Merry Christmas

Independent The Taft

December 21 - 27, 2012

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

December 21 - 27, 2012 • Volume 7 Issue 24

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

Happy Holidays From Jacks Flower Shop

Merry Christmas from the Taft Independent

30% Off All In-Store Gifts and Novelties Ask About our Daily Specials *Excludes in-House Accounts *Does not include Wire orders *Valid Until December 28th

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week 4 am to Midnight

Home and Business Delivery Now Available

Try Our New Big Torta Loca Free Delivery on orders of $20 or more.

Catering Available for Meetings.

330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street 745-4898

FALL SPECIAL 3 IN 1 SERVICE SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

Transmission & Cooling Flush Plus Oil Change All 3 Services for $350 plus tax* Offer good 11-30 to 12-31-12 Up to 5 quarts of oil, up to 12 quarts trans. fluid *Most makes and models

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

531 Center Street (661)763-1123 MONDAY - FRIDAY Over Different Craft & -Imported Beers 8:00am 5:00pm WE SERVICE MOST50 MAKES AND MODELS *Must ask for discount

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 21 - 27, 2012

Shop Taft

Ten Percent Firearms

Passion For Nails Nail Services:

HOLIDAY SPECIAL 10% OFF $20 SERVICE OR MORE. OFFER GOOD UNITL 12- 31-12.

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

F i n e

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

Small Vacation Watch Batteries Closed From 12-25-12 pen 1-2-13 426Thank CENTER You STREET • 661.763.5451 ACME

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

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

(661)745-4913

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

J e w e l r y

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

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

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

acme jewelry co.

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Personal Style Boutique Used to be Paul’s Women’s and Woman’s Plus Sizes - Junior - Infant Wear

Happy Holidays!

Bike Shop

The New 2013 bikes are here! Start your Christmas shopping now with our lawaway plan.

Just In Time for Last Minute Shopping STORE WIDE 50% OFF Lic # B-721903

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

Thanks for Shopping Taft

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

Christmas Sale $10.00 Off Any AT & T Phone That Cost $99.00 or More With This Coupon Ad

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

Christmas Designs In Stock Gifts!

Come and See Us

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

FREE

Tire Rotation & Brake Check Plus We will check all fluids & tire pressure

Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes Children’s Jeans & Shirts Monday - Friday 11am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Host a party 401 Center Street Visit us on Facebook sales@bluejeansandbling.com

763-9100

745-4919

Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899 Jackson’s Automotive

Blue Jeans & Bling Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

608 Center St.

*Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

39

Plus Tax

$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Exp. January 30, 2013

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

523 Finley Drive • 765-7147 • Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 8am-1pm

Smog Test and General Repairs Front End Repairs Transmission Service Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service and Repairs Call Today for an Appointment 763-1055 Corner of 3rd and Center Street 110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

December 21 - 27, 2012

Inside

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Buena Vista High School Students Memorializes Sandy Hook School Victims

Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Recreation Report..........4 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Movie Review...................8 Classified Ads.................10 Opinion and Feature....11 Shop Taft........................12

The Taft Independent

The student body at Taft’s Buena Vista High School stopped classes Friday morning to memorialize the victims of the Sandy Hook School shootings in Connecticut.

The memorial was led by BV student Tina Longbine, who read the names of the student and teacher victims as volunteers placed 27 paper flowers at the foot of a memorial mural.

The 20 foot mural was created by students who obtained the names and a picture of each of the victims and placed them on the mural. Infomation and the photographs were collected on each victim by the students.

The memorial was part of a nationwide moment of silence for the victims organized by state governors around the country. Following the memorial, a poem entitled “I carry your heart with me” by E.E. Cummings was read by Davina Skowron.

More than 90 students and faculty participated in the ceremony.

508 Center Street P.O. Box 268 Taft, California 93268 (661) 765-6550 Fax (661) 765-6556

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscription home or businessdelivery 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. Fax: (661) 765-6556. 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 taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Advertising Contributing Writers June Woods, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

This Holiday—Enjoy Yourself but Please be Moderate

by Jane McCabe T’is the season to be jolly but a measure of restraint is wise.

This Christmas I’m recovering from having my colon re-sectioned because some cancer was found when I had a colonoscopy in November. I felt fine before the find and fine up to the day of the surgery. Now I have an eight-inch scar up my tummy.

Several days before my surgery, in the December, 2012, issue of AARP Bulletin I

The Taft Midway Sunset Lions Club would like to thank members of the community for participating in our second Annual “Christmas for Seniors” program. We delivered to ninety-one senior citizens in the greater Taft area with the help of the Taft Longhorn Travel Baseball team and community volunteers. It was a blessing to take needed items to such grateful men and women who have lived and worked in our local areas.”

came across an article on “Foods that Lower Your Cancer Risk”—it listed things like tomatoes, salmon, whole-grain breads, coffee and blueberries.

Alice Bender, a registered dietician with the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) says that high alcohol consumption increases the risk of several cancers, including colon and liver cancer.

Reading that statement caused a moment of recognition—for somewhat surreptitiously I had been consuming about eight ounces of bourbon daily.

I’m someone who had led a life of addictive behavior, something now I heartily regret. I think such ideas have gone by the by, but as a young artist I had bought into the Romantic notion that “true” artists are somewhat self-destructive, and at an early age began smoking and drinking with impunity, as though the day of reckoning would never come…

But, as we all now, it comes and extracts its wages…

By my early 60’s I had breathing difficulties—emphysema and asthma. Doctors would shake their heads and ask me how many steps I could climb. After many attempts I finally succeeded in stopping smoking and though my breathing has shown slight improvement, emphysema is not reversible. Now I want to yank cigarettes from the mouths of those who still smoke and crush them into the ground…

But still l was left with one vice—alcohol. When I read the statement above that door too flung shut with such a clamor that it could be heard all the way to Tuscaloosa.

And so, dear friends, learn from my experience, if you can. It’s wonderful to imbibe of the bounty of food and drink available at this time of the year but there is little reason to go overboard. Practice moderation while you are young. And for those of you, like me, whose excesses persisted into middle and old age, it’s never too late to acquire better habits...

So that you can experience the joy felt when self-control is exercised.

