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Independent The Taft

December 6 - 12, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

December 6 - 12, 2013 • Volume 8 Issue 20

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

We Now Accept UPS Drop-Off Packages Free!

We accept: Guaranteed Delivery ARS (auth. Return Service) or Your Money Back!

RS (Return Service) Free Package Internet (UPS.com) Tracking

1016 6th St. Taft, CA 93268 661-745-4855

Free Coverage on Packages with $100 or Less DV

Black Gold Brewing Company

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

Gift Certificates $10 and Up

All of Us At Black Gold Wish You A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

West Kern Oil Museum Lights Up Derrick Thanks to Cooper’s True Value Donation

508 Center Street -765-6556

Qik Smog & Tune

City Council Approves New State Prison Contract 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 6 - 12, 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

We accept: ARS (auth. Return Service) RS (Return Service) Internet (UPS.com)

1016 6th St. Taft, CA 93268 661-745-4855

Guaranteed Delivery or Your Money Back!

Free Package Tracking Free Coverage on Packages with $100 or Less DV

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

We Now Accept UPS Drop-Off Packages Free!

acme jewelry co.

Merry Christmas Uniques Gifts and More!

WatchWatch Batteries Batteries

Replaced

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Most $4.00 Some $8.00

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

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

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

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

End of the Year Goodyear Tire Sale

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

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

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

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

December 6 - 12, 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.

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Museum Plans Holiday Tea, Wooden Oil Derrick To Feature Holiday Lights Volunteers of the West Kern Oil Museum are inviting the public to their annual open house and Christmas Tea scheduled for Saturday from 1:30-4 p.m.

The tea will be held in the Buena Vista Room with volunteers providing a variety of homemade refreshments.

“This is our way to kick off the holiday season,” said Don Maxwell, director of volunteers. “It’s a nice way for us to showcase our exhibits with colorfully decorated Christmas trees throughout the buildings done by our hard-working volunteers.”

In addition to the decorated trees throughout the museum, the Buena Vista Room will feature a miniature Christmas village scene that includes a lighted Ferris wheel.

All of the museum exhibits and features will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including the main exhibit building with its saber-toothed cat and McKittrick tar pit fossils, the Yokuts Indian room, and a display featuring the world famous Lakeview Gusher.

The shotgun house, tent house, firehouse and transportation building with its variety of antique cars and trucks will be open as will the museum grounds.

There is no admission charge.

The museum is the community’s most popular tourist attraction.

It is operated entirely by volunteers. There is no paid staff.

Lighted derrick Maxwell said this holiday season the museum’s iconic 106-foot tall wooden oil derrick will be lit with colorful lighting donated by Cooper’s True Value Hardware.

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

acme jewelry co.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

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

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

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

F i n e

J e w e l r y

We Have Baggallini 14K Gold •Handbags.

Sterling Silver Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Fine Jewelry 50% Off Tag Watch Batteries

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin Monday Night the Taft Chamber is having pictures with Santa at 6pm at Westside Furniture. There was a huge crowd last year. Please respect the others in line and the furniture. This is a great way to check out the nice furniture and everything else at Westside Furniture.

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

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

Monday Night Football at the Taft Petroleum Club at 5pm. They are accepting new members for only $60.00 a year.

Tonight- Christmas Cruise Night at 6pm. Cruising, Shopping, Food, Good people, Lions BBQ, and more.

Saturday- Breakfast with Santa at the Rec. Tuesday- Taft College Bookstore Open House at 3-7pm.

Thursday- Downtown business Association Holiday Mixer at 6pm.

Optimal Hospice “Light Up A Life Celebration” at the Taft Historic Fort at 6pm.

Save the Date for these Future EventsDecember 13th and 14th is the Annual Drive Thru Nativity at the West Hills Church of the Nazarene at 300 Lassen Street from 7-9pm. Volunteers arrive by 6pm. Free Admission.

December 14th: Soroptimist Luncheon and Home Tour December 14th and 15th: “I’ll be Home for Christmas” the Musical, at The First Baptist Church at 220 North Street at 6pm both nights. Free Admission.

Bring the entire family.

