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Independent The Taft

December 18 - 24, 2015

FREEWeekly

The Taft Independent

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

December 18 - 24 2015 • Volume 9 Issue 25

“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

Taft Inn Best Western Plus In Open for Business

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

Taft’s New 63 Room Hotel Brings New Level of Service to Taft Travelers 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

December 18 - 24, 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

December 18 - 24, 2015

Events Inside

The Taft Independent

Taft Business of the Week V3 Electric Solar

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

By Gardener Field

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

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

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

The Taft Business of the Week: V3 Electric Solar. The V3 Electric Solar local Salesman is great Westside Resident and TUHS Class of 1989, Greg Brown. If you are considering or just curious in adding solar to your home feel free to contact Greg. Greg can access your electrical usage and see if they can save you some money. Solar is the perfect Christmas Gift. Call or text Greg Brown today with any questions @ 623-1312.

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

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, December 22, 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 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

By Andreas Fault This Friday is the Comedy Roast of Taft High Alumni and local Comedian Andrew Boydston at The Bank Sports Lounge. It ’s a Free Show and it all starts at 7:30pm. Some of the funniest comedians on the West Coast will be roasting our Taftian! After they are through roasting him, Andrew will fire back with his Hard Core Comedy! Be there, it’s Free.

Friday and Saturday- Art’s Corner “All Weekend Christmas Party”Ugly Sweater, Naughty Elf Costume Contest, and much more.

Saturday- Taft Sports Shooters “Steel Challenge” at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club, registration at 8am.

Taft “Adapt a Senior” for Christmas.” The Senior Citizens have been identified, they need elves to provide their gifts, contact Carol Jackson for info @ 765-5541

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

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.

Taft Calendar

3

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

Saturday- Santa will be at the Taft Branch Library from 3 to 4 p.m.

Save the Date for these Future EventsDecember 25th: Merry Christmas.

December 31st: New Years Eve Party at- Black Gold Brewing Company, Oasis, Taft Moose Lodge, and Art’s Corner.

January 1st: 1st Friday Cruise Night on Center Street at 6pm.

January 5th: Taft High Girls Basketball vs. Tehachapi at Home.

F/S at 4, J/V at 5:15, Varsity at 6:30 January 6th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7:30pm.

January 12th: Taft High Boys Basketball at Home vs. Arvin. F/S at 4, J/V at 5:15, Varsity at 6:30 January 13th: Wine Down Wednesday at The Bank Sports Lounge at 6pm.

Taft College Women’s Basketball at Home vs. Fresno City at 5pm.

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

February 11th: Taft Chamber Installation Dinner at the Fox Theatre.

March 11th: Taft Chamber Golf Tournament at Buena Vista Golf Course.

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

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (PG) and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG-13) are both playing at the Fox Theatre.

Star Wars is playing in 2 theaters. Stay in Taft and see these great movies. The Fox is known for their great prices, service, huge theater, Foxcorn, $1.25 Hot Dogs, and they now have Cotton Candy.

If you don’t like crowds go during the week. The Fox Theatre is “The Place to Go!”

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

December 18 - 24, 2015

Letters and Rants

Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The

By Glenn Mollette

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

Week of Friday, December 18, 2015 through Thursday, December 24, 2015 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:00, 8:20 Sun: 2:30, 4:30, 6:30 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 5:15, 6:15, 8:00, 9:00 Sun: 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 7:00 Mon - Thu: 6:00, 7:00

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.

One More Christmas

Dining in Taft

By William H. Taft Some friends and I were talking this summer about how many good restaurants Taft has. We were wondering which restaurant is the best on the Westside. Since early this summer I’ve ate at OT Cookhouse, Black Gold Brewing Company, The Bank Sports Lounge, Rosemary and Thyme, La Salsa, Pizza Factory, Asian Experience, Hacienda Grill, Paik’s Ranch House, Mi Casita, Sno White, Dairy Delite, Super Toms, Frosty Freeze, Jacobs Burger, Tumbleweed Cafe, McKittrick Penny Bar, Frosty King, BV Grill, Oasis, Buena Vista Roadhouse, Route 33 Sandwich Company, Candy Cafe, Artz’ Deli, China One Express, Jo’s Restaurant, Pizza Hut, A Hint of Class Bakery, Ong’s Cafe, and Tacos Y Mariscos Casa Tabares.

I ate at some of these places several times and every meal I ate was excellent. My friends and I met up before Thanksgiving and discussed our Westside Restaurants again. We could not decide which one was our favorite. Some of them have similar menus but there was something different about all of them.

The Most Fun Restaurant- for the entire family is Pizza Factory. They have great pizza, sandwiches, TV’s everywhere, and a great salad bar. The Restaurant most fun for a Young Adult- is The Bank Sports Lounge. It has a good fun crowd, TV’s everywhere, all the games and fights are on, and lots of drinks. Favorite Friday Night Dinner- was at OT Cookhouse. OT’s Friday Nights have Prime Rib and Clam Chowder Soup.

Favorite Restaurant Specials- Black Gold Brewing Company has different daily specials with a Ribeye Sandwich, Ribs, and Tri Tip. Black Gold has the best Egg Rolls I’ve ever had and their Burgers are as good as anywhere. Black Gold recently added a delicious new breakfast menu on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Artz’ Deli- still has my favorite Biscuits and Gravy. Their sandwiches are great and so are their prices. Paik’s Ranch House- had my favorite Sunday Special with their Turkey Special Dinner. The Penny Bar- had the biggest steak.

The Oasis- has great Specials and is known for their Oasis Burger. Mi Casita- moved last year and has lots of room and a full Bar. China One Express- has great cheese wontons and chicken on a stick. A Hint of Class Bakery- has the best Chicken and Dumplings Special, Wraps, Cakes, and Frozen Yogurt. Hacienda Grill- best Chili Verde. Route 33 Sandwich Company- has great breads and the meat is stacked on. Ong’s Cafe- is one of the oldest restaurants in town and you have to try their orange chicken over fried rice. Rosemary and Thyme- has such good sandwiches and soups. Jo’s Restaurant- their pancakes are amazing. Tacos Y Mariscos- has a small building and small parking lot but their tacos and burritos have huge taste that you must try.

Fox Theater- favorite hot dog for only $1.25, and don’t forget about their Foxcorn.

Taft Restaurants have stepped it up- we have a real Brewery with street seating at Black Gold Brewing Company, a real Sports Bar at The Bank Sports Lounge, a real Chinese Restaurant at Ong’s Cafe, a real family Pizza joint at Pizza Factory, a real Steak House at OT Cookhouse, a real bar where everyone knows your name at Art’s Corner, and a real Italian Deli at Rosemary and Thyme. We forget what we have here. I’m sure we missed a few other good restaurants but the ones I named can go toe to toe with any restaurant in Bakersfield and would win. Eat here, Shop here, Support Taft!

While your out looking at Christmas Lights this weekend check out the beautiful home on Sunset Lane just off Church Street. The beautiful West Kern Oil Museum Oil Derrick was not lit up this year with Christmas Lights because of damage to the Oil Derrick during a recent wind storm and an injury to a Museum Volunteer. I hope the Oil Derrick and Volunteer both heal soon. The Oil Museum is also accepting new volunteers. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Taft!

When I was a child I remember my grandfather suffering chest pains. He kept putting nitroglycerin tablets under his tongue to help with the pain. My mother and I along with grandma and a couple of others sat with grandpa in the family dining room area. After his heart pain subsided he sighed, “I’ll probably never live to see another Christmas.” Looking back I remember that he did have one more Christmas.

After grandpa and mamaw died Christmases were never quiet the same. During those special times together we thought they would never pass. It seemed that life and Christmas were frozen in time. To a child Christmas had always been this way and I could never imagine Christmas being any different.

We can never comprehend tomorrow. We hope and wish for tomorrow but we don’t fully understand all the changes that tomorrow will bring. We hope for good jobs, paid off mortgages, graduation from school, retirement security and on and on. However as one Christmas after another rolls by so do the years and so does life’s scenery and the people around us. Some people this year will spend their first Christmas in a nursing home. Some this year will spend their first Christmas without a parent or a spouse. Some will try to get through this season without them. Others will try to make it through the season unemployed or with a recent terminal health diagnosis.

My wife and I were talking tonight but how better it would be if her father and my parents and others that we loved were still alive. Christmas without them is different. I don’t know what you are going through today. Our nation is dealing with a lot.

We have terrorism, financial struggles, and people experiencing lots of stress.

Many American families are hoping to just survive the Christmas season and make it to January 1. Hopefully you and I will have one more Christmas. If we do let’s savor each moment.

Whatever and whoever you have in your life please take the time to embrace them and love them. Next year could be very different.

Take the time to personally enjoy Christmas. I realize Christmas is about giving. We want to see our loved ones smile.

However, in the days ahead recharge your battery a little.

Read some Christmas stories. Watch some Christmas movies.

Reflect on the message of peace and love delivered to the world in the baby Jesus through a peasant couple in Bethlehem. Visit some people in the nursing home, the jail, or those who are aged and lonely. Also connect with some people through visits or just the telephone and say Merry Christmas.

It will do them and you a lot of good.

May you have many more Christmases, but at least one more, and may it be one of your best ever.

December 11, 2015 Editor: This letter is in response to William Taft’s article in the Dec 11 – 17 edition of the Independent. You asked why the fire department didn’t put the lights on the derrick this year. It isn’t the fire department that is responsible for the lights. Two of the volunteers at the museum are responsible for getting the lights ready and also for getting them up. This year one of the volunteers is recovering from a broken ankle and the other is helping her. Please write something the shows the fire department isn’t responsible for the lights.

Another reason the lights weren’t put up, the derrick received damage during one of the wind storms and needs repairs. The lights would be in the way of these repairs.

Thank you for your help clearing this issue up.

Neal and Patricia Finney West Kern Oil Museum volunteers

The Taft Independent

December 18 - 24, 2015

West Side Recreation Report Check us out online!

Need more information on programs, classes or facilities?

Visit us on the web: www.wsrpd.com www.facebook.com/wsrpd www.westsidesports.org www.quickscores.com/wsrpd www.twitter.com/wsrpd steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House

REC CENTER TEEN NIGHTS Who: Grades 6-12 When: December 18 & 19 (1st and 3rd Friday and Saturday of Each Month) Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Place: Recreation Center Fee(s): • Admission - $2 per person • Bowling - $1 per game and $1 shoe rental The first and third Friday and Saturday of every month is Teen Night at the Recreation Center! Come in and bowl, play basketball or just hang out with your friends in a fun, safe environment.

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE Saturday, February 6, 2016 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium 500 Cascade Place, Taft Girls ages 4+ $30 per couple ($10 each additional daughter) Registration deadline: Thursday, January 28 Join us for our 8th Annual Father Daughter Dance – this year with a “Queen of Hearts” teah party theme. Girls ages 4 and older may be accompanied by their father, guardian or adult relative. The special evening includes DJ music, photographs, sweet treats and more fun surprises. Space is limited and not guaranteed until the registration deadline.

Pre-registration is required, so sign-up now; this event sells out every year!

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DO YOU HAVE FITNESS GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR? Are you looking to work on your fitness goals and commit to a healthy you in the new year? We offer a variety of programs and classes to help! Contact us for more information on Aerobic Kickboxing, Staying Fit Exercise Class, Walking for Seniors, Zumba, Weight Room Memberships, personal trainers and more! Information is also available on our website – www.wsrpd.com.