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

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. Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Wed. 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 21, 2012 through Thursday, December 27, 2012 Parental Guidance (PG) No Passes Allowed Tue - Thu: (4:30), 6:45, 8:50 Jack Reacher (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:45), 8:20 Sat & Sun: (3:00), (5:45), 8:20 Mon: (5:45 PM) Tue - Thu: (4:30), 6:45, 8:50 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri - Sun: (4:00), 7:15 Mon: (5:30 PM) Tue - Thu: (3:45), 7:00 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Fri: (5:30 PM) Sat & Sun: (3:15), (5:30) Mon: (5:30 PM) Flight (R) Fri - Sun: 7:45 PM

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor:

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

December 21 - 27, 2012

The Next Generation Won’t Inherit the American Dream President George W. Bush was fond of saying that he would not be around when the real history of his administration was written.

Whether that is true in the digital age is unclear. What is clear is that a president who leaves unfinished business to his successor — like a war or two — runs the risk that the history of his presidency may be written much sooner than he thinks, and written by those who were left the task of completing that unfinished business.

You might think President Obama would understand that pretty clearly, but he is making the same mistake. The history of his administration will be written almost immediately and perhaps even is being written now. This is because the president is in the process of bankrupting the nation and leaving it to his successor to sort it all out. As Lawrence H. Summers, one of the architects of his burning building, recently wrote: “The great economic questions for the next generation” will involve how to pay for the exploding costs of government.

The president has made it abundantly clear that he has no intention of dealing with those questions himself. He will leave it to his successor and to the next generation.

Yet there is no assurance that the next generation will be able to come up with answers to these questions. Mr. Obama plans to leave office with a gross national debt of $20 trillion, about double the debt he inherited from his predecessor. In other words, in eight short years, the president will have burdened the country with about the same amount of debt it accumulated in its entire history. In fact, his policies will leave the country about $25 trillion in debt in the next 10 years.

Then it will cost more to service the debt than it costs to pay for a wartime Defense Department today. Where does that leave the next generation?

Somewhere in the country, a child is being born to proud, hopeful and responsible parents. It doesn’t matter what race, creed or gender — the child is an American. Let’s call the child Zoey. Her parents will bring her to a home full of joy and spend lots of time planning for her future. They will set a budget for themselves that will feed, clothe and care for their daughter. They also will plan for her education, and they may set up a 529 account just in case she wants to go to college like her parents. They will budget for that, too. They will do all they can to make the American dream come true for Zoey.

What they do not yet realize is that hundreds of miles away, Washington has other plans for her.

Washington has no budget. It is spending all the money Zoey’s parents send to it and then lots and lots more. Zoey has no idea what is happening to her, but her parents’ elected representatives are borrowing from Zoey and pawning her future. The way they are going, by the time Zoey is old enough to vote in her first presidential election, the country she inherits will be bankrupt, with a debt of $40 trillion or more. The American dream will have become a dark, depressing nightmare.

Zoey and her generation will not be able to afford to pay for the interest on the debt, the cost of her government, the cost of the nation’s security and the enormous cost of the entitlements the “me” generation takes for granted today. Yet under the Constitution that

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Acme Jewelry Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts New Arivals 14K Gold • Sterling Silver Black Hills Wedding Sets Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Tungsten Carbide Rings Watch Batteries Christmas decorations Galore CENTER earrings, STREET • 661.763.5451 Diamond426stud Yellow and White Gold Coffee Mugs 14 Piece Kitchen Knife set w\wood block holder Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

This letter is a response to the November 16, 2012 letter submitted by Cindy Reid. The Taft City School District and the Board of Trustees would like to take the opportunity to clear the air on some inaccurate information being spread throughout the community.

First, the District has not issued any pay raises outside the normal step and column raises that are established in the salary schedules. Over a year ago there was an adjustment made to management salary schedules to include Professional Organization Dues, Service Club Dues, and Cell Phone stipends to all be placed into the salary schedules. The employees are required to pay for these fringe benefits themselves which reduces amount of payment processing through the business office.

Second, School Administrators have never received any clothing allowance. Maybe some people have confused this with the uniform shirts that some of our classified staff get?

The uniform shirts have been a part of the district protocol for several years and provide a safety component for our schools.

Third, all school sites have an annual budget for printing throughout the school year. Teachers get together and make decisions on what they need and the orders are submitted to the district printing department. Unfortunately, sometimes there is not enough to print everything and staff has to prioritize.

Fourth, it is correct that school board members do not have term limits in California. Historically the TCSD board members and management have gone with the same health package as the teachers or Classified Employees. Presently the school board and management team has the same Health Benefit Package as the Classified Employees. Furthermore, only 3 of the 5 board members choose to take the Health Benefit Package.

Lastly, Proposition 39 legislation requires the district to have a Bond Oversight Committee in place. The 7 member committee reviews projects that bond proceeds pay for. This group is required to give a report to the board of trustees annually ensuring that the bond proceeds are not misappropriated in any fashion.

In closing, we would encourage community members to contact Ron Bryant, Superintendent, with any concerns or questions. TCSD has monthly public board meetings with posted agendas. The agendas and minutes from all meetings are posted on the school district website for anyone to review.

Superintendent Ron Bryant and Taft City School District Board of Trustees is supposed to guarantee her freedom, she cannot repudiate the debt government handed to her. She will ask why the Constitution, which sets the limits of the government’s powers, did not protect her from having to shoulder a debt she had no say over, from having her future put in hock by the spendthrift politicians in office today.

Zoey, as she gains her social and political consciousness, will set out to write the history of these times and the government that left her this legacy. She will not be able to bring herself to hold her parents accountable for it. Instead, she will hold their politicians accountable.

Little Zoey does not know it, but she already is beginning to write the history of this administration and its allies in Congress. It will be a history of irresponsibility and betrayal.

Warren L. Dean Jr. practices law in Washington, D.C., and is an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

December 21 - 27, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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.quickscores.com/wsrpd www.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House

JR. HIGH “GOODBYE TO 2012” DANCE Friday, December 28 7:30-10:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades 6-8 $5 per person All 6th-8th graders are invited to bring their friends to another fun Jr. High Dance. Music and lights will be provided by DJ Brandon & Amazing Sound. Dress is casual. Drinks will be sold.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ROCKIN’ KID’S PARTY Monday, December 31 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Recreation Center, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades 4-8 $10 per person Enjoy your night out while your kids are safe counting down to the new year at the Recreation Center.