December 17th: Lincoln Jr. High Band and Choir Concert at the Lincoln Auditorium at 6:30pm.

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

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

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

February 6th: Taft Chamber Installation Dinner February 22nd: West Kern Oil Museum Annual Dinner Contact me on Facebook if you have an upcoming Taft Event. It must be a Westside Event. Please try to send it to me at least 10 days in advance, include the date, time, place, and cost. Taft Events are to get people out and about and to support Taft.

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

Luncheon & Fashion Show 12 p.m.

At the Westside Believers Church Highway 119 and Main Street

What’s in Your Heart Locket

Kick-off begins at 9am at True Value Hardware

Black Hills Gold 50% Off Tag

Tickets on sale at $25.00 each and can be purchased from:

Hammonds Peanut Brittle

Hint of Class, The Fort, Personal Style, or any Soroptimist member

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Tactical Flash Lights

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

It is a great way to get in the holiday mood, see some beautiful homes have a chance to win beautiful raffle prizes, eat a great lunch, and help raise funds to meet local needs!

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 6, 2013 through Thursday, December 12, 2013 Frozen (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:00, 8:20 Sun: (4:00), 6:15 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:15, 9:15 Sun: (4:15), 7:00 Mon - Thu: 6:40 PM The Best Man Holiday (R) Fri & Sat: 6:45, 9:15 Sun: (4:30), 6:50 Mon - Thu: 7:00 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.

December 6 - 12, 2013

Letters to the Editor Thanks for Thanksgiving

Christmas time in Taft I’m not a fan of the cold Taft Winters. The best part about winter is Christmas. We just had the great Taft Christmas Parade and the Fort dinner and gift Show. As always the Taft Chamber did a great job at the Christmas Parade but some of the crowd did not do so well. It is not that difficult to take your trash with you after the parade instead of leaving it everywhere.

If you cannot make it through the Parade without having a cigarette please walk down a side street away from everyone.

The real downer was the people who thought it would be a good idea to smoke marijuana toward the start of the Parade.

With all the normal people and kids around that was very disrespectful.

We have the Christmas Cruise Night tonight and several other great Christmas Events coming up. The other night, while driving up Lincoln Street you could see the beautiful Christmas lights on the Taft Hill.

The house that really stuck out is the amazing Lights by the Whites home on Hilltop. We drove up and watched and listened to the show. I love how their radio station says, “The Hill.” After watching for awhile we drove down and watched the Allen’s amazing show on East San Emidio. Last year the best neighborhood Christmas lights were on Quail Ct. and the 500 Block of Church Street. I’m looking forward to seeing who takes the top honor this year. With the Christmas spirit in the air some of our Center Street shop windows already look terrific.

I’ve always loved Christmas lights and loved looking at them after dinner since I was a kid. I remember Aaron’s awesome lights down where now the Community Garden now is. Now that I have a daughter that also loves lights I have an excuse to check them out a lot. This year I believe Christmas Lights are even more important to put up. They light up your yard and your neighbors’ yards. They bring good people out and about driving around every night to look at your lights. This is a very positive and fun Neighborhood Watch. There has been so much crime recently. I know lots of our crime is in the early hours of the morning. One garage burglary happened a few weeks ago at 10am. Most crooks are not going to be out prowling around when your neighborhood is lit up like Disneyland and car loads of good people are driving around admiring lights.

Lights can be expensive to buy and tough on PG&E bills but it brings joy to families and can make your neighborhood safer.

Some folks are physically unable to put up lights. It is nice to even put some in the bushes. There are a few people around town that hang lights for a fee. True Value, Rite Aid, K Mart, Old’s Cool, and several other Taft Businesses have all you need for decorating your home or business.

This is the time of year to Shop Taft! Everyone says it but it is true. We need our tax dollars to stay here. Our businesses need Christmas shopping to help them get through the slow times. I see complaints about downtown parking. I know sometimes it is hard to find parking but look how far you park when you go to the mall. Do not forget there is always parking in the parking lots at 5th and Main, and 3rd and Center Street.

People complain about store owners taking the parking spots.

