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Independent The Taft

February 14 - 20, 2014

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

February 14 - 20, 2014 • Volume 8 Issue 30

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

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week - Open Late Night 4 am to Midnight Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner 330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street (661) 745-4898

Taco Monday’s .99 Tacos

Grand Jury Gives City of Taft High Marks

Tuesday’s Chicken Frajitas Tuesday $7.95

Bring this coupon for FREE 16oz Soft Drink Catering Available for Meetings. Free Delivery.

Qik Smog & Tune

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

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

O P E N S AT U R D AY S 8 A M T O 4 P M

Visit Us Online www.taftindependent.com.

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 5 p.m.

765-6550.

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

February 14 - 20, 2014

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

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

Valentines Day!!!

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts 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

For all your hair needs 763-3527

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

Happy

F i n e

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

Personal Style would like to welcome Devin Robbins Our New Stylist Lic # B-721903

acme jewelry co.

Special Occasions, Gifts and More!

Watch Batteries Batteries Changed Most $4 426Some CENTER STREET $8 • 661.763.5451 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 American Ale 64 oz. Beer Growlers To Go! 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

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

1016 6th St. Taft 661-745-4855

Next Step Cardio & Fitness

Your Business Ad Here!

506 Center Street - (661) 745-4918

765-6550

February 14 - 20, 2014

Inside Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Business of the Week Artz’ Liquor and Deli

Westside News.................5

Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10

Shop Taft........................12

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long 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

Saturday February 22nd is the West Kern Oil Museum’s Annual Dinner at the West Side Rec at 6pm. It is only $20.00 a person and is being Catered by Sonny “The BBQ King” Pollard. The music will be performed by the amazing Westside Dixie Players. Great food, music, and people all in one great place to help our great West Kern Oil Museum. R.S.V.P. by February 17th.

Contact the West Kern Oil Museum for more info.

Tonight- Wildcat Boys Basketball Teams at Home vs. Shafter High.

Saturday- Taft IDPA work party at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club at 9am. Classifier for IDPA members at Noon. Saturday Night Match, register at 5pm.

Tuesday- Wildcat Boys Basketball Teams at Home vs. Robert F. Kennedy High.

Wednesday- Special Taft Chamber Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at the Born Learning Center along Rails to Trails at 10:30am. Ceremony will be in the area south of Main and 8th Street on Rails to Trails. For more info call the Taft Chamber @ 765-2165.

Taft College Women’s Basketball Team at Home vs. West Hills at 5pm.

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

News.................................11

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

By John Swearengin

Tonight and Saturday Night- OT Cook House is giving 10% of their proceeds during dinner to the Lincoln Junior High School 8th Grade Class to be used for Graduation activities. You must ask for a flyer.

RoboCop, The Lego Movie, and 1 other great movie will be playing at the Taft Fox Theatre all week.

Westside Bowling Lanes is starting new Bowling Leagues soon. Contact the Rec for Info.

The Westside Little League is having registration Saturday, 2-15-14 from 10-2 in the Chevron Valley Credit Union Meeting room. They are also having registration on Tuesday from 6-8pm in the Rec’s Party Room. Online registration is going on now. Please sponsor and support our great kids!

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

The Taft Independent

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin The Taft Business of the Week: Artz’ Liquor and Deli at 127 Kern Street. Artz’ Deli has the best Biscuits and Gravy, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, cookies, and much more. They also have Lotto, Keno, fountain drinks, magazines, newspapers, ice, snacks, milk, cold beverages, and much more. Greg and Vivian Artz have owned and operated Artz’ Liquor and Deli since 1975. Greg and Vivian have done so much for Taft over the years. Stop by Artz’ Liquor and Deli for your grocery needs, all day, 7 days a week!

St. Andrew’s Hold Valentines Dance St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, at 703 5th Street, will be having a “Valentine’s Dance” on Saturday, February 15th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Cost is $2.00 per person, or $3.00 per couple. Punch, sodas, snacks, and music will be provided. For ticket info or questions, please call 661-577-7777 or 661-623-2267, and ask for Mary Vera.

Save the Date for these Future EventsFebruary 22nd: West Kern Oil Museum Annual Dinner at the West Side Rec at 6pm.

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

Winter Series at Kern County Raceway, Pits open at 9a.m., Races at 12:30p.m. Season tickets on sale now for the regular season.

February 22nd and 23rd: Motocross Practice at Honolulu Hills Raceway at 8am.

March 5th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Tickets only $12.00. Dinner at 7:30.

March 7th: 1st Friday of the Month Cruise Night. Starts at 6pm on Center Street.