Send them down to bowl, hang out with friends and play in the gym. What a great way to safely bring in 2013! A minimum of 10 paid participants is needed by December 28. Please register at the Recreation Center or call 765-6677 for more information.

YOGA & PILATES Who: Ages 14+ Morning Flow Yoga – Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 5:15-5:45 a.m.

Pilates – Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Yoga – Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00-8:45 p.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month ** register prior to attending class Instructor: Valerie Taylor, R-HYI Pay one low monthly fee and have access to all three classes! Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Class space is limited – registration is REQUIRED prior to attending class.

ZUMBA FITNESS Who: Ages 17 and older When: Wednesday Evenings Time: 6:30-7:25 p.m.

Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $20 per month Instructor: Chelsea Dickard This fun fitness class focuses on Latin-inspired dance and dance exercise to Latin music: Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Raggaeton, Hip Hop and Mixed Music. Classes operate on an on-going basis. New students are welcome at any time. Fees must be paid prior to attending class.

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALL Who: Ages 4-6 Practices: 1 day during the week Games: Weeknights or Saturdays (varies by team) Session: January 22 – March 2, 2013 Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Registration deadline: Thursday, January 10 Fee: $35 per person

PLAY & GROW WITH ME When: Tuesday Mornings Classes begin: January 8, 2013 8:45-9:15 a.m., 10-20 months 9:30-10:00 a.m., 21-30 months Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Adrienne Cloud This class is designed specifically for interaction between mothers (father, grandparent, guardian or other adult) and their babies. Children need to learn how to play with each other and socially interact with others. They will learn through play and learn from each other. Children should be walking to participate.

Classes will be held on a monthly, ongoing basis.

TINY TOT KARATE Who: Ages 3-5 (preschool) When: Tuesday Afternoons Time: 4:45-5:15 p.m.

Sessions: January 15 – February 12 and February 19 – March 19, 2013 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $25 per session Instructor: John Dodson GYMNASTICS Who: Grades K and older When: Monday Evenings Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Session: January 7 – February 11, 2013 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional sibling) Instructor: Suzanne Hale CHEERLEADING When: Tuesday Evenings Ages 3-5, 4:00-4:30 p.m.

Grades K-3, 4:30-5:00 p.m.

Session: January 22 – February 26, 2013 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per person ** no shirts and poms in winter session Instructor: Nicole Cleveland AEROBIC KICKBOXING Who: Ages 14+ When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday – beginning January 7, 2013 Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Amy Steers This fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense. Classes will be held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.

WEST SIDE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT 500 Cascade Place, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-4246 info@wsrpd.com www.wsrpd.com

WSRPD DISTRICT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 1 FOR THE HOLIDAYS The West Side Recreation & Park District office will be closed December 22 through January 1 for the holidays. Please be sure to keep this in mind when planning your registrations, reservations and other District related business. We will see you when we return to normal operating hours on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Happy Holidays!

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Miss United States is Miss Universe 2012

Taft City Council Report

By Jane McCabe

The city of Taft will soon be sporting a new Website, after councilmembers approved the bid from Municipal CMS for designing, hosting and maintenance service.

The company provided information to the council at a study session before the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday evening. A short time later, the council by a vote of 4-to-0, with Councilmember Dave Noerr absent, approved awarding the Website contract to Municipal CMS. The city’s management team reviewed proposals received from bidders in response to a request for proposal, and recommended Municipal.

The design, hosting and maintenance won’t initially exceed $8,820 or $1,500 annually, according to Lonn Boyer director of Human Resources/assistant city manager.

Among Website features, the public can obtain city forms, make payments, view a photo gallery of the city, respond to polls and surveys, and view a real estate data base.

I like to watch beauty pageants on television—I like trying to pick out who the winner will be. By the time last night’s Miss Universe Contest was narrowed down to the final five contestants, I had inkling that Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, or Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, would win. Miss Venezuela and Miss Brazil both had that flashy beauty, alá Sofia Vagara that sometimes makes South American contestants winners, and Miss Australia was the only blonde, but they didn’t have the sophistication and wit of Miss USA or the elegance of Miss Philippines.

I think the contest was decided during the dressing gown competition when Miss USA suddenly appeared in a dress quite different from the others—a red velvet dress with a fitted waist and bell-like skirt. Her hair was done up, and she looked like a princess as she glided across the stage. Miss Philippines’ pale blue dress was also a work of art that suited her quiet reserve. All the gowns the contestants wore were extraordinary, just not quite as extraordinary as that of Miss USA. I had to wonder how much coaching had gone into what proved to be the trickiest part of the competition—the final five were asked to draw the name of one of the judges, who then presented them with a question. Miss Brazil drew first—her question was, what law would she instate if she could have any law she wanted passed?

Her answer was positively vapid—she seemed to think the laws we have are fine and spoke of how the waves listen to their own rhythm. To a nation still reeling from the Newhope shootings and people all over demanding that high-speed, automatic rifles be banned, this answer was painfully inadequate.

Ms. Australia did no better. When asked a company with whom she had a modeling contract asked her to lose weight, how would she respond? (The questions, you see, weren’t easy.) Ms. Australia said that she would tell them that she is just fine the way she is, an answer that I doubt earned her points with the judges.

Miss Philippines was asked if she thought English should be required of Miss Universe? She answered that she thought a person’s character is more important than the languages they speak - not exactly a good answer but better than the other two.

Since English is the international language of the world, requiring

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon OTCookhouse Now Has Gift Certificates Available For The Holidays From our Family and Staff to you and yours....

Happy Holidays & a blessed New Year Holiday Hours: In celebration of Christmas... OT Cookhouse will be closed Tues, Dec 25, 2012 and Wed, Dec 26, 2012. We will resume regular business hours on Thurs, Dec 27, 2012

Hours Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday 4:00pm-9:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday www.otcookhouse.com find us on facebook

205 N. 10th Street . (661) 763-1819

By Kent Miller

Early payoff The council agreed to expend $312,320 from the Sewer Capital reserves fund to pay off the sewer bond debt early.

The debt wasn’t due to be repaid until August 2014 and early payoff carries a penalty of $6,100 but has a savings of $8,700 in interest.