Due to safety reasons these days and now it is dark so early I would park in front of my business also. Who knows who could be in those alleys when you’re going home after a long day at work. Also if you are carrying items to your car it is way safer and easier to be close. The right thing is to leave parking spaces for handicapped, elderly, and your customers but you also have to think about your safety.

We still live in the safest town around. Spending your money here will help keep it that way. Not just this time of year but all year see what Taft Businesses have first before driving elsewhere. Buy your cars here, get your cars fixed here, buy your groceries, shoes, get your hair done, tires, pet food, furniture, pedicures, Christmas Trees, tools, gas, clothes, toys, appliances, garden supplies, bikes, cell phones, firearms, and you can buy much more all here in Taft. Stay positive Taft!

John Swearengin

Dear Editor: Folk’s, we experienced a modern day miracle on Thanksgiving Day 2013. It all started with one person having the thought of sharing their Thanksgiving meal with others who would be alone too, it wasn’t focused on the homeless, but more towards anyone that didn’t want to spend the day alone, and everyone was welcome. That one person mentioned the idea to a few other people and what I would call ‘explosion of love’ happened. Well maybe more like an explosion of love and turkeys. Food just kept coming and coming and coming...people of Taft opened their hearts to others with out any restrictions. We planned for 100 people and served 180!! I know it is not politically correct to mention Jesus in public, but no one ever accused me of being politically correct yet. I just have to tell you that this meal was a living example of the Bible story about the ‘5 fish and 2 loaves of bread’ Jesus took to a small boys lunch for one and fed the multitude. It seemed like food just kept being multiplied.

I had many conversations that day, but one that really stuck out to me was with some folks new to Taft. The lady asked who all the people doing the work were, were they from a church? I looked around and laughed, the only answer I could tell her was that it was a reenactment of the first Thanksgiving where everyone came together and shared their meal of thanksgiving. There were no titles or groups in the room...just a community of neighbors sharing a meal and being thankful for each other. Oh the laughter was deafening at times! New friendships were born. Yes, it was a meal of thanks-being-given.

There were so many volunteers involved in every step of the process it would take 2 pages to mention them all. However I would like to publicly give thanks to the Lions Club for helping us with the Vet’s Hall, Pam Brown for all her connections, 1st Samoan Assembly of God Youth who stood for 2 hours serving others. I’ll never forget that radical kitchen crew that kept the food coming! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you to each and everyone. I loved not being alone on Thanksgiving!! Shall we do it again next year?

I’m Kay Sullivan and I love Taft and I live here by Choice!!

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

Luncheon & Fashion Show 12 p.m.

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

December 6 - 12, 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

REC CENTER TEEN NIGHTS The first Friday of every month is Teen Night at the Recreation Center. Come in and bowl, play in the gym or just hang out with friends in a fun, safe environment.

Who: Grades 6-12 When: Friday Nights - December 6 Time: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Place: Recreation Center Fee: $10 per person LITTLE ELF’S BAKERY In this cookie workshop, we will make jumbo sugar cookies and then decorate them.

While the cookies are baking, we will watch holiday cartoons and drink hot chocolate. Little elves will need a helper.

Who: Ages 4+ When: Wednesday, December 11 Time: 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Place: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $3 per person “FREEZE THE DAY” WINTER PLUNGE! Carpe Dippin’... come on down to the Natatorium Swimming Pool and take a plunge into the winter water. We’ll have some games (in water and on land) and some hot chocolate and coffee to warm you up after your plunge. **All kids must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.

Who: All Ages When: Saturday, January 4, 2014 Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Place: Natatorium Swimming Pool Fee: $2 per person KIDS NIGHT OUT Join us for a fun evening of games, movies, crafts, pizza, snacks and more! This is a great opportunity for parents to finish their Christmas shopping or wrap gifts during the busy holiday season. Pre-registration is required.

Activity minimum: 15 Activity maximum: 35 Who: Grades K-6 When: Friday, December 20 Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Place: Community Center Auditorium Registration Deadline: Wednesday, December 18 Fee: $8 per person TINY TOT BASKETBALL This program is designed to introduce boys and girls to the basics of basketball through physical play, balancing, coordination and movement based activities. No games are played in Tiny Tot sports.

