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Independent The Taft

December 27 - 3, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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December 27 - 3, 2013 • Volume 8 Issue 23

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

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

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

Qik Smog & Tune

Maricopa Police Department

Making the Holiday Season Special, HAPPY Reducing Crime and Improving Traffic Safety NEW YEAR

from all of us at the Taft Independent!

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

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

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive

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

Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

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

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 27 - 3, 2013

Shop Taft

Passion For Nails western shop & PET Wash Fish - Reptile - Supplies Tack - Feed - Livestock Supplies Western Clothing - Boots - Work Apparell Pet Grooming Fred and Cheri Shaw 419 Harrison Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

Guaranteed Delivery or Your Money Back!

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

1016 6th St. Taft 661-745-4855

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Salon and Boutique Let’s Go Shopping!

Merry Christmas From All of Us

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

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

Ship Your Packages Here!

acme jewelry co.

Merry Christmas Uniques Gifts and More!

CLOSEDWatch 12-25, Batteries 26, 27.

OPEN 12-28 and 12-30.

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 OPEN 1 - 214 Regular Hours

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

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

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

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

End of the Year Goodyear Tire Sale

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

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

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

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

December 27 - 3, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 News.................................11 Shop Taft........................12

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

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

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We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Christmas Eve at St. Andrew’s

By John Swearengin

December 24th- St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, at the corner of 5th and Woodrow Streets, invites everyone to join us for Christmas Eve. The 4:00pm Service features music by the Taft Chamber Quartet, as we sing carols and read Scripture Lessons.

At 8:00pm we will hold our Candlelight Communion service.

On Christmas Day we will celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth, with carols, Holy Communion and the Christmas Story. All are Welcome to the church with the Red Doors!

The West Side Recreation and Park District has lots coming up.

The Rec’s Events are listed in the Taft Independent every week. Karate, Dance, Gymnastics, Bowling, Basketball, and much more are all getting ready to start again. Contact the Rec for more info.

TUHS Campus Life New Year Prayer The Taft Union High School Campus Life Club would like to invite the public to attend our “New Year of Prayer” event on Monday January 6, 2014 at 11:30 AM in front of the Band Building.

We have invited local clergy to come pray for our campus and our community, but our students want you there too! So no matter your denomination, please come join us as we lift Taft Union High School up in prayer and welcome in the New Year. And if you can”t make it, you can still participate no matter where you are at by saying a prayer for our students between 11:30 and noon on Monday January 6.

If you have any questions, please contact Campus Life Advisor Wes Morris at wmorris@taft.k12.ca.us or 661 763-2300 ext 141.

Email your club and organization calendar events to Publisher@taftindependent.com.

The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers Feature Writers Interviews Reviews Experience Required.

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acme jewelry co.

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Taft Calendar

F i n e

Tuesday- Taft Petroleum Club’s Annual New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Chewy.

Oasis Night Club New Year’s Eve Party at 9pm with DJ Mannyfest.

Wednesday- New Year’s Polar Bear Plunge at Buena Vista Lake.

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

Friday the 3rd- Cruise Night at 6pm.

Save the Date for these Future EventsJanuary 4th: Freeze the Day Winter Plunge at the Natatorium from 9:30-11am for only $2.00.

January 6: School resumes January 8th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club, sponsored by Linn Energy. Tickets only $12.

January 11th: Dave Dravecky will speak at the Taft College Fundraiser Dinner at the Taft Fort. Tickets are only $40.00 and can be purchased at the TC Athletic Department office.

January 17th- Comedy Night at the Oasis at 8:30pm. Six great Comedians for only $10.00!

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

January 18th and 19th: WORCS Series Race at Honolulu Hills Raceway.

February 1st and 2nd: AMA Big Series Race at Honolulu Hills Raceway.

February 6th: Taft Chamber Installation Dinner February 22nd: West Kern Oil Museum Annual Dinner There a few huge races coming up at Honolulu Hills Raceway.