However, the reason for the early payoff is because city staff is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to secure funding for a large maintenance project. The project requires that sewer fees not have a debt and be free to use as security against a new loan, City Manager Craig Jones told the council.

Council actions * The council delayed reorganizing city council committee assignments until the Jan. 15 meeting when all five members will be present.. it of Miss Universe (whose business it is to travel the world as a good-will ambassador) seems like a reasonable request.

Miss Venezuela probably didn’t realize just how loaded a question she was asked: did she feel the swim suit competition, in which all contestants wear bikinis, is an appropriate mode of dress for women on international television?

The only Muslim country that had entered the contestant was Turkey—all other Arab countries—Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Indonesia do not participate in the competition. We can assume that this is because they find scantily-dressed women parading on international television offensive and inappropriate.

I feel usually feel slightly embarrassed during this part of beauty pageants. I would rather see young women clad in more modest attire.

Miss USA’s question was, what had she done that she now regrets? She said she regretted picking on her younger siblings, an answer for which she probably earned a pass.

Their answers so disappointing that I had to remind myself that the median age among contestants is 21 years and that at that age one’s intellectual development does not necessarily parallel one’s physical maturity.

Donald Trump was sitting on the sidelines. That old toad is the broker of international beauty—I wondered if there were any contestants he might consider having dinner with without growing bored…

December 21 - 27, 2012

Miller Selected to Receive Kern COG Regional Award, Darel Hildebrand Award of Merit” Taft City Councilman Randy Miller has been selected to recieve the Darel Hildebrand Regional Merit Award for Distinguished Leadership.

The award is given to local elected officials by the Kern County Council of Governments for outstanding service.

The award will be presented to Miller on March 7th, 2013 at the annual KERNCOG dinner to be held at the Bakersfield Petroleum Club. For more information, please call 861-2191. * But the council did reform the city Safety Committee and name Mayor Pro-tem Orchil Krier and Councilmember Randy Miller as committee members and Mayor Paul Linder as alternate.

Volunteers from the city are sought to fill two public positions on the committee. * A memorandum of understanding with Taft Chamber of Commerce was approved to waive fees for special chamber events. * The city entered into an agreement with High Desert Wireless Broadband Communications, the company that installed cameras on Rails to Trails, to provide city-wide information technology support services. The accord is effective Jan. 1.

Other actions In other actions, the council: * Recognized Dennis McCall for his service to the community with the presentation of a council certificate; * Heard a report from Police Chief Ed Whiting on the 19th annual Shop With A Cop program of Taft Police Department.

Twenty-four youths participated this year with $7,000 raised and $6,835 spent by the kids to buy presents for their families and themselves; * Approved funding department heads membership in local service clubs.

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

Family Portrait Time!

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE WE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 UNTIL JANUARY 2ND, 2013 218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

Holiday portrait time, family reunions, Christmas cards, gift items, events * s t o p b y fo r d e t a i l s a n d a p p o i n t m e n t s Now offering “inspired” portraits, as unique as you are.

Professional retouching. Smoothing skin to bring out the “perfect” you.

CALL NOW 763-5429

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

December 21 - 27, 2012

Taft Police Chief, Superintendent of Schools address Guns and School Safety A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

-- The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution

By Kent Miller

The Second Amendment is the part of the Bill of Rights that protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Ironically, the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut came one day before the 221st anniversary of the adoption of the Second Amendment and the rest of the Bill of Rights, which took place on Dec. 15, 1791.

This century, the Supreme Court issued two landmark decisions concerning the Second Amendment.

In 2008 in District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570, the Court ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess a firearm, unconnected to service in a militia and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home. In dicta, the Court listed many longstanding prohibitions and restrictions on firearms possession as being consistent with the Second Amendment.

In 2010 in McDonald v. Chicago, 561 U.S. 3025, the Court ruled that the Second Amendment limits state and local governments to the same extent that it limits the federal government.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings, lawmakers are jumping on the bandwagon to place some restrictions on firearms. And President Obama has discussed possible restrictions on ownership of automatic weapons and high capacity magazines, and closing loopholes in the purchase of firearms, Hurts ‘good people’ “I’m pro Second Amendment,” said Taft Police Chief Ed Whiting. “I believe those are very good self-defense weapons.”

Placing restrictions on ownership of semiautomatic and automatic weapons “restricts the good people who have not committed any crimes,” Whiting said. “Criminals will still have access to the weapons.

“You can have a ban if you wish but there are millions of them (automatic weapons like the Bushmaster .223-caliber used in the Sandy Hook shooting) out there. It’s like closing the barn door after the horse is out.

“The only way to succeed is an outright ban on all weapons and the Supreme Court said you can’t do that. So whatever they do won’t eliminate what happened last week.

“My heart goes out to them. I’m saddened by the event. If there was some way to fix it I would. “(But) history shows the massacres occur in gun-free zones.

Only a man with a gun can stop another man with a gun.

“That is why we have an army and police departments and sheriff ’s departments with guns. Before it was guns it was swords and spears and daggers. The ability to protest ourselves is a god-given right.”

Carry permits Chief Whiting also has a strong opinion on permits to carry a concealed weapon.

If a person can pass the background check and is of age and free

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

Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

New Shipment of Childrens Books Just Arrived for Christmas!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

TAFT INDEPENDENT

from any criminal entanglements they can get a permit to carry a concealed weapon, he said.

“The ability for people to have a gun is always there, courtesy of the Second Amendment,” the Chief said. “All they are asking for is permission to conceal the weapon.

“The public is already armed. They are seeking permission to hide the weapon. Nothing has changed. (With a concealed weapon) you can have an ace-in-the-hole when confronted.”

The ability to own a gun has always been there and he supports that right, Whiting said.

Regarding automatic weapons and high capacity magazines, a person can convert a weapon to high capacity or carry more magazines, he said.

“I don’t see that legislation will solve any of that,” Whiting said.

“Alcohol-related automobile accidents and speeding autos are big killers, but no one tries to ban cars.

“Prohibition of firearms won’t work. We already have laws on the books that cover these things. New legislation won’t help.

The Second Amendment is to protect all citizens from a tyrannical government. That is the reason for the Second Amendment.

“Look at the cause of the problem. It’s not inanimate objects that are the cause of the problem.

“The outright banning of guns won’t solve it. Sociopaths who want to kill will kill; if not a gun then a knife or a car. It is the sociopath. If we refuse to look at that then we refuse to address the problem.”

Schools and guns Ron Bryant is superintendent of Taft City School District. As such, he feels that limits on firearms and carry permits are out of his area of responsibility.

“I don’t see a benefit in having staff or teachers carry weapons,” Bryant said. “They are trained to educate not deal with crimes and law enforcement situations.

“Police officers are trained to deal with those situations, criminal activity and threats.

“We have an officer on campus or a cell phone call away. That policy is showing benefits: better attendance, fewer discipline problems, better conduct by students. Students report situations to Officer Martinez, They build rapport with the officer.

“In the past there have been some problems with angry parents coming on campus, confronting the staff, cursing. Now the officer handles the situation of parents on campus, “With the visibility of an officer on campus, situations are less likely to happen. They are defused before becoming serious. The officer instead of the school staff deals with the problem.”

Parents are informed of safety issues and the staff is aware of what is going on, he said.

Chief Whiting agreed with Bryant on the issue of arming staff and teachers.

“The person who is carrying the gun should be an armed profession, a police officer or hired security,” Whiting said. “I don’t know that arming teachers is the answer.

“Certainly having somebody -- police or private security – can’t be a bad thing. (Someone with) training in this area. (It is) asking a lot of teachers to educate and carry a weapon.

“I don’t advocate that teachers become armed. (But we) need to have somebody there to protest the kids.

An Overview of Gun facts and controversy High profile gun violence incidents have fueled debate over gun policies.

These have included the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Councilman Harvey Milk and former Beatle John Lennon, the Columbine High School massacre, the Beltway sniper attacks, the Virginia Tech massacre, the Fort Hood shooting, the 2011 Tucson shooting, the Aurora

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

theater shooting, the Oikos University shooting, the 2012 shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, and the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting. There is also the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan.

In 2009, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 66.9 percent of all homicides in the United States were perpetrated using a firearm. There were 52,447 deliberate and 23,237 accidental non-fatal gunshot injuries in the United States during 2000. The majority of gun-related deaths in the United States are suicides, with 17,352 (55.6 percent) of the total 31,224 firearmrelated deaths in 2007 due to suicide, while 12,632 (40.5 percent) were homicide deaths.

Gun-related death rates in the United States are eight times higher than they are in countries that are economically and politically similar to the U.S. Higher rates can be found in developing countries and those with political instability.

In 2005, 75 percent of the 10,100 homicides committed using firearms in the United States were committed using handguns, compared to 4 percent with rifles, 5 percent with shotguns, and the rest with a type of firearm not specified.

Due to the lethal potential that a gun brings to a situation, the likelihood that a death will result is significantly increased when either the victim or the attacker has a firearm. The mortality rate for gunshot wounds to the heart is 84 percent, compared to 30 percent for people who sustain stab wounds to the heart.

Approximately 6,500 homicides were committed using handguns in 1999; since there were roughly 70 million handguns, the chance of any particular gun being used in a homicide is very low.

The incidence of homicides committed with a firearm in the US is much greater than most other advanced countries. In the United States in 2009 United Nations statistics record 3.0 intentional homicides committed with a firearm per 100,000 inhabitants; for comparison, the figure for the United Kingdom, with very restrictive firearm laws (handguns are totally prohibited, for example) was 0.07, about 40 times lower, and for Germany 0.2.

For another comparison, Switzerland has one of the highest gun ownership rates in the world, with somewhere between 1.2 to 3 million guns in the private residences of its approximately 8 million citizens. In 2006 there were 34 recorded murders or attempted murders with a gun, representing a firearm homicide rate of 1 per 250,000.

Prevalence of homicide and violent crime is greatest in urban areas of the United States. In metropolitan areas, the homicide rate in 2005 was 6.1 per 100,000 compared with 3.5 in non-metropolitan counties. Gun-related is most common in poor urban areas and in conjunction with gang violence, often involving juveniles or young adults.

In U.S. cities with populations greater than 250,000, the mean homicide rate was 12.1 per 100,000. According to FBI statistics, the highest per capita rates of gun-related homicides in 2005 were in Washington, D.C. (35.4/100,000), Puerto Rico (19.6/100,000), Louisiana (9.9/100,000) and Maryland (9.9/100,000).

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts Ideal Stocking Stuffers 14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills bar Gold •.999 Jewelry Repair 1 pound copper fine Watch Batteries

US State Quarters By The Roll 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

US Mint and Proof Sets Misc. Dates 5000 Wheat Back Cents 3 coin Oildorado set 90th Anniversary 1934 Series 500.00 U.S. Currency

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

$5.00 Bag Sale Starting Monday

*Excludes hoodies, jackets and jewelry

New School Hours Merry Christmas Mon. & Tues.

9am - 2pm God Bless!

Closed Wednesday Thur. & Fri. 9am - 5pm 428 Center Street Saturday 10am - 2pm Closed Every 2nd Sat. of the Month

• TAFT

745-4963

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 21 - 27, 2012

Liberty Under Fire

Miller Time Kevin’s Kitchen

Have we removed Christ from Christmas?

Looking Back on 2012, Looking Towards 2013

By Dr. Harold Pease

Hi Everyone,

It was in the eighth grade when I moved from Santa to Christ as my main focus of Christmas. I well remember the star saturated night when the heavens overwhelmingly testified of God’s awesomeness. I could almost feel the words of my favorite Christmas carol “Silent Night” go down into my soul as never before as I both sang and pondered its words. Perhaps it was the scenic nativity-like setting where I found myself, milking my neighbors cow while he was away for a week, the three-sided shed that allowed my gaze into the dark but star-lite, cold, cloudless night which allowed my peak into the heavens and most of all, it was Christmas Eve. I was alone with Christ. It could not have been more impressive and it was the same every morning and night for the week after Chrismas.

I never had that experience again in the same way but I always had an intense love for the carols that spoke of his birth: “Oh Holy Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World,” and “The First Noel.” They were just different somehow. My background was not particularly unique for the time period. Santa was there for the children but he never competed with Christ for the spotlight. The transition to Christ just followed with maturity.

