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Independent The Taft

December 13 - 19, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

December 13 - 19, 2013 • Volume 8 Issue 21

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

Black Gold Brewing Company

Cafe - Deli - Espresso - Craft Beers Shop Downtown Taft for the Holidays!

Gift Certificates $10 and Up

All of Us At Black Gold Wish You A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 508 Center Street -765-6556

Ship Your Packages Here!

Guaranteed Delivery or Your Money Back!

Free Package Tracking Free Coverage on Packages with $100 or Less DV We accept: ARS (auth. Return Service) RS (Return Service) Internet (UPS.com)

This Week In Taft

1016 6th St. Taft 661-745-4855

Qik Smog & Tune

O P E N S AT U R D AY S 8 A M T O 4 P M No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive

Alignment - Diagnostics - Brakes - Tires and Wheels TIA Certified ASE

Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

END OF THE YEAR TIRE AND SERVICES SPECIALS SEE STORE FOR DEATILS

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 13 - 19, 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

Guaranteed Delivery or Your Money Back!

Free Package Tracking Free Coverage on Packages with $100 or Less DV We accept: ARS (auth. Return Service) RS (Return Service) Internet (UPS.com)

1016 6th St. Taft 661-745-4855

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!

Merry Christmas From All of Us

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

Ship Your Packages Here!

acme jewelry co.

Merry Christmas Uniques Gifts and More!

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 64 oz. Beer Growlers To Go! 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899 REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa Elaine Arnold, Owner Pedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing

End of the Year Goodyear Tire Sale

Free Rotation Free Flat Repair Free Nitrogen Upgrade 50% OFF Alignments* *offer good with purchase of 4 tires

Open Saturdays 8am to 4pm Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

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

December 13 - 19, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Truxton Mile At Old’s Cool Antiques Saturday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Musical group Truxton Mile will be at Old’s Cool Antiques and More on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. signing autographs and selling thier new CD, “On My Way”. The public is invited.

Old’s Cool in located on Center Street acrss fromt ehTaft ox Theater.

Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10

Soroptimist International of Taft Presents

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

Homes for the Holidays Home Tour, Luncheon & Fashion Show Saturday, December 14th Home Tour: 9:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Luncheon & Fashion Show 12 p.m.

At the Westside Believers Church Highway 119 and Main Street Kick-off begins at 9am at True Value Hardware Tickets on sale at $25.00 each and can be purchased from:

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.

Hint of Class, The Fort, Personal Style, or any Soroptimist member It is a great way to get in the holiday mood, see some beautiful homes have a chance to win beautiful raffle prizes, eat a great lunch, and help raise funds to meet local needs!

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

acme jewelry co.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

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

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

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

F i n e

J e w e l r y

We Have Baggallini 14K Gold •Handbags.

Sterling Silver

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin

This Saturday is the Soroptimist Annual Luncheon and Home Tours which has already sold out. With approximately 230 ladies attending it should be a great afternoon. Saturday evening get the family and have an early dinner at one of Taft’s fabulous restaurants. After dinner head over to the First Baptist Church at 6pm for the Musical, “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” Afterwards, head to the West Hills Church of the Nazarene Drive Thru Nativity Scene. Finish the evening by checking out Christmas Lights. Some of the best are the Wooden Derrick at the Oil Museum, Lights by the Whites on Hilltop, the Miller’s on Hillard, the Allen’s on East San Emidio, and the Quail Court neighborhood looks great.

The Salvation Army is in need of Bell Ringers. If you’re interested call The Resource Center at 765-7281 to sign up for a 2 hour stint.

The Westside Resource Center, Taft Needs Center, Laborers of the Harvest, and several Churches are collecting food for the Holidays.

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

They are accepting new members for only $60.00 a year.

Tonight and Saturday- The West Hills Church of the Nazarene “Annual Drive Thru Nativity,” at 300 Lassen Street from 7-9pm. Free Admission.

Saturday- Soroptimist Luncheon and Home Tour.

Saturday and Sunday- “I’ll be Home for Christmas” the Musical, at the First Baptist Church 220 North Street at 6pm both nights. Free admission. Great event for the entire family.