Most of these racers will be here Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday both weekends. Several of our great Taft racers will also be racing.

This will be great for our local restaurants, gas stations, motels, and stores. The West Side Rec recently had a huge Disc Golf Tournament with players from all over California and Nevada. The Taft Longhorns and West Side Rec recently had the largest baseball tournament in Taft in years. All these events are terrific for everyone in Taft. Contact Honolulu Hills and the West Side Rec to sponsor future events.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

J e w e l r y

Tuesday January 7th, 2014 – 6:00 p.m.

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

Black Hills GoldOff • Jewelry Fine Jewelry 50% Tag Repair 1000 Federal Reserve Note Watch Batteries

What’s in 426 Your Heart CENTER STREET Locket • 661.763.5451 500 Federal Reserve Note Black Hills Gold 50% Off Tag Hammonds Peanut Brittle & Candy 5000 Wheat Back Cents $225.00 Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

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.

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4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café Asian Experience and Steakhouse Asian Food and Pizza

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

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

Lunch and Dinner Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pm Saturday 4 pm - 9 pm 215 Center Street, Taft 763- 1815

Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Craft Beers Open Monday to Friday 6:30am to 8pm Saturday 7:30am to 8pm Sunday 10am to 2pm 508 Center Street 765-6556

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, December 27, 2013 through Thursday, January 02, 2014

Walking With Dinosaurs (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:00, 7:40 Sun: 4:15, 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:00 PM Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:30, 8:50 Sun: (4:00), 6:15 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:00, 9:00 Sun: (4:00), 6:50 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

When possible support Taft I support Taft Business when I can but sometimes I do not when I should. I’ve always loved General Motors Company trucks, whether Chevy or GMC. When I bought mine I shopped around some but the deal a longtime friend gave me at GMC could not be beat. If more of us would buy our vehicles in Taft I’m sure the prices could get better. If Companies started buying their vehicles here that would be a huge jump on Sales Tax. I have had warranty work done on my truck several times at Taft Chevy and they did a great job. A few years back I changed things up and bought a Jeep Wrangler and that was a mistake, we definitely bought a lemon. Whenever you are shopping for a car, try to start the process here in Taft.

There will be a new used car dealership opening in a few months on the corner of Center and 2nd Street, next to the Taft Sears. On a slightly different note, there were only two Christmas Tree lots this year in Taft and the trees went fast.

The one lot was for the Midway Sunset Lions Club and the other was Foursquare Church. Both of these groups do so much for Taft. Several people bought trees in Bakersfield this year instead of Taft. If you bought your tree at Costco think about what Costco does for Taft, probably nothing. I love Costco but I have to support the Midway Sunset Lions. The Midway Sunset Lions gives to the Taft Longhorn’s, Taft Christmas for Seniors, Taft Fox Theatre, local schools, sports, and much more.

We have to help them so they can help us.

I attended the Taft College Petroleum Summit in October.

It was an amazing event. After the Event I heard a few people that seemed to be angry that Hodel’s Catered the Event. Those people that were talking were not even at the event. The food they served was excellent and their service great. I could not believe they could feed so many people so fast. After looking into it I heard that no one bid on the Catering job. Hodel’s is also a member of the Taft Chamber. It would have been nice to have a Taft business Cater it but I do not think anywhere around here could do something that big. Hodel’s does events like that all the time and they do a great job.

To have a place here in Taft that could compete with Hodel’s would have to have lots of support from all of us. We have some great Restaurants that Cater but large events are tough even for the most experienced of caterers. Some things we can’t get here or it is not quite as good. Several people in Taft use Southwest signs for their shirts, stickers, hats, etc. We do not have anyone that can compete with them. Southwest Signs does great work at great prices. As much as I love Taft it would be very hard for anyone anywhere in Kern County to compete with Southwest Signs. Also a another good thing about Southwest Signs is the owners are Taft High Grads and are great people that still support Taft, they also still have family members here.

What has Home Depot done for Taft compared to Cooper’s True Value. All of the Cooper family does so much for Taft.