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, 2014 Fee: $25 per person

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

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALL Instructional Basketball is for boys and girls 4-6 years of age who want to learn the fundamentals of basketball. Participants will learn the basic fundamentals of the game. Space is limited; register early!

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, 2014 Fee: $35 per person SENIOR RECREATION ROOM The Senior Rec Room is located in the Community Center Activity Building (500 Cascade Place, Taft) and includes televisions with cable programming, computers and basic microsoft programs, comfortable furniture, games, magazines and books.

The Rec Room is a great place to socialize and spend time with others.

Who: Ages 55+ Hours: * Monday-Thursday, 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. * Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 6:00-10:00 p.m. * Saturday (1st and 3rd of each month - check dates), 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

BINGO Bingo is played on Thursday afternoons with early bird games starting at 1:30 p.m.

Total cost to play all games averages $13 per person, or you can pick and choose which games you’d like to play. Choose from cards, packs, sheets and even a treasure hunt. We also sell pull-tabs for .25 each.

Who: Ages 18+ When: Thursdays **No Bingo on December 26 Time: 1:30 p.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room YOUTH BASKETBALL TRYOUTS/EVALUATIONS Monday, December 9 Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Division 1 - 6:00 p.m.

Division 2 - 7:00 p.m.

Division 3 - 8:00 p.m. * All registered Youth Basketball participants need to go through the tryout process. ALL participants will be placed on a team.

LETTERS TO SANTA Children ages 8 and younger can write to Santa Claus in care of his helpers at the Recreation District. We will make sure that he gets your letters and writes back. Please write to Santa by December 16. Don’t forget to include your address! If you want to save postage, you can also send an email to santa.wsrpd@gmail.com. Send letters to...

Santa Claus c/o WSRPD P.O. Box 1406 Taft, CA 93268 FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE Don’t miss out on the popular Father Daughter Dance - the event sells out every year! This year’s theme is leopard, black and red. Tickets are on sale now!

Quantities are limited; get yours early.

Who: Girls ages 4+ When: Saturday, February 1 Time: 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Place: Community Center Auditorium Cost: $30 per couple, $10 each additional daughter

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 6 - 12, 2013

Taft Union High School Future Farmers of America Welding Team Post Offices Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve Wins FFA Agricultural Welding Contest at West Hills College

Most Will Close Early, Collection Box Mail May Be Collected Earlier

The Taft Union High School Future Farmers of America welding team won the FFA agricultural welding contest at the West Hills College field day Nov. 23.

Justin Studer took first high individual honors, won a belt buckle, and helped his four-member team win the first high team. Studer, Josh Hawkins, Blake Arndt and Nick Keys comprised Taft’s team A. The team won the welding contest, which had five components: job portfolio, written job application, weld inspection, weld application, and general knowledge test.

Hawkins won second high individual and Arndt won eighth high individual.

Taft’s team B, Cindy Kendrick, Salofi Maino,<cq: Salofi Maino> Brandon White and TJ Milner, won fifth high team.

Thirty-six FFA students from throughout California participated in the event.

Photo by Adam Bullard Cindy Kendrick, West Hills College President Carole Goldsmith, Blake Arndt, TJ Milner, Justin Studer, Nick Keys, Salofi Maino, Josh Hawkins and Brandon White.

Time for a Change?

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

HOLIDAY OIL CHANGE SPECIAL

$29.99 REG. $39.95

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

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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

Must present coupon at time of service.

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

(661) 763-4201 Certified Service

501 North Street, Taft

TAFT

Post Offices nationwide will be open Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, and New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31. Most Post Offices will shorten retail lobby hours and close at noon on these dates. Regular mail delivery will be unaffected by the change.

Revised hours will be posted at each Post Office and commercial customers are asked to check with their business mail entry units for specific information regarding holiday hours of operation.

Blue collection boxes having final collection times before 12 p.m. will not be affected by these changes. However, collection boxes with final collection times scheduled after that may be collected early. Therefore, mail should be deposited into these mailboxes by 12 p.m. for early pickup Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Customers requiring postal services later on those days are encouraged to contact their local Post Office. Customers also may call 1.800.ASK.USPS for additional information.

Areas where Post Offices may have different hours from this schedule will issue local media announcements specific to their locations.

Post Offices will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Only Priority Mail Express will be delivered on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. All Post Offices will be open and regular mail delivery will resume Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

For the most up-to-date holiday information, go to: usps. com/holidaynews. There you’ll find holiday mailing and shipping deadlines, packing tips and information about Letters to Santa. Information is also included about all of the Postal Service’s holiday forever stamps, including Christmas: Holy Family Stamp, Christmas: Virgin and Child by Jan Gossaert, Eid Stamp, Gingerbread Houses, Global Evergreen Wreath International Stamp, Hanukkah Stamp, Kwanzaa Stamp and Poinsettia Stamps.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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

Shop Downtown Taft for the Holidays!

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

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

Chevrolet - Buick

www.ShopTaft247.com

Blessings from all of us at OT Cookhouse!!!

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

Senior Portraits Class of 2014 Fun and Easy

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

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

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

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

December 6 - 12, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT Christmas in Taft! The West Kern Oil Museum lighted up the oil derrick thanks to Cooper’s True Value Hardware who donated the lighting (left), while Taftians (below) celebrated Monday with a grand Christmas Parade on Center Street which drew more than 2,000 people and plenty of parade entries. John Miller served as the Grand Marshall. Photos by Mimi Collins.

The oil museum derrick on Highway 119 and 33 is now decorated with Christmas lights thanks to Cooper’s True Value Hardware donation of the lights.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS FOR BEING PART OF THE MAGIC: ALBERTSON’S COOPER’S TRUE VALUE HARDWARE EYE KANDI SALON & BOUTIQUE FASTRIP ON KERN RITE AID We would like to thank all the special eleves who adopted a Senior Citizen for Christmas this year. Your gifts and thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.

It is a joy they will never forget!

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

8

Liberty Under Fire Blows to liberty 100 years ago still impact you.

By Dr. Harold Pease

Until thirty years ago we were taught that we were a republic and not a democracy. Today we treat them as the same—a serious mistake. Two Amendments, the 16th and 17th, both ratified in 1913, laid the groundwork for the destruction of limited government, which is the foundation of a Republic, the Constitution, and liberty.

A review of our one hundred year history reveals the continued damage to your liberty as a result.

What largely brought about the give-away programs of the Twentieth Century was the now 100-year-old 16th Amendment—the federal income tax. All three 1912 presidential candidates Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson, and their respective parties, wanted this financial water faucet that they could turn on at will. They could purchase anything—even people. Prior to 1913 the federal government remained mostly faithful to her grants of power in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which left them with only four powers: to tax, pay the debts, provide for the general welfare and provide for the common defense. Because the federal government has the inclination to grow the last two power grants, general welfare and common defense, each had eight qualifiers to harness them more fully. Outside these four powers the federal government had no power to tax or spend.

General welfare then meant everyone equally and at the same time as opposed to “specific welfare” or “privileged welfare” as it is today, targeting those to forfeit and those to receive monies. The Constitution did not deny states, counties, or cities from having such programs, only the federal government. But politicians soon learned that the more they promised to the people, from the money of others, the easier it was to get elected and stay elected.

So, how did we cover the expenses of the federal government—even wars—our first 124 years before 1913?

Products coming into the country were assessed a fee to market in the U.S. called a tariff. We got product producers in other countries to cover our national expenses and thus we were able to spend, on ourselves, every cent of what the federal government now takes.

The “financial water faucet” created by the 16th Amendment effectively enticed states, counties, and city governments to “cash in” their areas of “birthright jurisdiction” for money consequently the forfeited power (most of it totally outside the Article I Section 8 list), flowed to Washington DC. So why does the government now need a fourth of everything you make and it is still not enough? Because we went off the listed powers of the Constitution and every departure required more taxpayer funding—that is why! The answer to less tax is less government and always will be. A side benefit is more freedom.