Tuesday- Lincoln Jr. High School Band and Choir Concert at the Lincoln Auditorium at 6:30pm.

Thursday- Taft Tea Party Meeting at the Taft Veterans Hall at 6pm.

Save the Date for these Future EventsDecember 21st: Taft IDPA monthly match at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club. Check in at 8am.

December 24th: West Hills Church of the Nazarene Christmas Eve Service at 7pm.

January 3rd: Cruise Night January 8th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club.

January 18th: Annual Taft Sportsmen’s Club Banquet OT Cookhouse.

February 6th: Taft Chamber Installation Dinner February 22nd: West Kern Oil Museum Annual Dinner

What’s in Your Heart Locket

The Taft Fox Theatre is open 7 days a week. They have 3 great movies at great prices. Their snack bar has great Hot Dogs, Cheeseburgers, Popcorn, Drinks, Candy, and much more at good prices. Domino’s Pizza on Friday and Saturdays. The Fox Theatre is “The Place To Go!”

Black Hills Gold 50% Off Tag

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Fine Jewelry 50% Off Tag Watch Batteries

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Tuesday December 17th, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

Hammonds Peanut Brittle & Candy

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

Tactical Flash Lights

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

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

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, December 13, 2013 through Thursday, December 19, 2013 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (PG-13) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 6:30, 9:30 Sun: (4:00), 7:00 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM Frozen (PG) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 6:00, 8:10 Sun: (4:30), 6:40 Mon - Thu: 6:00 PM The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG-13) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 6:15, 9:00 Sun: (4:15), 7:00 Mon & Tue: 6:30 PM Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (NR) Digital Presentation Wed & Thu: 7:15 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.

Something new in Taft?

The rumors are true there is going to be a new Restaurant going in on the corner of 5th and North Street. It is the beautiful brick building across from Taft Chevrolet.

The building has been a bar and a bank in the past. It was last Troy’s Tavern. It was damaged by a fire several years back. Black/Hall Construction is currently working on the building and it should be opened in the first part of next year. It is going to have several TV’s to watch your favorite game.

It will join Oasis, Candy Café, Ong’s Café, Asian Experience, Mi Casita, Black Gold Deli, and Pizza Factory in Historic Downtown Taft. There is also rumors of Buckoles Restaurant and Bar opening soon. Buckoles is in the old White Elephant/Chilled n Grilled Building, across from Pizza Factory. It will be great having a few more choices when you go out to eat.

Just a few weeks ago Carmen’s Boutique opened at 428 Center Street between Jack’s Flower Shop and Acme Jewelry. Carmen’s Boutique has women’s clothing and accessories. It joins several others like A Hint of Class, Eye Kandi, Bangs and Tangles, Blue Jeans and Bling, Personal Style, and Shaws, so ladies can get all their clothing and accessories in Taft.

The Taft Chamber has always been great but they just keep getting better. The last Cruise Night was very cold and there was not a lot of cruising. There were a lot of people walking around shopping and as always the Lions Club Tri Tip Sandwich was great. The DJ in front of the 5th Street Plaza played a little bit of everything and was enjoyed by all. Black Gold Brewery seemed to be the place to get warm and enjoy a good drink. The Taft Chamber, Taft ROP, and Westside Furniture had free photos with Santa last Monday that most of the kids in Taft attended and they all loved it.

To have a business these days in Taft I would image it being very difficult. You cannot just rely on word of mouth, Social Media, The Taft Newspapers, and signs on your business. You will need all four of those along with joining the Taft Chamber to get your name out there.

Once they come in you must have a great product, service, and prices. One Business that has thrived the last 5 plus years in my eyes is Asian Experience. They use all of the above to get their name out and when you come in you will not be disappointed. It is in a very cool building, has amazing food, super friendly service, and great prices.

They have a huge beverage selection and also have crushed ice. If you do not like Thai food you can try their sushi or terrific pizza. The owner, Dennis always makes you feel welcome. If you have not already known him forever you will feel like you have.

There are some businesses in Taft that do not do as well.

You can’t really judge a place on one bad experience. Everyone has a bad or off day. Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes makes things worse trying to fix them. If you have a suggestion or a complaint please go tell the owner or manager. Do not blast them on Social Media after one bad experience. Do not get me wrong some people and businesses will not make it and they shouldn’t but others deserve a break. If you hear people saying a place should change their hours or add something to their business you should let them know your opinion and hopefully it will help them become more successful.

Taft now has an awesome Brewery in Black Gold, amazing custom cupcakes at Get Your Sweet On, and the best Burrito I’ve eaten at Vicente’s Mexican Food, so the sky is the limit for Taft. Please shop Taft, it will benefit you in the long run. Stay positive Taft!

John Swearengin

December 13 - 19, 2013

Letters to the Editor Thank You for Community Thanksgiving Meal at Veterans Hall Dear Editor: What a Blessing it was to be able to help with the Thanksgiving Feast.Lots of hard work, but well worth every bit of it. The turnout was fantastic, and the help was unbelievable. My 8 year old niece really enjoyed helping. It taught her how we need to help others, and to be thankful for what we have.

Let’s do it again next year. Thanks Kay for following your heart.

Donna Ayers Dear Editor: For years I have said I would like to just give back for once during the holidays. This year my entire family was able to do just that. My young nephew was speaking of his experience to his friends and with such pride in himself and in the people of this little town we call home. Every single chance I get I thank God for. What he has given us and just to spend time with this group of people restored my faith in this communiy.

Melissa Kennedy

Soroptimist International of Taft Presents Homes for the Holidays Home Tour, Luncheon & Fashion Show Saturday, December 14th Home Tour: 9:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Luncheon & Fashion Show 12 p.m.

At the Westside Believers Church Highway 119 and Main Street Kick-off begins at 9am at True Value Hardware Tickets on sale at $25.00 each and can be purchased from: Hint of Class, The Fort, Personal Style, or any Soroptimist member It is a great way to get in the holiday mood, see some beautiful homes have a chance to win beautiful raffle prizes, eat a great lunch, and help raise funds to meet local needs!

Visit Us Online www. taftindependent. com

December 13 - 19, 2013

Parting Shots

By Mimi Collins, Taft Camera Club

Celebration time! Taft Camera Club’s 80th Anniversary Exhibit opened to a crowd of over 50 people on November 16 at West Kern Oil Museum.

The program featured an exhibit of digital images by club members, including several from the 1930s when the club was first chartered. If you missed the opening, not to worry, the print exhibit will be on display at the Museum through December. You’re invited to visit the Museum Thursdays through Saturdays, from 10AM to 4PM, and Sundays, 1 to 4PM, to view the photography exhibit as well as the Museum’s many other wonderful exhibits.

This month’s Parting Shots reflect back to earlier this year, as Camera Club members were just getting into the swing of things. They represent a wide variety of compositions and locations.

Taft Camera Club welcomes new members: adults, college and high school students, and younger members with adult sponsors.

Please contact us for more information: www.taftcameraclub.org, taftcameraclub@ yahoo.com, or Taft Camera Club on Facebook.

Photos: Bengal, by Karen White (right) Dead Wood, by Arthur Tamayo (upper right) Early Summer Sunrise, by Katherine Mize (far right) Mountain River, by Mimi Collins (below)

TAFT INDEPENDENT

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 13 - 19, 2013

State Signs CCF Contract with City, Prisoners Will Arrive This February

Sandy Creek Estates Hillard Merchants Offering Shop Taft Street Housing Project Nearing Deals on Saturday, Residents Approval, First 10 Lots Available Invited to Visit Local Businesses

The State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has signed a contract with the City of Taft to once again house state inmates at the city’s Comunity Correctional Facility.

The contract will be in effect until June 2018.

The Taft City Council met in special session earlier this month and approved the contract with the State.

State approval of the contract will see prisoners arriving in Taft by February 2014.

The contract, which will bring badly needed reveunes to the cash strapped city, is a 5 year agreement to house up to 512 state inmates, with health care services to be provided by the West Side Health Care District.