Years followed years, I had children and now they have children and, because of home and church the songs have passed on as they had for hundreds of years before. But, unfortunately, this does not happen for everyone.

Today the earth is still bathed with happy songs but radio stations seldom play the ageless Christ-birth songs: “Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains,” “With Wondering Awe,” “Away in the Manger,” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Outdoor nativity decorations are virtually non-existent unless you make your own. Even indoor nativity scenes are hard to find. Stores have almost nothing to purchase that speaks to this Holy Night.

Have we removed Christ from Christmas?

There are no television shows or movies that address Nativity themes but Hollywood never really did much in this direction anyway, the “Waltons” or “Little House on the Prairie” were the exception, but then again that was in an earlier generation. There is no Nativity symbolism on television programs today. Everything is “feel good” or Santa related. Even the Grinch is given more attention than Christ .

All references to Christ have been removed from our schools and teachers dare not encourage the singing of traditional Christmas carols, although any tune without the mention of Jesus Christ is encouraged. A culture that did not know the words of “Silent Night,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “Joy to the World,” or, “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” would have been unheard of in my day, but is the norm today. Only the churches and homes give any exposure to Christ in Christmas, as was so for me and generations before me. Sadly some churches may give more emphasis to Santa than Christ. Neither churches nor communities have Nativity plays as once they did. The reason for the season is Jesus Christ, that is why it is called Christ-mas but few homes show any evidence that He is center placed. Most Americans consider themselves unchurched (a term for those without religious affiliation) so the incentive to read, tell or act out the “Old Story” is

We are closing in on a year that seems to have been a long one. The thing remarkable about the year for Taft is that there weren’t any real surprises, everything seemed to be running pretty smoothly in the overall. We had some changes down at City Hall that gave us pause, but then our staff has really stepped up and are doing a great job. Our newly appointed City Manager, Craig Jones, is the kind of manager you can only hope for. He is one that has risen through the ranks, he knows the in’s and out’s of the City and I believe that he has shown the employees that he has earned their respect. Being home grown, he gives us a better perspective on his role as the City Manager. While it was important to have had a person with global experience, it is now time for a nuts and bolts type of administrator; Craig’s the man. Unfortunately, for him and the senior staff, they and the Council will be facing some serious budget issues before the July 2013-2014 budget year. With the loss of income from the closing of the CCF, this has really put us in a bind. We can only hope that all the City employees will work with Craig to remain positive, find ways to increase efficiencies, lower expenses, and increase revenue (money in, money out). We’ll all know where we are at after the new year with the news that will be coming down from the Fed’s.

We are getting closer to having a new housing start after these many years of none at all. Currently at this writing, there are only 24 homes for sale in the Taft area. At a recent planning commission meeting, it was brought up that no one driving over from Bakersfield would want to live here because we don’t have a hospital. Well, our hospital closed because not enough local people used the hospital when we had it open. Everyone I know stayed when the hospital closed. So although an issue, it isn’t a big enough a reason to leave due to all the good reasons to continue to live here. Taft, we have learned as council members, to have the shopping, dining, and health services we want, we need more roofs. We can build a hospital, but to staff it with professionals, they desire newer, spacious homes, groomed neighborhoods that we are not currently offering. Chicken and the egg, cart or the horse. Roofs or businesses ?? In my mind, roofs are our priority. We are forging through the environmental issues that are unique to Taft, mindful of our responsibilities to protect the critters. With all the Kit Foxes moving into town, some of our issues are being solved.

I’ve harped on the issue of remaining positive for a long time now. The new housing tract may lead to some concerns, but they certainly can be addressed if you’d just get involved, come to some planning commission meetings and Council meetings and have your concerns answered. If you are sitting out there assuming and presuming, then frankly you don’t know anything. The Council has gone through some turbulent times since I’ve been on board but we have always been focused on having Taft grow; we have to if we are to sustain basic City services. We need increased sales taxes, property taxes, more people, new homes, new businesses and industry, and we are diligently marketing our CCF to fit the needs

Continued on Page 11

Continued on Page 11

Prime Rib for the Holidays

by Kevin Payne O T Cookhouse & Saloon A Prime Rib Roast is always special during the Holidays.

This recipe is a great start to making a delicious roast.

The quality of the meat is important to the finished product.

I suggest an export Bone In Ribeye that is USDA choice or USDA prime.

A New York Strip Loin can also be used as a less expensive, but still delicious option.

If you are serving other meats plan on a 3-4 ounce serving per person, if the roast is the only meat you are serving plan on about 8 ounces per person.

Lets start by making a basic rub, mix the following seasonings in a bowl and combine them well.

1/4 cup kosher salt 2 tablespoons granulated garlic 1 tablespoon granulated onion 2 tablespoons black pepper 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon paprika 1/4 tablespoon Cayenne pepper 1/4 tablespoon oregano Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Rub the entire roast generously with the basic rub and let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Place the roast in the 450 degree oven for about 30 minutes, then turn the oven temperature down to 325 degrees.

Continue cooking for 45 minutes to 1 hour (or more) for larger roasts until the roast reaches your desired temperature.

The roast will continue to cook after you take it out of the oven to rest, so use the following guidelines on when to take it out of the oven: 120 - 125 degrees for rare - medium rare 130 - 135 degrees for medium 135 degrees and up for medium well - well done After your roast reaches your desired temperature remove it from the oven and let it stand for about 15 minutes before serving.

Happy Holidays

December 21 - 27, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli The Only Mortuary On The West Side Where All Arrangements And Funerals Are Personally Directed By

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

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

Gateway Temple

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

Advertise In

Independent Call Today!

765-6550

Community Christian Fellowship

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

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.

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Services 10am 1000 6th St. Weekly Classes Mon - Thurs Please call 765-7472 for info

The Taft

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Licensed Funeral Directors

For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley

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

www.nlctaft.org or nlctaft@bak.rr.com

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

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS If Missed… Call Office at 7635135

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED Construction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/ Hazardous Waste/Tires Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Classified Adsare are$3.00 $2.00per perissue line. for Phone, fax, maillines, or drop off Classified Ads up to three $5 per issue ad for to upthe to Taft 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard your Independent.

Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft your Independent.

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

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

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, lines $2 each. or $10 with a photo.