Eric and Kathy are so involved in their Church, Hospital District, Schools, Oildorado, and much more. True Value is a great place where you can get almost anything and if they don’t have it they probably will order it.

I saw the other day where the Taft High Alumni Christmas Luncheon was being held in Bakersfield. This is one of those things, like the people talking about Hodel’s at the Petroleum Summit, I do not know anything about. I would hope maybe next year they would consider having it at OT Cookhouse, the back room of Hacienda, or one of our other great places here in Taft. I know lots of Companies had their Christmas Parties at Crystal Palace. I wish they had them here but it is tough to compete with Crystal Palace.

Please try to keep your business local and then Taft can compete. You can’t always shop here but when possible please Shop Taft. Shop here, eat here, watch movies here, live here! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and I wish you have a Happy New Year. Stay positive Taft!

John Swearengin

December 27 - 3, 2013

Letters to the Editor

America’s Miserable Minimum Wage Crisis

By Glenn Mollette Americans do not want to work for the minimum wage.

Who does? Recent demonstrations at McDonald’s restaurants demanding $15 an hour wages are understandable.

American people need more money to exist. Making a minimum wage only means you are living in poverty and need government and charitable assistance in order to survive.

Minimum wage was never meant for the long haul. Such wages were intended for part-time help, students working through school or older Americans who needed something to do a few hours a week. The sad case is that miserable Americans stand in line for these jobs. The jobs that provide higher pay are saturated with several hundred people already in line for the first vacancy.

What happened to all those nice jobs back there somewhere in our history?

- We started taking them for granted. Just like our freedom, Social Security and Medicare, we thought they would always be here.

- We wanted more. We weren’t happy that corporations were breaking their necks to pay strong hourly wages, hospitalization and gold-lined retirement plans. Therefore Unions organized, collected fees from everyone and strong-armed the owners. Owners gave and gave and then started giving up. Grab a ladder and peer into Mexico if you want to see where they are today.

- We got lazy. Why work hard? If we sit home with some aches and pains the government will give us food stamps and supplemental income. Lawyers started seeing the client potential of Medicaid disability claims and another industry was born.

- Competition has flooded the country. Nigerians, Asians, Hispanics etc. are everywhere in America and millions more are coming. They are driving taxis, working farms, building restaurants and standing in line for any job that pays a few dollars. Many Americans seem to be standing back as if trying to believe this really can’t be happening. It’s happening.

This is not the America we grew up watching on black and white television. Everything has changed.

We have to change our attitude in this country and we need to do it fast.

We must give corporations an incentive to come back to America. We must be willing to work. Corporations will be fair but we have to be fair. We have to get out of the Lyndon Johnson hand out dependency mode and start practicing Kennedy’s line “...ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Glenn Mollette is an American columnist read in all fifty states. Contact him at GMollette@aol.com Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette He is the author of American Issues and numerous other books.

Visit Us Online www. taftindependent. com

December 27 - 3, 2013

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

YOUTH HOLIDAY BOWLING EXTRAVAGANZA Who: Ages 16 and younger When: December 21, 2013 – January 4, 2014 (The Bowling Alley will be closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1) Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Place: West Side Lanes, Recreation Center Fee: $5 for 3 games (includes shoes) Kids are invited to join us for some bowling fun during the holiday break. It’s only $5 for 3 games of bowling, plus we will give out raffle tickets for chances to win a free bowling ball and other great prizes!

TRIOS BOWLING LEAGUE Who: All Ages When: Thursday or Sunday Leagues Season Begins: January 16 Place: West Side Lanes, Recreation Center The Trios League is a 16 week non-sanctioned, all-for-fun league where teams can include a mix of adults and kids. There will be a Thursday Division and a Sunday Division, so pick a day that works for you and have some bowling fun! Please contact West Side Lanes (765-6677) or ellington. bowling@gmail.com for more information.

COED SOFTBALL “NEW YEAR GRAND SLAM” TOURNAMENT Who: Ages 16+ When: January 14-16 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Place: Franklin Field Recreation Complex Registration deadline: Thursday, January 9 Fee: $200 per team In celebration of the new year, we are holding a mid-week, three-day coed softball tournament.

The winning team will receive championship t-shirts.

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALL Who: Ages 4-6 Practices: 1 day during the week Games: Weeknights or Saturdays (varies by team) Session: January 23 – March 1, 2014 Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Registration deadline: Thursday, January 9 Fee: $35 per person

KARATE Ages 5-12: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Ages 10+: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

When: Tuesday and Thursday Sessions: • January 14 – February 13 • February 18 – March 20 • March 25 – May 1 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $30 per session Instructor: John Dodson TINY TOT KARATE Who: Ages 3-5 (preschool) When: Tuesday Afternoons Time: 4:45-5:15 p.m.

Sessions: • January 14 – February 13 • February 18 – March 20 • March 25 – May 1 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $20 per session Instructor: John Dodson S.T.O.P. 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 7634246.

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE Saturday, February 1, 2014 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium 500 Cascade Place, Taft Girls ages 4 and up $30 per couple ($10 each additional daughter) Ticket purchase deadline: January 24 Join us for our 6th Annual Father Daughter Dance – this year with a leopard/black/red 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. Tickets are limited and not guaranteed to last until the purchase deadline. No tickets will be available the night of the event, so buy yours now – don’t miss out!

TINY TOT BASKETBALL Who: Ages 2-4 When: Thursday Evenings Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Session: January 23 – February 13, 2014 Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Registration deadline: Thursday, January 9 Fee: $25 per person GYMNASTICS Who: Grades K and older When: Monday Evenings Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Session: January 6 – February 10 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional sibling) Instructor: Suzanne Hale CHEERLEADING Who: Ages 3 – Grade 3 When: Tuesday Afternoons Time: 4:00-4:45 p.m.

Session: January 21 – February 25 Where: TUHS Mirror Room Fee: $25 per session (no shirts or poms in winter session) Instructors: TUHS Cheerleaders and Cheer Advisors

WSRPD DISTRICT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 23 – JANUARY 1 FOR THE HOLIDAYS The West Side Recreation & Park District office will be closed December 23 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 Thursday, January 2, 2014. Happy Holidays!

6

A History of the New Year

by Borgna Brunner

The celebration of the new year on January 1st is a relatively new phenomenon. The earliest recording of a new year celebration is believed to have been in Mesopotamia, c. 2000 B.C. and was celebrated around the time of the vernal equinox, in mid-March. A variety of other dates tied to the seasons were also used by various ancient cultures. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Persians began their new year with the fall equinox, and the Greeks celebrated it on the winter solstice.

Early Roman Calendar: March 1st Rings in the New Year The early Roman calendar designated March 1 as the new year. The calendar had just ten months, beginning with March. That the new year once began with the month of March is still reflected in some of the names of the months. September through December, our ninth through twelfth months, were originally positioned as the seventh through tenth months (septem is Latin for “seven,” octo is “eight,” novem is “nine,” and decem is “ten.”

January Joins the Calendar The first time the new year was celebrated on January 1st was in Rome in 153 B.C. (In fact, the month of January did not even exist until around 700 B.C., when the second king of Rome, Numa Pontilius, added the months of January and February.) The new year was moved from March to January because that was the beginning of the civil year, the month that the two newly elected Roman consuls—the highest officials in the Roman republic—began their one-year tenure. But this new year date was not always strictly and widely observed, and the new year was still sometimes celebrated on March 1.

Julian Calendar: January 1st Officially Instituted as the New Year In 46 B.C. Julius Caesar introduced a new, solar-based calendar that was a vast improvement on the ancient Roman calendar, which was a lunar system that had become wildly inaccurate over the years. The Julian calendar decreed that the new year would occur with January 1, and within the Roman world, January 1 became the consistently observed start of the new year.

Middle Ages: January 1st Abolished In medieval Europe, however, the celebrations accompanying the new year were considered pagan and unchristian like, and in 567 the Council of Tours abolished January 1 as the beginning of the year. At various times and in various places throughout medieval Christian Europe, the new year was celebrated on Dec. 25, the birth of Jesus; March 1; March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation; and Easter.

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon Just in.....Fresh Seafood!!!

HALIBUT ALBACORE TUNA STING-RAY Call to reserve your order today!!!

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

Merry Christmas!!!

OT Cookhouse will be CLOSED Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, 2013 in observance

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Gregorian Calendar: January 1st Restored In 1582, the Gregorian calendar reform restored January 1 as new year’s day. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted among Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire —and their American colonies— still celebrated the new year in March.

New Year’s Traditions Auld Lang Syne The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year’s eve, “Auld Lang Syne” is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns’s homeland.

It is often remarked that “Auld Lang Syne” is one of the most popular songs that nobody knows the lyrics to. “Auld Lang Syne” literally translates as “old long since” and means “times gone by.” The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness, “For auld lang syne, we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet.”

The lesser known verses continue this theme, lamenting how friends who once used to “run about the braes,/ And pou’d the gowans fine” (run about the hills and pulled up the daisies) and “paidl’d in the burn/Frae morning sun till dine” (paddled in the stream from morning to dusk) have become divided by time and distance—”seas between us braid hae roar’d” (broad seas have roared between us). Yet there is always time for old friends to get together—if not in person then in memory—and “tak a right guid-willie waught” (a good-will drink).

But it was bandleader Guy Lombardo, and not Robert Burns, who popularized the song and turned it into a New Year’s tradition.

Lombardo first heard “Auld Lang Syne” in his hometown of London, Ontario, where it was sung by Scottish immigrants. When he and his brothers formed the famous dance band, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, the song became one of their standards. Lombardo played the song at midnight at a New Year’s eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1929, and a tradition was born. After that, Lombardo’s version of the song was played every New Year’s eve from the 1930s until 1976 at the Waldorf Astoria. In the first years it was broadcast on radio, and then on television. The song became such a New Year’s tradition that “Life magazine wrote that if Lombardo failed to play ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ the American public would not believe that the new year had really arrived.”

CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We’ll tak a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne!

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp, And surely I’ll be mine, And we’ll tak a cup o kindness yet, For auld lang syne!

Scotland The birthplace of “Auld Lang Syne” is also the home of Hogmanay (hog-mah-NAY), the rousing Scottish New Year’s celebration (the origins of the name are obscure). One of the traditions is “first-footing.”

Shortly after midnight on New Year’s eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year’s wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party.

Japan The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal. In December, various Bonenkai or “forget-the-year parties” are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed. At midnight on Dec. 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in a effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year’s day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside.

Sending New Year’s cards is a popular tradition—if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year’s cards on Jan. 1.

Spain The Spanish ritual on New Year’s eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.

The Netherlands The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.

Greece

“Auld Lang Syne” Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?

In Greece, New Year’s day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil’s cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

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at 4:00pm Thursday EVENING, December 26, 2013.

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Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne.

Auld Lang Syne and other New Year’s customs

of Christmas. We will resume regular business hours Blessings from all our us at OT Cookhoue

December 27 - 3, 2013

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

United States Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.

A traditional southern New Year’s dish is Hoppin’ John—black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, “Eat peas on New Year’s day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year.”

Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year’s day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

Widely Observed New Year Symbols and Traditions Resolutions: It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since.

The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year.

Fireworks: Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year’s eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks and use them to spectacular effect in their New Year’s celebrations.

December 27 - 3, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Supervisor Couch Aide Reports Taft Midway-Sunset on 4th District Clean-up Efforts Lions Club Adopt for 2013 a Senior for Christmas Program Dear 4th District Friends, Here is a Code Compliance Case update and summary for your information. 2013 has been a busy year for us. Your Supervisor David Couch will continue fighting for you in 2014.

We have active Code Compliance Cases in Bakersfield (27 open, 12 recently closed), Buttonwillow (9 open, 2 recently closed), Derby Acres (7 open), Dustin Acres (1 open), Frazier Park (13 open, 4 recently closed), Lebec (9 open, 1 recently closed), Lost Hills (3 open, 1 recently closed), Pine Mountain Club (5 open, 1 recently closed), Taft (28 open, 5 recently closed), Valley Acres (5 open), and McKittrick (1 open).

We run 1 month behind on knowing what Cases are open and what Cases are closed. The above information is based on 1101/2013 to 11/30/2013. These statistics are give to us by the County of Kern’s Code Compliance Division.

It is important to note, by the way, that Supervisor David Couch, was the one who initiated and pushed very hard thereafter to restore, and add to, Code Compliance Officer positions in this year’s County budget. He believes strongly in eliminating blight in neighborhoods, as blight often represents public health and safety problems for people; it also lowers property values of others. It is a quality of life issue. So Supervisor David Couch places a great emphasis here.

In this vein, we have initiated monthly Code Compliance meeting in our office with Director Chuck Lackey and Al Rojas, County Code Compliance Supervisor. We push hard to have CC Staff expedite positive outcomes to various Code Compliance Cases.

10 dangerous homes and apartments in Ford City, South Taft and Buttonwillow have been demolished since Supervisor David Couch has taken office. Most of these cases have been on the Code Compliance List for years. We pushed hard to abate these public nuisances. 410 Fillmore Street in Ford City will be demolished in February.

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The Taft Midway-Sunset Lions Club delivered 160 gift boxes to seniors during the holidays as part of their Adopt-A-Senior for Christmas Program.

The program, sponsored by the Taft Midway-Sunset Lions Club is for low income, homebound and or isolated seniors in the community.

Lions Club volunteers Carol Jackson, (left to right) JD Bramlet, Mike McCormick, and Val and Tim Crabb assemble gift boxes for distribution to the seniors.

Some of our current top priority CC Cases include, for example, 217 and 300 Pierce Street, 355 Adams Street, and 111 W. Ash Street in Ford City (an unincorporated community contiguous to the City of Taft’s northern border) and 148 3rd Street in Buttonwillow (which resulted in a demolition).

217 and 300 Pierce Street have cleared all the legal hoops and are slated to be Board and Cleaned next month. The old shed adjacent to alley at 217 Pierce Street is slated for demolition as part of this B&C. 217 Pierce Street has been on the County books since 2009.

355 Adams Street in what is commonly know as Victory Square is a 12-unit occupied apartment complex that came to our attention when Supervisor Couch and Alan, Ryan and I were in the field there to witness the demolition of 424 Adams Street a few months ago. The mother living in the second unit at 355 Adams Street came out into the parking lot and asked to come into her apartment to observe her living conditions (sloping floor, mold, lack of heating system, cockroach infestation, lack of ventilating equipment in bathrooms, and so forth). She has three small children. Our office had CC immediately open a case. The property owner has now installed heating systems in each apartment and made other improvements. Yesterday, the four of us delivered coats and toys to the children in this unit.

We have also arranged for two youngest children to receive shoes as they were barefoot as well as a jacket for the older of the two boys as we did not have one that fit him. This is an ongoing case. We continue to monitor it.

111 W. Ash Street is an abandoned convalescent home that is unsecured and poses a public health and safety problem. It is a haven for mischievous behavior. This one was called to our attention by the City Manager and Chief of Police of nearly by Taft. Supervisor Couch and the rest of us visited this structure several months ago. A Board and Clean is scheduled for sometime in January.

148 3rd Street in Buttowwillow was a burned-out home that was demolished last month. 267 3rd Street was also a burnedout house that was demolished by the property owner pursu-

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ant to a Code Compliance Case remedy. 259 3rd Street was another burned-out home which was Board and Cleaned by the property owner after being cited. 219 1st Street was a highly visible abandoned home ridden with weeds and trash in the heart of Buttowillow’s downtown. A Code Compliance Case was opened and the property owner cleaned up the property and secured the house with the help of the Buttonwillow Chamber of Commerce.

This is just a snapshot of Supervisor David Couch’s efforts to eliminate blight in the Fourth District. Dozens of other cases, Board and Cleans, some done by property owners who have been cited and others done by the County, have occurred. For example, in downtown Frazier Park we opened a case on an old abandoned gas station with an underground tank problem. It is now abated.

Mark C. Salvaggio Constituent Services Specialist Kern County Supervisor David Couch, District 4 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Room 504 Bakersfield, CA 93301

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www.taftindependent.com 765-6550 Classified ads $2 per line

8

Liberty Under Fire NDAA 2014, Still Dangerous, Still Unconstitutional, Still Unacceptable

By Harold Pease, Ph. D

Congress just passed the gigantic $625 billion dollar sweeping National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 with a vote in the House 350 to 69 and in the Senate 84 to 15. Establishment media coverage seemed to center on what did not make it into the act such as, a crackdown on sexual assault in the military and provisions making it easier to close Guantanamo, rather than upon what did. Most maintained the image that the annual act merely funded the military for another year, as has been the case formerly. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Left in place was the extremely controversial 2012 provision authorizing the military, under presidential authority, to arrest, kidnap, and detain without trial, and held indefinitely, American citizens thought to “represent an enduring security threat to the United States.” Simply stated it defied Habeas Corpus (your constitutional right not to disappear at the hand of government), the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 (preventing the military from having a law enforcement function in the United States), and essentially gutted large portions of the Bill of Rights especially amendments 4, 5, and 6 with secondary damage to 1, 2 and possibly 8. It is the single most dangerous law passed by Congress in U.S. History.

Only socialists and Tea Party advocates seemed to understand that a non-specific definition of terrorism, such as that noted above, can easily be turned into a revolving definition of terrorism and used to wipe out either an opposing party or philosophy. Imagine being arrested, kidnaped, and secretly shipped to Guantanamo Bay for defending the Constitution. Such is possible under the 2012 version left unchanged. Republican President Richard Nixon used the IRS to persecute his political enemies in the 1970’s, as has Democratic President Barack Obama in the last five years. Neither political party is exempt from fault on this version. Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain pushed it through the Senate and Democrat President Barack Obama, promised to veto it, then signed it.

Sadly only 2012 presidential candidates Ron Paul and Rick Santorum opposed it.

Unfortunately the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 is still unconstitutional, still unacceptable, and even more dangerous than its predecessor. Newly added is Section 1071(a) which authorizes the Secretary of Defense to “establish a center to be known as the ‘Conflict Records Research Center’” authorized to compile a “digital research database including translations and to facilitate research and analysis of records captured from countries, organizations, and individuals, now or once hostile to the United States.” Section 1071 (g) is more explicit defining a captured record as “a document, audio file, video file, or other material.”

This effectively expands the surveillance of the Bush 43 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) defining, as never ending, the War on Terrorism and his resultant Patriot Act, requiring citizens to report certain activities of other citizens. Factor in the government’s several expensive NSA facilities especially those of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Bluffdale, Utah, the latter of which is designed to accommodate a yottabyte of

TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 27 - 3, 2013 information. Factor in also the known collection by NSA of every email, telephone conversation, social media post, and text, of every U.S. citizen for the last eight years and it is easy to see why the federal government now wants a Conflict Records Research Center.

Only the following U.S. Senators understood the danger to the Constitution and freedom by voting against: Barrasso (WY), Coburn (OK), Corker (TN), Crapo (ID), Cruz (TX), Enzi (WY), Flake (AZ), Lee (UT), Merkley (OR), Paul (KY), Risch (ID), Sanders (VT), Sessions (AL), Shelby (AL), Wyden (OR).

Senators not listed do not understand the Constitution and its checks and balances enough to merit your vote regardless of which political party they represent.

Perhaps Tea Party Senator Ted Cruz said it best when he told his constituents: “Today I voted against the National Defense Authorization Act. I am deeply concerned that Congress still has not prohibited President Obama’s ability to indefinitely detain U.S. citizens arrested on American soil without trial or due process.

The Constitution does not allow President Obama, or any President, to apprehend an American citizen, arrested on U.S. soil, and detain these citizens indefinitely without a trial.” We agree and that is why the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 is still dangerous, still unconstitutional and still unacceptable in a free country!!

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.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com email us at Publisher@ taftindependent.com Black Gold Brewing Company Cafe - Deli - Espresso - Craft Beers

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

December 27 - 3, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli Serving Since 1939

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

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Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

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

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

Charles V. & Jennifer Landwehr and Angie Milner

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

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

Gateway Temple

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

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

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

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Parish Hall Available for Rent

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

First Baptist Church

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

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

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

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

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

Info call 765-7151

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for upAds to 5are lines, and $7line. per Phone, issue forfax, up mail to 10orlines.

Classified $2.00 per dropYard off Sale ads arethe free. fax, mail or drop off your ad to the your ad to TaftPhone, Independent.

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

Photodo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, or $10 with a photo. Email us (or bring to our office) a photo Yard Sale adscar, are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines of your home, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the $2 rest.each.

Classified ads is now Wednesdaysat at 12 2 p.m.

Classified addeadline deadline is Wednesday p.m. (noon) Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

Taft Independent 508byCenter St., Taft, CA 93268 Payment can be made cash, check, or credit card.

Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

YARD SALES

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

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

Community Action Partnership of Kern CENTER DIRECTOR Maricopa Head Start Supervises the daily operations of a child development center; including the supervision of all center staff either directly or indirectly

ensuring compliance of all finding sources.

Must possess a Site Supervisor Permit; by meeting standards established

by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, options 1-5, dated February 1, 1997. AA/ AS degree with major in Early Childhood Development, Education, Human Development or related field. 17.65/HR + benefits. Open until filled. Job Applications and full job descriptions are available from our website www.capk.org and our administrative office located at 5005 Business Park North in Bakersfield, Ca 93309 (661)-336-5236 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Paramount Farming Company is currently recruiting for Ag &Trailer Mechanics. This position is located in the Lost Hills area. Candidates with strong welding, mechanic, and fabrication skills are encouraged to apply.

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

Please send resumes to: Attention: Human Resources 33141 East Lerdo Hwy, Bakersfield, Ca 93308 Or email to: careers@ paramountfarming.com

SERVICES CHILD CARE SERVICES

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

Small family, No Pets.

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FOR SALE Christmas Trees. 7652713.

PETS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT HOMES FOR SALE Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase Can’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short sale!

Wondering how buying a house works? Set an appointment with Karri to watch a FREE video on the process.

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list 417 Montview. 2bd. 1 ba. house. Fend yard. $15,000 cash or owner will carry with down payment for 5 years.. Land is on a lease for $314 per month.

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$925/$925 dep Coming Soon 3/2 at 401 1/2 Jackson new floors/ paint $850/$850 dep Pick up a list at 322 Kern St. 661-765-5000 Westside Real Estate & Property Management Inc. 3/2 – 1 Acre Lot 28179 McClarren Ave. very spacious $950.00 $950.00 Outdoor pets only 319 San Emidio Apt A – Refrig & Stove Incl. $600.00 $600.00

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Phone: Phone:765-6550 765-6550

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

Wednesday.

Preserving for the Future

December 27 - 3, 2013

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile 661-398-3044

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

No Application Fee. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. Call (8661) 8466403 or (661) 765-7678.

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

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December 27 - 3, 2013

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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 •

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Would you like to REDUCE OR ELIMINATE your STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY? If you own a business in the Taft area you may be eligible for tax credits up to $37,440 per qualified employee.

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