The freedom lost by the 17th Amendment, ratified on May 31, 1913, is harder to explain and mandates the readers’ understanding of what a Republic is. In such there is no federal government over the states. Think of it as a marriage where one party performs domestic duties (the states) and the other foreign policy duties (the federal government). Neither is boss over the other. Neither manages the other. As in any good marriage they are equal but sovereign over their areas of jurisdiction.

The major protector of state sovereignty was the state legislatures who picked two of their own body to protect state interest from federal intrusion and sent them to the U.S. Senate. The media undermine this concept by their term “states rights,” always portrayed negatively, but the ability to combine to hold the federal government to the

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Obituary

December 6 - 12, 2013

Obituary

CARL “RUSTY” HOSTETTER! 1943 - 2013 A funeral service was held in Calvary Temple Assembly of God on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 for Taft resident, Carl “Rusty” Hostetter, 70. Pastor, Dr. David Daniel officiated and burial followed in the West Side District Cemetery. Mr. Hostetter was born in California on January 25, 1943 and passed away in Bakersfield on November 29, 2013. He was raised and educated in Taft and was a longtime member of Calvary Temple Assembly of God. He was preceded in death by his brother, Steve and his sister, Susie. Mr. Hostetter is survived by his sister, Myra Thomas of Costa Mesa and a host of friends at Calvary Temple and in the Taft area. The arrangements were under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. To express online condolences please visit www.EricksonAndBrown.com.

ERMA JEAN PARRENT (1934 - 2013)

listed powers of the Constitution is absolutely critical to remaining a republic and remaining free. It is the only body powerful enough to do so. This is why we have two law making branches of government, one the U.S. Senate to protect the interest of the states.

All this protection from government’s natural inclination to grow, dominating and controlling everything that it touches, was unwisely removed by the 17th Amendment and states today are not shielded from federal intrusion. U.S. Senators are elected precisely as are House of Representative members by popular vote. In fact, they may not even know of, care about, or be loyal to state issues.

These two 1913 Amendments largely destroyed our status as a Republic and Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. We can look back and see the trail of damage of both. The 17th removed our shield from federal intrusion and the 16th enticed politicians to feed at the trough of “free” federal money for their own personal elevation consequently syphoning authority to the federal government.

The result, the federal government has its dominating presence in every aspect of your life and in everything that moves. Only the ill informed can call this freedom.

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.

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

Erma passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 27, 2013. Funeral services for Erma Jean Parrent, age 79, of Taft, California will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at West Side District Cemetery, Taft, CA. Visitation will be Friday, December 6, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Erickson & Brown Funeral Home, Taft, CA. Erma was born July 25, 1934 in Eldon, Missouri to Bessie and Raymond Lee. She attended Taft City Schools, graduating from Taft Union High School in 1952. She met the love of her life and future husband, Howell D. Parrent. They were married on June 13, 1952 and celebrated fifty-seven wonderful years of marriage.

Erma was employed at Taft Primary School for over twenty years. She absolutely loved her work at Taft Primary; the students, the many volunteers, Author Days, carnivals and PTA. Erma left a great legacy; she was such a kind and lovely woman who sacrificed for others her entire life. Erma’s mantra was always “Be Nice.” Her greatest joys were her children, Michael and Melanie. She loved watching Melanie play softball for Fresno State University never missing a Fresno State Softball game.

Erma loved Fresno State Football and was a season ticket holder for over thirty years. GO ‘DOGS! Her passions included spending time with her family at Pismo Beach, traveling throughout California, cooking and baking, fine dining (Kevin’s Oysters,) mushroom hunting, gardening and dancing the jitterbug with Dad. Husband, Howell D. Parrent, parents, Raymond and Bessie Lee, sisters, Marjorie Stewart, Louise Monreal, sister-in-law, Betty Jo Parrent, brother-in-law, Dee Stewart, nephews, Darrin Parrent and Jon Allen, dog Kai Bears and Kitty Midnight preceded her in death. Son, Michael D. Parrent of Bakersfield, CA and daughter, Melanie A. Parrent of Clovis, CA survive her.

Other survivors include Leon Parrent, Ron and Elaine Parrent, Ken and Jackie Parrent and Terry and Judy Parrent. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and their families: Dianna McConnachie, Greg Allen, Phil Monreal, Keith and Majara Stewart, Dave and Tara Stewart, Denise Lowell, Robin and Wayne Fowler, Kevin and Jane Parrent, Kim and Adam Rodriguez, Derik and Natasha Parrent, Kristin and Steve Davis, Raymond Allen, Corey and Alisa Parrent, Cory McConnachie and Katrina Priest; special friends, Sindee Silveira and Cathy Padilla and family.

The family extends their gratitude to the following health care professionals: Will and his awesome staff at Glenwood Gardens, Dr. Htoo, Dr. Risbud, Dr. Tran, Dr. Black, Dr. Davis, Comel Fulton, R.N. and Balvi Reyes. Thank you to Lynda Jackson, Bill and Gloria Nichols, Bob and Jamie Scovel, Judy Hutchins, Denise Christy, John and Michelle Wells and Michael Rachford for your help and support. Remembrances can be made to Kern County Youth for Christ or Taft Sportsmen’s Club. We love and miss you Tweeter and most of all our Sweet Baby Girl.

The arrangements are under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home www.EricksonAndBrown.com and www. bakersfield.com/obits.

Red was Erma’s favorite color and the family requests if possible you wear red to the service.

Those we love do not go away; they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear. - Anonymous

December 6 - 12, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli Serving Since 1939

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

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

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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!

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

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

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

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

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

Charles V. & Jennifer Landwehr and Angie Milner

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

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

Gateway Temple

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

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

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

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Parish Hall Available for Rent

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

First Baptist Church

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

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In The Taft Independent

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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

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765-6550

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

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

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

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

Info call 765-7151

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

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

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

Taft Independent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YARD SALES 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.

Yard Sale. Sat. 415 Church St. Lot’s of stuff.

8am.

203 Buchanan street saturday & Sunday all day after 9am Lots of refurbished furniture ect......

407 E St. Saturday. 7am - 3pm. mens clothes and misc.

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED Black Gold Brewing Co. is seeking a part-time college aged student with waitress, customer service experience, Part-time evenings and weekends, 623-4296.

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 FOR SALE Christmas Trees. 7652713.

AUTOMOBILES

to a loan modification or assist you in your short sale!

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

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

Do not disturb tenant.s.

(661) 972-7807.

MOBILE HOMES

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

Small family, No Pets.

Do not disturb tenants. $650 mo. $650 deposit. 301-2527. $800 per month. $1000 dep. Clean 2 bd. 2 ba.

Large living rm. Incl. stove and refrig. Indoor laundry rm. Fenced front & back yard.

Carport. Max. number of occupants 4. See Craigs list. No pets.

Call (805) 598-4123.

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

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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

Rentals Real Estate

FOR RENT 500 Lucard 1/1 $490 205 W Ash #D 2/1.5 $600 205 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600 200 Philippine 2/1 $650 307 Philippine 1/1 $700 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $700 326 Adeline 2/1 $750 714 Polk 2/1 $750 528 D St 2/1 $850 326 E St 3/2 $950 506 Garfield 3/2 $1,100

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

Classified Ads $2.00 per line.

Box it for

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

$5.00.

Air Conditioning & Heating

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

Creekside Apartments.

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

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment

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

Large storgae shed.

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3,500 Issues

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661-332-6597

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3 bed. 1 bath. Newly remodeled Lg. Garage.

401 So. 6th St. $850 mo. $850 dep. (661) 805-4849.

Nice 3/1 house. Lrg living room and kitchen. and lndy. New dishwasher. All wood flrs. 1 car garage. Avail now. $795.mo plus $1,100 sec. dep. (805) 689-4122

Condo for rent. 2 ba\1ba.

Condo. $800 mo. 1st and last required. NS/No pets.

(661) 303-7628.

Very clean 1 bed 1 bath. $400. $150 sec. dep. Call 765-7015.

Every Friday.

Best Price and

Studio Apartment. $550 mo. Cable, and utilities incl. $500 dep. Avail Nov. 1st (661) 623-4792.

Westside Real Estate 765-5000 1 to 3 Bedrooms Available $550 to $800 per month Westside Real Estate & Property Management Inc. Pick up a list at 322 Kern St (661)765-5000

most Readers on the Westside Period.

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APART. FOR RENT

G&S CARPET CO

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Ken Shugarts

Preserving for the Future

(661) 769-6469

Phone: Phone:765-6550 765-6550

December 6 - 12, 2013

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile 661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

CITY OF TAFT NOTICE OF A SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING

Taft City Council Approves Contract with State to House Prisoners at Community Correctional Facility

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Taft, California, will conduct a public hearing at a special meeting to be held at 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at the City Council Chamber, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, California to consider the following:

By Michael Long, Publisher The Taft City Council on Thursday night met in special session and approved a contract with the State of California Department of Corrections to house state prisoners in the city’s Community Correctional Facility.

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

The city will now wait for the state Department of Corrections to sign-off on the contract before opening the facility.

Prisoners could start arriving by Februray 2014.

This will be the third time the city has tried to reach agreement -- once with Los Angeles County to house LA county prisoners -- to filled the CCF since it was closed down by the state nearly two years ago.

Closure of the CCF by the state was cause by legislation that forced the release of low offender prisoners into local communities, and as a way to save the state money which has had it’s own budget problems.

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

More than 60 CCF employees lost their jobs when the state closed the facility. Under the then existing contract, the state was to pay unemployment to former CCF employees. The city was saddled with the costs, and is now in a lawsuit against the state in Kern County Superior Court to recover the estimated $1.5 million.

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

In the case of the Los Angeles contract, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with the city to house LA County prisoners. The Taft Police Department, which operates the CCF, began staffing the facility and interviewed new correctional officers in preparation of reopening.

LA county then reneged on the deal due to pressure by the state, since the state needed the facility to house it’s own prisoners because of a federal court order to reduce overcrowded state prisons.

Councilmembers expressed amibivalance about working with the state because of uncertainty of state approval of the contract, a 30 day notice clause in the contract to close the facility, and past experience with the state over the CCF. However, several concilmembers said that in was in the best interest of the city to sign the contract.

“It’s as good as it gets so I will support the contract,” said Councilman Dave Noerr.

Police Chief Ed Whiting, who has had to deal with frustrating LA County and state officials to plan the opening and operation of the CCF, sat quitely in the audience during the council vote.

The council also approved a contract with Black/Hall Construction to make emergency improvements at the CCF required by the state.

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

1. Site Plan Review 2013-23 – Proposal for a 6,000 square foot industrial building, on a 20.0 acre lot with two existing buildings totaling 10,400 square feet, within the Industrial (I) Zone District located at 800 Blackgold Court.

All interested parties are invited to appear at this public hearing and present testimony concerning the item listed above. Documents related to this proposed action are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Planning Department at City Hall, located at 209 E. Kern Street, Taft, California, 93268. If you have any questions, please contact the Taft Planning and Community Development Department by written correspondence at the address listed above, by phone at (661) 763-1222 Ext. 24 or by email at mstaples@cityoftaft.org.

NOTICE GIVEN THIS 6th DAY OF December, 2013.

Mark Staples, Director Planning and Community Development

Certified Pistol Instructor Certified Range Safety Officer CCW Renewals 1st Saturday Every Month New Applications 2nd Saturday of Every Other Month Starting in November Call (661) 342-4032

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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

ALL choose & cut Monterey Pine Christmas Trees $44.95 +tax OPEN THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING MON-FRI 11AM - 6PM SAT-SUN 9AM - 6PM

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Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

December 6 - 12, 2013

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

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

Now Serving Our Original

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No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Debuting Our

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Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

General Automotive Repairs

Halloween Eve Thursday, October 31st

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Randy’s Trucking Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping • Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades • • Rear Operator Control Panel •

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

There are many advantages and cost savings for businesses in the Taft Enterprise Zone.

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Call today for more information: 661763-1222, Ext. 12

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway We Cater Your Place or Ours Full Bar Available For Your Special Event

Shop

Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe Reservations Recommended for Dinner

24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR