Taft Community Garden

Independent The Taft

March 15 - 21, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

March 15 - 21, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 35

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

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Sunday, March 17th St. Patrick’s Day Corn Beef, Cabbage and Corn Bread Includes our famous Green Stuff Dessert

Starts at Noon until gone! $1.50 Draft Green Beer

Try Our Friday Fish Fry

A Stones CD WithThrown Salad Bar Friday Release Every Party at OT’s Noon UntilSaturday 7 pm Cookhouse Night

Ten Percent What Does Your Firearms Garden Grow?

Taft Community 1277 Kern Street Garden Sowing (661)765-6899 and Growing.

Taft Community Garden Volunteers Lodema and Ray Hatch, and Kathy Johnson

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

15% OFF SERVICES IN CELEBRATION OF OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN BUSINESS

Taft Colege Friends of the Libraray Honor Connie Redfield

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

531 Center Street (661)763-1123 MONDAY - FRIDAY Over 50 Different Craft & -Imported Beers 5:00pm WE SERVICE MOST MAKES AND MODELS 8:00am *Must ask for discount

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

March 15 - 21, 2013

Shop Taft

Ten Percent Firearms

Passion For Nails

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

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs 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

Lic # B-721903

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

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

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

(661)745-4913

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Personal Style Used to be Paul’s Boutique Bike Shop

Taft’s Best and Only Bike Shop.

Come on in and see our Inventory.

New Corky’s and Montana West Flip Flops 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

J e w e l r y

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

608 Center St.

745-4919

Ten Percent Firearms

NO CONTRACTS UNLIMITED* DATA,TEXT,TALK Unlimited plan $50/month1st line $40 / month each additional line

Spring Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

Blue Jeans & Bling Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

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

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

*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

March 15 - 21, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Recreation Report..........4

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 Library

Classified Ads.................10

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

Westside Little League Sign-ups On-line

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

Taft’s Westside Little League is currently offering sign-up for the new season. To register, go to www.taftwestsidelittleleague.org

Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Movie Review...................8

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

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.

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111

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.

acme jewelry co.

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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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.

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News Briefs IRS Has $92 Million for Californians Who Have Not Filed 2009 Income Tax Return Refunds totaling over $92 million may be waiting for an estimated 100,700 taxpayers in California who did not file a federal income tax return for 2009, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2009 must be filed with the IRS no later than Monday, April 15, 2013.

The IRS estimates that half the potential refunds for 2009 are more than $500.

Some people may not have filed because they had too little income to require filing a tax return even though they had taxes withheld from their wages or made quarterly estimated payments. In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim a refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.

For 2009 returns, the window closes on April 15, 2013. The law requires that the return be properly addressed, mailed and postmarked by that date. There is no penalty for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2009 refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2010 and 2011. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS or their state tax agency, and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

By failing to file a return, people stand to lose more than refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2009. In addition, many low-and-moderate income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2009, the credit is worth as much as $5,657. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds. The thresholds for 2009 were: $43,279 ($48,279 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children, $40,295 ($45,295 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children, $35,463 ($40,463 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and $13,440 ($18,440 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.

For more information, visit the EITC Home Page.

Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the Forms and Publications page of IRS.gov or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800829-3676). Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for 2009, 2010 or 2011 should request copies from their employer, bank or other payer.

If these efforts are unsuccessful, taxpayers can get a free transcript showing information from these year-end documents by filing Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, with the IRS or by calling 800-829-1040.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday March 19th, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

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

J e w e l r y

Gold • Sterling Silver New14K Inventory Black Hills Gold • Knives Jewelry Repair Spyderco & Kershaw Batteries Tactical LEDWatch Flashlights

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.

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Hand Made Greeting Cards by Donna Sterling Silver Knuckle Rings $5.00 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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

March 15 - 21, 2013

Letters to the Editor

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, March 15, 2013 through Thursday, March 21, 2013 Oz The Great and Powerful (PG) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:00), 7:45 Sat: 7:00 PM Sun: (1:00), (3:45), 6:30 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM Oz The Great and Powerful (PG) Sensory Friendly Showing! Lights up, sound down, talking, moving around is OK.; No Passes Allowed Sat: (3:00 PM) Snitch (PG-13) Fri & Sat: (5:15), 7:30 Sun: (1:30), (4:15), 6:45 Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM Safe Haven (PG-13) Fri & Sat: (5:30), 8:00 Sun - Thu: (1:15), (4:00), 6:30

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.

Taft Calendar of Events The Fort St. Patrick’s Dinner March 14th Taft Chamber Cinco De Mayo Celebration May 5th.

Chamber Rails to Trails Car Show is June 8th.

The Taft Fireworks Show on the Rails to Trails July 3rd.

Family Day July 4th.

To post your free calendar dates, please email them with details to Publisher@taftindepedent.com

March 15 - 21, 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

ART IS FUN! Wednesday, March 20 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Ages 4+ $3 per person Drop by for an hour of painting, drawing, coloring and more! Kids are invited to come create their own masterpieces using crayons, markers, paint, paper, glue and more. Younger kids will need a helper.

TAFT COLLEGE SOFTBALL CAMP Who: Ages 6-15 When: March 27-29 (Wednesday – Friday) Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (lunch provided, 12:00-1:00 p.m.)

Where: Taft College Softball Field Fee: $40 per player (includes t-shirt and lunch) Registration deadline: Thursday, March 21 YOUTH BASEBALL Who: Ages 12-15 (league age as of June 30, 2013) Tryouts & Draft: Saturday, May 11 Practices Begin: May 20 Session: March 15 – April 5 Fee: $50 per player Registration deadline: Thursday, April 25 CARD MAKING WORKSHOPS Who: Ages 55+ When: Friday, March 22 and Friday, April 26 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Where: Senior Rec Room (Community Center Activity Building) Fee: $1 per person We will provide paper, envelopes, markers, rubber stamps, ink, scissors, glue, stickers and all kinds of fun materials that you can use to make cards for any occasion – birthday, anniversary, get well, sympathy and holidays. Please sign-up in the Senior Rec Room or give us a call at 763-4246.

CHEAP & EASY BINGO Who: Ages 55+ When: Monday, March 25 and Monday, April 22 Time: 12:30 p.m.

Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $3 per person Join us the 4th Monday of the month for some cheap and easy bingo! For one low price, we will play 12 games of straight bingos on hard cards. All money collected will be paid out; the more money we bring in, the bigger the pots! We need a minimum of 10 players each week; please sign-up in the Senior Rec Room or give us a call at 763-4246.

GAMES & DESSERT NIGHT Who: Ages 55+ When: Friday, April 5 Time: 6:00 p.m.

Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: FREE! Want to get out of the house for a while? Come play some games (cards, board games, Wii bowling) and have a little dessert. Please sign-up in the Senior Rec Room or give us a call at 763-4246.

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

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

EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 23 10:00 a.m. SHARP! ‘A’ Street Park, Taft Ages 2-8 FREE! Bring a basket and be sure to show up at least 15 minutes early for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Kids will get to “hunt” for candy, plastic eggs, and prizes in different areas, divided by age groups. The Easter Bunny will also be there and the fun will take place rain or shine!

BBQ LUNCH & MOVIE Monday, March 25 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-8 $3 per person Hot dogs! We’ve got hot dogs! Bring your appetite to this fun lunch outing. We will serve barbecued hot dogs, chips, drinks and watch the movie “Rise of the Guardians”.

SIDEWALK CHALK ART Tuesday, March 26 10:00 a.m.

Community Center Parking Lot All Ages FREE! All young artists and creative minds are invited to leave their mark on our sidewalk. We’ll provide the chalk - you just choose a big spot to decorate as you wish.

CANDY BAR BINGO Tuesday, March 26 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-8 FREE! Join us for an hour of Bingo fun where you can win candy prizes. Be sure to bring a friend!

KIDS FUN DAY Wednesday, March 27 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-6 $8 per person ** registration deadline – March 26 Join us for a fun day of games,crafts, lunch, snacks and more! The more the merrier, so be sure to signup with a friend! Pre-registration is required.

TIE-DYE T-SHIRTS Thursday, March 28 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Community Center Activity Building Grades 2-8 $5 per person ** registration deadline – March 27 Bring a new, 100% cotton t-shirt and you will be able to tie-dye it some cool colors. Kids are encouraged to wear old clothes to work in. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

BOARD GAMES & LUNCH Friday, March 29 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades 1-8 FREE! Join us for a few hours of nothing but fun and games! Bring a sack lunch along for a short lunch break.

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.

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE May 6-8, 2013 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium Sign-up the first night of class! $5 per person Instructors: Larry Heptinstall and Ken Beard

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

March 15 - 21, 2013

Taft Community Garden Growing on the Community Spring Into Gardening Event Saturday, April 27th

One of Taft’s best kept secrets is its community garden located on 9th Street across from True Value Hardware.

The community garden is a place for the people of Taft to grow plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables. To rent a bed costs $40 a year and the plots are four feet wide, 12 feet long, and one foot deep.

Water, soil and even seeds are provided at no cost.

The garden is operated by a volunteer board of directors that meet monthly.

If you are just interested in growing plants and produce for yourself or your family, you can still save $100-$200 a year, according to garden board member Ray Hatch.

“I picked a pot’s worth of green beans for dinner and saved about four dollars,” said Hatch. “That’s how much it would have cost at Albertson’s and that was just from a small section of my plot.”

On Saturday, April 27th the garden will celebrate Spring with “Spring into Gardening” at the Community Garden from 9am to 11am. A tree planting is planned on Friday, April 26th with the city of Taft in recognition of Arbor Day. Several booths with garden related subjects will be on display.

The special day is aimed at families and individuals who love to garden or want to learn or be introduced to gardening. There will be many community tables featuring different partners and supporters of the garden.

Some of the tables featured will be Taft High AG students and a tasting table with some fruits and vegetable right from the garden.

A special coloring contest will be featured for elementary school children along with planting demonstrations. Finally, pumpkins

seeds will be given out to children to grow their creations over the summer and enter a pumpkin growing contest in the fall with many different categories to choose from. The High School Ag class will have plants on sale.

Garden board member Susan Wells from the Taft College TIL program is the event planner.

“The TIL Program has been involved with Taft Community Garden since the beginning,” Wells said. “The biggest benefit the students receive from participating with the garden is performing a service for the community. Students receive many benefits while attending Taft College/TIL Program such as a good education, work experience and ultimately learning to live as an independent adult.”

TIL students currently have two of their own boxes.

If you are interested in renting a box, making a donation or getting involved in the garden, call Kathy Johnson at 770-7202.

Volunteers (above) maintain the garden throughout the week. The brick walkway show here was built by Taft Correctional Institute inmates. Below, the garden is located at the corner of 9th and Kern Streets across from True Value Hardware. The garden is a non-profit community organzation funded by donations and box rentals.

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu Come in and check out our new items!!!

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

Join Us for Our Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Corned Beef and Cabbage Saturday March 16th 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

With more than 30 raised bed boxes, boxes rent for $40 each. Only one box is available now due to increasing demand. The gerden committee plans to build more rassed garden boxes when funding becomes available. The boxes are built by the Taft High School ROP program.

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Taft’s Only Used Books Store.

Stop in and Visit Today!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

The Taft Community Garden is supporterd by donations from many community organizations as seen here on a poster located at the garden. The West Kern Water District leases the land to the garden committee for $1 per year.

March 15 - 21, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft College Friends of the Library Honor Connie Redfield

Taft College Library Director Dave Berry with Connie Redfield.

Standing: (left to right) Tyrone Maddox, Loretta Lipscomb, Dave Layne, Connie Redfield, Dave Berry, Esther Livingston. Seated: (left to right) Mimi Collins, Bonnie Beatty.

Local businesswoman Connie Redfield was recognized by the Friends of Taft College Library (FOTCL) as their 2012 Honored Friend. A recognition tea was held Tuesday afternoon, March 12, in the TC Banquet Room.

Connie has long offered her support to the college library’s Friends group as the former owner of All in the Sandwich and a member of FOTCL. An avid reader and supporter of libraries, Connie was one of the first people to join the new Friends group and to help relocate the college library and integrate its programs into the community.

College Librarian and FOTCL President Dave Berry is pictured presenting Connie with the award plaque. Additionally, her name has been added to the Taft College Library Wall of Honor. Connie is also pictured with members of the FOTCL Board of Directors: (standing) Tyrone Maddox, Dr.

Loretta Garcia Lipscomb, Dr. David Layne, (Connie), Dave Berry, Esther Livingston; (seated) Dr. Mimi Collins, Bonnie Beatty.

Friends of TC Library is a group of volunteers from the campus and the community who support the library by offering public programs and supporting library services. The next FOTCL program will be The Cat in the Hat, by the popular performer Duffy Hudson. This program will be co-hosted by the Westside Friends of the Library and will be offered free to the public on Thursday evening, April 11th.

Friends of Taft College Library meets monthly on second Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m., in the library.

For more information: fotcl@ymail.com

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Liberty Under Fire “Stand with Rand,” the Patrick Henry of our Day.

By Dr. Harold Pease

The approval rating presently for Congress, according to the Washington Post, is 14 percent and few Americans believe them capable of providing the leadership that is so desperately needed in our time. Few, if any, command universal respect and there are no Patrick Henry’s, serious advocates of freedom even if they do not get reelected. The last time the parties worked together was during the Bill Clinton tenure and the last time a majority of Americans had any real hope for the future was during the Ronald Reagan Administration when he ended the “Cold War.” That may have changed for many on March 6, 2013, when one man stood, initially mostly alone with but a few Tea Party friends, on the Senate floor arguing for 13 hours far into the evening, even against his own party, for what he believed to be right. Most of my students have no idea what a Senate Filibuster is, as it has never occurred in their lifetime, but it allows a Senator to speak on a topic for as long as he can stand and speak. He may entertain questions from colleagues but he must never yield the floor. He may not leave the Senate Chambers, even for a restroom break, or sit down.

Such passion for liberty has never, in my lifetime, brought both ends of the political spectrum together and reminded us of our shared core values. Civil libertarians and Tea Party supporters buzzed their approval on social media. The American Civil Liberties Union referred to the event as historic and courageous. As the night wore on more people watched C-SPAN at one time then reportedly ever before.

America had a new hero and the phrase “Stand With Rand” gained popularity in a single evening. Not from the establishment press which largely ignored the new “Patrick Henry” of our day, and the significance of this moment, but decidedly without it.

Rand Paul, son of presidential contender Ron Paul, intentionally held up the confirmation of John Brennan as the new CIA Director because he had been elusive on the subject of drone use to kill Americans on U.S. soil, merely thought to have terrorist connection. This had happened in Yemen to a 16-year-old American boy Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, and Paul wanted assurance that it would not happen here. Failing to

get it from the nominee he next asked for it from the Obama Administration.

Certainly they would agree that such would be unconstitutional and a violation of the 5th Amendment’s due process provision to do so. Brennan’s stalling on the question amplified the need for such a statement which was even more amplified when the President seemed to be stalling also. The filibuster should have ended within the first hour. The world waited for an answer. That clarification finally arrived from Eric Holder the next day, but why was it not easily forthcoming?

Fear of the U.S. government is stronger today than at any time since the American Revolution and it does not help hearing that the Department of Homeland Security is buying up enormous quantities of ammunition to use somewhere and on someone: presumably on Americans because DHS has no function outside the country. As kind as they have been to illegal immigrants, even letting 2,000 incarcerated inmates go in early March, because of impending cuts due to the hardship anticipated from the Sequester, it is unlikely that they plan the ammo for them. Nobody seems to know. Since the word “terrorism” is not adequately defined or limited, (the best the government has given us is “Al-Qaedalike” organizations) both ends fear a revolving definition. Vice President Joe Biden has already called the Tea Party terrorists, and Occupy Wall Street folks have already had clashes with law enforcement. If the federal government is anticipating a clash with her own citizens, it would be a short step in logic to assume drone strikes could be used on U.S. citizens on U.S. soil as well.

The assurance sought for by Paul should have been supported by everyone giving an oath to support the Constitution as such a course, by the federal government, would effectively end the Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights.

What makes Rand Paul especially credible is that everyone who knows him attests that he would have done the same thing, and made the same case, in a George W. Bush Administration.

What was just as revealing with respect to the Rand Paul filibuster was who was not there defending our right not to be shot down by a drone in our own country. Only 15 Senators participated with Paul leaving 84 others to explain to their constituent’s why they had not defended the Constitution as their oath demanded. They were: Senators Ted Cruz (Texas), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Mike Lee (Utah), Pat Toomey (Penn.), John Thune (S.D.), John Barrasso (Wy.), Tim Scott (S.C.), John Cornyn (Texas), Jerry Moran (Kan.), Ron Johnson (Wis.), Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (Ky.) Saxby Chambliss (Ga.) and Ron Wyden (Ore.). Sadly, the

March 15 - 21, 2013

following morning both Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Senator John McCain of Arizona took to the same Senate floor and castigated Paul for his stand.

For me this was a moment of truth separating those who are real patriots from those who once were. Senator McCain was a co-author of the infamous National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Barack Obama New Years Eve 2011, which authorized the President, through his military, to kidnap any U.S. citizen thought to be associated with a terrorist organization and ship them to Guantanamo Bay for indefinite detention. Such action would strip Americans involved of their 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th Amendments to the Bill of Rights. Rand Paul voted against that law too.

No wonder he stood for 13 hours in defense of our liberty and the Constitution. If there is any hope in our saving our Republic it will come from those who stood for our core values this day. Will you “Stand With Rand” too?

Jackson’s Automotive Now Doing Smog Tests!

Front End Repairs Transmission Service Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service and Repairs Call Today for an Appointment 763-1055 Corner of 3rd and Center Street 110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

March 15 - 21, 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.

Yard Sale. 426 Eastern Ave 212 E. San Emdio St. Fri. 9am, Sat. 7 a.m.

Family Yard Sale. Lucky 7 Store Parking kot.

South Taft. Everything!

413 Hazelton Ave. Maricopa. Sat. 16th 7 am to Noon. Tools, golf clubs, refreig., trailer, camper shell. and more.

SAT. 3/16/13 501 A ST. PRE MOVING SALE. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. 7AM TO 11

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 760-3790848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

HELP WANTED SERVICES Cooler Services. Swap Cooler services and repair. Pumps, motors, etc. (661) 900-0917.

4-1.

CHILD CARE SERVICES WANTED Junk Cars Wanted.

Cash Paid. 805-0552.

FOR SALE Kenmore electric dryer. $60. obo 765-2406.

AUTOMOBILES PETS LOST PETS

Aussie. Black\grey\white w/tan spot on face. Blue eyes, female. Rexxie.

REWARD. 661-7655862 or 623-0758.

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

ROOMS FOR RENT HOMES FOR SALE Real Estate eBroker Inc.

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

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

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list

MOBILE HOMES FSBO. Large 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile beautifully remodeled. Owner will carry. Own your own home for $800 month.

Swimming pool. rec. room and more. Call 661-5448238. 3-15.

HOMES FOR RENT $500 Reward. Lost Mini

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500 Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT (661) 763-1500 Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT FOR RENT 119 ½ Madison 1/1 $500 203 W Ash 2/1.5 $600 205 W Ash 2/1.5 $600 202 Philippine 1/1 $650 522 Center 1/1 $450 3/1 $700 400 Woodrow 2/1 $725 104 North 2/1 $725 561 Front 2/1 $725 302 Calvin 1/1 $850 709 Kern St 3/1 $900 512 D St 3/1.75 $900 507 Tyler 3/1.75 $1,000 Looking to buy a house in Taft. Have $20,000 cash. Call 805 651-9720.

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 Joyce Properties (661) 765-6300

plus $400 deposit.

Hablo Espanol, 805 746 5410 Unfurnished house. 2 bd. 1 ba. garage. $750 mo. Available April. Call 805-423-0470. 3-16.

Large newer Taft Home.

Near TUHS, 4br, office, 2 bath, patios, 3 car garage & RV space, big yard, fenced. 626 San Emidio. Call 623-3923 or 412-8558. 2-16.

405 San Emidio. 1/1 Duplex. New flooring.

Private fenced yard. wash dryer, hook ups.

Water trash Incl.$485.

Avail now.

616 Lucard Str. 3/1 large liv. rm. private yrd. Lrg liv. rm., large kit. larg laundry rm. $875. avail 4-1-13. (805) 689-4122.

3-29. Mark King. $700 Mo. Renter pays utilities 3 bd 1 ba. Pet’s ok. Call 745-3211.

Westside Real Estate 765-5000

2bd. w/garage $675. mo 429 Rose.

2 units at 319 1/2 San Emidio utilities included 1 bd $550 and 1 bd + office $650 + dep.

522 San Emidio 3 bd 3 bd. 2 ba. Lg. fenced 1bth has basement & yard, RV Parking, shed, new floors $800 + dep. $975 mo. $975 deposit. 402 Pierce 3 bd 1 bth w/ 441 Hazelton, Maricopa. garage $875 + dep.

Call 763-3943 or 623155 1/2 North St. B. w/ 2404. garage $450.

765-5000 2 Bd Home for Rent, License 01914953 Available Now, located at 520 Olive Ave., Taft, APART. FOR RENT CA Creekside Apartments.

Good Family Home, 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC Big Back Yard, Washer & Appl. 661.765-7674.

Dryer Hookups, $650 420 Finley Dr. per month,

BID REQUEST

March 15 - 21, 2013

Business Services Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191 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.

Imperial Gardens. 2 bedrooms with balcony. 1 bedoom. 424 Woodrow.

900-7681.

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

Large 1 bd. 1 ba. Upstairs Apt. Stove, Refir. no pets. $495. mo. plus $500 sec. dep. 661-428-3252. 3.8.

Be Seen!

Classified Ads

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

in the

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

Taft

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

Independent

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

$2 per line

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

Box your ad

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

661-332-6597

for $5 more call 765-6550

765-4191 or 549-1068

Advertise With The Taft Independent Call Today!

765-6550 3,500

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be accepted by the Board of TrusteesTaft of The West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District for the following equipment.

SOLD “AS IS” Independents 2004 Ford Ranger XL 2003 Chevy S-10 ID#FTYR10U94PA87069 ID#1GCCS14X938195428 V-6 Engine, Auto Published V-6 Engine, Auto P/S, P/B, Air & Cruise P/S, P/B, Air and Cruise 101,177 miles 75,500 Every Friday Maintenance records available Maintenace records available Minimum Bid: $3,800 Minimum Bid: $5,500

- Free To Our

B License 442018

Ken Shugarts

Available for inspection at West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District yard, 7004 Gas Company Road, from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Minimum acceptableReaders.

Biod for each vehicle will be stated. All bids must be in the District office by 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013. All bids will be opened at 7:00 p.m., March 21, 2013 at the regular scheduled Board of Trustees meeting at the District office. The District reserves the The Largest right to reject all bids.

Weekly, Most Signed: Board of Trustees, West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District

7004 Gas Company Road

Taft, CA 93268 Widely Read

Writers Wanted At the Taft Independent Experience Required.

Please call 765-6550.

Visit Us Online at www.taftindependent.com

USC Fracking Study Predicts 14% California Becoming a Feudal Society Boost in California Economy

By Michael Long, Publisher

By Conn Carroll

A study conducted by the University of Southern California revealed that using fracking as a method oil and gas extraction in the Monterey Shale Formation could increase the state’s economy by as much as 14 percent.

The study, funded in part by the Western States Petroleum Association, was conducted independently by a USC research team of economists and engineers.

Taft and most of Kern County is located in the Monerey Shale oil field which stretches from the southern San Joaquin Valley to Central California covering approximately 1,750 square miles. The area could make California the top producer of oil in the country.

The shale area is predicted to contain more that 15 billion barrels of technologically recoverable oil, or 2/3rds of all the known recoverable oil in the lower 48 states. The oil booming Bakken Shale located in North Dakota is estimated to hold nearly 4 billion barrels.

The study said that drilling in the Monterey Shale Formation could ad up to 2.8 million new jobs, and $24.6 billion in local and state taxes.

“Based on the experience of other states, not only would state unemployment fall, but significant migration of properly skilled workers into California would occur,” the study read. “More job gains can be captured by Californians with appropriate education and training.”

Fracking refers to the procedure of creating fractures in rocks and rock formations by injecting fluid into cracks to force them further open. The larger fissures allow more oil and gas to flow out of the formation and into the wellbore, from where it can be extracted.

Fracking has resulted in many oil and gas wells attaining economic viability, due to the level of extraction that can be reached.

The study concluded that fracking would: 1. Create more jobs. Developing oil from the Monterey Shale could add from 512,000 to 2.8 million new jobs in California, depending upon the year.

2. Stimulate economic growth. Total economic activity in the state, as measured by the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), could increase by 2.6% to 14.3% on a per-person basis.

3. Increase personal income. On a statewide basis, aggregate personal income could grow by an average of from 2.1% to 10.0%.

4. Boost government revenue. Tax revenue collected by California state and local governments could grow by $4.5 billion to $24.6 billion.

“As the experience in other states demonstrates, development of shale-oil reserves has resulted in significant increases in employment, incomes, and government tax revenues. The current study suggests that, through the prudent and carefully regulated development of the Monterey Shale, the state of California could potentially achieve proportionately large increases in the production of crude oil, leading to similarly large economic gains. The study is intended to expand to expand the base of information that will lead to improved policy decisions for the people and businesses of California.”

For most of its history, California has occupied a special place in the mind of most Americans. From the height of the Gold Rush through the 1980s, California’s warm weather and booming economy drew enterprising, educated and talented immigrants from across the country. California was the melting pot of America’s melting pot, leading all states in the number of residents who were born in other U.S. states.

As I wrote in The Washington Examiner’s “California in Crisis” series last week, (Taft Independent Issues March 1st and 8th, 2013) that California is dead and gone. According to a 2012 University of Southern California study on state demographics, you have to go back to the early 1990s to find a time when more Americans were moving to California than leaving it for other states. Thanks to high housing prices and a weak job market, California is now a net exporter of U.S. citizens to other states.

As a result of this shift, native Californians became a majority of the state’s population only in the last decade. Their numbers will continue to rise. And since foreign immigration is also expected to level off, the report predicts growth will occur “almost all among native Californians, many but not all of whom are the children of immigrants.”

Unfortunately for California, this local-born population is not increasing fast enough to replace the disappearing immigration.

The number of Californians under age 18 will virtually halt over the next 20 years, while population growth among those 65 and older will quadruple. The current ratio of one senior for every five working-age residents will become a 3-to-10 ratio by 2020, and 4-to-10 by 2030.

If California’s new native-born population was particularly wealthy or well-educated, this demographic imbalance might not be such a big problem. But it is not. And this will severely strain California’s generous welfare state.

Even before the Great Recession, California already suffered from some of the highest levels of income inequality in the nation.

And according to recent Public Policy Institute of California study, the recent downturn only exacerbated the problem. “Compared to the rest of the country, California experienced larger declines in income at the bottom of the distribution and smaller declines at the top -- leading to the largest gap between upper and lower incomes in at least 30 years,” PPIC reported.

Worse, a 2012 California Budget Project study found that what little job recovery has occurred in the state has been confined to the low-skill sector. The employment rate for prime-working-age Californians with a bachelor’s degree or higher has been flat since the recovery began, whereas those with just a high school diploma and those without one have both seen job gains. To the extent that the California labor market is recovering, it is a McJobs recovery.

Of course, the Googles, Facebooks and Apples of California are all still swimming in profits and growth. If you do happen to have a job already among the highest fifth of California income earners, your weekly wages are up 1 percent since 2006. But every other income group has experienced sharp earnings losses.

California is rapidly becoming a near-feudal society. On one side is an older, educated, landed, wealthy elite that lives on California’s beautiful coasts. Then there is a much larger, younger, less-educated, indebted mass living inland, many of them working farm jobs at subsistence wages.

The good news is that both of these groups seem content supporting a Democratic Party whose policies (which I outlined in the series last week) reinforce these trends. And if any of the current Californians don’t like what the new California has become, they are free to leave.

The bad news is that millions of middle-class families already have, and the trend is likely to continue.

This article first appeared in the Washington Examiner on Macrh 2, 2013.

HAYDENS HOPE 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

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

All Dishes 1/2 Off!

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

Closed Feb. 9th thru the 11th.

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

Gas Prices Beginning to Fall CHICAGO (March 14) – What do New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle and Miami gas price averages all have in common?

In each respective market today’s average is lower than its price point from one year ago, with Chicago an impressive 29 cents lower than a year ago.

Overall, the national average had fallen for 12 straight days before rising on February 11. The national average now stands at $3.67 per gallon, its lowest level since its peak, to date, at $3.79 per gallon on February 27.

What’s going on?

“Right now motorists may be pleasantly surprised with the direction gasoline prices are taking and it’s due largely to timing; the more costly summer-blend gasoline is not yet available in most markets and there’s also a bit of a ‘fire sale’ – consumers get some relief from refinery efforts to unload their remaining ‘winter-blend’ gasoline inventory,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst, GasBuddy. “But, these are not the days of wine and roses…” .

“We still believe that another upward trend in retail gasoline prices is a strong possibility, coinciding with the full implementation of summer blend gasoline and it will arrive in April,” he added.

“Interestingly enough, while three states (HI, CA, AK) still see prices over $4 per gallon, 45 states now have lower prices today than a year ago, and Illinois has the greatest year-over-year discount with its average price down by 22 cents per gallon,” said Gregg Laskoski, another senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy.

“Colorado is one of just five states seeing a higher average today than last year.”

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

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

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

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts Gold • Sterling Silver New14K Inventory Black Hills Gold • Knives Jewelry Repair Spyderco & Kershaw Batteries Tactical LEDWatch Flashlights 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Hand Made Greeting Cards by Donna Sterling Silver Knuckle Rings $5.00 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

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

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

March 15 - 21, 2013

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

BMX

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

Black Gold

Qik Smog & Tune

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 Chicks are here!

Full Grooming Salon

Barred Rock Rhode Island Red $3.99 each - pullets

We Love Cats!

Grooming and Washing

(Include Wash, Cut and Nails)

Dog Nail Trim 12.00 2nd Pet $9.00

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

3/13 Sikies and Sebrights Silver Laced Wyanodottes

Birds - nails and Wings $9.00 with beak $14.00 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