March 15th: Taft Arc BBQ at the Taft Moose Lodge from 1-5pm. Only $10.00 a plate.

March 22nd: Kern County Raceway is having their 1st Annual Car, Truck, and Bike Show from 6am- 2pm. Live Music, Burnouts, Race Car displays.

Free admission.

April 24th: Taft Fort and TAPT Wine Tasting Celebration from 5-8pm.

Wines, Beers, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and much more. Contact the Fort at 765-7371 for more info.

Thursday February 27th is The Fort’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction. Social Hour from 5-6pm. Dinner at 6pm. Dessert Auction to follow Dinner. Bring a Dessert and get one free dinner. Dinner is $15.00 for adults and $7.00 for children. Get a great meal and help the beautiful Taft Fort all in one night. The Taft Fort is one of the most beautiful places in Kern County. R.S.V.P. to the Taft Fort at 765-7371 by February 20th.

Maricopa Tea Room Specials

Visit Us Online www. taftindependent. com or on Facebook

Specials for next week: Tuesday-Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes & gravy Wednesday-Pastrami w/ Red potato salad Thursday-Chicken Taco Casserole Friday-Clam Chowder Come Enjoy!!!

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday February 18, 2014 – 6:00 p.m.

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

AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND POSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE www.cityoftaft.org TELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11: Wednesday 8 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Taft Chamber’s Hollywood Nights

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, February 14, 2014 through Thursday, February 20, 2014 RoboCop (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:30, 9:15 Sun: (4:15), 6:45 Mon - Thu: 6:45 PM The Lego Movie (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:00, 8:15 Sun: (4:00), 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Ride Along (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:15 PM Sun: (4:30 PM) Mon - Thu: (5:00 PM) Lone Survivor (R) Fri & Sat: 8:30 PM Sun: 6:30 PM Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

I’m sure you saw the amazing pictures of the Taft Chamber Party from last week. Hopefully you were one of the many that attended the Taft Chamber of Commerce “Hollywood Nights: A Red Carpet Affair, 2014 installation Party and Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Fox Theatre this year which was a perfect venue for this theme. The entrance was quite well done with the news crew lighting up the red carpet and sidewalk stars as everyone walked in. Once inside you were greeted by elaborately dressed movie stars of the past as well as many of our wonderful citizens and Taft supporters dressed to the nines.

There was delicious food from Albertson’s, Asian Experience, Black Gold Brewing Company, Domino’s Pizza, El Paisano’s Restaurant, Get Your Sweets On, Pizza Factory, The Bank Sports Lounge, Tumbleweed Café, and Willow Ranch Restaurant. The food was outstanding from every one of these great Restaurants.

Billy and Krista Long did a fabulous job interviewing several of the guests. Ritchie Brown was behind the camera catching all the action. Everyone had lots of fun catching up with old and new friends. Taft High Alumni, Ed Gaither came from Las Vegas to attend along with his great Dad and step mom, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gaither. Supervisor Couch and several others were also in attendance.

Corbin Bernson truly made it a Hollywood Night. He fit right in with his Taft roots as well as his nastalgic stories about going to the Fox Theatre as a kid. He took us all down memory lane which is always a good trip. In addition to his stories he shared with us his plans on filming some more movies in Taft in the near future. Kathy Orrin and Shannon Jones did a terrific job running the show. Outgoing President Dennis Schertz passed the torch on to Bob Leikam. Dennis did an excellent job as President this last year. I know Bob will do the same because he is a great man that loves Taft. Bob made a very funny but true comment and it went something like this,” you know how great a town is by how many pizza places it has”. Taft does have a lot of pizza places but remember how much Domino’s, Pizza Factory, and Asian Experience do for Taft. The Taft Chamber had a very successful year in 2013 and they will have an even better 2014.

The following people received awards: Emmanuel Campos is the Business Man of the Year from Monarch Fleet Services while Renee Hill is the Business Woman of the Year from Old’s Cool.

The West Side Recreation and Park District received the honor of the Business of the Year while Mike Pait and Kenny Schuyler earned Volunteers of the Year. Unity Thrift Animal Rescue was selected to receive the Community Service Award. Emmanuel and Renee both took very ugly buildings and turned them into beautiful, successful businesses. The Rec gives everyone, no matter what your age something to do and employs over 70 people here in Taft. Mike Pait does everything from coaching three athletic teams, to updating the website, westsidesports.org after working eight hours at his day job. It is a good thing that he has his great wife Laney to help him out. Kenny Schuyler is the force behind the Taft Fireworks Show and has been Volunteering at the Rec for over 16 years. Kenny is always ready to help out wherever he is needed and has a heart of gold. Unity Thrift Animal Rescue has worked so hard over the last five years on our dog and cat problems. They have a tremendous impact on all of us.

Overall it was worth parking two blocks away after seeing how many people were at The Fox. No one could argue that The Fox was “The Place To Go” that night. The Fox Theatre employees did a marvelous job along with help from the Taft College Students and the Rec Crew. With events like this you can see the Fox Theatre and West Side Rec partnership is great for the entire community.

Thank you Taft District Chamber of Commerce for all you do in Taft. Some of their great events coming up over the year are1st Friday of the Month Cruise Night, Farmers Market, June Car Show, Octoberfest, and many more. Stop by the Chamber and become a member. Volunteering makes the world a better place, so do it right here in Taft. There is no better pat on the back than making Taft a better place. Stay positive Taft!

John Swearengin

February 14 - 20, 2014

State’s Problems Caused By Disconnect Between Voters And Elected Officials

By Assemblywoman Shannon Grove I am often asked, especially by people in other states, why California always seems to be in a crisis of some kind.

California is like the celebrity that’s continually in the news due to some new outrageous and completely avoidable escapade. While the problems vary – budget deficit, water shortage, pension debt, unemployment, energy crisis – the cause is almost always the same: a sense of entitlement by those in power and a disconnect from the people they are elected to represent.

Take for example Governor Brown’s recent proposal to spend $250 million of cap-and-trade revenue on the state’s deeply flawed high-speed rail project. With its inflated cost and ridership projections, the entire rail scheme is growing increasingly unpopular. This particular proposal is also on shaky legal ground. Per Assembly Bill 32, the so-called “Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006,” cap-and-trade revenue must be put toward the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions leading up to 2020. Constructing a high-speed rail system will no doubt have the opposite effect on emissions in the short term. But all of this hasn’t stopped Governor Brown and his allies from pushing forward against the will of the people, many of whom think that tax dollars would be better spent fixing roads and bridges.

Another illustration of this disconnect is the years of irresponsible water planning and decision-making by our government leaders. California’s water situation is so dire that the Department of Water Resources recently announced that it is cutting all water allocations for purposes beyond drinking and public health. But our water shortage can’t just be blamed on a couple of dry winters. For years, environmentalists and their friends in the Democrat party have prioritized fish over farmers and families.

For example, about 1,000 acre-feet of water is released from Friant Dam near Fresno every day in an idealistic attempt to restore fish habitat. To put that in perspective, just one acre-foot of water is enough to flood an entire football field with a foot of water. That water is currently flowing right past the farmers who need it and out to the ocean.

These misguided priorities have forced Valley farmers to give up growing crops on much of their once fertile land, resulting in lost jobs, lower food supplies, and higher prices at the grocery store. Though we’re experiencing very little rainfall this winter, our current water emergency is definitely a manmade problem.

Meanwhile, millions of Californians are still struggling to find work. Unemployment, especially in the Central Valley, remains well above average and when accounting for expensive living costs, California has the highest poverty rate in the nation. But like most of our problems, it doesn’t have to be that way. The Monterey Shale Formation, much of which lies under our feet in Kern County, contains what the U.S. Energy Department estimates to be at least 15 billion barrels of oil. This is more than three times the volume of the oil reserves found in North Dakota, where enthusiastic oil exploration has led to prosperity and made North Dakota the fastest growing state with the lowest rate of unemployment.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Kern County and the surrounding area could be Boomtown, USA if only state leaders had the political will to make it happen. Unfortunately, many of our elected officials cling to irrational fears about oil and gas, all at the expense of the people who so desperately need good-paying jobs to provide for their families.

The problems that constantly plague California are serious, but they can be solved. By electing leaders that encourage growth and support policies that allow people to prosper, I believe that California can regain its place at the top.

February 14 - 20, 2014

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.westsidesports.org www.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House

SPRING VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW Friday, April 4 * 5:00-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 5 * 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium & Assembly Room $40 per vendor space There will be lots of goodies just in time for spring decorating, Easter and Mother’s Day - and there is no admission fee for shoppers. Bows, tutus, jewelry, crafts and vendors for Scentsy, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, Lularoe Maxi Skirts, Miche Bags, Plexus and Watkins Natural Products are on the list so far. Vendor spaces are still available – contact us for more information!

SENIOR REC ROOM Who: Ages 55+ Where: Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, Taft 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, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (1st and 3rd week of the month) The Senior Rec Room is located in the Community Center Activity Building and includes televisions with cable programming, computers with internet access and basic Microsoft programs, comfortable furniture, games, magazines and books. The Rec Room is a great place to socialize and spend time with others.

BINGO Thursday Afternoons Games start at 1:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 18 and older The District holds Bingo games every week for adults. Average buy-in is $15 per person.

Cash pots are awarded and we also sell pull-tabs. Stop by and check it out!

BISCUIT BONANZA Wednesday, February 19 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 6+ $5 per person ** pre-registration is required by Tuesday, February 18 It’s amazing how many foods you can make using canned biscuits. We’ll make an appetizer, main dish and dessert – all using biscuits. Plus, you get the recipes! Space is limited and preregistration is required.

WONDERFUL WAFFLES Wednesday, February 26 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 6+ $5 per person ** pre-registration is required by Tuesday, February 25 Come and learn how to make waffles from scratch! We will make classic waffles, cake batter waffles and cinnamon roll waffles. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

AEROBIC KICKBOXING – KICK LIKE A GIRL! Who: Ladies, Ages 14+ When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Amy Steers This fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense.

Classes will be held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.

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

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

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

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

Sessions: • February 18 – March 20 • March 25 – May 1 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $20 per session Instructor: John Dodson YOUTH TRACK Who: Ages 6-15 Season begins: March 3 When: Weekday Evenings Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Where: Taft Union High School Track Fee: $45 per person Registration deadline: Thursday, February 27 PONYTAIL SOFTBALL Who: Girls Ages 7-15 (league age as of June 30, 2014) Tryouts/Evaluations: March 5-6 Draft: March 12 Practices begin: March 24 Fee: $50 per person Registration deadline: Thursday, February 27 S.T.O.P. PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS (Strive To Optimize Participation) Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? Children in low income, single parent or multiple participant households are eligible! For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced program fees, give us a call in the District Office at 763-4246.

OPEN BOWL Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

West Side Lanes, Recreation Center Fees per hour: $10 for the first person, $5 each additional person Shoe rental: included in the hourly rate Fees per game: $3 per adult (15 yrs+) and $2 per child (3-14 yrs) Shoe rental: $2 per person **Hours and availability subject to change to accommodate party reservations and league play.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALS Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at the bowling alley in the new Recreation Center. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday. Rental fees start at $100 for 2-lane rentals. Rental prices include shoes, balls and use of the party room.

Call 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE Monday, May 5 – Wednesday, May 7 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium $5 per person **Register the first night of class**

EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, April 12 10:00 a.m. SHARP ‘A’ Street Park, Taft FREE! Ages 2-8 are welcome!

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

City Get’s High Marks, Good Report from Kern County Grand Jury

February 14 - 20, 2014

The Cities and Joint Powers Committee (Committee) of the 2013-2014 Kern County Grand Jury visited the City of Taft (City) on September 26, 2013, to inquire into the operation and management of the City pursuant to California Penal Code §925a.

PROCESS: The visit was held at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268. The Committee met with the City Manager, City Clerk, Finance Director, Human Resources Director and the Chief of Police.

BACKGROUND/FACTS: Founded as an oil town in the early 1900s, the City was incorporated in 1910. After a fire burned much of the town the name was changed to Taft in honor of the 27th President of the United States. The City is located 30 miles southwest of Bakersfield with a population of 9,327 according to the 2010 census.

A. The Police Department has 16 full-time Officers and three Reserve Officers. Four Officers are bilingual.

B. Statistics show crime is up 26% to 30% with auto theft up 40%. There has not been a reported homicide since 1991.

FINDINGS: F1. The City currently has 53 employees.

F2. City schools have full-time Police Officers assigned to patrol campuses.

Three School Resource Officers are paid by the Superintendent of Schools.

Due to pro-active efforts by Officers, attendance is up considerably at the Junior High School.

F3. The City has recently hired a grant writer. Recent grants have been acquired to: • Revitalize the downtown area • Repair sidewalks, gutters and curbs • Resurface some streets

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

City Hall staff pose in front of Taft City Hall.

• Purchase new police vehicles • Established a” Rails to Trails” bike path • Update bus shelters and install security cameras on all City busses F4. The City has an urgent care center but does not have 24 hour medical services available.

F5. In September the courthouse cut back to one day a week. As a result 20 employees were laid off. Citizens with court business must now go to Lamont. Due to lack of transportation from Taft to Lamont there are many “no shows.”

F6. A new five million dollar complex services the needs of seniors in the City. Low cost meals, “Meals on Wheels,” computer classes and various other activities for seniors are provided by the Parks and Recreation Department.

F7. The City Fire Department closed five years ago and now contracts with the County of Kern for fire protection saving the City $900,000 a year. The Bureau of Land Management leases the old fire department building from the City.

F8. The City is in need of new housing for growth in population.

F9. The City boasts 12 new businesses which are oil field related.

COMMENTS: At the time of the Committee’s visit the City was in

765-1935

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS 10:00 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

100 E North St. Taft CA

The City Staff was accommodating and informative.

After the visit the Committee drove around the City and viewed the Oil Worker Monument, the Oil Museum and the historic Fox Theater. The City streets were clean and well maintained. The Staff is to be commended for vision and planning for future growth in the City.

The report had no recommendations for the city for improvement or new program.

Free Flu Shot Clinic Thursday February 13th 9am to Noon Thursday February 20th 1p.m. to 4p.m.

HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY NOON TO 9 P.M.

contract negotiations with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Supervisors) to house 500 low-level inmates from the Los Angeles County Jail. The City made preparations at Taft Community Correctional Facility and was expecting the arrival of inmates in November. As of this writing Supervisors voted to end contract negotiations. The City is currently reviewing a contract with the California Department of Corrections.

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.

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

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

Free Flu Shot Clinic at the Westside Health Care District Office.

218th 6th Street For More Information Call 765-7234.

February 14 - 20, 2014

BLM Seeks Nominations to Resource Advisory Councils, Including Central California The Bureau of Land Management today announced that it is seeking public nominations for open positions on its 29 Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), which advise the BLM on public land issues, including the Central California RAC. As published in a notice in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations for 45 days.

The Central California RAC advises BLM officials for the Hollister, Mother Lode, Bakersfield, Ukiah and Bishop field offices.

The three RAC positions open in the Central California District are in the following categories: Category One (one position) – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.

Category Two (one position) – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.

Category Three (one position) – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Nomination forms and additional information about the Central California RAC are available on the web at http:// www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/rac/ccrac.html Nominations should be to David Christy, BLM Central California District public affairs officer, 5152 Hillsdale Circle, El Dorado Hills, Calif. 95762, call (916) 941-3146, e-mail dchristy@ blm.gov “The advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Councils is a vital part of the BLM’s collaborative approach to land management,” said BLM California State Director Jim Kenna. “Citizen input enhances our agency’s ability to administer and conserve these lands for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations of Americans.”

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decisionmaking. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations, a completed RAC application, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.

The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands.

The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest or expertise in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC helps ensure that BLM land managers get the varying perspectives they need to achieve their mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Resigns from West Side Health District Board of Directors West Side Health Care District board member Sheri Black announced at the January 22, 2014 board meeting that she would be resigning from her position on the board efferctive April, 30 2014.

Black has served on the District board since 1995. Black served on the finance committee and as board secretary for many of those years. In the past 19 year, Black had added a wealth of knowledge regard healthcare and finances and will be missed as a leader of the Board of Direcors.

In accordance with the district Bylaws, Article III, section 4, the board will make an appointment of a new board member

by April 30, 2104.

For information about the appointment process and to apply, please contact the district office at 218 6th Street in Taft.

Museum dinner deadline

The deadline for making reservations for the West Kern Oil Museum’s annual membership dinner is rapidly approaching.

The event will be held Feb. 22 at the Community Center, and the deadline for reservations is Monday, Feb.17.

Reservations can be made by calling the Museum at 765-6664 or by email at curator@lightspeed.net Members received reservation forms in the last edition of The Pumper, the Museum’s quarterly newsletter.

Tickets are $20 each.

The annual dinner meeting kicks off the Museum’s membership drive. The bulk of the Museum’s revenue comes from memberships.

The Museum – Taft’s No. 1 tourist attraction – is run entirely by volunteers.

The program will include election of board members, the treasurer’s annual report, and reading of minutes of last year’s meeting.

Rick Woodson, chairman of the Museum Board of Directors, will emcee the program, and The Westside Dixie Players band, featuring Museum volunteers Mike McCormick and Marlene Mudge, will provide entertainment prior to the dinner.

McCormick, Woodson and Bob Foreman, who this week joined the 26-gallon club at Houchin Community Blood Bank, are on the ballot for new three-year terms on the Board of Directors.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a dinner catered by Sonny Pollard and served by Taft Union High School Oil Academy students scheduled for 6:30.

Membership categories include Active Single ($12.50), Active Family ($15), Supporting ($35) and Patron ($75).

Life memberships are available at a one-time fee of $250, memorials also are $250 and benefactor is $500.

Ben’s Books

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Hours Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Mike White

WSRPD\Pizza Factory Athlete of the Week Mike White stepped up and played 3 solid basketball games of defense doing the dirty work that does not show up in the books or get you the glory. He was in the trenches averaging 3-4 fouls per game (smart fouls...I didn’t see any silly fouls). One was a charge that he took but did not get the call his way. He was rebounding, setting screens, on the ground fighting for the ball causing all kinds of disruptions for the other team.

On top of playing basketball Mike also is part of the Taft Longhorn Travel Ball baseball team and is an Honor Roll Student.

Congratulations Mike and keep up the great work!

Put Your Valentine’s Day Message in the Taft Independent Ad sizes from $10, $15 and $25 Call 765-6550 Today and Place Your Personalized Ad to your Special Valentine in our Friday, February 14th Issue.

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

8

Liberty Under Fire

Presidents’ Day, What Would Abraham Lincoln Say?

By Dr. Harold Pease President Barack Obama’s favorite president, as is the case with so many Americans, is Abraham Lincoln who now shares a national holiday—Presidents Day—with George Washington. But the Obama/ Lincoln bond certainly could not be because of shared political ideology. Lincoln was for the free market and decidedly against socialism—just opposite of President Obama. He saw nothing in the Communist Manifesto, published in 1848, worthy of emulation.

On the ownership of property Abraham Lincoln’s feelings were especially strong, he said, “Property is the fruit of labor; property is desirable; is a positive good in the world. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprises” (The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume VII, pp. 259-260). To him there was no need to take by force the wealth of those who produce and give it to those less productive. The “share the wealth” philosophy and “envy politics” so articulated by Obama would have been foreign ideology to the Civil War president.

The answer to ending poverty is not class envy, first identified by Aristotle some 2,500 years ago as being the natural inclination of those with less, a philosophy implemented by Lenin in Russia when the communists identified those holding property as enemies of the state and liquidated some four to eight million farmers, the “Kulaks” (“The Russian Kulaks,” InDepthInfo. com). Then they wondered why the country had such a horrific famine in 1921-1922 when millions starved.

No money was set aside for, or provided to, any class or special interest group in our Constitution.

The power distributed benefited all equally and at the same time. The federal role was as referee only. Our Constitution does not redistribute wealth; it leaves the individual to do that by his work ethic. It remains the fairest way. Will income inequality be the outcome?

Yes! Free men are not equal and equal men are not free. But all will have more than had we instead forced income equality by taking from those who produce and giving it to those who do not. We remain anxious to share our wealth producing philosophy with our less prosperous neighbors and the world so that all can have more but individuals steeling it from us, or using the government to do it for them, known as legalized plunder, is just wrong.

Lincoln’s answer to the poor, from which he sprang himself, “Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another, but let him labor diligently to build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence….” Unfortunately, many in our society have forgotten the “labor diligently” part of his phrase and have come to expect the government to provide, from the industry of others, their every need. On that score Lincoln also had words. “You toil and work and earn bread, and I will eat it.” He viewed this principle as a form of tyranny to those who work.

Today 47.5 % of the adult population pays no federal income tax; many actually receive benefits for which they have paid nothing.

Watching others acquire wealth was, in fact, a sign of a healthy economy for Lincoln. “I take it that it is best for all to leave each man free to acquire property as fast as he can. Some will get wealthy. I don’t believe in a

TAFT INDEPENDENT

law to prevent a man from getting rich; it would do more harm than good.” Nor would he have supported the hundreds of laws that we have today that disincentivise a man trying to acquire wealth.

Lincoln might have added, “When has a poor man ever created a full time job for anyone?” Hate the Wall-Marts’ or the McDonalds’ all you want but they provide the poor thousands of jobs. Do not bite the hand that feeds you then wonder where the jobs and prosperity went, as did the early Russian socialists. The “share the wealth” philosophy, which Lincoln opposed, and Obama endorses, has never brought long term general prosperity for any people, any place, or any time.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE WEST KERN WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

BY SILENT AUCTION Notice is hereby given that the governing Board of the West Kern Water District will conduct a silent auction of personal property not needed for District purposes. By the silent auction, bidders must write their bids on a bid sheet. Bidders may increase the bid amount by adding that bidder’s name and bid amount to the bid sheet until the auction is concluded. The highest bidder on the bid sheet per individual item or designated lot of items will be the purchaser.

Personal property to be sold is: Misc. office furniture, computers/computer items, tools, equipment, survey equipment, and vehicles. For a complete list contact Carol Havens at 661763-3151 x111.

AUCTION LOCATION: WEST KERN WATER DISTRICT 800 KERN ST. (WAREHOUSE PARKING LOT) TAFT, CA 93268 DATE: SATURDAY MARCH 1, 2014 VIEWING TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

BIDS RECEIVED: UNTIL 9:45 a.m. SATURDAY MARCH 1, 2014 WINNING BIDS ANNOUNCED: MARCH 1, 2014

10:00 a.m. SATURDAY

This is a CASH SALE ONLY (NO CHECKS, CREDIT CARDS, or ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT FORMS ACCEPTED).

All items will be sold AS IS – with no warranties, express or implied. West Kern Water District makes no representations whatsoever as to the condition or operation of the property to be sold. All sales will be final and no purchased property may be returned for a refund of any kind. All risk transfers to buyer upon payment.

The entire cash price must be paid upon notice of acceptance of the bid and before delivery of property. Property must be removed from the District grounds by 12:00 noon, Saturday March 1, 2014. If not removed by the deadline, the right to remove the property will be deemed waived and the property may be sold to the next highest bidder, if any.

For the governing Board of the West Kern Water District Harry O Starkey General Manager

February 14 - 20, 2014

Fitness & Health Enzymes, your digestive’s best friend!

By Wendy Soto, MS Holistic Nutrition Next Step Cardio & Fitness

Do you wish you could eat certain foods and not see your tummy blow up like a balloon? This is the case for many people. According to an article by Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center around eighty million Americans suffer from digestive issues daily making room for digestive health meds and supplements to increase in sales every year. We keep looking for the best answer and products to alleviate these problems, and so far, no luck! Digestive Enzymes are in my opinion,the best solution to these issues. Enzymes are protein molecules found all over the body. Their job is to make chemical reactions happen to maintain bodily functions. Digestive enzymes are found in the gastrointestinal tract.

They do exactly what their name implies, digest stuff ! These enzymes are naturally produced in the body, however, we can also get them from Live Raw foods. The problem is most of our food is processed or overly cooked killing all enzymes. Therefore, supplementing these enzymes are a great way to go. There are many different types of enzymes but digestive ones are by far, superior. The enzyme amylase is found in saliva in the mouth and it helps digest carbohydrates. The enzyme pepsin is found in the stomach and it’s job is to help digest proteins.

The enzyme lipase is pancreatic and it’s job is to assist in the digestion of fats. When enzymes assist in breaking down foods nutrients get released into the bloodstream faster and absorption of these Nutrients increases. These enzymes could make a huge improvement in our digestives by helping with bloatiness, gas, and swelling of the stomach, and even improve allergies. They could make wonders for your tummy. Look for products containing all three digestive enzymes or for a specific kind depending on the condition you are looking to improve.

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Grilled Tri-Tip Special Every Thursday $8.95 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

February 14 - 20, 2014

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

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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

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

Independent Call Today!

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 on

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.

MOBILE HOMES

FOR SALE

HOMES FOR RENT

Heavy duty trailer ramp.

18 Ft. $3,800 Can also haul tractor. (661) 9727807.

AUTOMOBILES 2003 Black Saturn Auto.

4dr runs Excl. Sunroof, all elec. $3,700 (661) 972-7807.

Yard Sale. Sat. 2-15.

7:30 am - 10 am. 102 James Ave. Moving Sale. 107 Madison. Inside/outside of house. Sat. 10 a.m. to 2, Sun. 12-3. Poker table, fireproof desk, disposer, curio cabinet, 2 dishwashers, taxidermy deer head, tools, TV, Entertainment Center, 4 dr. Mailbox, much more.

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED

Drummer wanted For local band, Drum kit provided!

Auditions Mom-Sun 6pm-9pm. 126 Buena Vista Pl. Taft 661)3466680 leave mess.

Immediate opening for Full Time Analytical Laboratory Technician. Salary DOE. Benefits.

Applications can be found at Midway Laboratory located at 315 Main St. or midwaylaboratory. com. Applications and resumes can be brought in or sent to email : midwaylab@ verizon.net & our Fax Number 661-765-6920.

Accepting Applications EOE Maricopa Unified School District Bus Driver/Grounds 10 months/5 hrs per day $13.87/hour, partial benefits Must have Calif. Drivers License with school bus driver certification and use equip. to maintain grounds Contact the 769-8231 ext. 204

SERVICES

RV for sale 87’ RV 454 For sale. $3,500.

Nothing wrong with it.

745-4074.

PETS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT HOMES FOR SALE House for Sale 400 Hillard 3BR/3BA, 2074 sq.ft.

Fireplace, indoor laundry; $225,000 Call for more information or to walk-thru 763-1222/Ext. 12 Real Estate eBroker Inc.

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

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

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list

West Valley Real Estate www.BuySellManage. com (661) 763-1500 BRE Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 502 Lucard 1/1 $375 224 B St #B 2/1 $550 904 Stanislaus 2/1 $600 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600 202 Philippine 1/1 $650 200 Philippine 2/1 $650 307 Philippine 1/1 $700 501 ½ Jackson 2/1 $700 522 Center #D 3/1 $700 326 Adeline 2/1 $750 320 E St 2/1 $750 306 Taylor 4/2 $900 717 Philippine 3/2 $1,200 127 Lexington 3/1 $1,350 100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 518 Center St Retail Space $500

For Rent 3 br 1 ba, Pool, huge shop w/ half ba. In airport addition, lawn & pool service included. $1,350 mo + deposit.

Available Feb 1st.

(805) 314-4121

Westside Real Estate 661-765-5000 1/1 319 1/2 San Emidio #A, All utilities included, Tile floors kit/bath $550/$550 dep 401 1/2 Jackson, Central A/C & Heat, Garage, All new floors $800/$800 dep 4/2 119 South St, Remodeled, All tile floors $875/$875 dep 3/2 Taft Hwy in Dustin Acres, Remodeled Total Interior $825/$825 dep 3/1 Taft Hwy in Dustin Acres, New flooring/paint $750/$750 dep Pick up an app at 322 Kern St. 661-765-5000 Westside Real Estate & Property Management Inc.

3 br 1 ba, Pool, huge shop w/ half ba. In airport addition, lawn & pool service included. $1,350 mo + deposit.

(805) 314-4121 Downtwn 2/1. A/C in everyroom, newer vynl floors, wash./dryer hook ups., private fenced yard.

Secure off streert parking.

Lrge living room. $695. mo. $900. sec. dep. (805) 689-4122.

Home For Rent 2 bedroom 1 ba. 411 Shattuck St. $650 mo. (1 year lease) $750 deposit.

Pick up application at 318 North St. (661) 769-6469.

Joyce Properties.

APART. FOR RENT

Apartment. 1 bd 1 bath. $525 mo. $525 Dep. 155 1/2 North #A. (661) 477-9636 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 (661) 8466403 or (661) 765-7678.

Classified Ads $2.00 per line.

Find us

2 bedroom, 1 bath..

Large backyard and garage. Newly remodled.

Avail. immediately. $1000 per mo. $1000 dep. Gardner included.

(661) 805-0928.

Box it for

on

$5.00.

Facebook

Home For Rent 2 bedroom 1 bath. 118 Lincoln $650 mo. (1 year lease) $750 deposit. No indoor pets, suitable for 2-3

3,500 Issues Published

G&S CARPET CO “No Job To Small” Immediate Installation!

Hours: T-F 9-5 Sat. 10-3 Closed Sun./Mon. Eve By Appt.

Air Conditioning & Heating

Get Your Business in the Taft

2 bd. 1 ba. water and trash paid. Like new inside. 614 Phillippine. Avail. for viewing Friday. $750. mo. $750. dep. 2-14-14. (909) 499-2866.

104 North Street. 2 bd. 1 full bath. Hardwood floors, dishwasher. garbage disp., fenced yard, hook ups for wash/dryer. ($700 mo. plus dep. $400. (213) 500-3304.

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.

Rentals Real Estate

people 661-589-9130 or 331-4650.

CHILD CARE SERVICES

549-1068

Ken Shugarts

Preserving for the Future

(661) 769-6469

Phone: Phone:765-6550 765-6550

Facebook

February 14 - 20, 2014

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile 661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

Independent.

Classifieds

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

$2.00 per line.

Box it for $5.00

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

Classified Ad

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

Deadline.

www.BuyKernCounty.com

Wednesday 2

Thought of buying a house Not sure how it works

FREE VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS IT ALL

p.m.

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 432 Kern St., Taft, CA 93268

765-6550.

Karri Christensen 661-332-6597 call or text today!

CalBRE# 01333971

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

209 Harrison Street • Taft (661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

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 Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

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

608 Center St.

Shop

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445 No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

General Automotive Repairs

BBQ Ribs Special Every Friday $9.95

• 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

Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe Valentines Day Special - Prime Rib or Rib Eye Dinner $32.99 for Two Persons

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

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

February 14 - 20, 2014

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery Try Our Locally Hand Crafted Beers

Midway-Sunset

Tool Pusher

I PA ndia

ale

le

Black Gold Brewing Company

Tool Pusher IPA

Citrus Pale Ale Black Gold Brewing Company

Holy Cow

Citrus Pale Ale

Black Gold Brewing Company

Growlers and Growler ReFills Support Your Local Craft Brewery 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556