NEW YEAR DODGEBALL BASH Youth Division: Ages 8-13 Adult Division: Ages 14+ When: Saturday, January 16, 2016 Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Fee: $40 per team Registration deadline: Saturday, January 9 Minimum 6 people per roster (maximum 10). Register at the Recreation Center, 500 Cascade Place in Taft.

BOWLING TOURNAMENT Who: Ages 18+ When: Saturday, January 9, 2016 Check-in: 2:30 p.m.

Start Time: 4:00 p.m.

Place: West Side Lanes, Recreation Center Fee: $50 per team (5 person team) Registration deadline: Saturday, January 9 – 3:30 p.m.

Join us for this 5-man baker team format bowling tournament. A maximum of 12 teams may participate. Tournament will consist of 6 games and bracket games are your best 3 games.

Prizes include cash and bowling memberships! Register at West Side Lanes in the Recreation Center, 500 Cascade Place in Taft.

WEST SIDE LANES DECEMBER BOWLING SPECIALS Tuesday, December 22 – UGLY SWEATER NIGHT - $1 games and shoe rental if you show up wearing an ugly holiday-themed sweater from 12:00-10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 29 – BUCK FIFTY NIGHT – $1.50 games and $1.50 shoe rental from 4:00-10:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact West Side Lanes at 765-6677.

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALL Who: Ages 4-6 Practices: Weeknights Games: Saturdays Practices Begin: January 18 Games Begin: January 30 Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Registration deadline: Thursday, January 7, 2016 Fee: $35 per person

WEST SIDE LANES BOWLING MEMBERSHIPS New at West Side Lanes is our bowling membership program! Bowling memberships work similarly to weight room memberships and include unlimited bowling time and shoe rental.

Lane use is subject to availability. Family member discounts apply to immediate family residing in the same household (parents, children, siblings).

Monthly: $30 per person – 1st family member, $15 per person – additional family members 6 Months: $150 per person – 1st family member, $75 per person – additional family members 1 Year: $240 per person – 1st family member, $120 per person – each additional member

TINY TOT BASKETBALL Who: Ages 2-4 When: Thursday or Thursday Time: 5:30 p.m.

Session: January 19 – February 16, 2016 Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Registration deadline: Thursday, January 7, 2016 Fee: $25 per person This program is designed to introduce boys and girls to the basics of basketball through physical play, balancing, coordination and movement based activities. No games are played in Tiny Tot sports.

OPEN BOWL Sunday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

West Side Lanes, Recreation Center Fees: * Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and all day Sunday: $3 per game/per person, $2 shoe rental OR $15 hourly per lane, $2 per person shoe rental * Monday-Friday, 4:00 p.m. to close and all day Saturday: $15 hourly per lane, $2 per person shoe rental **Hours and availability subject to change to accommodate party reservations and league play.

STOP PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS (Strive To Optimize Participation) Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? Children in low income, single parent or multiple participant households are eligible! For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced program fees, give us a call in the District Office at 763-4246.

REC SHOPPE Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Place: Recreation Center, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Looking for spirit wear or other customized shirts? Stop by the Rec Shoppe in the Recreation Center and see what they can do for you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR WSRPD DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 24 – JANUARY 1 FOR THE HOLIDAYS

WEST SIDE RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT 500 Cascade Place, Taft CA 93268 www.wsrpd.com * info@wsrpd.com District Office, 763-4246 * Recreation Center, 765-6677

The West Side Recreation & Park District main office will be closed December 24 through January 1 for the holidays. Please keep this in mind when planning your registrations, reservations and other District related business. Program registration and payments can be made at the Recreation Center (765-6677) while the main office is closed. We will see you when we return to normal operating hours on Monday, January 4, 2016. Happy Holidays!

The Taft Independent

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Taft Best Western Plus Open for Business, Now Taking Reservations The Brand New Taft Best Western Plus Hotel is now open and taking reservations. The 63 room hotel hosts a swimming pool, a gym, breakfast bar, a business center and many other amenities.

The new hotel is located at the corner of 6th and Main Streets in downtown Taft.

Call 661-745-5555 to make your reservation now for the holidays.

December 18 - 24, 2015

Taft College Athletics Department 3rd Annual Triple Play Dinner featuring Charlie Hough

The “hot stove’ baseball season is in full swing and the 3rd annual Taft College Triple Play Dinner & Auction is nearing the on-deck circle. The event will be held again at The Historic Fort in Taft on Friday January 22, 2016, with a no host cocktail bar starting at 6:00 and the dinner will begin at 7:00pm. Salty’s Barbeque will cater the event.

Noted baseball player and author Charlie Hough is the keynote speaker. Hough was a 25-year major league baseball veteran who pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1970-1980, the Texas Rangers from 1980-1990, the Chicago White Sox from 1991-1992, concluding his career with the Florida Marlins from 1993-1994 at the age of 46.

Hough currently serves as the Los Angeles Dodgers senior advisor of player development. He is also a member of the Texas Rangers Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2012 he starred in the movie “Knuckleball” along with fellow knuckleball pitchers R.A. Dickey, Tim Wakefield and Phil Niekro. In his career Hough won 216 games, along with a 3.75 era and 2,362 strikeouts.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be San Francisco 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. Maiocco has been a San Francisco 49ers beat writer since 1995. He is also the author of three books: Roger Craig’s Tales from the 49ers Sidelines (2004), SF 49ers: Where Have You Gone? (2005) and SF 49ers: The Complete Illustrated History (2013).

All proceeds for this event will help support the Taft College athletic programs. Individual tickets to this event are $75 each. Sponsor tables that seat eight people can be purchased for $500.

For more information, please contact the Taft College Athletic Department at (661) 763-7829.

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery

Now Serving

SHOP LOCAL FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS

Splash Cafe Clam Chowder

George and Billy Taylor Owners 301 Taylor, Corner of Cedar and Taylor

Call us Today 661-745-4920 661-327-4028 Main Office

In a 3/4lb. Pyrenees Bakery Bread Bowl 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

$8.95

417 1/2 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 DMV Services AUTO - HOME - BUSINESS - LIFE

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

MEXICO INSURANCE

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

Oildorado Specials New York Steak $11.95

765-1935 HOURS

Monday thru Friday 8:00am –9:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm 100 E North St. Taft CA

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

December 18 - 24, 2015

7

Breakfast Now Being Served at Black Gold Brewing Co. Thursday, Friday and Saturday Mornings Black Gold Brewing Company Breakfast Menu Served 7am - to 9:30am

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich

$5.95

Biscuits and Gravy

$6.95 $3.50

One fresh fried ranch egg with bacon and cheddar chesse on a bun

Homemade sausage and gravy over two baked flour biscuits

Half Order

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

Our giant burrito with your choice of bacon or ham wrapped in a giant freshly made flour tortilla stuffed with jack & cheddar cheese, potatoes and veggies Our giant breakfast burrito with ham, bacon and sausage wrapped in a giant, freshly made flour tortilla stuffed with jack & cheddar cheese, potatoes and veggies Two fresh farm eggs, three slices of bacon, hash brown potatoes 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 Mimosa Orange Juice and Sparkling California Wine

$2.00 $2.25 $2.00 $5.00

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 where they are made fresh daily. We strive to promote practices that help preserve local businesses and maintain our local tax base.

Now Taking Catering Orders for Breakfast Burrios.

Call 765-6556 to Place Your Order.

Please call ahead for large orders.

The Taft Independent

December 18 - 24, 2015

The Taft Oildorado Would Like To Thank and A

Chevron

Aera Energy, LLC Synagro AmeriPrise Financial City of Taft Devinder Bains\Turlock Dodge General Production Service Kern County Raceway Westside Waste Management Western States Petroleum Association Accelerated Environmental Services Taft Chamber of Commerce California Resource Corporation Huddleston Crane Total Western Inc Advance Beverage Hot Tap’s Well Service RMD Group, So. Kern Ford Dealers Westside Health Care District Cavins Oil Well Tools Colston Construction Dowden Electric Taft College Foundation Supervisor David Couch Taft Midway Driller Niagara Services Mashburn Transportation Hall Ambulance

Executive Boar

Paul Linder, President Dennis Eubanks, Vice President Stephanie House, Vice President Glenn Black, Past President

A Special Thanks to a

December 18 - 24, 2015

The Taft Independent

o 2015 Committee Acknowledge our Sponsors

rd of Directors Eric Cooper, Past President Shannon Jones, Treasurer Randy Miller, Secretary Dennis McCall, Public Relations

all of our Volunteers

Adventist Health Three Way Chevrolet Dover ALS Garratt Family TRC Operating Co Watkins Construction MTS Stimulation Services Ace Hydraulic Adler Tank Rentals Helt Engineering Jim’s Towing Service Erickson & Brown Funeral Home Turlock Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Southwest Signs M & S Security Excellent Fire Protection Motor City GMC Jim Burke Ford Ten Percent Firearms Brown & Reich Petroleum NTS Inc Fastrip Food Store #929 Artz Liquor & Deli Westside Furniture Pearsey’s Rental Cooper’s Petroleum Eubanks Construction Taft Plumbing Taft Union High School The Buckhorn Rosemary & Thyme Cooper’s True Value

10

The Taft Independent

December 18 - 24, 2015

Hall Ambulance Recruiting for EMT Academy, Paid Training as You Learn to Become an EMT Hall Ambulance Service has opened recruitment for its next EMT Academy, which begins April 5, 2016. Recruits are full-time employees who learn everything they need to get started working as an emergency medical technician in the Hall Ambulance 9-1-1 system.

The Hall EMT Academy is not a school, but a pathway to starting your career at Hall Ambulance. It is comprised of classroom and field training in an accelerated 12-week format. Upon completion, graduates will have received their state EMT certificate and will be ready to start building their EMS career at Hall Ambulance Service.

Emergency medical technicians administer basic life support, operate ambulances—often responding CODE 3, and assist their paramedic-partner on scene with delivering patient care.

The minimum qualifications to apply for the Hall EMT Academy are as follows: - At least 20 years of age.

- High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college level course work - Successfully obtain EMT Certification from the Hall EMT training program.

- Must be insurable by Hall Ambulance Service’s vehicle insurance provider.

- Legible handwriting and the ability to use electronic reporting equipment.

Fast-Track Your Career in EMS Hall Ambulance Service has developed a proven careerpath in which an individual can fast-track their EMS career starting with the Hall EMT Academy; followed by Company-sponsored paramedic school and the opportunity to promote to a paramedic field supervisor, in a relatively short time.

After getting some experience under their belt, they may become eligible to apply for and attend the Bakersfield College Paramedic Program on a Company-sponsorship. Hall Founder and President Harvey L. Hall, takes pride in assisting dedicated employees in moving their career forward by paying for their tuition and providing their normal hourly pay, so that they can concentrate fully on their coursework to become a paramedic.

Academy, which lasts approximately 12 weeks. Upon completion, their rate of pay increases to $29,500 - $60,000 plus overtime opportunities. The base rate for a paramedic is $40,000-$80,000 plus overtime opportunities, and a paramedic field supervisor’s pay starts at $65,000.

Black Gold Brewing Company

Hall Ambulance has developed a web-page at hallamb.com/ emt, which details the aforementioned career path while profiling four Hall EMT Academy alum who went from unsatisfying jobs to exhilarating careers in EMS at Hall Ambulance Service.

Brew Pub - Grill - Cafe

To apply for the Hall EMT Academy or to learn more, visit www.hallamb.com/emt. The last day to apply is February 10, 2016.

Ben’s Books Christmas Tree Contest Guess How Many Books Make Up The Tree.

Black Gold’s New Grilled Ribeye Steak Sandwich

Those wishing to take their career further, have the opportunity to work towards moving in to a management-level position first, as a relief field supervisor, before promoting to a full-time paramedic field supervisor.

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A Career You Can Be Proud Of While Supporting Your Family A career in emergency medical services is something that can make you feel proud and self-sufficient. Hall EMT Academy students earn $11.07 per hour during the EMT

Ben’s Books

Breakfast at Black Gold THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SAUTURDAY MORNINGS

The Best Book Store in Taft!

Hours Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm

Come in the Store and Enter Your Guess for Free. Closest to the Actual Number Wins a $25 Gift Certificate!

We’ll Count The on Friday, January 8th

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

810 Center Street, Taft. 661- 805-9813

Black Gold is now serving breakfast Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 7am. We invite you to stop by and try our new Breakfast Menu

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

The Taft Independent

December 18 - 24, 2015

Miller Time

Hi Everyone, Hope you are enjoying the cool weather and all that is going on around town during this now Merry Christmas Season as we are past Thanksgiving. Hope you didn’t get trampled on Black Friday. I wonder if the effort is worth getting something that is more of a want than a need ?? All those electronic toys and gadgets on sale everyone is coveting run on electricity one way or another. Our environmentalist folks don’t seem to be too upset that we are putting even more pressure on the power grid to keep all those things running incessantly. When the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing, where is all that power coming from to support and charge these devices ?? Why of course the nasty ole fossil fuels that they seem to not want.

With them gone, I suppose in a fantasy world, everything will run on wind and solar; we’ll be flying in electric planes (?), riding on electric trains and buses, cruising on solar powered cruise ships, walking everywhere or riding hover boards and Segways. We’ll be rid of all those nasty pickups and RV’s; no need to travel outside your community, all your needs will be taken care of, and we will have clean air and water, and the climate and weather will revert back to, duh, to what ?? When was the weather and climate ever predictable ?? In the mix of all this on a dark windless night, will there be batteries big and cheap enough to store enough energy to get us through till the sun starts to shine and the wind picks up ?? The USA has done everything to be responsible stewards of our self generated pollution because we have been sued into compliance. It is China, Russia, and India, with Brazil burning their forests to extinction, that are ten/twenty times more responsible for climate change than we. My proposal is to send all of our lawyers over to those countries to sue them into greater compliance; problem solved.

A week or so ago I was dropping a friend off at his home up in the Terrace Drive area, when we noticed a shadowy figure lurking in the darken doorstep of a neighbors home. As I pulled my nasty P/U around to shine the lights on the culprit, he darted out across the street like a jack rabbit. I have never seen someone, not on a track, run so fast. He got away by going up the right away off Terrace. Another young man came on the scene and after my friend recognized him, we found out who the kid was. Seems they were playing a game called “Ding Dong

11

Ditching”. Maybe they thought that was funny, but in this day and age, that is how one gets shot. They were fourteen, out just before ten on a Saturday night. My suggestion is for that kid to direct his energies and join the Taft High track team. He’ll find out he’s fast, but not as fast as a bullet. Hope their parents took some responsibility to explain to them, this is a dangerous game they were playing.

I was intrigued by a statement I heard on the radio, it included the words “personal animosity”. I keep a pen and post it pad with me in my big nasty truck, I had to pull over to write it down. What does that really mean ?? Animosity is having antagonism, hostility, anger, unfriendliness, resentment or a feeling of ill will. So does that mean that the shooters down in San Bernadino, to be’ PC’ correct, had personal animosity towards their victims ?? Is that how we are now going to think of the perpetrators instead of the vile despicable human trash that they are ?? Who thinks up this stuff and then gets it passed off to us ?? I came from a time when you say what you mean, and you mean what you say. If proven wrong, you fess up to it, and you move on. You just can’t do that anymore, we are slowly coming apart at the seams because everyone is so right, they are wrong. I don’t have grand kids yet, but to my son and daughter, I apologize for the mess we are leaving you.

I read something about age as it is considered in levels. So when you are at level 80, then you’re the really bad (butt) rather than being an old person, you get my drift. Life is how you look at it. This Christmas this time, think about just one more person outside your family and friends. Add one more to your gift list, tip a little extra for good service; give an extra couple of bucks to one of our many charities, visit a senior, honor a veteran, say hi to a homeless person, slip him some change, buy’em a meal, do something outside your box, share with a friend. There are a lot of people hurting right now; we see them at the Needs Center, they could use a little boast. Some issues they have are self wrought, mostly it is circumstances. Think about it, you’ll feel good, they’ll feel better.

I’ve gotten past nine gallons with just a few more pints to go to make ten gallons. What you ask; why the gift of life, my blood so others may live. In your life time there will be time you or your love one will need some, just go do it, it doesn’t hurt.

Merry Christmas to you all, be safe out there.

MERRY CHRISTMAS From the desk of Mary Vera and ST. ANDREWS CHURCH

A lot is happening in our small town of Taft, maybe because of the time of year. We at St. Andrews are sending prayers to our heavenly Father to Bless those unfortunate few that find it necessary to stealfrom others.

On a happier note we arein the planning for a great number of fun activities happening here at St Andrews.

First being our goody sale. For all of the hard working people that just can’t find the time to do all the homemade baking we enjoy this time of year. Let us do it for you. We will be at St Andrews on sat. December 19 from 10am to 7pm or until the goodies are gone. St Andrews will also be putting on their Christmas program on Sunday December 20th with great goodies and fellowship to fallow. save these dates.

Randy Miller Blood Donor

GOD BLESS YOU!!!

Black Gold Brewing Company Brew Pub • Grill • Cafe

NEW YEARS EVE 2015

Natural Born Pickers

Thursday, December 31st 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

12

Christmas Cards A Jonas Kirk Mystery

By Dick Snyder Conclusion: It was time to get serious. “I think I know what caused Burt’s death, Devlin. You decide if it’s a homicide.”

Devlin just looked at me.

“All right, here’s the story. First, you need to know that Burt cheats at cards, not a lot, but at important times when the money is really big, he can deal off the bottom of the deck. Next, you need to know that Orrie, by all accounts, has been a regular loser when the Four Eights get together. Recently, he took a cruise from Miami to Lima, going through the Panama Canal, making an expensive extra-tour trip into the rain forests of Colombia. Before he left the jungle, he purchased a ring, a very special ring as it turns out.”

“Special?” Devlin commented, “What’s special about it?”

“Well,” I began, “Let me ask you a question. Was Burt wearing a ring on his right ring finger when you saw the body?”

“Yep,” Devlin replied, “His wife said that he had won it at poker that night, and when he got home, he pulled it out of his pocket handkerchief, let her look at it, and then tried it on his right ring finger. She said that it was tight, but he force-wedged it on. It fit darn well, she said.”

“Any other comment from her?”

“Hmmmmm,” Devlin paused, “Oh yeah, when he was pushing it on it must have gotten caught in the hair on his finger…he has a lot of it…or had I suppose…cause he said, ‘ouch’ but then just set it in place, admired it, held it out away from his face and finally commented, ‘Looks damn good…worth every penny…I’m off to bed.’ Those were his last words.”

“So that was it,” I spoke softly. “Wow”.

“What was it?” Devlin was right on me now. “What was it?”

I looked at him for a time, sorted out some more thoughts, then began what I hoped was a compelling explanation.

“Devlin, when Orrie visited the rain forest in Colombia and bought that ring, he bought a ring designed to administer poison.”

“WHAT?” Devlin started to get up.

“No wait!” I answered, “Let me just spin this out for you. It’s complicated.”

“In that rain forest there lives a frog of modest size, a frog the color of gold and a frog whose poison is one of the most powerful on earth.

Three droplets, each the size of a salt grain, will kill a man. A milligram could kill two elephants. The Embera Choco Indians harvest the poison by heating this “Golden Frog” over a slow flame, watching droplets emulsify on its body, collecting the poison as it drips into a bowl, then dipping their darts and arrows into it for the purpose of hunting game.

Those darts and arrows will be potent killers for up to two years.”

“Orrie’s ring carried the symbol of the Golden Frog, and appeared normal, but he knew that it was designed to deliver poison. I noticed that each time he replaced the ring on his finger after he had used it to meet a bet…and won…that he did so by carefully avoiding putting any pressure on the Golden Frog itself. It sat there as he wedged the ring back on his hand effortlessly by using just the diamond studs on each side of the ring.”

“But you commented that Burt had to wedge the ring on to his fingers, and that he noticed that something pricked him. Thinking that it was just finger hair that got caught up in the sliding, he gave it no other thought. I’m betting that he was pressing down on the gold frog with his forefinger while placing his thumb and middle finger on the diamond pegs to push and wiggle it on to his finger.

“But when he pushed down on the Golden Frog, a small needle dropped down below the surface of the interior of the ring. Spiraled, the better to carry a larger dose of poison, it injected Burt. He went promptly to bed, and died soon thereafter. I’m thinking that the coroner is going to find rigor and body temperature places time of death at about 2:00 a.m.”

Devlin murmured. “So it’s murder is it?”

“Wellllll,” I said, “Not quite.”

“So, pissed off at losing money, he poisoned Burt,” Devlin pressed me.

“Nope. Orrie didn’t inject Burt with poison; he didn’t lay the poison into the ring; he may not have known that it held poison; he did nothing other than to offer it as a betting value, and Burt accepted it. In essence, Burt bought the ring when he won it in the poker game. It was then his ring. He owned it, he took it, he placed it on his own finger himself, and he administered the poison to himself, however accidental that action was. In effect, Burt committed suicide, an accidental overdose of lethal poison, but suicide none the less.”

“So, what you are saying is that I have no suspect?” Devlin spoke slowly with some amazement.

“That is what I am saying,” I responded, “and unless you want to try to explain this whole detailed mess with the qualifiers it would take and the confusion it would create in the minds of jurors anywhere that is what you will conclude.”

“So, how in the hell am I going to report this to the press? What am I going to say that makes sense, and say it in as few words as possible?”

“Oh, that’s easy,” I responded and gave him the perfect headline to offer to the press.

Devlin looked at me, stifled a smile, thought a bit and bought it.

He laughed, hard. I think it was the first time I had seen him do that.

“Merry Christmas,” he said, and bought me dessert. “Happy New Year,” I replied as I slurped my strawberry shake. It wasn’t Denny’s but it would do.

The next morning the Woodland Park Hornet ran a banner across the front page with just two words: “BUSINESS MAN CROAKS!”.

Copyright, 2015 by Dick Snyder Released to Taft Independent for one printing only on December 18, 2015.

The Taft Independent

December 18 - 24, 2015

Liberty Under Fire Obituary If Mary Had Said No

By Harold Pease, Ph. D with Mary Santomaro The year 2015 was a dark year for babies denied birth. The filmed conversations of Planned Parenthood personnel boasting of harvesting, then selling, their body parts disgusted almost everyone who heard them. What have we become? Contrast this dark practice and feeling with the Christmas poem “If Mary Had Said No,” written many decades ago by Mary Santomaro. It warrants deep and serious reflection. Normally my readers are not treated to something written by another but this Christmas message cannot be said more profoundly by anyone other than to whom the message was given. It follows: She was a young Israeli girl Living with her mother, Anne.

Thrilled that Joseph, House of David, Sought her daughter’s hand.

Anne was happy for she felt She had not long to live.

Joseph would be good to her, A happy life to Mary give.

The betrothal was announced To family and all friends.

The preparations had been made.

Soon wedding vows would blend.

But then a strange thing happened One day as Mary prayed, Gabriel stood by her and spoke “Hail, full of grace…” he said, Then, “…the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women.”

And he told her even more, She would bear a son, this omen.

She wondered at his greeting words.

She knew no man. How could this be?

“The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee,” “…the power…Most High…over shadow thee; …”

HAROLD WHITLEY 1947 - 2015 Harold passed away at his home in Taft on December 9, 2015.

He was born—a Fort baby—and raised in Taft. He joined the Army and served in Vietnam. After the service he became a well loved and respected Taft businessman. He opened “Harold’s Automotive” specializing in transmission work.

Harold always had a smile and wave for everyone. He enjoyed meeting with his friends for breakfast or lunch and going to, or just watching, the races. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Ruby Whitley. He is survived by his sister, Linda Knowles; niece, Lisa Adema; nephews, Brian Knowles (Taylor) and Michael Knowles all of Taft. He is also survived by 10 great and great-great nieces and nephews; his aunt, Claire Graham of Bakersfield; and several cousins. Harold also leaves behind a town full of many great friends. A graveside funeral service will be held in the West Side District Cemetery on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. There are no visitation hours scheduled. To express online condolences or sign an online registry please visit www.EricksonAndBrown.com.

This young Israeli girl then spoke, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord;” She accepted what God had asked, “… be it done … according to Thy word.”

We all know as a direct result A Blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger Upon a blessed morn.

For thirty-odd years, Emmanuel, Then we put Him to scorn, Crucified Him on a Cross And all man’s sins were borne

By One Who could repair The wrongs that man had done And once again restore to each, Adopted daughter, son.

Since that time more have died Willingly for His Name.

In every age, from every land, Sprung from martyrs, they came.

Christians, they have long been called, Followers of the Holy One, Living what He taught and lived That triumph over death he won.

Many people since that time Fought great evils to live as He Carrying the flame of Eternal Truth, Heads bowed, on bended knee.

But what if Mary had said, “No!” ?

Suppose that she had then Told God, “It’s not convenient.”

“Can’t afford the stipend.”

She might have said, “There’s no way!

Everyone will talk!”

“I don’t want to have a child.”

Today, would any blame her balk?

But if she had, chances are The world would long be gone And none of us would be here To choose the right or wrong.

Con’t on Page 13

JERRY D. CAUDLE October 12, 1947 - December 10, 2015 Jerry was born October 17, 1947 at The Fort. He went to be with the Lord and loved ones December 10, 2015. Being a native of Taft he went to school at Conley, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln and graduated from Taft Union High School with the class of ’66. After high school, Jerry joined the Army. After basic training he went to Germany for two years and then to Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star Medal of Valor. Jerry loved bird hunting and fishing. He also loved target shooting with his guns and bow. He is survived by our “Sissy,” Linda and her husband, Jim Goad of Kansas; older brother, Otis Caudle “Jr.” of Taft; younger brother, Benny Caudle of Texas; and sister-in-law, Mickey Stoner of Taft; nieces and nephews, Robin Hart of Kansas, Donny and Tony Franey of Bakersfield, Robby and Bianca Caudle of Taft, Christy Caudle of Texas, Janay and Ramiro Laureles of Virginia, Brent and Helen Caudle of Oklahoma, Brad Mobley of New York, Sandra Fletcher of Taft; step sister, Ruby and husband, Matt Lewis of Missouri; step brother, Wayne Maxwell and wife, Kathy of Bakersfield; and many great nieces and nephews whom he also loved dearly. We will forever love and miss you.

A graveside service will be held for Jerry on Monday, December 21, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. at the West Side District Cemetery.

Viewing will take place on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

To express online condolences or sign an online register please go to www.EricksonAndBrown.com.

13

The Taft Independent

December 18 - 24, 2015

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Charles V. Landwehr Licensed Embalmer & Funeral Director 46 Year Experience Jennifer Landwehr Licensed Funeral Director 30 Years Experience Angie Milner Licensed Embalmer & Funeral Director 28 Years Experience

Erickson & Brown Funeral Home SERVING THE TAFT AREA SINCE 1939

501 Lucard St., Taft, CA 765-4111 FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618 EMB6287 EMB 7999 604 Main Street • P.O. Box 578 Maricopa, CA 93252 • (661)769-9599

Gateway Temple

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.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE

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PEASE, Con’t from Page 12 Long before we even arrived The world would have become A more-sophisticated people, Fewer, hedonistic, everyone.

There would be no call to peace, No inalienable rights assumed, The mighty would gobble up the weak, No intercessions for the doomed.

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.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Entire nations would disappear, Progeny ripped asunder For within their very bodies Sprang no new lives to encumber.

Pretty soon God would call off the world Knowing we would never change.

Why put up with us any more, This people of such evil-arrange?

One thing, though, we’d have no need To make decisions we now do…

To kill each other, do as we want, Live our life and abort any new!

But Mary didn’t do that.

Not a wail of complaint was wrung.

“Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.”

For this Jesus Christ was sprung!

There are many, including a daughter, unable to have their own babies that pray everyday that they might have one or more of these rejected babies. Instead, over a million mothers in the United States annually choose to extinguish that which moves inside them. In the United States since Roe vs Wade in 1973, that number has been 58 and a half million. Worldwide, since 1980, that number exceeds one billion 359 million (US Abortion Clock.org).

Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Childcare Available During Services Info call 765-7151

Community Christian Fellowship 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

Your Affordable Church Ad Here 765-6550

14

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.

Preserving for the Future

Rentals Real Estate

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.

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

Boxed adsCar, aretruck $5 or additional.

E-mail us $5 (orper bring Photo Ads. house for sale ads are week,toor our $10 office) a photo ofus your home, car,office) truckaor motorcycle and with a photo.

Email (or bring to our photo of your home, we’ll do the rest. car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Saleads ads are $3 isfor 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified deadline now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesdays at Noon.

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556

110 Village Way 4/2+Pool $1,800

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

Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

YARD SALES

Yard Sale. 407 E Street. King Mattress, Christmas decorations.

Girls 5-6 clothes. Fri 7am - ?. Sat. 10am. ?

Yard Sale. 306 Eastern.

Sat. 7:30am - 1pm.

Reduced prices on all Christmas decorations and other stuff.

We do estate sales. Let us make the job easy.

Renee (760) 535-8721 or (661) 378-5366. Old’s Cool Antiques & More.

HELP WANTED Help Wanted Brown & Reich Petroleum is currently accepting applications for a full time delivery driver. Requirements: Class A license, HAZMAT and tanker endorsement, clean DMV record, preemployment physical and drug screen required. Experience preferred. Simple IRA and group insurance options available.

Interested applicants may apply at 212 S. 6th Street. Bring current DMV print-out. (661) 765-5457.

SERVICES

AUTOS FOR SALE

1976 Harley Davidson Sportster XLCH 1000cc Fair condition.

Registered till Sept 2016. Clear title. $ 2000 Call Dan @ (858) 775-0890.

OPEN HOUSE HOMES FOR SALE Americana Real Estate 322 Kern St. 661-7655000 Lic # 00447658 & 01942324 503 A St, 2/1.5 w/ large bonus room & garage, fireplace, 1132 sf, $96,900 Barber Shop, includes building, lot, & all equipment inside! $49,500 112 Loma Vista, 3/1 w/pool & garage, newer roof, A/C & windows, new flooring throughout!

1085 sf, $149,770 406 S. 10th St, 3/2 w/ office, 2 car garage, Complete Remodel incl. electrical, plumbing, A/C, windows, stucco, all new interior,1520 sf, $175,000 Pick up a list of all homes For Sale at 322 Kern St or call 661-765-5000

HOMES FOR RENT

1 Bath house.

Clean, good location. $350 mo. $350 sec. dep. Prefer older person or couple.

Call 763-1260.

NIce clean modern apartment in duplex for rent. 2bd 1 bath.

Central AC\heat.

Carport. fenced yard, small kitchen patio.

Includes washer & dryer and appliances.

407 Lucard #B. $650 month. $650 dep.

Quiet and private, Call Michael (661) 765-6550. or text 661623-4296.

West Valley Real Estate www.

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 $550 904 Stanislaus #2 & #3 $600 307 Philippine 1/1 $700 623 San Emidio 2/1 $750 617 Buchanan 3/1 $775 528 D St 2/1 $850 514 Grant Terrace 2/1 $900 709 Kern 3/1 $900 410 Buchanan 3/1 $900 321 A St 3/1 $900 108 E Calvin 3/1 $950 340 F St 3/2+Studio $1,200 314 Pilgrim 4/2 $1,350

House for Sale

(661) 769-6469 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 Americana Real Estate 322 Kern St. 661765-5000 Lic # 00447658 & 01942324 407 Lucard Apt B, 2/1, Central heat/air, has all appliances, private setting $650 mo + dep 601 Lucard, 3/2, has all appliances, lots of cabinets, fenced $850 mo + Dep 300 Olive, Maricopa, 3/1, Recently remodeled, $750 mo + Dep 27993 Hwy 119, Dustin Acres, on one acre, 2/1, $750 mo + Dep Pick up a list of all homes For Rent at

322 Kern St or call 661-765-5000

APART. FOR RENT

ROOM FOR RENT PETS

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Visit Us at www

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

taftindependent

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

com

NIce clean modern apartment in duplex for rent. 2bd 1 bath.

Central AC\heat.

Carport. fenced yard, small kitchen patio.

Includes washer & dryer and appliances.

407 Lucard #B. $650 month. $650 dep.

Quiet and private.

Call Michael (661) 765-6550. or text 661623-4296.

Visit Us On facebook

Very clean Apt. 1 bedroom. $425. mo. $200 deposit. 406 Lucard St. Apt. B. Call 765-7015.

1bed. 1 ba. Apt. $600 mo. $500 dep. Call for appt. 805-550-0565.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit. No Application Free. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.starts at $500 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. Call (661) 846-6403 or (661) 7657678.

House for Sale REDUCED $20,000

Real Estate Services Laura Vega DRE 01942324

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

705 Garrett. 4bd Rm. 2 bath. Large Family Room, 2 car garage, fenced backyard. $179,000. Call (661) 201-2087.

Specializing in Owner Rentals and Home Maintenance - Call 293-0192 for Quick Service Specializing In Cooler Service and Repair!

Open House. 5 bedroom, 2 ba. 803 Front Street.

Taft. $89,950. Call for appointment or for viewing (661) 900-4439.

December 18 - 24, 2015

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

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 18 - 24, 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 •

APPLIANCES TILE FLOORS ON ALL WET AREAS COVERED PATIO FENCED LOT LANDSCAPED FRONT YARD ALL INCLUSIVE $250,000

THE STERLING

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

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

Custom or Semi-Custom

Options Available Real Estate Services 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

December 18 - 24, 2015

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 •

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street 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

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