In the past, the CCF housed state prisoners, but the facility was closed nearly two years ago as a cost saving measure by the state.

A federal court decision is forcing the state to send prisoners back to Taft and similar facilities around the state because of overcrowding in state prisons.

Closure of the CCF cost the City of Taft nearly $2 million in shut-down and unemployment compensation expenses, not to mention loss of nearly $1 million annual income to the city for operation of the facility.

More than 60 CCF employees lost their jobs when the state closed the facility. Under the then existing contract, the state was to pay unemployment to former CCF employees.

The city was saddled with the costs, and is now in a lawsuit against the state in Kern County Superior Court to recover the estimated $1.5 million.

The city has used nearly all of its cash reserves to pay for the closure and unemployment claims by former CCF employees.

To bring the CCF up to state standards, the council approved a contract with Black/Hall Construction to make emergency improvements at the CCF.

Local home builder Bob Colston has told the Independent that his 350 home Sandy Creek Estate housing development located on Hillard Street in Taft is nearing approval by the state Department of Fish and Game and that 10 lots are ready for reservation by the public.

Colston said that there are 5 different home plans avalable to view and that interested persons should contact him to view the plans and make a reservation for a home to purchase. The homes offered range from 1,550 to 2,200 sq ft.

Colston said that he has been awaiting approval from the state to build up to 350 homes along Hillard Street.

Taft City Manager Craig Jones said that the city has been working closely with Fish and Game to get the project approved qickly, despite difficult environmental issues that had to be addressed.

Colston has set aside 30 acres to allow for endangered species. He said that as he builds homes, affected animals and species would move to the 30 acre “safe harbor” site that the state has required Colston to provide.

Jones and Colston both said that the state should soon be issuing a permit, possibly by January, to begin grading in preparation of building the first 10 homes.

Interested persons should contact Colston at (661) 7633517.

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

“Merry Christmas and a Happy, prosperous New Year to everyone”

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Time for a Change?

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

HOLIDAY OIL CHANGE SPECIAL

$29.99 REG. $39.95

To all our wonderful OT Cookhouse patrons: To you and yours...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

OT Cookhouse will be CLOSED Thursday, November 28, 2013 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume regular business hours at 4:00pm Friday EVENING, November 29, 2013.

Must present coupon at time of service.

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

(661) 763-4201 Certified Service

501 North Street, Taft

TAFT

Black Gold Brewing Company Cafe - Deli - Espresso - Craft Beers

Shop Downtown Taft for the Holidays!

Gift Certificates $10 and Up All of Us At Black Gold Wish You A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 508 Center Street -765-6556

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

Chevrolet - Buick

www.ShopTaft247.com

Blessings from all of us at OT Cookhouse!!!

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.

Senior Portraits Class of 2014 Fun and Easy

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

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

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

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

December 13 - 19, 2013

Taft Union High School FFA Participates in Job Interview Contest

On Saturday, FFA students from Taft Union High School’s agriculture program competed in the South Valley FFA Section speaking contest at Frontier High School. Josh Hawkins, Justin Studer, and Jason Fuller competed in the job interview contest against 20 other FFA students from around Kern County. Job interview contestants are judged on their cover letter and resume as well as their interview.

Josh Hawkins took 4th high individual and will be moving on to compete at the San Joaquin Regional job interview contest in March.

Freshmen Brittney Fuller and Shelby Watts competed in the FFA creed speaking contest, where they memorized and recited the five-paragraph FFA creed.

Students were judged on their memorization and presentation of the creed, as well as their answers to questions related to the creed.

Photos by Adam Bullard Josh Hawkins took 4th high individual and will be moving on to compete at the San Joaquin Regional job interview contest in March.

Shelby Watts, Justin Studer, Josh Hawkins, Jason Fuller and Brittney Fuller competed in the South Valley FFA Section speaking contest at Frontier High School on Saturday.

Taft College Dental Hygiene Students Present Christmas Gifts to Child Care Center Children The Taft College Children’s Center is very grateful to the Taft College Dental Program Students for their commitment in fulfilling a generous gesture for our young students by purchasing, wrapping and delivering a gift toy for the Christmas holidays, while too preparing for their course finals. We commend each student for their positive role as a Taft College student, and young individual impacting our society. These student exemplify the meaning of the holidays - that it is by giving to others that we receive. TC Dental Students pictured: Lindsay Pascoe, Khristina Goulart, Emily Tait, Whittney Hamer, Chelsea Smith, Hannah Ricker, Hannah Liebel and Brittany Johnson.

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

Liberty Under Fire

Miller Time

Christmas carols, cards and greetings at school. Are they Constitutional?

Hi Everyone,

By Dr. Harold Pease What are my constitutional rights in school with respect to Christmas? It might surprise some to learn that the Constitution does not allow the government to prevent you from doing most things that you do at home also in public—even at school. The Constitutionally ill-informed like to refer to the “separation of church and state” as the rational for a prohibition of religious or seasonal expression in public places. No such language exists in the Constitution. To prevent you from doing these things would be as unconstitutional as mandating that you do.

Actually the language of the First Amendment, from which opponents to religion derive this falsehood, is “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Such was included for the sole purpose of preventing the government from creating a state approved organization of religion as had happened in Europe for more than a thousand years. Simply, government may not establish a state religion. Instead, government is charged with protecting “the free exercise thereof.”

So decorate your school Christmas trees (not diversity trees), distribute your Christmas cards with Biblical messages on them (not Holiday Cards) to your school mates, greet your school friends and colleagues with Merry Christmas (not Happy Holidays), sing “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World,” in your school choirs and for heaven sakes do not let your teachers or administrators change Christmas Break to Winter Break or “Sparkle Season.” You have a culture and heritage to preserve, so say the courts. You may even have a nativity scene in the classroom or on school grounds but outside activities are better left to parent organizations.

Some might say that I am giving you the view and practice of 50 years ago. That is so but amazingly that view remains in place. Whereas the Supreme Court has participated in constitutional distortion in so many other areas in the past, the original view, the “free exercise” of religion, still holds. The Court has not ruled on any measure that would silence those who celebrate Christmas openly and in public places. If it did so it might fairly be accused of creating an organization of the irreligious to destroy religious freedom.

Yes, you might get a letter from the ACLU threatening your “free exercise thereof ” of religion but the Supreme Court has never upheld their view—in fact, the opposite has been established in case after case. Because they have been successful in creating the opposite public impression they can bully and bluster the ignorant into forfeiting this constitutional right.

Should they do more than bluster, which is unlikely given their loss ratio, defending your right to celebrate Christmas in the traditional—even historical manner— is protected by the Constitution and defended by the Alliance Defending Freedom who have recently sent a letter to more than 13,000 school districts nationwide offering their free legal assistance. Attorneys all over the country volunteer their services to protect this part of the Constitution. Should a student or faculty member feel threatened by their leadership or wish council on this subject they can be reached at 1-800-835-5233 and such are invited to visit www.AllianceDefendingFreedom.org. The Alliance will be happy to send a letter encouraging them to honor your First Amendment rights.

Brrrrr!! Winter came to good ole Taft with a vengeance. I can’t remember a cold spell this long and this cold for quite some time.

I have worked really hard to cover and protect my vulnerable plants in front of the house. The other ones are showing signs of distress and the tips of their leaves are frost burnt. Hope I don’t lose them. Can you imagine trying to save hundreds of acres of plants that you have worked all year to cultivate and nurture, only to see this freeze wipe it all out. That is what the valley’s citrus growers are facing. Price of oranges and orange juice may be going up. Gratefully, no fog so far even after the little bit of rain we had, just too darn cold, I guess. Again, we are seeing that we can’t count on the past to predict our weather. Hope it warms up though, as I now know that as I get older my skin gets thinner and I get the chills a lot more often. Remember those that not as fortunate; whose homes are drafty and not well insulated; the kids who don’t have the clothing to protect them from the cold. The NEEDs Center, Resource Center, and Laborers of the Harvest can use your gently used clean winter clothing for their clients.

One of Taft’s sons lost his battle with cancer this past month. George “Dan” Bilbrey was a classmate of mine from the Sixties. We had a lot of good times cruising Center Street, playing football together, and doing a few rascally things to our parents chagrin. He worked at Rockholt’s Chevron on the corner of North Street and Sixth (vacant lot) and I worked at the Texaco where Waldrops Auto Parts is now. Back then there were Chevron stations at Tenth and Kern, First and Kern, where the 7/11 is located, ‘B’ Street and 10th, and Asher and Wood Street that I can remember. A lot of gear heads got their start as summer and weekend hires for a buck and hour. George and I had many good times but the one I remember most is when his car broke down in front of the Caprice Motel.

We took a look underneath and his drive shaft came loose from the rear end and was dragging on the ground. What to do ?? We went up to Worrell’s on Asher Street and Alliance literature notes the things that may be done in the public setting. Colleges may decorate campus Christmas trees. Christmas programs may include religious songs. The courts have recognized for many years that Christmas carols have achieved a cultural significance that justifies their being performed in public schools.

Moreover, teachers may constitutionally present Christmas passages from the Bible when treating the event in the historical sense. The First Amendment does protect the right of individuals to private religious expression on public property—even nativity scenes. Even showing paintings of Jesus Christ in public parks is constitutional. May the government sponsor religious displays inside government buildings? Of course!! How could the Supreme Court rule otherwise? Moses with the Ten Commandments is chiseled in stone on their building. Prayer is held every working morning in both the House and Senate chambers and each dedicate a room for quiet meditation and prayer for our legislators.

So I invite you to push the limits of freedom. How else will it be retrieved? If not you then who? If not now then when? Doing nothing only exacerbates the problem and encourages opponents to bluster and intimidate all the more.

Merry Christmas my liberty loving friends.

December 13 - 19, 2013

found a used u-joint and took it back, jacked his car up and replaced it right there curb side. He had a 55 Plymouth four door. You could do that in those days. George went into the Air Force for six years and returned to the City of Tracy and started a career there. He was elected to the City Council and then became Mayor for 12 yrs during a time of unprecedented growth for the City. The new plaza, the “Dan Bilbrey Plaza”, in front of City Hall was just dedicated to him just prior to his passing. Farewell, George, thank you for your service.

Here was someone that asked only what he could do for his community. The City of Bell on the other hand had folks working there who asked what the city could do for them. The City Manager has been convicted and jailed for salary fraud, the Assistant City Manager has just been convicted and is awaiting sentencing; some City Council members are being indicted. Who is left; the Police Chief. He was hired after finishing a career elsewhere for a salary that was nearly $340,000 a year in a City of only 20,000. He didn’t seem to think that was unusual since he was making more than the LA County Sheriff, or any other Chief of Police in the State. Wouldn’t you think this would have raised the investigative hairs on the back of his neck ?? No, he just joined into the spoils like the rest. It took a newspaper expose to uncover the rottenness going on in City Hall. Yet he has been given a pass, so far.

His excuse was he accepted what they were willing to pay him. The sad part of all of this is the fact these folks are all eligible for their retirement at their greatly inflated salary rate from the state PERS retirement system. Unbelievable !! Who protects taxpayers from these kinds of frauds, the very same people who were indicted ?? Your Taft City Council members take their jobs very seriously but you make decisions on the information that is given you from staff. You can’t be afraid or intimidated to ask questions to get answers. Looking through and trying to understand financial statements, is the probably the most difficult task of all. Fortunately, over the years we haven’t had too many problems, but then again we are not paid off with $90,000 a year council salaries as the Bell Council was. Jail time for violating the public trust is the only way we are going to stop these kinds of crimes. No fines, no getting fired, no probation, you go to jail, Period. When public employees understand that stealing or taking from the public treasury is dead wrong, they lose their rights and they go visit some not so nice new friends in a not so nice place.

We are out of the frying pan and into the fire with the State Department of Corrections. We should have a signed contract by the time you read this. There are lots to do to open, but we are trying to remain positive as jobs and income, once again come back to Taft. We’ll keep you posted.

See You Around Town, Randy Miller Livin’ in Taft

Black Gold Brewing Company Cafe - Deli - Espresso - Craft Beers

Shop Downtown Taft for the Holidays!

Gift Certificates $10 and Up All of Us At Black Gold Wish You A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 508 Center Street -765-6556

December 13 - 19, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli Serving Since 1939

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

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

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

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

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

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

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

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

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

Charles V. & Jennifer Landwehr and Angie Milner

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

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

Gateway Temple

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

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

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

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Parish Hall Available for Rent

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

First Baptist Church

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

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In The Taft Independent

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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

Call Today!

765-6550

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

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

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

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

Info call 765-7151

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS Taft- A caring community under Christ We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Emmons Park Drive (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

The Pregnancy crisis center is now open and available for support and assistance.

For information, call 763-4791 If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488.

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

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.

YARD SALES

MOVING inside yard sale Rain or Shine... 110 East Lucard Street Sat. Dec. 14- 8-11 am

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED VACANCY: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT LITERACY PROGRAM Taft Union High School is accepting applications for an Instructional AideLiteracy Program. This is an in-school day position, 8-hours per day, Pay Range $15.63 - $19.03 p/hr. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and resume, Written Exam, Interview, DOJ Clearance, Physical and Drug Screen and background check.

Applications, Job Descriptionand Salary Schedules are available at the TUHS Business Office, 701 Wildcat Way, between 7:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.M-F. Please note that the Business Office will be closed Dec. 23rd Jan. 3rd. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. Written test will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application on Thursday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m.in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall.

Community Action Partnership of Kern CENTER DIRECTOR Maricopa Head Start Supervises the daily operations of a child development center; including the

supervision of all center staff either directly or indirectly ensuring compliance of all finding sources.

Must possess a Site Supervisor Permit; by meeting standards established

by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, options 1-5, dated February 1, 1997. AA/ AS degree with major in Early Childhood Development, Education, Human Development or related field. 17.65/HR + benefits. Open until filled. Job Applications and full job descriptions are available from our website www.capk.org and our administrative office located at 5005 Business Park North in Bakersfield, Ca 93309 (661)-336-5236 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 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

SERVICES

(661) 972-7807.

MOBILE HOMES

519 1/2 Buchannon St. Mobile on lot. 2 bd. 2 ba. Awning.

Small family, No Pets.

Do not disturb tenants. $650 mo. $650 deposit. 301-2527.

CHILD CARE SERVICES FOR SALE Christmas Trees. 7652713.

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 417 Montview. 2bd. 1 ba. house. Fend yard. $15,000 cash or owner will carry with down payment for 5 years.. Land is on a lease for $314 per month.

Do not disturb tenant.s.

on Facebook

Classified Ads $2.00 per line.

$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.

AUTOMOBILES

Find us

Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469

Phone: Phone:765-6550 765-6550

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.

Preserving for the Future

Box it for $5.00.

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 $600 205 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600 200 Philippine 2/1 $650 307 Philippine 1/1 $700 107 Lucard 2/1 $700 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $700 326 Adeline 2/1 $750 714 Polk 2/1 $750 528 D St 2/1 $850 411 Naylor 3/2 $850 326 E St 3/2 $950 506 Garfield 3/2 $1,100

3,500 Issues Printed Every Friday.

Best Price and

100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 518 Center St Retail Space $500 520 Center St Retail Space $500

most Readers on the Westside -

1201 North Lincoln St. Taft. 4bd 2 bath home. 1700 sq. ft.

Large storgae shed.

Carport. Completely remodeled. Stainless steel appli. $1,275 mo. with $1,275. Dep. Call Cindy (805) 440-8686.

Period.

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

December 13 - 19, 2013

Ken Shugarts

549-1068

Air Conditioning & Heating

3 bed. 1 bath. Newly remodeled Lg. Garage. 401 So. 6th St. $850 mo. $850 dep. (661) 805-4849.

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 Studio Apartment. $550 mo.

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

Westside Real Estate 765-5000 1/1 319 1/2 San Emidio #A all utilities Included $600/$600 dep 3/2 27544 Hwy 119 on 3/4 Acre $950/$950 dep 3/2 28179 McClarren Ave on 1 Acre $950/$950 dep Coming Soon 3/2 on Jackson new floors/ paint $850/$850 dep Pick up a list at 322 Kern St. 661-765-5000 Westside Real Estate & Property Management Inc. 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 Condo for rent. 2 ba\1ba.

Condo. $800 mo.

1st and last

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

Real Estate 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

Los Padres Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Recreation Fee Changes

Taft Chamber of Commerce Awards $20,000 Golf Tournament Hole-in-One Check, Synagro Presents $10,000 to Taft Community Garden

GOLETA, Calif., December 6, 2013 – Los Padres National Forest officials are seeking public comments on proposed changes to the Ballinger, Mt. Pinos, Figueroa Mountain, Goldhill, Santa Ynez, Pozo/La Panza, and Rose Valley standard amenity recreation fee (SAF) areas. The forest is proposing to substantially reduce the size of the Santa Ynez area, eliminate the remaining six SAF areas, and establish special recreation permit (SRP) fees in two locations. These proposed changes would result in more than 40,000 acres becoming available to the public free of charge.

In June 2011, the U.S. Forest Service conducted a national review of the 97 SAF areas on National Forest System lands. As a result of the review, the Forest Service plans to eliminate the SAF area designation for 73 recreation areas and reduce the size for the remaining 24 nationally. The proposed changes for the seven Los Padres National Forest SAF areas are consistent with the results of the national review. Consistent with direction on implementation of the national fee area review, the Los Padres National Forest has not been issuing notices of required fees or enforcing recreation fees outside of the sites and reduced areas listed below.

Comments on the proposed changes must be submitted by Jan. 6, 2014, to be considered by a citizen’s advisory committee, known as the California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (R-RAC). Comments may be submitted to the attention of Tamara Wilton, Pacific Southwest Region, 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA, 94592, or twilton@fs.fed.us.

The public is welcome to attend and comment at all R-RAC meetings. The next R-RAC meeting is planned for Jan. 15-16, 2014. More information about the R-RAC and upcoming meeting can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r5/recreation/racs.

The Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau presented a check for $20,000 Wednesday (right corner) to Jazziah Ewing for a hole-in-one made at the Chamber’s annual Golf Tournament. Picture above is Chamber Director Dr. Kathy Orrin (left to right), Debra Elliott, Shannon Jones, Jazziah Ewing and friend Ms. Kelly, and Rich and Jordan Miller of Roger Miller Insurance.

Jill Eglando(top) of the Kern County United Way led a discussion about Taft community needs at the Chamber Wednesday morning, with health care and housing listed as top community needs.

Tony Cordova of Synagro presented a donation check for $10,000 to the Taft Community Gardens on Wednesday. Synagro has been a generous supporter of the community garden over the past 5 years, which is located on 9th Street across from True Value Hardware.

Below is a bumper crop of yams grown at the community garden this year by Lodema Hatch. Ray, Lodema’s husband told the Independent that the yams were planted about 6 months ago. The harvest weight was about 90 pounds after Lodema gave away a couple of giants. Some are very small so the usable amount is about 60 to 70 pounds.

Ray calculated that at $1.49/pound (current price at Alberton’s for yams and sweet potatoes), that’s a value of at least $90 for 6 months of the use of half a garden bed. Not bad for an investment of $20 (half the annual bed rental) and some time.

Ray said that if you want to think about a winter crop, lettuce, kale, collards, radishes and such should do just fine as long as the temperature does not fall below the upper 20s.

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

West Kern Water District has moved the Regular Board Meeting of December 24, 2013 to December 17, 2013.

Bumper Crop. Fresh yams planted and harvested by Lodema Hatch from the Taft Community Garden.

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

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

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

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

Qik Smog & Tune

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

December 13 - 19, 2013

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

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

Now Serving Our Original

25 Hill Blonde Ale

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Debuting Our

Smashing Pumpkin Ale

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

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