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

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon) Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550

For Rent

426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550 Paul Joyce 805-218-1686 Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

Preserving for the Future

December 21 - 27, 2012

Business Services Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191

Get It Rented!

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax: 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 Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 YARD SALES Advertise your yard sale ad. 3 lines for $2, additional lines after that $2 each. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 12 p.m.

Wednesday.

tanker endorsement, clean DMV record, preemployment physical and drug screen required. Experienced preferred, interested applicants may apply at 215 S. 6th Street. Bring DMV print-out. 661-7655457.

NOW HIRING MACHINIST.

Saturday. Yard Sale at 325 D Street in Taft.

Lots of Christmas stuff and Antiques and plus size Men and Women clothing and tools.

ANNOUNCEMENTS New AA meeting just started in Taft at the Chevron Valley Credit Union Community Room. 7:30 am every Saturday morning. We read a topic from As Bill Sees It. 9-19.

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-3790848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

YARD SERVICES HELP WANTED Brown & Reich Petroleum Is currently accepting applications for a full time delivery driver.

Requirements: class A license, HAZMAT and

Candidates will be required to successfully complete a preemployment physical and drug screen.

Southern Sierra offers a competitive salary and benefit package.

Applications may be picked up at our business office or resumes may be faxed or emailed to: Southern Sierra General Engineering, Inc. P O Box 1113 857 Oleander Road Taft, CA 93268 661-765-6182 Office 661-765-6155 Fax www.southernsierrainc. com hr@southernsierrainc. com

COMMERCIAL FOR RENT

ROOMS FOR RENT Rooms for rent.

Furnished and unfurnished. For more info. 745-4211. 12-7.

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.

CHILD CARE SERVICES

Remodeled house. 110 Wood St. 4 bd. 2 ba. with central a/c. large house. fenced yard. 2 car garage. $1,000 mo. plus $1000. dep. (909) 239-8337 or (661) 717-9056. 12-14.

WANTED

MOBILE HOMES

Reloading equipment and supplies. Also lathe and milling machine.

661- 205-8706.

Junk Cars Wanted.

Cash Paid. 805-0552.

FOR SALE AUTOMOBILES PETS FOUND PETS LOST PETS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Taft Property Management 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good areas.

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

For rent. 3bd. 2 ba. moblie home. Maricopa. $800 mo. $800 dep.

661-289-0678. 12-28.

HOMES FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500 Lic # 01525550

224 B St #A 2/1 $500 205 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600 400 Woodrow #7 1/1 $625 501 ½ Jackson 2/1 $700 307 Philippine 1/1 $700 605 4th St 2/1.75 $750 116 Franklin 3/1 $900 306 Taylor 4/1.75 $900 600 D St 4/1.75 $1,200

House for rent. 2bd. 1 ba. 661-747-6968.

3bd. 1 ba. 310 Kern St. $800 plus dep. 661-7655000. on.

House for rent. 2bd, 1

ba. Very nice. $800 mo. plus dep. 203 Lucard.

765-4644 or 363-3005.

APART. FOR RENT 1bd. 1ba. Upstairs. $475 Mo. plus $475 dep. 155 1/2 North Street. (661) 477-9636. 12-28.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr. Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath. $99 move in special. No Pets Allowed. 765-7678.

3,500 Taft Independents

in the Taft Independent $2 per line Box your ad for $5 more call 765-6550 Happy Holidays and Merry

Taft

Weekly, Most Widely Read

We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

3,500 Taft Independents Published Each Friday, The Largest Weekly Circulation

The Independent We look Forward to Serving Our Readers and Advertising in a Prosperous 2013.

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.

Newspaper in Taft!

By Appointment

Happy Holidays

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

from the Taft Independent

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Christmas

Every Friday

The Largest

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

Classified Ads

From

Readers.

Air Conditioning & Heating

Be Seen!

Published

- Free To Our

Ken Shugarts

Your Business Ad Here Will Make the Differrence

765-4191 or 549-1068

$8 per week and Up. Be Seen in the Taft Independent. call 765-6550

Newspaper in Taft!

Taft’s Only Locally

Jackson’s Automotive Smog Test and General Repairs

Newspaper.

Front End Repairs Transmission Service Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service and Repairs

www.

Call Today for an Appointment 763-1055

Owned

Corner of 3rd and Center Street 110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

Miller Time, Continued from Page 8

Pease, Continued from Page 8

of many different agencies. If you think we are sitting on our butts and whining, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Talk to your elected officials and our management team at City Hall, you can’t learn it all from the newspapers and I’m not asking you to take my word for what you read in my columns. I have back up, ask them if it isn’t so.

While we are looking for better times and opportunities for 2013, it is just so sad and tragic that 2012 ended on such a horrific note.

How would anyone in their right mind could ever conceive of going to a kindergarten and slaughtering 20 innocent children after shooting their mother to death? The devil was at work. I will not name this person and no matter his background, he is a vile hideous cowardly despicable monster whose name should never be mentioned again in the annuals of time. Now we are having these knee jerk responses from the whole spectrum of persons on how to prevent this from ever happening again. Who has to give up their freedoms ?? Do we take all guns; how do we find out these persons before they commit these crimes; do we arm our schools, our movie theaters; what happened to our moral code ?? How much in our society is too much ?? I don’t obviously have an easy answer, but look around, for those of us that were raised in simpler times, look how much has changed, in all ways. Could this have been prevented? There is no easy answer to that question but it is one that will haunt us all until we find out. God bless those soles who were taken from us, may they find eternal peace.

I want to give a shout out to several organizations in Taft that are worthy of your support. Those bell ringers at Albertson’s and Kmart are raising money for our local Salvation Army, all the money donated stays in Taft for people who often are in dire need of assistance. Every nickel counts. The Lions Club has been raising funds and collecting Toys for Taft, for 20+ years now to make sure that no child goes without a toy for Christmas. The NEEDS Center accepts donations of money, clean gently used clothing and items for their yard sales. All volunteer staff, their purpose is to feed the hungry and they do an excellent job. The Laborers of the Harvest is run by many of our local churches and also generously helps the needy so that no one goes without.

Finally, from my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and

mostly gone.

Seemingly each generation transfers to the next less of Christ in Christmas.

Today we do not wish to offend other religions so Christmas has turned into Winter Break and Easter into Spring Break. I refuse to use these terms. Some advocate changing Christmas to Winter Holiday. The undermining of Christ’s special day is endless and seemingly intentional.

Why not change to a traditional Christmas this Christmas season, like generations before you. In your home play mostly the traditional Christ centered songs. Instead of a Santa, or reindeer in your front yard make a nativity scene. Take yourself or family to a church service. Find a service that will speak of that special night and rehearse the events of that most special day. Read to your friends and loved ones on Christmas Eve the story of the birth of Jesus Christ—the one believed by all Christians to be the Savior of the world. If you have children let them act it out. Give Christ a few hours of your month. You will never be sorry that you took this challenge.

You may never have a special moment in aT shed milking a cow on a cold starry night as I did as a 14 year-old boy but this same special feeling will find a way of filling your soul just as intensely in its own way. Then you will not be an accomplice in removing Christ from Christmas and will join those who wonder why anyone would want to.

Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution.

He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.

LibertyUnderFire.org. a great New Year. Our Melissa is at the US Air Force boot camp and won’t be home with us, our love and thoughts go out to her.

Randy Miller Immediate Past Former Ex Mayor

western shop & PET Wash Storewide Sale Through December Dog toys, collars, harnesses 20% Off Selected Flea items 20% Off Dog Beds up to 70% Off Open Christmas Eve December 24th 9am to 1pm

Full Grooming Salon Special Christmas Touch

For every good dog!

Color: nails or hair coat bow, bandana or dazzle hair extention Regular grooming includes: wash and dry and shedding grooming cut (when needed) nails clipped and filed teeth checked

www.shawswesternshop.com

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3

419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

Black Gold Brewing Company Taft, Califor nia

Salazar Announces BLM Onshore Oil & Gas Lease Sales Garnered $233 Million for Taxpayers in 2012 31 auctions offered six million acres; 33 lease sales set for 2013 WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama’s all-of-theabove energy strategy to continue to expand safe and responsible domestic energy production, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that onshore oil and gas lease sales conducted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 2012 generated $233 million for American taxpayers. In 2013, the BLM will hold 33 lease sales around the country. Since President Obama took office, domestic oil and gas production has grown each year, with domestic oil production in 2011 higher than any time in nearly a decade and natural gas production at its highest level ever. Foreign oil imports now account for less than 50 percent of the oil consumed in America – the lowest level since 1995. These sales build on that record and the President’s goal of responsibly leveraging our domestic resources.

“Developing energy resources on public lands creates jobs and helps power our future as the economy continues to gain strength,” said Salazar. “The President is committed to an all-of-the-above approach to safely and responsibly developing our conventional and renewable energy resources on public lands. Domestic oil and gas production continues to increase every year of this Administration while imported foreign oil continues to decrease, which is good for the economy, good for jobs, and good for America.”

In calendar year 2012, the BLM held 31 onshore oil and gas sales and received bids on more than 1.4 million acres of public land in 1,707 parcels. The BLM offered 2,315 parcels of land in calendar year 2012, which is 32 percent more than in 2011 and 41 percent more than in 2010. The parcels offered in 2012 covered more than 6 million acres, which is 38 percent more than the acres offered in 2011, and more than twice the number offered in 2009.

The 1,707 parcels of land receiving bids in 2012 was 32 percent more than in 2011, 57 percent more than in 2010, and 30 percent more than in 2009.

The largest sale was held on January 24 in Billings, Montana, in which 59 parcels covering 14,762 acres of public land brought in more than $36 million – an average price of $2,437 per acre.

The BLM has scheduled 33 oil and gas lease sales in calendar year 2013, including auctions in California, Colorado, the Eastern States, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Alaska. The BLM conducts sales based on nominations received from industry that are evaluated to determine eligibility and availability for leasing before being delineated into individual parcels.

Revenues from domestic oil and gas production on public lands and federal offshore areas, totaling more than $12 billion this year, are shared among federal, state and tribal governments and represent one of the largest nontax sources of US government funds. Revenues generated by BLM’s 2012 oil and gas auctions are part of this annual total and the price that drillers are willing to pay for onshore parcels has more than tripled in the past three years, compared to the last 25 years. Since 1988, the average price paid per acre was $55, while over the past three years the average was $210 per acre.

Today’s announcement reflects the Obama Administration’s efforts to increase certainty for industry by reducing the conflict, litigation, and protests that have tied the nation’s oil and gas leasing program in knots for years. The percentage of BLM leases protested declined again in fiscal year 2012, which ended Sept. 30, continuing a trend that began in 2009. Protests were lodged on fewer than 18 percent of the 2,064 parcels offered for sale during FY 2012, the lowest percentage since FY2003, when the filing of protests began to accelerate. Protests, which can cause delays, court battles and increase development costs, reached a high of more than 47 percent in 2009. In response to this gridlock, in May 2010, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar undertook reforms to the leasing program that have resulted in fewer protests.

“Under our ‘smart-from-the-start’ strategy, the BLM has done more planning earlier in the leasing process, that includes engaging the public and evaluating environmental concerns,” said Acting BLM Director Mike Pool. “This year’s successful lease sales reflect this Administration’s commitment to balanced and responsible development of America’s conventional and renewable energy resources.”

BLM leasing reforms have established a more orderly, open, and environmentally sound process for developing oil and gas resources on public lands. In areas where significant new oil and gas development is anticipated, the BLM now works with the public to develop Master Leasing Plans that help guide industry to lowerconflict areas for development.

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

December 21 - 27, 2012

Used to be Paul’s BMX

Bike Shop

Bikes Are Here!

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

608 Center St.

Qik Smog & Tune

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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 •

western shop & PET Wash Storewide Sale Through December

Full Grooming Salon

Dog toys, collars, harnesses 20% Off Selected Flea items 20% Off Dog Beds up to 70% Off

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Special Christmas Touch

For every good dog!

Color: nails or hair coat bow, bandana or dazzle hair extention

Open Christmas Eve December 24th 9am to 1pm

Regular grooming includes: wash and dry and shedding grooming cut (when needed) nails clipped and filed teeth checked

www.shawswesternshop.com

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3

419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

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

End of the World Party

December 21st, 2012 7 p.m. Until the End 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR