come play with me Taft

Independent The Taft

February 15 - 22, 2013

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

February 15 - 22, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 31

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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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.

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa Elaine Arnold, Owner Pedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing 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

Westside Recreation District Offers New Play and Grow With Me

Ten Percent Children’s Firearms Program 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Passion For Nails Nail Services:

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

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

1014 6th Street • Taft

Monday to Friday In the Save A Lot Shopping Center 10am-7pm and Saturday 9am-6pm

(661)745-4913

QIK SMOG & TUNE Your Hometown Auto Care Center (661) 763-4445

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

February 15 - 22, 2013

Shop Taft

Ten Percent Firearms

Passion For Nails Nail Services:

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

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

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 WatchWatch Batteries Batteries Replaced Most $4.00 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Some $8.00

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

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

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

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

(661)745-4913

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

J e w e l r y

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Personal Style Used to be Paul’s Boutique

SALE!

Bike Shop

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

New Arrivals Just In! LA Idol, Bermuda, Capris and Jeans - Regular and Plus Size Lic # B-721903

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

Spring Fashions Arriving Now!

423 Center Street • 763-3527

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

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

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

Gran Venta del 2013

Sabado y Domingo Solamente *Telefonos GRATIS* *Telefonos Android desde $79.99 *Planes de Llamadas Ilimitadas* *desde $30 al mes* *Planes de Internet Ilimitadas desde $35 al mes*

Gifts for Valentines or Any Occasion

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

FREE

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

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

763-9100

745-4919

Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899 REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

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

608 Center St.

*Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

39

Plus Tax

$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Exp. January 30, 2013

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

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

Elaine Arnold, Owner Pedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing 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

February 15 - 22, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Recreation Report..........4 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Movie Review...................8 Classified Ads.................10

Calendar

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument” Have a community event that you would like to include?

Email us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

Grandma’s Attic Resumes at Taft Libraray Grandma’s Attic Storytime resumes at the Taft Branch Library on Saturday, January 19, 2013 and will continue every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. through April 20.

Aimed at 5 to 8 year-olds, Grandma’s Attic offers an old trunk full of surprises and stories presented by a different volunteer reader each week.

Children who participate will receive a form to return to their teacher for credit in their school reading program. Parents are always welcome to attend, or may enjoy some library or computer time while their child is occupied.

Also starting on Thursday, January 17 at 11:45 a.m. is Preschool Storytime, for 3 to 5 year-olds. Join us for stories and fun for the younger set.

For more information, call 763-3294 or visit the library at 27 Emmons Park Drive.

Opinion and Feature....11

Ethics Training Class March 14th

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

The City of Taft will be hosting an Ethics Training Class on Thursday, March 14, 2013, 6:00 p.m., in the Taft City Hall Council Chamber. Ethics Training is required for elected and appointed officials every 2 years. Mr. David Prentice of Cota Cole Law Firm will be the presenter. Any city or district wishing to join us for the training are welcome.

Please RSVP prior to Wednesday, March 6, 2013, so that Mr. Prentice will have sufficient training materials and Certificates of Completion for everyone attending the class.

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

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

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.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com or find us on facebook or

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.

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 taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Advertising Contributing Writers Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Gold • Sterling Silver New14K Inventory Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Hand Made Watch Batteries Greeting Cards by Donna

Sterling Silver426 Knuckle Rings $5.00 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 What’s in your Heart for Valentines Day New Arrival of different Clocks.

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

News Briefs Date Night Challenge at Taft First Baptist Church The First Baptist Church of Taft invites you to a Date Night Challenge next Friday evening, February 22, from 7-9 p.m. This is for all couples who want to make their marriages better. Studies show that those who date regularly enjoy their marriage more and that they last longer.

We will be showing a DVD which filmed Focus on the Family’s event featuring comedian Michael Jr, award-winning musician Mark Schultz, pastor Ted Cunningham’s call for a marriage-centered family, and marriage tips from Dr. Greg Malley and his wife Erin.

Childcare is available, but we ask for pre-registration of children so we know how many to plan for. We’re also asking for a $2 donation per child to help cover the cost of materials and snacks. There will also be some snacks for the adults as well as the opportunity to have your picture taken as a couple. We will e-mail the photo to you or have a copy made which you can pick up later. There will be some great door prizes you can win to help you plan your next date.

There is no charge for this event—other than the childcare. For more information or to register for the childcare, please call the church office at 763-3138 during normal business hours. First Baptist is located at 220 North Street. We’ll see you there!

Hall Ambulance Service Celebrates 42 Years Service

Local Paramedic Provider Still Under Daily Leadership of Founder, Harvey L. Hall On February 10th, 1971, Hall Ambulance Service was founded, and has since grown to become one of the largest privately owned ambulance companies in California. Starting out of a station that doubled as the family home in Bakersfield, Hall Ambulance Service now provides paramedic ambulance service to 85% of Kern County residents, serving from multiple locations. Hall Ambulance began operations with family members responding to calls assisted by four employees, and the company now employs over 350 field and administrative personnel.

During the 42 years that Hall Ambulance Service has been in business, their commitment to Kern’s residents has grown and continues to grow. Some of Hall’s accomplishments in the past 42 years include: -

Kern County’s First Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic Program Kern County’s First Paramedic Field Supervisor Program Kern County’s First EMT Academy Kern County’s First Computer Aided Ambulance Dispatch Center Kern County’s First Medical Explorer Program Kern County’s First Critical Care Transport Unit Kern County’s First Twelve-Lead ECG Transmission Program Accredited - Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems Accredited Center of Excellence - National/International Academy of Emergency Dispatch

According to Founder and President, Harvey L. Hall, “Our 42 year history is about building relationships through dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence to our patients and the various communities that we serve”.

Founded with a desire to ‘Provide the people of Kern County with a higher level of patient care’, Hall Ambulance Service continues that commitment today and into the future.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday February 19th, 2013 – 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.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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, February 15, 2013 through Thursday, February 21, 2013

A Good Day to Die Hard (R) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:00), 7:00, 9:00 Sun: (2:30), (5:00), 7:00 Mon: (4:30), 7:15 Tue - Thu: 7:15 PM Identity Thief (R) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:30), 7:45 Sun: (2:45), (5:30) Mon: (4:30), 7:15 Tue - Thu: 7:15 PM Lincoln (PG-13) Fri & Sat: (5:15), 8:15 Sun: (2:15), 5:15 Mon: (4:15), 7:00

red at the Westside Recreation a

Don’t Let Obama Put Our Toddlers in Government Schools

By Cathy Ruse In his State of the Union speech, President Obama called for taxpayer-funded universal preschool for “every child in America.”

As a mom of a toddler, I reject that plan.

Babies and toddlers have what experts call an “absorbent mind,” in which they learn primarily by absorbing their environment and the movement and speech of those around them. It is no surprise that they are very attached to home and family in these years. They are not “social” beings yet; their only relationship need is to feel cared for by, and be in close proximity to, the people who love them the most.

The idea of taking these tender souls out of their homes and putting them in some government school makes me shudder.

President Obama promises that these early-start schools would have a positive impact on a child’s later education. But that promise appears empty, given the dreadful report just out on Head Start.

Head Start is the federal preschool program for pre-kindergarten children from low-income families costing taxpayers $8 billion each year. Congress asked the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of the program’s effectiveness, the results of which were available last October (but not released until after the election).

The study tracked the progress of 5,000 children, half of whom had been through the Head Start program from as early as age 3 and half of whom had not. The results are bad news. Despite the vast sums of money spent to ready these children for school, the study found that Head Start had little to no positive impact on the cognitive abilities or emotional well-being of its participants, and even showed a negative impact in certain areas. After nearly 50 years running, the flagship federal preschool program Head Start does not give children any measurable head start at all.

Something that does help children prepare for school and beyond is stronger families, a subject the president also mentioned in his State of the Union address. According to respected sociologist Dr. Pat Fagan, over a million American children suffer the divorce of their parents each year. We cannot have secure, well-prepared, confident children if we continue to sustain a culture of no-fault divorce, cohabitation and “hook-ups” that produce kids but no families.

And as far as the use of federal dollars goes, I’ve got a better idea for President Obama. Rather than taking our money and setting up government schools for babies, why not give that money back to moms and dads and let them decide what’s best for their families?

Cathy Ruse, J.D., is senior legal fellow at the Family Research Council.

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant

February 15 - 22, 2013

West Kern Oil Museum Dinner Deadline Monday is the deadline to make reservations for the West Kern Oil Museum’s annual membership dinner.

The event will be held Feb. 23 at the Community Center. Reservations can be made by calling the Museum at 765-6664 or by email at curator@lightspeed.net 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.

“Memberships keep us going,” said Don Maxwell, director of volunteers.

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.

Guest speaker will be Michael Semas, a postcard collector, who will show postcards depicting early life in the oil patch.

“I’ve been collecting postcards for about 15 years,” he said. “The current count is about 8,500 plus. I have about 1,000 cards of the western San Joaquin Valley, most of them of the oil industry. They date from 1905 through 1945.”

Semas has written two books featuring his postcards: “Kings County – Vintage Postcard Series” and “Fresno – Vintage Postcard Series.”

He’s also working on a third book of postcards from Huntington, Shaver and Hume lakes.

“My fourth book planned will be on the early oil industry of the San Joaquin Valley,” he said.

Rick Woodson, chairman of the Museum Board of Directors, will emcee the program.

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.

Taft College Contest to Rename Emmons Park Drive Taft College is holding a contest to solicit names to propose the renaming of Emmons Park Drive. The names submitted so far are listed below. Once a name is chosen, the college would seek permission from the city to rename Emmons Park Drive.

Cougar Court Success Way Future Avenue Cougar Way Taft College Way Cougar Pride Way Cougar Pride Drive Cougar Corner Cougar Park Drive Cougar Circle The High Road (El Camino Alto) Associate Avenue Opportunity Way Black & Gold Drive Scholastic Drive Cougar Cove Cougar Country Court Black Gold Way College Way

Cothrun drive Congruence Way Winners Circle Cougar Country Drive Feliz Concolor Court (happy with color) Cougar Lane Cougar Drive Success Lane Cougar Den Lane 29 Wisdom Trek Taft Community Avenue Saber es Poder (To know is Power) Cougar Terrace Court David Cothrun Way Scholar Place 29 College Drive Cougar Place College Avenue TC Way

“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.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

February 15 - 22, 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

MOTHER SON DANCE Saturday, March 2 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Boys ages 4 and up $30 per couple ($10 each additional son) **Minimum ticket sales needed by February 14: 25 couples Don’t miss out on the 3rd Annual Mother Son Dance – this year with a sports theme. Boys ages 4 and older may be accompanied by their mother, guardian or adult relative. The fun evening includes music, photos, snacks and more fun. If minimum ticket sales are not met by Thursday, February 14 the event will be cancelled.

GAMES GALORE Wednesday, February 20 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades 1-8 FREE! Join us for some fun and games! We will have classic board games plus lots of fun games on the Nintendo Wii. WONDERFUL WAFFLES Wednesday, February 27 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 6+ $5 per person ** pre-registration is required by Tuesday, February 26 Come and learn how to make waffles from scratch! We will make classic waffles, cake batter waffles and cinnamon roll waffles. Space is limited.

PLAY & GROW WITH ME ** NEW DAYS & TIMES ** Who: Ages 10-30 months (kids should be walking to participate) When: Tuesday & Thursday Mornings Time: 9:00-9:45 a.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month or $5 per day Instructor: Adrienne Cloud This class is designed specifically for interaction between mothers (father, grandparent, guardian or other adult) and their babies in a fun activity-type atmosphere. We play on the mats and have a tunnel, parachute, balls and other fun gadgets. Children should be walking to participate. Classes will be held on a monthly, ongoing basis. Register for a whole month or just pay by the day!

AEROBIC KICKBOXING Who: Ages 14+ When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

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

INSTRUCTIONAL T-BALL Who: Ages 4-6 When: Tuesday Evenings Time: 5:15-6:00 p.m. or 6:15-7:00 p.m.

Session: March 15 – April 5 Where: Wrecker Field (Recreation Center) Fee: $35 per player Registration deadline: Thursday, March 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUTH TRACK Who: Ages 6-15 Season begins: March 4 When: Weekday Evenings Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Where: Taft Union High School Track Fee: $45 per person Registration deadline: Thursday, February 28 PONYTAIL LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL Who: Girls Ages 7-15 (league age as of June 30, 2013) Tryouts/Evaluations: February 25-27 Draft: February 28 Practices begin: March 25 Fee: $50 per person Registration deadline: Thursday, February 21 TINY TOT WHIFFLEBALL Who: Ages 2-3 When: Thursday Evenings Time: 5:15-5:45 p.m. or 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Session: March 14 – April 11 Where: Wrecker Field (Recreation Center) Fee: $25 per player Registration deadline: Thursday, March 7 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.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALS Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at West Side Lanes in the 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. Please phone 765-6677 or 7634246 for more information or to make a reservation.

SUMMER LIFEGUARDS NEEDED! We are in search of some lifeguards to work part-time this summer at the Natatorium Swimming Pool. Applications are available in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. Lifeguard candidates must be at least 16 years of age (as of June 1) and successfully pass a Lifeguard Training Course.

Application deadline is Thursday, March 21. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or steph@wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! BINGO Thursday Afternoons Games start at 1:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Ages 21 and older Buy-in varies, $10-15 average Cash pots! Pull-tabs also sold.

EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 23, 2013 10:00 a.m. SHARP ‘A’ Street Park, Taft FREE! Ages 2-8 are welcome!

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

February 15 - 22, 2013

Westside News & Business Briefs Recreation District Offers New Play and Grow With Me Program

By Adrienne Cloud One of the newest classes that are being offered at the Westside Recreation and Park District is Play and Grow with Me for toddlers.

The class was started because of the extreme need for activities for our toddlers. It’s a shame but true that if you are a stay at home mom, grandma, or caretaker of a child that is 10 to 36 months, there really isn’t much for them to do in our small lovely town. Gas is expensive, and so are other classes for toddlers that Bakersfield offers.

So don’t waste your money to make the drive, just come to the recreation center and bring your toddler to have fun with you and socialize with other children their own ages.

My name is Adrienne Cloud and I have lived in Taft for most of my life. I have studied Child Development for the last 7 years. I never thought that I would have been in the position to worry about whether my child was getting enough interaction form others because I have two other children at home, however due to the fact that my other children are significantly older than my 16 month old it puts my baby at a loss for appropriate interaction with peers his own age.

All children need stimulus from others their own ages so they can learn to socially cope and learn how to communicate with each other.

OT

So hence the drive that pushed me to want something more for my son. I want him to be able to play with other children, and really know how to socially interact with them.

This is why I brought the idea to the recreation center and they agreed that there is a need for a class like this one in Taft. Play and Grow with Me is designed for fun interaction between mommy and child while giving the children a chance to interact with one another.

The music is repetitive and the toys are the same with little differences every week to change things up. I have planned the classes this way so the children have consistency and know what to expect every time they come to class. I am hoping that families see the importance of a class like this and how great it is for our community.

I have big hopes and dreams for this class. I am hoping that eventually we will get so many children that I have to add more classes. I am also hoping that if we get enough interest we can do craft days with our little ones too.

Until then the class meets on every Tuesday from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. and is 25 dollars for four weeks. The WSRPD has also set aside S.T.O.P. monies for families that need a little help. So there really is no reason to not bring your baby down to the recreation center for some fun with you!

I also want to take the time to express my gratitude to The Westside Recreation and Park District for seeing the need and providing space for our toddlers to play and another special Thank you to Taft Midway Masonic Lodge # 426 for the donation to WSRPD that provided the funds for the wonderful toys that our children get to play on every week.

On behalf of myself and all the toddlers in town I hope to see you soon.

Courtney Madsen Esthetician Facials - Waxing - Spray Tanning

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

Time: 9:00-9:45 a.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month or $5 per day Instructor: Adrienne Cloud This class is designed specifically for interaction between mothers (father, grandparent, guardian or other adult) and their babies in a fun activitytype atmosphere. We play on the mats and have a tunnel, parachute, balls and other fun gadgets.

Children should be walking to participate.

Classes will be held on a monthly, ongoing basis.

Register for a whole month or just pay by the day!

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE

Jackson’s Automotive

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu

OT Cookhouse can accomodate smaller or larger Private Dining Events Reserve your Banquet today!!!

661.763.1819

When: Tuesday & Thursday Mornings

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

Skin Care by Cortney

We are also proud to offer our “Chef ’s Personal Creations & Selections” Five Specials Available Daily

Who: Ages 10-30 months (kids should be walking to participate)

Complete Automotive Service

Cookhouse & Saloon

Come in and check out our new items!!!

PLAY & GROW WITH ME

www.facebook.com/SkinCareByCortney Call or text for an appointment

Now Doing Smog Tests!

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

Bangs & Tangles 404 Center Street (661)623-4855

Call Today for an Appointment 763-1055 Corner of 3rd and Center Street 110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

Used Book Store in Taft

HAYDENS HOPE

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Stop By For Some Great Company and Good Books!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

New School Hours Mon. & Tues.

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

Happy Valentine’s Day! All Valentine’s Day Stuff 1/2 Off

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

Closed Feb. 9th thru the 11th.

February 15 - 22, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

8

Liberty Under Fire State of the Union Address lacks Constitutional authority for much of what is proposed

By Dr. Harold Pease

In President Barack Obama’s 5th State of the Union address he offered not a single cut but did ask Congress to do many things, most of which are very expensive. They include: raise the minimum wage to $9.00 per hour, finding a way to provided full-time employment for all who wish it, cutting red tap on new oil and gas permits, working with Congress on “research and technology” in the energy area. He wants to “cut in half the energy wasted by our homes and businesses.” He wants high-speed rail, high-tech schools and self-healing power grids. His “Fix-It-First program” puts people back to work on 70,000 structurally deficient bridges across the country.” We also need modern ports, modern pipelines, and modern schools. Most of these programs require vast funding from the taxpayer.

His program would allow homeowners to refinance at today’s rates. He would help finance manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and housing. Make preschool program “available to every child in America.” He invites a federal governmental roll in “boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime.” The government should “reward schools that develop new partnerships with colleges and employers, and create classes that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Colleges, he said, “must do their part to keep costs down, and it is our job to make sure they do.” This implies vast subsidies and vastly more controls. He would offer companies incentives to hire those who were difficult to hire. He spoke of “rebuilding vacant homes in run-down neighborhoods” and of partnering “with 20 of the hardest-hit towns in America,” presumably to rebuild them with tax-payer money. And he wanted more Internet control. To pay for these budget-busting programs he offered only closing tax loopholes and taxing the rich more.

Most pundits will note how expensive the above would be, especially when we are $16.5 trillion in debt (approximately $6 trillion from Barack Obama alone) and adding to this $4 billion each day. Someone has to ask the question. Are we intentionally attempting to bankrupt this country? Or, they might write about the vast expansion of federal control over our lives, that will never be returned, and the resultant loss of liberty.

Because few read the Constitution anymore, they may not notice that not a single one of these expensive power-grabbing and bankruptcy-leading measures meet the list requirement in Article I, Section 8. Nor have any of the power increases been presented to the states for the required 3/4th ratification to become federal powers, as required by Article V. All power areas not listed, nor

TAFT INDEPENDENT

added by way of amendment, belong to the states as per Amendment 10, otherwise, in time, we will not need state government, as all power will emanate from our all-knowing and all-powerful federal government.

But even more frightening is the extension of presidential power and Congress’ ineptitude with respect to defending themselves because of their worshipful allegiance to party rather than to the Constitution they swore to uphold. He announced the launch of three more “manufacturing hubs” to guarantee, “the next revoltion in manufacturing is Made in America.” And requested Congress to create an additional 15 such hubs. What these are, and more precisely what they do, was not given. Nor was it given that while he created the first three, why he now needed Congress to create another 15. And if Congress won’t will he then do so himself ?

On climate change he “urged” movement from Congress than threatened them if it did not happen. “But if Congress won’t act soon… I will. I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future.” He then identified three areas where his, presumably executive orders, would follow: “to reduce pollution, prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change, and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy.”

His threats are real. Unhappy that Congress had not already moved on gun control last month, as he wished, he created and signed 23 executive orders enlarging his power in this area. The Constitution gives the federal government no authority in this area and the words used in the 2nd Amendment are “shall not be infringed.” Congress alone has all law making powers outside the veto. The President has zero power to make law. Last summer he nullified existing law on immigration by executive order which violation of the Constitution is even more serious.

Internet control was also hinted at in the State of the Union Address. He said, “I signed a new executive order that will strengthen our cyber defenses by increasing information sharing, and developing standards to protect our national security, our jobs, and our privacy.” Three vastly enlarged areas of government control that has never been presented to the Congress or the States. How do executive orders differ from monarchical decrees? As with Congress the president’s powers are also listed, Article II, Sections 2-3, and not a single one of the powers that he is bestoing upon himself exists in the Constitution. All powers not listed, or added by way of amendment, belong to the states and the people as per Amendment 10.

Obama is a great orator but is he good enough to talk us into bankruptcy and out of liberty? For many yes! In Star Wars III the people clapped when they lost their liberty.

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.

February 15 - 22, 2013

Obituary

OLLENE CODAY TURNER OLLENE CODAY TURNER was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on January 29, 2013. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Kettle Falls, WA at the age of 98.

She was born August 31, 1914, in Mansfield, MO, to Sherman & Lula (Gann) Coday. At the age of three they moved to California where she attended Taft schools and in 1932 graduated from Exeter High School. Ollene met her future husband, Joseph Franklin Turner at a church revival in Fellows and married in 1934. Together they raised three sons – Jack, Jerald & Joe in Taft.

After the boys were grown they moved to Cuyama Valley where they lived for almost thirty years. Following a dream in December 1984 they moved to Rice, WA. One day after arriving at their new home, Joe passed away.

Ollene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe and brother, John Howard Coday. She is survived by her sons – Jack H. ( Jean) Turner of Taft; Jerald H. Turner of Taft; Joe A. (Maxine) Turner of Rice, WA. Grandchildren – Mike Turner of Taft, Kevin Turner of Taft, Karen Turner Barrett of Bakersfield, Denise Turner Hess of Bakersfield, Cheryl Turner Robinson of Texas, Deanna Turner Maier of Enumclaw, WA and Jodi Turner Moe of Rice, WA; 19 Great Grandchildren and 11 Great-Great Grandchildren; two sisters-in-law – Maxine Turner of Taft; Irene Coday of Exeter, CA and so very many special friends.

Ollene loved creating wonderful masterpieces with her talent of crocheting and sewing. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, the outdoors, a love of all animals (horses), the beach, riding motorcycles well into her eighties, and taking long drives.

With her strong will and determination she accomplished most anything she put her heart into. Ollene had a zest for living and a strong faith in her Lord that she passed on to her family who was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life was held February 4, 2013, at graveside at the I.O.O.F cemetery of Rice, WA where she was laid to rest beside her husband Joe. Danakas Funeral Chapel of Colville, WA was entrusted with the arrangements.

February 15 - 22, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

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

Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

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

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319

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

Check Out Our Website Maricopaquiltcompany.com And Facebook Page 370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

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

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

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

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

First Baptist Church

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

Gateway Temple

Community Christian Fellowship

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

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

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

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

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

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

Your Church Ad Here!

765-6550

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

Call Today!

765-6550

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550

For Rent

520 Shattuck

$750 month Paul Joyce 805-218-1686 Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

For Rent

220 Montview

$795 month Paul Joyce 805-218-1686 Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

Preserving for the Future

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax: E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

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

Wednesday.

First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Establshed electronics and shipping store.

Includes equipment, inventory. Former Radio Shack. $19,500. (661) 805-8722. 3-10.

HELP WANTED

318 Easter Ave. in home. 8am - ?

25010 First St. Derby Acres. Sat. and Sun. Lot’s of tools. and Misch.

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

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

Info call 716-4000. 3-27.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-379-0848 for RESPITE CARE info.

Respite Care is available every Thursday At the

B License 442018

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR ATTENDANCE AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SECRETARY AT BUTTONWILLOW SCHOOL. PLEASE GO TO WWW.BUTTONWILLOWSCHOOL.COM FOR DETAILS.

pre-employment drug screen, physical and thorough background check. E.O.E.

CHILD CARE SERVICES WANTED Junk Cars Wanted.

Cash Paid. 805-0552.

FOR SALE Upright like new GE freezer. 1 year old. $250. Also have a lot more household items for sale. Call 7633586.2-30.

Firewood. $1 to $2 each. 313 Kern St.

AUTOMOBILES Meter Reader ($3,025 - $4,751 per month) If you are looking for a career, come and check out what we have in store for you! West Kern Water District is seeking an energetic and dependable individual to join our team who has the ability to work independently and read water meters with a high degree of accuracy. Apply immediately at 800 Kern Street, P.O. Box 1105, Taft, CA 93268.

Deadline for submitting application is 4:30 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013.

Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District application. The successful applicant will be subject to a

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

FOR LEASE. 4\2 Big fenced yard. 2 car Avail 3-1. $1,100 ROOMS FOR RENT garage. mo. $1,100 dep. 500 Rooms for rent.

Eastern Ave. (661) Maricopa. Private home, 765-4333. DO NOT DISfurn. or unfurn. Call for TURB TENANTS. 2-30. info. 745-4211. 2-26 FOR LEASE. 3/1.

HOMES FOR SALE Fenced yard. Big lot.

Real Estate eBroker Inc. $750. mo. $1,000 dep.

By Appointment 109 South Street. (661) Karri Christensen 765-4333. DO NOT DISLIC# 01522411 & TURB TENANTS. 2-30. #01333971 661-332-6597 2bd. w/garage $700. mo www.BuyTaft.com 429 Rose.

Real Estate Sales & 2 Units 319 1/2 San Purchase Emido w/utilities. 1 bd Can’t make payments call $650. abnd 1 bd. plus me!! I can help direct you office $750. plus dep. to a loan modification or 765-5000. assist you in your short License 01914953 sale!

Wondering how buying 402 Pierce St. 3bd 1 ba. a house works? Set an w/ gargae. $880. mo. appointment with Karri plus dep. 765-5000. to watch a FREE video on the process.

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

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list.

1bd. 1ba. Upstairs. $450 Mo. plus $450 dep. 155 1/2 North Street. (661) 477-9636. 2-8.

LOST PETS MOBILE HOMES HOMES FOR RENT

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

Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191 Wanted to Rent. We are a couple in our 50’s. Long term renters looking for a house with an in ground pool and garage. 2 or 3 bedroom 1ba. Will pay 3 months in advance plus sec. dep. 661-293-0116 or 293-0413. 2-16.

Ken Shugarts

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

Be Seen!

Classified Ads

in the

Taft

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

Independent

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

$2 per line

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

APART. FOR RENT

PETS

$500 Reward. Lost Mini Aussie. Black\grey\white w/tan spot on face. Blue eyes, female. Rexxie.

REWARD. 661-7655862 or 623-0758.

Joyce Properties (661) 765-6300

Business Services

February 15 - 22, 2013

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500 Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 522 Center 1/1 $500 2/1 $825 3/1 $875 400 Woodrow 1 & 2 Bed units available $625/$725 539 Front 2/1 $700 104 North 2/1 $725 561 Front 2/1 $800 205 W Ash 2/1.5 $700 203 W Ash 2/1.5 $700 23312 Derby Ave $700 709 Kern St 3/1 $900 27558 Hwy 119 3/1.75 $1,100 340 F St 3/1.75 + 1/1 $1,200 Homes for Rent 2bed. 1 ba.

411 Shattuck. $600.

3bd. 1ba $750.

520 Shattuck.

3bd. 1 1/2 ba. $800.

118 Crystal.

3bd. 1 ba. $800.

220 Mont View Call Paul Joyce (805) 218-1686

Box your ad

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674.

420 Finley Dr.

for $5 more

Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath. $99 move in special based on approved credit. No Pets Allowed. Call (805) 3751458 or (661) 765-7678.

call

Large 1 bd. 1 ba.

Upstairs Apt. Stove, Refir. no pets. $495. mo. plus $500 sec. dep. 661428-3252. 3.8.

765-4191 or 549-1068

765-6550

WANTED TO RENT

Writers Wanted At the Taft Independent

Your Ad Here!

765-6550

Experience Required.

Please call 765-6550.

Visit Us Online at www.taftindependent.com

Opinion and Features

Hunters and Anglers have $3.5 Billion Impact on California’s Economy

Obama Needs To Focus Energy Policy On Change, Not Hope

Washington, DC: The 1.8 million people that hunt or fish in California have a tremendous impact on the state’s economy. In 2011, these outdoorsmen and women spent $3.5 billion with a ripple effect of $6.75 billion, and supported 56,388 jobs in the state. New data released today by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) documents the importance of sportsmen and women’s activities in California and across the nation. The state fact sheets follow the release of CSF’s national report, America’s Sporting Heritage, Fueling the American Economy, that was released in mid-January.

Just prior to the election, battery-maker A123 Systems filed for bankruptcy. As the recipient of $249 million in federal money, the Massachusetts-based company represents just the latest in a long line of troubled taxpayer-enabled green ventures - some 34 companies and $7.5 billion to date. How little different this is from Houston-based Enron’s forays into wind and solar in the 1990s, which even with federal subsidies were never profitable.

Failed bets on politically correct, market-incorrect energies are part of the trillion-dollar federal deficits that shake America’s living rooms. Yet President Obama seems determined to continue throwing good money after bad, setting up companies and their workers for failure. Meanwhile, resources are taken from the private sector where consumer-supported jobs originate.

Such is just part of the president’s grander, misdirected energy policy, one that is at odds with the Big Three Energies of oil, gas and coal.

Consider, for example, the president’s take on the cause and cure for high gasoline prices. A CNN poll earlier this year found a three-fold increase in the number of Americans viewing high motor fuel prices as the nation’s most significant economic issue. The national average has abated to $3.42 per gallon, and gasoline prices in California have recently dropped below $4 per gallon. Still, stagnant oil production on federal lands compared to state and private lands is a missed opportunity for producers and consumers alike.

So what does the president say? That renewable energy is “the only way we’ll break this cycle of high gas prices.”

The truth is that the big forces pushing up gas prices can’t be solved with wind, solar and ethanol. Global demand for crude oil is high, and the supply is hampered by political instability in oil-rich places such as the Middle East and North Africa. And U.S. policymakers have weakened the dollar.

Then there’s the president’s take on taxes. Obama constantly hammers “big oil” for supposedly not paying its fair share. And he claims these companies are benefiting from billions of dollars in taxpayer giveaways. But the fact is that the three biggest oil companies - Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips - all pay tax rates above 40 percent. Compare that to other major American corporations. Apple only pays 9 percent. GE, thanks in part to its windpower unit, pays just 7 percent.

Then there’s the claim from the White House that oil companies are leasing thousands of acres of land but leaving them idle.

To make its case against expanded drilling, the administration misleadingly defines “idle” to include such things as seismic testing on the land and preparing rigs to drill.

True, at this stage companies aren’t physically pulling resources from the ground. But the land certainly isn’t idle. Oil and natural gas developers are just taking necessary first steps before actual drilling and, hopefully, production occurs.

Compare this to genuine idleness when federal policies have unnecessarily delayed drilling permits. And don’t forget the Keystone XL pipeline, which remains one White House decision away from overcoming idleness.

Obama’s effort to paint green-tech as the future of American energy is predictably backfiring. While heavily subsidized wind and solar companies continue to flail, the traditional energy sector is flourishing, while developing more environmentally friendly ways of doing business.

Indeed, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that by 2035, oil and natural gas alone will supply about 55 percent of America’s energy needs, compared to less than 11 percent from government-dependent wind, solar and ethanol.

And if federal budget reforms eliminate energy subsidies, expect this market-share differential to become much more pronounced.

With his second term just around the corner, President Obama should rethink his failing energy policy for one premised on free markets, consumer sovereignty and deficit-reduction. One can hope for change, right?

Robert L. Bradley is CEO and founder of the Institute for Energy Research and author of seven books on energy. He blogs at www.masterresource.org.

“Many people may not fully comprehend how important hunting and fishing are to the fabric of this country. Yet nationally there are more people who hunt or fish than go bowling, and their spending would land them at #24 on the Fortune 500 list,” commented Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

“Sportsmen and women spent $3.5 billion on hunting and fishing in California in 2011, more than receipts from cattle and calves, one of the state’s top agricultural commodities that year ($3.5 billion vs. $2.8 billion).”

Intended to provide a series of “sound bites” that resonate within the outdoor community as well as the general public, the CSF data spotlights some of the most compelling information about hunters and anglers in every state. For example, 1.82 million people (residents and non-residents) hunted or fished in California in 2011, more than the population of the city of San Diego (1.82 million vs. 1.31 million). In addition, people who hunted or fished in California outnumber the combined total home attendance for all three of the state’s NFL football teams in 2011 (1.82 million vs.

1.55 million). Perhaps most importantly, hunters and anglers support 56,388 jobs in California - that is more than the 32nd Street Naval Base, the state’s largest employer (56,388 vs. 42,951).

Nationwide, the impact is even more impressive. There are more than 37 million hunters and anglers age 16 and up in this country - about the same as the population of the entire state of California.

These sportsmen and women spent $90 billion on hunting and fishing in the United States in 2011, which is comparable to the combined global sales of Apple’s iPad® and iPhone® that year. In difficult economic times, it is important to note that both participation and spending by people who hunt and fish went up in 2011.

Beyond the impact to businesses and local economies, sportsmen and women are the leaders in conserving fish and wildlife and their habitats. When you combine license and stamp fees, motorboat fuels, excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment and membership contributions to conservation organizations, hunters and anglers directed $3 billion towards on-the-ground conservation and restoration efforts in 2011 - that is over $95 every second. This does not include their own habitat acquisition and restoration work for lands owned or leased for the purpose of hunting and fishing, which would add another $11 billion to the mix.

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.

By Robert L. Bradley Jr.

Assemblywoman Shannon Grove Introduces “No Pension Bailout” Resolution AJR 10 would oppose a federal bailout of California’s pension system SACRAMENTO - Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) has introduced Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 10, to oppose any attempt by the state of California to receive a federal bailout for our state debt.

“I am proposing this preemptive measure because I firmly believe that each state is responsible for their own fiscal decisions. California taxpayers should not be held accountable for the failed fiscal policies of other states, just as others should not be on the hook for ours,” said Grove. “The ‘balanced’ budget Governor Brown unveiled last month conveniently ignored billions of dollars in unfunded pension liability, and the changes made to public pensions in recent years will only save the state a fraction of what it spends on these obligations. We can’t just ignore these numbers, and we should not expect a federal bailout. I want to bring more attention to the fact that the California legislature alone needs to seriously and significantly address our billions in state debt.”

The California State Teachers Retirement Fund (CalSTRS) released a report earlier this week revealing a $64 billion dollar pension deficit, while the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) puts its unfunded pension liability at $49 billion dollars, plus billions more in state retiree health care benefits.

The non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office has stated that the Governor’s budget does not adequately address California’s pension liabilities.

Principal co-author of the measure is Assemblyman Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), who served four terms as a Lassen County Supervisor before being elected to the state legislature. Lassen County was debt-free during his tenure and remains so today.

“We shouldn’t saddle future generations with our poor financial decisions,” said Dahle of AJR 10.

The “No Pension Bailout” measure is part of a nationwide campaign initiated by the Illinois Policy Institute, a leading free market think tank. The effort began last year after Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, proposed that the federal government guarantee Illinois’ severely underfunded pension systems. According to a study by the Institute, federal bailouts would require taxpayers in states like Texas and North Dakota to subsidize the pensions of fiscally irresponsible states like Illinois and California.

“Everybody thinks that California is too big to fail. But like President Obama’s home state of Illinois, California is a model of the liberals’ plan to tax and spend us further into debt,” stated Grove.

“By taking a stand against bailouts we’re saying that states need to fix their own fiscal problems and not pass the buck to taxpayers in the rest of the country.”

Joint resolutions such as AJR 10 express an opinion about an issue pertaining to the federal government, and are sent to Congress once passed by both houses of the state legislature. They do not require approval from the Governor.

Shannon Grove represents the Kern County communities of Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Taft and Frazier Park/Lebec.

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

Visit Us Online at www.taftindependent.com

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

February 15 - 22, 2013

Used to be Paul’s BMX

Bike Shop

Bikes Are Here!

Diagnostic Specialists Service & Repairs • Smog Repairs Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front End Brakes • Fuel Injection

(661)765-5000 or (661)343-0507

$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad* *1996 Vehicle or newer

Qik Smog & Tune

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

western shop & PET Wash January Clearance Full Grooming Salon Jackets 30% Off

Let us wash and Brush out those wooley dogs

Dickies and FR Wrangler

Flannel Shirts 30% Off Dickies Insulated

Nails 12.00 2nd Dog $9.00

Hats - Boots - Jewelry - Purses - Jeans

Birds - nails and Wings $9.00 with beak $14.00

Coveralls $49.00 Overalls $42.00

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

www.shawswesternshop.com

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

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

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR