Taft New Year

Independent The Taft

December 28 - 3, 2012

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December 28 - 3, 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”

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December 28 - 3, 2012

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December 28 - 3, 2012

Inside 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 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.

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A History of the New Year

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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 midMarch. 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.

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.

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.”

Auld Lang Syne and other New Year’s customs “Auld Lang Syne” Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne.

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!

We twa hae run about the braes, And pou’d the gowans fine, But we’ve wander’d monie a weary fit, Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, Frae morning sun till dine, But seas between us braid hae roar’d Sin auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty fiere, And gie’s a hand o thine, And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught, 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.

New Year’s Traditions

Greece

Auld Lang Syne

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.

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

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.

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Congress in 2013

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. 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 28, 2012 through Thursday, January 03, 2013

Parental Guidance (PG) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:10), 7:15, 9:20 Sun: (3:00), (5:10), 7:15 Mon - Thu: (5:10), 7:15 Jack Reacher (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:15), 7:45 Sun: (3:30), 6:15 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:00), 8:15 Sun: (3:15), 6:30 Mon - Thu: 6:15 PM

While many Americans resolve to make 2013 the year they really do slim down, exercise more, and spend less, Congress could afford to commit to a few such resolutions of its own. Call them budget resolutions—something Congress hasn’t had in a while. Here are five suggestions: Cut spending. The federal government is on course to run a trillion-dollar-plus deficit for the fifth consecutive year, driven by excessive spending. It spent $29,691 per household in 2012, borrowing $3.20 of every $10 it spent. Just as families must make budget priorities and live within their means, so too should Congress. Lawmakers should scale back the size and scope of the federal government, reform entitlement programs, and root out waste and abuse. If debt and deficits are ever going to be brought under control, Congress must curb its spending addiction.

Return to the regular budget process. Congress has fallen out of the practice of budgeting, instead opting for ad hoc budget measures such as the debt limit deal (Budget Control Act of 2011) and continuing resolutions to fund the government. Budgeting is one of Congress’s main responsibilities; it forces Congress to regularly prioritize spending on programs, which is sorely needed. Congress must return to budgeting according to the regular order to control spending and promote transparency.

Avoid budget gimmicks. Lawmakers and the White House have demonstrated their penchant for claiming savings that do not in fact exist. Practices currently en vogue include counting already planned reductions in war spending, promising vague savings, and exploiting budget loopholes to justify “emergency” spending and disaster assistance without offsetting it with cuts elsewhere. Lawmakers should reject these gimmicks and build their budget on policies that deliver real savings to restore their credibility and to rein in spending.

Reform entitlement programs. Much more ominous than the fiscal cliff is the country’s real fiscal crisis, driven by the unsustainable growth in entitlement program spending. Social Security and Medicare spending in particular will be unaffordable if these programs remain unchanged. By the time today’s kindergartners enter college, spending on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and interest on the debt will consume all tax revenue. Congress should pursue reforms with confidence, as some entitlement reforms—raising the Social Security and Medicare eligibility ages, adopting a more accurate measure of inflation for Social Security’s cost-of-living-adjustments, or reducing the Medicare subsidy for upper-income beneficiaries—claim bipartisan support. Bottom line: Washington must get serious about entitlement reform in 2013.

Say NO to tax increases. Hiking taxes, particularly on the wealthy, as President Obama and some lawmakers want to do, would harm job creation when it is most needed. Higher taxes won’t fix Washington’s spending problem, relieve the burden of entitlement program spending, or close budget deficits. Tax hikes would only ensure more spending. Lawmakers must resist pressure to raise taxes and instead remain steadfast in efforts to cut spending.

The start of a new year invites a sense of optimism and offers an opportunity to get back on course. To reduce uncertainty in the economy, save young Americans from a mountain of federal debt, and restore its own institutional integrity, Congress should embrace these resolutions.

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December 28 - 3, 2012

Letters to the Editor THANKS FROM TOYS FOR TAFT (31Years) Without the dedication and professionalism of these friends and colleagues we could never have been able to give all the toys we did.

Chilled & Grilled at 621 Center Street, Ron & Terri O’boyle and Jack & Shannon Hedrick and all of their helpers 2 Wheel Production LLC on the Toys for Taft Poker Run for 2012. We want to take this opportunity to thank every one of you that came out to this GREAT event The great number of people showed up and paid to be part of the excitement, they were courteous, and respectful. Everyone was having a fabulous time.

Thank you, TAFT, we are a friendly, caring town. I appreciate where I live. The toys represents much more than just a financial windfall for the organization. It represents the fact that we, organization and donor, are, as our name suggests, a community.

A Community of people who give of our resources to assure that other people, with disabilities, have every opportunity to live valued lives in our community. The act of giving has value that is at least as significant as the amount of the gift. We have seen that giving, when done with hope and expectation, produces extraordinary results-results such as we only dream about.

On behalf of the Taft Lions Club and Toys for Taft, the families and children of Taft, we want to thank you for your time and generosity.

Ron Waldrop, Chairman Taft Lions Club

Thanks From Toys For Taft Once again, the people and businesses of Taft, have made the "Toys For TAFT" a huge success for the 31th year. I would like to thankFloyd Adams, Chuck Bailey, Jaime Brockett, Cliff Brockett, Larry Burden, Sandy Burden, Ronda Copeland, Jason Crawford, Janee Edgar, William Gillette, Lyn Gorner, Chuck Havens, Logon Havens, Brittney Howes, Jeremy Howes, Keith Jones, Brian Kightlinger, Therese Kightlinger, Jerry Maxwell, Jesus Mendoza, Bill Nichols, Gloria Nichols, Ron Price, Larry Robison, Shawn Robison, Lance Stephens,TammyStephens, Steve Steinhoffer, Dottie Waldrop, Jamie Waldrop, Rachel Waldrop, Scott Waldrop, Jeff Sweaney, VFW AUX 1468-Bakersfield, Susan Walker, Dale Watson, Herman, Watson, West Side Community Resource Center, Connie Wheeler, Gary Wheeler, Debby Young, Caleb Young, Vahnita {Hooker} Byers, Dolores Hooker, Taft Correctional Institution, J & L Locksmith, Waldrop’s Auto Parts, Macayla Wells, Chilled & Grilled, 2 Wheel Production LLC, Dollar Store, Hot Tap's Service, Alan Harris, Jonath Harris, Katlyn Harris, Shannon Harris, Laura Priess-Estates of Patrick A Bennett, and the Taft Lions Club.

If I have left anyone out, please forgive me. Everyone pitched in and helped to make this holiday season what a holiday season should be, a time for love, caring, and giving.

2012 Chairman

Ron Waldrop, Taft Lions Club

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December 28 - 3, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

TUHS Honors September, October and November Students of the Month

Taft High students of the month for September were: ( first row) sophomore Jen Rivera, junior Taylan Erro, senior Bobbi Preskitt and (not pictured) freshman Ilse Flores-Martinez. October students of the month were: (back row) sophomore Savannah Gregory, senior Brian Hill and juniors Zack Fearon and Alejandro Bautista. Photo by Jim Carnal.

Four students at Taft Union High School have been honored as students of the month for September and another four for October. The students were selected by the Renaissance program, which promotes academics.

Students of the month for September were: senior Bobbi Preskitt, junior Taylan Erro, sophomore Jen Rivera and freshman Ilse Flores-Martinez.

Students of the month for October were: senior Brian Hill, juniors Zack Fearon and Alejandro Bautista, and sophomore Savannah Gregory.

Bobbi Preskitt is the band’s hard-working drum major “who is beyond dedicated,” band director Amanda Posey said. Bobbi also plays trumpet in the jazz band.

“She has the amazing talent of leading students when things are going great and when things are not going well at all. Bobbi has a great poker face and can keep the band going,” Posey praised. “She invests a lot of her personal time helping the students at Lincoln and the beginning band at Roosevelt. She is a great help to ALL the music students in Taft and goes above and beyond every day.”

Taylan Erro “is a true scholar-athlete who plays four sports. She is an A student and a great role model as the No. 2 player on the Valley champion varsity tennis team,” praised coach Jim Carnal. “I know I can always count on Taylan to be where she is supposed to be, to try her best and to do the right thing. I can’t even say that about some adults.” She also runs, cross-country, plays basketball and runs track.

Foods teacher Lynn Bramham added, “Taylan is a very respectful student.

She works well with others in class and during labs. Taylan is always willing to do what is asked of her, and she does it with a smile. She is a pleasure to have in class.”

Jen Rivera “is a fantastic AVID sophomore!” according to teacher Mike Cowan. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) provides instruction and framework for students to succeed in college.

“She’s always well prepared, happy to be at school, and ready to learn. She knows that hard work now will pay off later and she has a bright future in college and beyond. I wish more students were as focused and responsible as Jennifer,” Cowan praised.

“Jen has had to work really hard in chemistry this year. She just this week got the highest grade on our latest test. So, the hard work is paying off ! She is always respectful and very pleasant, and gets along so well her classmates,” added Harold Heiter.

And she is just as determined in sports. “She is the kind of student you want in your class or on your team. She played No. 2 on the 12-0 JV tennis team and had a 27-4 record, varsity coach Jim Carnal said.

“Ilse (Flores-Martinez) brings enthusiasm and energy to class every day. She was the top AR reader in all of my classes the first quarter,” praised Jackie Peavyhouse. “Other students turn to Ilse for language support and friendship. She makes teaching a rewarding experience.”

“Ilse says it best herself; when turning in assignments, she remarks, ‘I did my best!’ She lives up to her personal motto every day in our class,” added Reading and Writing teacher Karen Hillygus.

“Brian Hill has the kindest heart a student can have. He is our gentle giant in class. He is always joyful, and an asset for our Special Education program,” praised teacher Abel Pedro. “He has taken great strides to improve his attendance this year and we are happy to have him. He recently acquired his California Identification Card that he is very proud of. He is like another teacher aide. He helps out and assists in carrying things, rolling wheelchairs, and most of all assisting his fellow students wherever we go. He also participates in basic computer class and adaptive physical education. He helps out with the girls’ soccer team as an equipment manager for home games and may be a thrower for track and field this spring. Brian is like my, ‘Radio.’ He is good-natured and without a doubt an example student, not just in my class, but in the whole school.

Taft High School is fortunate to have such a good charismatic student.”

“Zack (Fearon) goes above and beyond in every area. He is an amazing musician and plays piano in jazz band and percussion in marching band. He recently designed the new signs for the music building. He does his job perfectly and can also handle the jobs of others too! Zack is a great kid with loads of talent and a great attitude,” bragged band director Amanda Posey.

Graphic communications teacher Mark Fitzsimmons added, “Zack is a very non-demanding student. He gets his work done very successfully without a lot of fanfare, and quietly waits for his turn to complete tasks.

A classroom full of students like Zack Fearon would lower the stress level for any teacher.”

Taft High students of the month for November were: junior Brad Odom, sophomore Kassandra Galaviz, freshman Chase Brown and senior Matt Smith. Photo by Jim Carnal.

Alejandro Bautista was nominated by history teacher Brad Van Roekel and modern life skills teacher Anthony Reed. Van Roekel said Alejandro “always tries his hardest, greets me every day when he walks in, is always smiling, is a good classmate who makes his classmates laugh, and is nice to everyone in the class.”

English teacher Debra Popejoy added, “Alejandro is always willing to do his best and have a positive attitude while doing it! He is supportive of his classmates and gets along with everyone!”

“Savannah (Gregory) has been a great addition to the Taft Oil Technology Academy. Her work is of the highest quality and she always has a smile!” said teacher Ted Pendergrass.

“Savannah is one of the standouts in my sophomore Honors English class,” Bill Wolfe said. “She is smart and consistently does good work. For example, today she recited an excerpt from Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ in front of the class without making a single mistake. I’m sure this will be only the first of many academic honors she will earn.”

Geometry teacher Joy Reynolds added, “Savannah is an organized, intelligent, hard-working and responsible student who I enjoy having in class. When she is absent, she promptly gets her make-up work done.

She comes to class on time and prepared to work. She asks meaningful questions, stays on task and helps her peers when they request help.”

“Savannah is sweet, quiet, kind and very smart. She is more than happy to help other kids who are struggling. And even though she never says much, she always wears a smile!” Spanish teacher Sandra Torres concluded.

Four students at Taft Union High School have been honored as students of the month for November.

They are: senior Matt Smith, junior Brad Odom, sophomore Kassandra Galaviz and freshman Chase Brown. The students were selected by the Renaissance program, which promotes academics.

“Matt (Smith) is quite the entertainer! He does good work, and keeps me entertained at the same time.

Great to have in my class!” said Mark Fitzsimmons, graphic communications teacher.

“Matt is a smart student and reads his parts in English class with gusto and often with the appropriate accent. I’m glad he is one of my students,” praised Jim Carnal.

“Brad (Odom) is a great leader and talented musician. … He plays baritone in the marching band … trombone in the jazz band and … tenor drums in drumline,” band director Amanda Posey said. “Most importantly Brad encourages people to do their best and has a great attitude. He works hard EVERY DAY to help make the band sound better. He also has a great way of holding people accountable for their actions without losing his temper. Brad is very brave and will stand up when he feels someone is being treated poorly. He will speak his mind and defend other students when they are being picked on. Whenever we are around other schools at band events he always does his best to make friends and when it is time to leave he manages to get a ton of hugs from his new friends. Brad has a heart of gold.”

“I had the pleasure of having Bradley as a student during his freshman year … and (now) as junior,” English teacher Alan Popejoy said. “It is rewarding to see a student who has grown as much as Bradley has; he has made tremendous gains with … his academic performance and … his overall character.”

“He is polite, respectful, and has just the proper amount of silly,” geometry teacher Stacey Haiungs said.

“Brad applies himself, works hard and puts in the extra effort to ask questions even after class to further his understanding. I admire all of these qualities and believe he will be successful in life because of them.”

“Kassandra (Galaviz) is the most energetic, positive student at Taft High. She comes to class in a good mood every day and actually hums or sings while she is working independently. She is a favorite with the other students and with me,” praised English teacher Jackie Peavyhouse.

She “works constantly and is always 100 percent engaged in her learning and advancing her abilities with English. She’s constantly reading and brings a fabulous attitude and work ethic every day. She is sweet and intelligent and a total doll,” reading teacher Lisa Polk added.

Freshman Chase Brown has already made a big impact. “He may be a little guy but he has a huge personality. Chase is a hard worker and very creative. He is so much fun to watch during performances in Beginning Drama. There is never a dull moment when Chase is around,” according to drama teacher Kelly Morris.

“Chase is a charismatic, entertaining, intelligent, young man. His genuinely radiant demeanor is contagious,” praised English teacher Alan Popejoy.

“He is an excellent student. He has a great attitude and enjoys school. He is very well respected by his classmates and makes others around him better,” concluded science teacher Eric Newton, who nominated Chase.

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs KCSO Begins Investigation into Second Hand Dealers

On December 19 and 20, 2012, Detectives of the Kern County Sheriff ’s Office conducted a series of compliance checks on legal and illegal second hand businesses in various parts of Kern County. These checks uncovered a large number of businesses which were not following the laws related to the operation of second hand businesses.

When the inspections started there were 52 licensed Second Hand Dealers in Kern County. There are also a number of unlicensed second hand businesses operating in the area which have made no reasonable attempt to obtain a license or report their purchases to law enforcement.

Of the licensed businesses, only six in Bakersfield and six in the outlying communities were currently complying with the legal requirements to identify the people selling property and sending those reports to the Sheriff ’s Office in accordance with the California Business and Professions Code. Any business buying second hand property (jewelry, gold, silver, appliances or any other serialized second hand items) must have a Second Hand Business License and must follow the law.

There are a number of laws all Second Hand Dealers must comply with besides the licensing requirement. Each business must fully identify the customer and create a record of the customers who sell them items, including the customers’ finger print. This record must completely describe EVERY item the business purchases from the customer and each item must be reported to the Sheriff ’s Office or to the law enforcement agency governing the license (Bakersfield Police, Shafter Police, etc,) at the end of the day.

The items purchased by the business cannot be sold for a minimum of 30-days after submitting the records to law enforcement and the business must retain a complete copy of the records, on the premises for a set period of time. In some areas it is possible to drive up the street and see businesses which are obviously dealing in second hand items. If they do not have a Second Hand Dealers License displayed, they are not a licensed to conduct such business.

If any part of their business involves the purchase, consignment, or pawn of second hand goods they must follow the laws established in the Business and Professions code which have been established for the protection of the citizens and crime victims.

Fifty licensed and unlicensed businesses were inspected; 14 were licensed and reporting transactions, 17 were no longer in business or could not be verified, and 19 were not licensed or not following the reporting laws.

By operating outside the law each of these businesses are making themselves a conduit for stolen property, acting as fences for the numerous items being stolen from homes, cars and businesses in the area.

Such fencing makes it easy for the crooks to cash in on other people’s property. If the businesses follow the law, more stolen property can potentially be identified and potentially the property recovered and the thief identified and prosecuted.

As such, each business was provided with a reference which summarizes the various laws and requirements.

In a similar, although unrelated event, two weeks ago Kern County Sheriff ’s Detectives acted on information from a citizen about a business taking in large amounts of gold jewelry, silver and other items in the 1300 block of Chamberlain Avenue. Witnesses described the sellers of the jewelry as “hoodlums, juveniles, and gangsters” who repeatedly showed up carrying loose jewelry in their hands and then throwing away anything that the business would not purchase from them. The nearby trash can contained jewelry, watches, engravings, and a jewelry box.

Detectives discovered a large amount of gold, jewelry and silver had been purchased, without keeping any of the legally required records. According to his receipts this “business” was making tens of thousands of dollars a week at the expense of burglary victims. Investigators expect to file a case criminal case against the businessman when the investigation is completed.

Although the gold items were immediately destroyed and illegally cashed in a considerable amount of silver coins, collectable silver items, some sterling silverware and silver ingots were seized.

Some items have been identified as stolen and detectives are continuing to try to identify other victims. Many of the coins and ingots are potentially traceable by serial numbers on the ingots and by the type, design and/or year of the coins. One particular half dollar had an unusual number stamped into the coin which would have some significance to the victim.

There were also a few high end watches, a Cal-State class ring and a charm bracelet with individual charms which listed the first names and birthdates of the six children, all of which may have been stolen.

The Sheriff ’s Office asks anyone who has had collectable coins or silver ingots, similar watches, the charm bracelet, or class rings stolen within the last year to send an e-mail to stolenjewelry@kernsheriff.com . This email should detail their full name and telephone number(s), the crime report number the theft was reported under and jurisdiction, a detailed description of the items including the year (for coins), and photographs if you have them. Detectives will only call/speak with people whose description is sufficiently detailed to make a reasonable match.

Any business buying second hand property (jewelry, gold, silver, appliances or any other serialized second hand items) must have a Second Hand Business License and must follow the law.

Kern County Sheriff ’s Office

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 In celebration of the New Year...

OT Cookhouse will be closed Tues, Jan 1, 2013.

We will resume regular business hours on Wed, Jan 2, 2013.

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

December 28 - 3, 2012

Taft Tigersharks Winter Swimming Schedule The Taft Tigersharks Swim Club will be starting their winter training program on Monday, January 7, 2013.

Swim practices will be at the Taft Union High School swimming pool every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and continue until May 3.

Fees for the entire session are $125 for the first family member and $85 for each additional member (Monthly payment plans are also available). Swimming fees can be defrayed by selling Rotary Club Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast tickets.

Swimmers aged 5 – 18 that can complete one full lap (25 yards) without stopping are eligible to join the club.

Head Coach Michelle Garner will be back for her 3rd season to lead the Tigersharks.

In addition, the Tigersharks Masters Club will also begin on January 7 for all those adults looking to get in shape for the summer. Fees are $30/month.

Registration for the winter session will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 7 at the TUHS pool. Swimmers should bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles and warm clothing for after practice.

All interested swimmers and parents can contact the Taft Tigersharks by email (tafttigersharks@yahoo.com) or by phone (Greg Golling 661 301-2125 or April Ashmore 661 330-2499).

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

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 28 - 3, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Chamber of Commerce Thanks Community for Support The Taft Chamber of Commerce hopes everyone had a safe and memorable holiday season.

We would like to thank the community for your support of our Holiday activities. From the Christmas parade to Photos with Santa, Taft Tour of Trees, and the Children’s Art walk, this holiday season included events for everyone.

All of the area schools participated in the art walk and we hope to do another event like this in the spring. Bangs and Tangles won the award for best tree on the Tour of Trees and several raffle prizes were donated from Black Gold, True Value, Westside Furniture, and Taft College. Many of the businesses were open extended hours for your shopping needs and hope you were able to take advantage of sales and festive cheer by shopping local.

Each purchase benefits our local economy and small businesses.

We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to a prosperous 2013.

BLM Issues Interim Final Supplementary Rules for Carrizo The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Carrizo Plain National Monument is requesting public comments on Interim Final Supplementary Rules affecting 206,635 surface acres of public land in eastern San Luis Obispo and western Kern counties.

“The rules will ensure long term protection of the significant cultural and biological resources on the Carrizo Plain National Monument,” said Johna Hurl, Carrizo Plain National Monument manager. The new rules will implement decisions made by BLM in the 2010 Carrizo Plain National Monument Resource Management Plan.

The interim rules are effective immediately and remain in effect until modified or rescinded by publication of the final rules.

The interim rules include: · Use of replica weapons (such as paintball, airsoft or war game apparatus) is prohibited. · Non-street-legal vehicles are prohibited with the following exceptions: · When used for authorized, permitted, or administrative purposes, including those used in emergency situations. · When used on a designated portion of the Temblor Ridge.

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

· All pets must remain leashed or caged at all developed sites including visitor centers, interpretive overlooks, trail heads and camping areas. · The following animals, objects and activities are unlawful within the Painted Rock Exclusion Zone: · horses · dogs · motorized and non-motorized bikes (except in the Painted Rock parking area) · cache-type activities · discharge of firearms · campfires, with the exception of Native American ceremonial use. · Commercial still or video photography of the pictographs and petroglyphs is prohibited. Pictographs are images painted on the stone surfaces and petroglyphs are images carved into the stone surfaces by Native American people.

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

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

· No non-native or captive-held native species shall be released within the CPNM.

acme jewelry co.

The rules are available online for public review at the CPNM webpage at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/programs/carrizo.html.

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts Ideal Stocking Stuffers

Paper copies are available upon request through the Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield Calif.

93308.

F i n e

J e w e l r y

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

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

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

Liberty Under Fire

Louisiana petition read: “Peacefully grant the state of _____ to withdraw from the United States of America and create its own new government. As the founding fathers of the United States of America made clear in the Declaration of Independence in 1776: ‘When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the Earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation…Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes Dr. Harold Pease destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and institute new government.’”

In mid November 2012, the nation was greeted with a movement, Moreover, the loss of freedom in 1776 is identified with what seemingly originating out of nowhere that can only be referred to as petition proponents see as tyranny today. The Texas petition read: successionitis—a desire of the people to leave the Union—not seen in “The U.S. continues to suffer economic difficulties stemming from the the United States since the Civil War. Without the Internet it would federal government’s neglect to reform domestic and foreign spending. have been totally ignored and never known by the rest of us. The The citizens of the U.S. suffer from blatant abuses of their rights such establishment press did not cover it until it was too big to ignore, then as the NDAA, the TSA, etc. Given that the state of Texas maintains coverage was minimal. The media was largely dismissive citing the a balanced budget and is the 15th largest economy in the world, it is reelection of Barack Obama as the reason and the movement, largely practically feasible for Texas to withdraw from the union, and to do so of racists, certainly extremists, was simply sour grapes on the part of would protect its citizens’ standard of living and re-secure their rights those preferring Mitt Romney. Certainly the movement did not actuand liberties in accordance with the original ideas and beliefs of our ally mean anything, they implied. founding fathers which are no longer being reflected by the federal They could not have been more wrong!! Universally devoid of government.” My guess is that a third of America agree with these coverage were questions: why so many participated, why the movecharges, though not necessarily with the solution. Petition signers bement came on so fast and was so strong, and why it was so geographilieve that the U.S. federal government is so mismanaged that secession cally spread? Why would this not be a legitimate expression of the is the only option for future prosperity. discontent of the people; even a warning to an overly controlling

By November 15 the following states each had over 35,000 signafederal government? tures: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, TennesTrue, the petitions began in Louisiana the day following the reelecsee, and Texas had 116,000 by itself by the twentieth of the month. tion of President Obama and within a week spread to all 50 states, but Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri the anger had been mounting for at least 20 years when neither party and South Carolina were above the 25,000 required of each state for appeared to follow the Constitution nor give heed to federalism—the the President to keep his word to answer their petitions within 30 days concept of shared governance between the feds and the states, so critiof initiation. Thus far I have found no response by the President, nor cal to freedom. It is also true that Obama represents a divided nation does the media appear to insist that he make one. The government’s as never before since 1861 and is seen by half the nation as a facilitator website no longer posts the count, the Presidents response, or the issue, of that divide, especially with respect to his push for income redistribut we have reason to believe that a dozen more states were signifibution, better known as socialism and class warfare. Just as before the cantly increasing their numbers daily and therefore would have easily Civil War, there seems to be no middle ground. If compromise means passed the required number, and that the total for all states exceeded a further loss of liberty, petition signers want no more of it. Those who watch the Constitution disregarded or undermined on virtually a daily million citizens by the December 7, deadline (“50 States File Secession Petitions With D.C.” American Free Press, Nov. 20, 2012, by Pete basis believe that there is no more freedom to surrender.

Papaherakles).

Most of the petitions from all fifty states cited sections of the At this point the signers see their signing as only a veiled threat.

Declaration of Independence as justifying their requests. The Few really want their state to leave the Union and all know that this could not ever happen without the state legislature voting to do so. They also know that the federal government will never allow them to do so. How extreme for the media to believe so. For signers it 508 Center Street, Taft, California was the only way that they could get attention to the issue so ignored by the establishment media and both major political parties – we are losing our liberty. But given the volume of signers, the geographical spread, and the speed and intensity of this dissent, the federal government should be placed on notice that there is anger out there not seen since the Civil War and it should work to remove such. Writing them off as some kind of joke only confirms citizen concern that those in power only seek to enslave them more fully.

There is anger out there not seen since the Civil War

Black Gold Brewing Company Beer of the Week

Firestone Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout A decadent Oatmeal Stout brimming with cocoa and espresso aromas. This beer features a rich, dark chocolate and roasted coffee flavor with a creamy mouth feel and wonderfully dry finish. The addition of U.S. grown fuggles hops contributes the perfect amount of bitterness to this exceptionally balanced beer.

“Pours black with a generous tan head on top. Aroma is oatmeal, dark chocolate, toffee, roasted coffee, and roasted malts. Flavor is oatmeal, dark chocolate and roasted coffee. The beer is extremely smooth and comes medium bodied but nice creaminess and carbonation.”

Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268

December 28 - 3, 2012

The Department of Veterans Affairs Eliminating Annual Eligibility Verification Report

On December 20th, the VA announced that, effective immediately, it is implementing a new process to confirm beneficiaries’ use of pension benefits. The VA will monitor beneficiaries’ continued eligibility by working with the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. This means that recipients of the VA’s Aid & Attendance benefit will no longer be required to complete and submit an annual Eligibility Verification Report (EVR).

The VA says it plans to redirect staff who formerly handled EVRs, to help process the claims backlog.

Prior to the announcement, recipients of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s “Aid & Attendance” pension were required to submit an annual EVR that verified their eligibility to continue receiving the benefit. Failure to submit the report by March 1 would result in the cessation of all or part of a beneficiary’s pension payments.

The elimination of a reporting deadline may seem like good news, but it means that beneficiaries who don’t keep a close watch on their income and assets, along with their allowable medical expenses, may be jeopardizing their pension. To qualify for the full amount of the need-based pension, applicants are required to demonstrate that medical expenses exceed income by at least five percent. Claimants who are approved for the benefit are required to remain in compliance by maintaining this income to medical expense ratio.

But beneficiaries who work with Veterans Home Care will not need to worry about continuing to qualify for the “Aid & Attendance” benefit. Veterans Home Care has 10 years’ experience helping elderly wartime veterans or their surviving spouses to receive and retain their “Aid & Attendance” pensions, by helping clients analyze and accurately report changes to their financial status or medical expenses.

“The VA’s elimination of EVRs is certainly a step in the right direction,” said Bonnie Laiderman, president of Veterans Home Care. “It eliminates the annual scramble on the part of elderly veteran families to submit paperwork before the deadline, or risk losing the pension. Invariably, people forget they got something from the VA, or papers get lost in the mail. Any of this can put the pension in jeopardy for elderly, disabled people who rely on it to help them receive home care and other services. But, people need to be aware that the VA’s elimination of EVRs means they need to keep a more careful watch on their income and medical expenses.

That’s part of the service we provide at Veterans Home Care.”

Veterans Home Care, a woman-owned business headquartered in St. Louis, was founded in 2003 to help veterans and their surviving spouses who qualify, apply for a non-service related disability pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which pays for assistance with activities of daily living in their homes. VHC provides home care, assigns attendant care workers and follows up to assure that the veteran remains in compliance with VA guidelines to continue receiving the pension. There are no out-of-pocket costs to the client; VHC furnishes an interest-free loan for the cost of home care until the application is approved and VA reimbursements begin. Veterans Home Care has helped more than 5,000 veterans or their surviving spouses to access VA benefits for the care they need. Veterans Home Care is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

December 28 - 3, 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 28 - 3, 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.

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 760-379-0848 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.

employment 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.

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

CHILD CARE SERVICES WANTED 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

Taft Property Management 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good areas.

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

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.

Brown & Reich Petroleum Lost Mini Aussie. Black\ grey\white w/tan spot on face. Blue eyes, female.

Rexxie. REWARD. 661765-5862.

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.

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

Taft Independents Published Every Friday

From The Independent We look Forward to Serving Our Readers and Advertising

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.

Readers.

Prosperous

The Largest

2013.

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

661-289-0678. 12-28.

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

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

in a

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

Taft 3,500

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

Classified Ads

- Free To Our

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

HELP WANTED

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

Air Conditioning & Heating

Be Seen!

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list.

HOMES FOR RENT

YARD SERVICES

Is currently accepting applications for a full time delivery driver.

Requirements: class A license, HAZMAT and tanker endorsement, clean DMV record, pre-

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

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

Weekly, Most Widely

Jackson’s Automotive

Read

Smog Test and General Repairs

Newspaper in Taft!

Taft’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper. www.

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

Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, Califor nia

The Largest Craft Beer Selection in Kern County Beers On Tap

16oz 22oz Fat Tire $4.50 $5.50 Firestone CPA $4.50 $5.50 Blue Moon $4.50 $5.50 Sam Adams Seasonal $4.50 $5.50 Alaskan Amber $4.50 $5.50 Shock Top $4.50 $5.50

Craft Beer 12oz 22oz

AMBERS Alaskan Amber $4.00 $7.00 Alleycat Amber Ale Lost Coast $4.00 $7.00 Deschuttes Green Lakes Amber Ale $4.00 Old Scratch Flying Dog Amber $4.00 Tioga-Sequoia Amber Lager $4.00 ALES Alex Smith Nut Brown Ale $8.50 Anchor Steam $7.00 Anchor Liberty Ale $4.00 Anchor Barleywine Ale $4.50 Arrogant Bastard Ale Stone Brewery $7.00 Bear Republic XP Ale $7.00 Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale $7.00 Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale $4.50 Firestone 805 Ale $4.00 Firestone DBA $7.00 Flying Dog Tire Biter Golden Ale $4.00 Lagunitas Hop Stoopid Ale $7.00 Pranqster North Coast Belgian Style Golden Ale $4.50 Rogue Dead Guy Ale $7.00 Uinta Anniversary Barleywine Ale $4.50 PALE ALES Acme Pale Ale $4.00 Deschuttes Mirror Pond Pale Ale $4.00 Drakes 1500 Dry-Hopped Pale Ale $4.00 Tioga-Sequoia Mt. Whitney Pale Ale IPA Alaska IPA Acme IPA $4.00 Ale Smith IPA Avery Brewing IPA $4.00 Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA Deschuttes Chasin’ Freshies IPA Deschuttes Hop Henge IPA Deschuttes Inversion IPA $4.00 Deschuttes White IPA $4.00 Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA Drakes Denogginizer Imperial IPA Drakes Jolly Roger Imperial Dark IPA Firestone Union Jack IPA Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA Flying Dog Classic IPA $4.00 Lagunitas Hop Stoopid IPA Lagunitas IPA Lagunitas DayTime IPA $4.00 Napa Smith Organic IPA $4.00 Rogue Brutal IPA Sierra Neveda Ruthless Rye IPA $4.00 Shipyard Monkey Fist IPA Stone IPA Tioga-Sequoia General Sherman IPA Uinta Hop Notch IPA $4.00

PORTERS Alaska Smoked Porter $8.50 Anchor Steam Smoked Porter $4.50 Deschuttes Black Butte Porter $4.50 Flying Dog Imperial Porter $4.50 WHEAT Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat Tioga-Sequoia Half Dome Wheat $4.00 SEASONALS Anchor Brewing Small Beer Firestone Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout $4.50 Flying Dog K-9 Winter Ale $4.50 Deschuttes Jubelale Festive Winter Ale $4.00 Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ $4.00 Lagunitas Censored Red Ale Lagunitas Red Copper Ale Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin $4.00 Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Wild Ale New Belgium Hoptober Ale $4.00 New Belgium Snow Day Winter Ale $4.00 Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale

$7.00

FRUIT BEERS Dogfish Head Apricot IPA Dogfish Head Punkin Ale Magic Hat No. 9 Wailua Kona Passion Fruit Wheat Wild Blackberry Lager Wild Blueberry Lager Wild Raspberry Lager

$7.00

SPECIAL EDITIONS Black Butte 24th Birthday Reserve

$7.00 $7.00 $7.50 $7.00 $4.00 $8.00 $8.00 $7.00 $4.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00

DOUBLE IPA Firestone Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA $8.50 Flying Dog Double Dog IPA $4.50 Dogfish Head 90 Minutes IPA $4.50 Lagunitas Maximus $8.50 Stone Ruination IPA $8.00 Uinta Brewing Detour Double IPA $8.50 Uinta Dubhe Imperial Black IPA $4.50 PILSNERS Scrimshaw North Coast Pilsner $4.00

STOUTS 12oz 22oz Deschuttes Obsidian Stout $4.50 Drakes Drakonic Imperial Stout $8.00 Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout $4.50 Stone Imperial Russian Stout $8.50

$4.50 $4.50 $4.00 $4.50 $4.50 $4.50 $4.50

$4.00

$7.00

$4.00 $4.00 $7.50 $7.00

$7.50

$17.00

CIDERS Angry Orchard $4.50 Wyders Raspberry Cider $4.50 Wyders Pear Cider $4.50

Imported Beer

Newcastle $4.00 Moreti $4.00 Peroni $4.00 Saint Pauli Girl Stella Artois $6.00 Red Stripe Wells Banana Bread Youngs Double Chocolate Franziskaner Weissbeir Schneider Weise Weihenstephaner Weiss Bier Weihenstephaner Vitus Weizenbock

$6.00 $6.00 $6.50 $6.50 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00

Domestic Beer

Budweiser $3.50 Bud Light $3.50 Coors Light $3.50 Mississippi Mud Black & Tan Quart

$6.50

Wines and Champagnes Glass Bottle Blackstone Merlot $6.50 Stella Rosa Red $6.00 Bella Sera Chianti $6.00 Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc $4.50 Barefoot Chardonney $4.50 Barefoot Pinot Grigo $4.50 Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon $4.50 Barefoot Merlot $4.50 Tobin James California Champagne Moet and Chandon Imperial Champagne

$18.50 $18.00 $18.00

$18.00 $45.00

Have A Safe, Responsible and Happy New Year!

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 28 - 3, 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

Qik Smog & Tune

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

608 Center St.

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

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Full Grooming Salon 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

Happy New Years from all of us at the Tumbleweed Cafe 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR