taftindependent.com

November 27 - 3, 2015

The Taft Independent

Black Gold Brewing Company Brew Pub • Grill • Cafe

Cruise Night Friday, December 4th 2015

Natural Born Pickers

Friday, December 4th 7 p.m.

Acoustic duo from Taft that plays music from all over,

so every day is a completely new musical journey, you

never know where that journey will take you!

Brew Pub • Grill • Cafe • 508 Center Street • (661) 765-6556 Great Food & Craft Beers

Black Gold Brewing Company Brew Pub • Grill • Cafe Lunch and Dinner American and Thai Food

Hand Crafted Ales

Mon-Sat 7am-2pm 5pm-8pm Sunday 7am - 1pm

25 Hill Light Ale Old’s Cool Irish Red Wing Nut Brown Ale Petroleum Highway Porter Midway-Sunset Citra Pale Ale

Free WiFi Sports TV Outdoor Patio Smoking Area Pet Friendly

Espresso and Specialty Coffee Drinks 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

5

Sahagun Hired at TUHS Taft High class of 2003 graduate Joanie Sahagun was hired Monday, November 16th as the new English Language Development teacher, replacing Jackie Peavyhouse who retired in June.

Tuesday, November 17th was her first day back at her alma mater where she graduated with highest honors (above a 3.75 grade point average).

“It’s kind of odd to come back to where I went to school,” she admitted. “I can’t get used to calling my former teachers by their first name. I am teaching in a class where I once sat. Now I’m on the opposite end.

I love it so far. I’ve always felt comfortable here. I am coming back home, I guess. I’m really happy to be back at Taft High.”

The 30-year-old was born in Bakersfield and raised in Taft. She earned her associate of science degree in business at Taft College and her bachelor of arts and masters of arts degrees in English at California State University, Bakersfield. She is working on her teaching credential through National University.

Bilingual in Spanish, she taught English and English as a Second Language as an adjunct professor at TC, Bakersfield College and CSUB. “My goal was to teach at TC,” she said, “but I landed here. I think I will be happy to teach here.” Three of her former English teachers have retired, but Caroline Schoneweis is still at the school as the English Department chairwoman, although Sahagun said she cannot bring herself to call her former teacher, “Caroline.”

Sahagun has been married for almost three years to Juan Alcantar, a mechanic at Harrison Automotive.

They have a seven-week-old son, Aiden. Her parents take care of him during the school day. “Taking care of my baby takes all my (free) time,” she said. When she isn’t busy with her family, Sahagun said she enjoys studying the bible, reading, and going for walks.

Photo by Jim Carnal

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

The Taft Independent

Wikoff To Sing in Central Cal Honor Choir Taft Union High School junior Ckira Wikoff is singing alto in the women’s choir of the Central California honor choir Thursday through Saturday, November 19-21 in Clovis.

Six Taft students auditioned for the regional state honor choir and she was the only one who made it. She had to learn an Italian aria, sight-sing, display her vocal range, and pass a listening test in order to qualify for the prestigious event, explained choir director Amanda Locke.

To make the cut, she sang an Italian song, “Nina” before two Kern High School District music teachers.

After two days of rehearsal, the 200-member women’s choir and the even-larger mixed choir will perform a public concert on Saturday<cq: Nov. 21> in Clovis.

“It’s pretty cool,” Wikoff said. “It’s exciting.”

Wikoff ’s mother, Vicki, is a music teacher and Ckira said that she has been singing since she was little.

Her father, Rodney, is the pastor at West Hills Church of the Nazarene so she grew up singing in the church.

The youngest of four children, Ckira, was home schooled until she and her brother, Clayton, were old enough to start their public education at Taft High.

Clayton was the 2014 valedictorian. Ckira is No. 2 academically in the 246-member junior class.

Although she is an accomplished singer, she doesn’t see a future there. “Besides teaching, there are not that many jobs.” Instead, she is planning to become a reading specialist. Her altruistic side shows when she said, “I really like to read and I want others to enjoy it too.”

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Hours Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Visit Us On Facebook

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week 7 am to Midnight - 7 Days a Week

Oildorado Specials New York Steak $11.95

HOURS

100 E North St. Taft CA

It’s that wonderful time of year again! The Dirty Saints Motorcycle Club, in association with the Taft Lions Club, is proud to present, TOYS FOR TAFT 2015. This annual poker run is a wonderful tradition when motorcycle and car enthusiasts come together in order to help ensure that kids on the Westside of Kern County have a Merry Christmas.

The event is, Saturday, November 21st, 2015.

Registrations begin at Arts Corner at 8:00 am and run until 10:00 am. Motorcycles, Cars, Trucks all welcome to join in. Cost is a $20 dollar donation to participate in the Poker Run. Prizes awarded to the individuals with the Highest and Lowest hands at the final stop.

The pack will be leaving at 10:15 am sharp and the trek begins. Stops include The Tumbleweed, Penny Bar, Buttonwillow Park, and concluding at the Taft Petroleum Club.

There will be food, raffles, games, and good times to be had.

If anyone is interested in donating raffle prizes or even sponsoring the event, please contact the committee via email at toysfortaft@gmail.com. toys 2015Information about family sign ups to receive toys will be coming to you all in the near future.

photo by Jim Carnal

765-1935 Monday thru Friday 8:00am –9:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm

November 27 - 3, 2015

NOVEMBER SIGNATURE SANDWICHES Turkey Marco Polo Boar’s Head Roasted Turkey housemade dressing, cranberry chutney with Turkey Gravy.

Mention this ad and receive 10% off!

149 Kern Street, Taft, CA 763-1740

Breakfast Burritos $5.95 Mondays .99 cent Tacos Tuesdays Chicken Frajitas $7.95 $20 for 20 Tacos Every Day! 330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street 745-4898

The Taft Independent

November 27 - 3, 2015

Los Padres Announces Road Closures on Mt. Pinos Ranger District FRAZIER PARK, CA, November 23, 2015â&#x20AC;Ś Los Padres National Forest officials announced seasonal winter road closures on the Mt. Pinos Ranger District due to inclement weather and the potential for snow and rain.

On November 24, the following campgrounds, roads and OHV trail systems will close for the winter season.

CLOSED CAMPGROUNDS FOR THE SEASON Caballo Halfmoon Campo Alto Little Mutau Cedar Creek Marian Cherry Creek Pine Springs

Chucupate Campground Plieto Creek Cottonwood Salt Creek Dutchman Campground Sunset Fishbowls Thorn Meadows *Mcgill Campground, Mcgill Group Campground, Mt. Pinos Campground (Oct thru May 2016) CLOSED ROADS Alamo Mountain Road Marian/Caballo Road Cerro Noroeste Miller Jeep Trail Edison Road San Emigdio Road Frazier Mountain Road at 118 Trail Head Santa Barbara Canyon/Burkhorn Road Grade Valley Road Scott Russel Road

Black Gold Brewing Company Breakfast Menu

Served 7am - to 9:30am u kfast Men Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich gs New Brea ay Mornin d r tu a One fresh fried ranch egg with bacon and S & Friday 3rd cheddar chesse on a bun Thursday, December g in n in g e B Bisquits and Gravy

$6.95

Bacon or Ham Breakfast Burrito

$6.95

Combo Breakfast Burrito

$8.95

Bacon and Eggs

$7.95

Ham and Eggs

$9.95

Steak and Eggs

$12.95

Ham and Cheese Omelette

$8.95

Ortega Omelette

$9.95

Vegetable Omelette

$7.95

Huevos Rancheros

$8.95

Homemade sausage and gravy over two baked flour bisquits

Our giant burrito with your choice of bacon or ham wrapped in a giant, freshly made flour tortilla stuffed with jack & cheddar cheese, potatos and veggies Our giant breakfast burrito with ham, bacon and sausage wrapped in a giant, freshly made flour tortilla stuffed with jack & cheddar cheese, potatos and veggies Two fresh farm eggs, three slices of bacon, hash brown potates and toast Ham steak with two farm fresh eggs, hash brown potatoes and toast A 6 oz. Ribeye Steak with two eggs and hash brown potatoes Our omelette made with 3 farm fresh eggs with diced ham, with jack and cheddar cheese Our omelette made with 3 farm fresh eggs with ortega peppers, jack & cheddar cheese and avacado slices Our omelette made with 3 farm fresh eggs and fresh cut veggies Our version of a mexican favorite with two fresh farm eggs, taco style fillings served on two freshly made corn tortillas

Side Orders

Egg Bacon Strip Sourdough or wheat toast

$1.25 $1.50 $1.25

Coffee Orange Juice Milk

$2.00 $2.25 $2.00

$5.95

We support local business. When possible, we purchase our products from local merchants and farmers. Our eggs come from freerange, vegetarian feed chickens from SZRanch in the Cuayma Valley. Our flour and corn tortillas are supplied by La Villa market.

We strive to promote practices that help preserve local businesses and maintain our local tax base.

7 Lockwood Creek Road West Tecuya Road CLOSED OHV TRAILS (107) San Emigdio OHV (117) East Tecuya Trail (125) Cottonwood Trail (108) San Emigdio Mountain (118) West Frazier Mine Road (126) Yellowjacket Trail (111) Pleito Creek (119) West Frazier Tie Road (127) Lockwood Creek Trail (112) Salt Creek Trail (120) East Frazier (128) Piru Creek Trail (113) Cherry Creek Trail (121) Arrastra (129) Miller Jeep Trail (114) West Tecuya Trail (122) Tejon (130) Snowy Trail (115) Tecuya Timber Sale Route (123) Long Dave (131) Whata (116) Coldsprings Trail (124) Gold Hill (132) Halfmoon Trail Members of the public are reminded that they should always call ahead to the district office for the latest conditions and consult the National Weather Service for current weather forecasts. For more information, call the Mt. Pinos District Office at (661) 245-3731.

Black Gold Brewing Company Brew Pub - Grill - Cafe

Black Goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Grilled Ribeye Steak Sandwich Our new 6 oz. grilled ribeye steak sandwich on toasted sourdough bread with tomato, lettuce and red onion, topped with your choice of steak sauce, or our mayonnaise-mustard spread.

Only $10.95 for a limited time.

Breakfast at Black Gold Coming Soon Black Gold Will Begin Serving breakfast Thursday, Friday and Saturdays in December. We invite you to stop by and try our new Breakfast Menu

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

8

Christmas Cards A Jonas Kirk Mystery

By Dick Snyder (Part 2) Jonas is asked to host a poker game the same night as the Woodland Park Christmas Parade. He will play the role of the Joker.

“So, Sven,” I began, “What exactly does the Joker do?”

“Ya, ya,” he bubbled, “Well, he’s yust the host, the banker… plays not to win but yust to thin the cards and get through the deck.”

“I play not to win, right?” I found this appealing.

“Ya, ya, you don’t win, yust make them all feel good if they lose and make the winners feel smart…an easy evening of it.

Yust one thing though.”

“Yes?” I was waiting for the deal breaker.

“At midnight, no-limits for one hour…gives losers a chance to grab back some cash, don’t’cha know. Usually, they lose more, but they like this no-limit hour. You’ll see….you bet’cha. So you can do this, ya?”

No problem. Midnight desperate deals sounded as though they would add some spice to the end of the night, so I was willing, and I knew these guys well enough.

Orrie Johnson, of slender build, with long hands and agile fingers, kept his dark brown eyes wide open in their well shielded sockets. He was almost comical in appearance when he put his heavy eyeglasses on since his eyebrows formed a straight unbroken line to match that of the frames. One could see him as somehow malicious but then Orrie would smile, look you in the eye and you were hooked. I guess that is why he sold insurance. I liked him a lot because he appreciated travel and had recently returned from a cruise, Miami-Lima, passing through the Panama Canal, visiting Colombia, Venezuela and Peru. He talked a lot about the lush tropical environments and his trip up to Machu Picchu.

Burt Belknap, dour in face, florrid in complexion, eyes of uncertain color well shielded by heavy lids and a slight, constant grimace, was as grumpy as he looked. Covered with a mat of human hair carefully fashioned around his head, professionally trimmed around his face, he carried the nicks of shaving even small surfaces twice a day. Heavily hair-covered fingers reminded one of an early cave man kind of guy, and to my way of thinking, his manners complemented such an image. Still, I always marveled at the skilled way that he could handle a deck of cards, and I doubted that he was on the losing end of the night very often.

Burt ran an automotive supply business, and as long as cars were breaking down and rusting through the Minnesota winters, he would always have a nice cash reserve. He spent time in Vegas from time to time, and the gossip in Ole’s was that he won, and sometimes won big, whatever that meant. I didn’t like Burt, but then, I didn’t need to. The other three players enjoyed his company if for nothing more than their personal satisfaction in seeing him lose every once in a while.

Jeff Gielner, a former local athlete of great fame, sold cars with integrity, verve and good business sense. He hired a welltrained sales staff, provided superior service and his energy piped right on through his television ads to the pocket book of local travelers. “Buy From Jeff ” he shouted through every medium, and while it was a very simple phrase, over the years it had become a local mantra when one considered replacing a car. The only time you couldn’t buy from Jeff was during Super Bowl Weekend. No matter where it was played, he closed the business down and took his top salespeople to the game, allexpenses included. Who could not like a guy like that?

Gordon Halverson, one of the friendliest fellows in the community, always fit well in Ole’s. Well over six feet tall, carrying a good 230 pounds, his blue eyes sparkled above a smile featuring great teeth flashing brightly at the end of every sentence. He dressed well for each season, spoke softly, thought clearly and embraced the community with the subtle energy of a quiet electric motor. An attorney, he handled estates and pursued some criminal defense work that usually worked out well for his client, and if it didn’t, well, Gordon was safe enough while his loser was in jail. He liked to travel too, and we had crossed paths before, once in Sydney, and another time in Sentra, Portugal.

All in all, they were good fellows, and if there was a little tension about who was winning, well, they were competitive and there was bound to be a little whining. Sven, seeing my pause and imagining my thoughts, assured me that Burt, the usual winner, didn’t gloat, and that helped.

The Taft Independent

Liberty Under Fire Thanksgiving, Not Just Turkey Day Harold Pease, Ph. D Our first Congress wanted a national day of “thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Congress directed George Washington to select such a day in one of the very first laws passed. In obedience to the will of the people, he selected Thursday the 26th of November as that day of “public thanksgiving and prayer” and established its purpose. This day he said was “to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks….”

He proceeded to specifically identify some of these blessings “for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the original and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which So, I told him, “Fine, I can do it. Tell them to be at my place at 8:00 p.m. The parade will be over, and I’ll be all set up for them. Be sure to tell them that…the Joker deals cards on time…right?” I smiled.

“Ya, Ya,” he smiled, “I will, you bet’cha.”

They showed up within five minutes of one another, went through the usual greetings, loosened shirt sleeves, ties if worn, and poured themselves the beverage of choice. I sold everyone $1,000 worth of chips, then dealt the first hand, knowing that it would then rotate around so that everyone had the good clean feel of a full deck of cards. They played five-card stud, tossed in a 20 dollar chip for ante, and set about their business at first with little chatter then warming to the evening with speculations, comments and disbelief as the gains and losses began to become clear.

I know that even the casual poker player thinks about deciphering “tells”, those little habits that, over time, indicate what the other players might be holding in their hands. Some “tells” are true, some are bluffs, some are planned and some are simply inadvertent reflections of personality. For the first couple of hours, I just wanted to see how these guys played and who won or lost. I saw plenty.

To be continued…

Copyright 2015 by Dick Snyder. Released to Taft Independent for one printing on November 27, 2015.

November 27 - 3, 2015 we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.”

He saw strength in the prayer aspect of the new national holiday when he wrote, “And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplication to the great Lord and Ruler of nations, … .” He then humbly sought forgiveness for national transgressions as well. We “beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgression; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, .…” He, himself, humbly implored God for help in performing “our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discretely and faithfully executed and obeyed; ….”

Then he implored God “to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.”

The Thanksgiving Proclamation ended, “Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, A. D. 1789. George Washington Those who reduce this holiday to merely “Turkey Day” undermine its true and uplifting meaning. Again, it is a day of Thanksgiving and Prayer. Let us take this moment to thank God for the liberties we still have, and to ask forgiveness for our departures from the core values expressed in this proclamation, and in the Constitution. Let us resolve to restore them to prominence before they are lost, not by an enemy from without, but by our own ignorance and neglect from within.

Dr. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and 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.

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9

The Taft Independent

November 27 - 3, 2015

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TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557

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

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 4279722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

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.

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Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

First Baptist Church 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.

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Childcare Available During Services Info call 765-7151

631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study Wednesday 6 p.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m. www.standrewstaft.org 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

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

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10

The Taft Independent

Classifieds

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for Classified $2.00 per off up to 5 lines,Ads andare $7 per issue forline. up toPhone, 10 lines.fax, Yardmail Sale or adsdrop are free. your adfax, tomail the or Taft Independent.

Phone, drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Deadline for submission is Wednesdays at Noon.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

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Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

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HELP WANTED LVN needed for busy Urgent Care Please send resume to WSHCD@bak.rr.com or mail to 119 Adkission Way, Taft Help Wanted Part-Time Taft City School District is accepting applications for one Bus Driver position: 4.5 hours per day, 12 months per year.

Employment process includes written exam, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and physical exam with drug screen. A written exam for this position will be given on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 @ 2:30 p.m. Application and Job Description may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Monday, November 30, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. The District will provide bus driver training for the successful candidate. EOE

1019 Buena Vista St, 2/1.75, manufactured home on huge lot, extended living room, enclosed porch, mature trees, $35,900 Pick up a list of all homes For Sale at 322 Kern St or call 661-765-5000

HOMES FOR RENT

1976 Harley Davidson Sportster XLCH 1000cc Fair condition.

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OPEN HOUSE HOMES FOR SALE

Americana Real Estate 322 Kern St. 661-7655000 Lic # 00447658 & 01942324 110 Loma Vista 3/2 with garage, Complete Remodel incl. Roof, A/C & ducting, windows, stucco, all new interior, kitchen & baths w/granite & tile, 1292 sf, $159,500 112 Loma Vista, 3/1 with pool & garage, newer roof, A/C unit & windows, large yard, all new flooring throughout! 1085 sf, $149,770 406 S. 10th St, 3/2 with office & 2 car garage, Complete Remodel incl. electrical, plumbing, A/C & ducting, windows, stucco, all new interior, kitchen & baths w/granite & tile, 1520 sf, $175,400

1 Bath house.

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BuySellManage.com (661) 763-1500 Cal BRE Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 218 4th St #4 Studio/1 $425 224 B St #A 1/1 $550 522 Center #C 1/1 $550 224 B St #B 2/1 $575 904 Stanislaus #2 & #3 $600 315 7th St 1/1 $750 617 Buchanan 3/1 $775 218 Shattuck 3/2 $800 411 Naylor 3/2 $850 709 Kern 3/1 $900

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ROOM FOR RENT

(661) 769-6469 410 Buchanan 3/1 $900 321 A St 3/1 $900 108 E Calvin 3/1 $950 302 E San Emidio 3/2 + Pool $1,150 316 Pilgrim 3/2 $1,300 318 Pilgrim 4/2 $1,300 110 Village Way 4/2 $1,800 212 4th St Laundromat opportunity $500 216 4th St Office space $500 100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 2 bedroom 1 bath house with yard 1 year lease Rent $700 Deposit $800 328 General Petroleum. Paul joyce Joyce Properties 661-769-6469 2 bed. 1 Bath plus bonus room. Garage, patio, $850. mo. $850 dep. 401 So. 6th Street. Call 661-8054849.

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House for Sale

Real Estate Services and Property Management Laura Vega DRE 01942324

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Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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November 27 - 3, 2015

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November 27 - 3, 2015

The Taft Independent

Sandy Creek Estates

New Homes for Sale in Taft THE PORTER

Randy’s Trucking

1550 SQ. FT. 3-BEDROOM 2 BATH GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN AND BATHS STAINLESS STEEL

Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping • Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades • • Rear Operator Control Panel •

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THE STERLING

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2220 SQ. FT. 4-BEDROOM 2 BATH GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN AND BATHS STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES TILE FLOORS ON ALL WET AREAS COVERED PATIO FENCED LOT LANDSCAPED

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Options Available Real Estate Services and Property Management Laura Vega DRE 01942324

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

FRONT YARD ALL INCLUSIVE $325,000

Visit our website www.Sandycreekestates.com

The Taft Independent

Qik Smog & Tune

(661)763-4445

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Pub Burger and French Fries Every Day $7.95

November 27 - 3, 2015

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

We sell and service Mountain Bikes, BMX, Skateboards and Scooters.

Just added: Roller Derby Skates and Accessories 608 Center St.

745-4919

Classified Ads. $2 Per Line.

Yard Sale Ads $3.00 Best Ad Deal in Taft