Blight and Clean up

Independent The Taft

March 22 - 28, 2013

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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Publisher@Taftindependent.com

March 22 - 28, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 36

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

Meet Pamela Rowland Ward and Discover “A Hint of Class” at Taft’s Historic Fort

Abandoned Homes and Neighborhood Deterioration Kern County Getting Serious About Public Nuisances and Blight on the Westside

Miller Time: A Lot Happening in Taft

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

Taft’s Best and Only Bike Shop.

Come on in and see our Inventory.

745-4919

Robert Fenwick,Taft Kern County Garden Volunteers Community Code ComplianceLodema Officerand 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

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

531 Center Street (661)763-1123 MONDAY - FRIDAY Over Different Craft & -Imported Beers 8:00am 5:00pm WE SERVICE MOST50 MAKES AND MODELS *Must ask for discount

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

March 22 - 28, 2013

Shop Taft

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J e w e l r y

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

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

(661)745-4913

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Used to be Paul’s

Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Bike Shop

Taft’s Best and Only Bike Shop.

Come on in and see our Inventory.

Lic # B-721903

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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

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1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

*Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

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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 22 - 28, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Miller Time.......................8 Classified Ads.................10 Opinion and Feature....11 Shop Taft........................12

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

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

Baldock Golf Tourney set for April 19 The Taft College Foundation’s annual Al Baldock Memorial Athletic Golf Classic has been scheduled for April 19 at the Mifflin-Buena Vista Golf Course.

Tourney chairman Brock McMurray said the event, held in memory of the legendary Cougar football coach, raises money for the college’s athletic program.

It is sponsored by AP Architects.

Cash prizes based on net score will be awarded to the top four teams -- $1,200 for first, $800 for second, $600 for third and $400 for fourth.

Other prizes include $10,000 cash for a hole-in-one on No. 2 and No. 13 sponsored by Roger Miller Insurance Agency, $5,000 for hole-in-one on No. 6 and No. 17 sponsored by Dr. Loretta Garcia Lipscomb, $100 for closest to the hole on each par-3 sponsored by Dr. Charles Walker, and $100 longest drive (men and women) on the seventh hole.

Registration for the four-person scramble tournament begins at 11 a.m. with the shotgun start scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

The fee is $100 per player ($400 per team) and includes green fees, cart, oncourse beverages, dinner and tee prizes.

The Taft College Alumni Association is sponsoring a dinner following the tournament. Cooper’s True Value Home and Garden Center is sponsoring the drawings for prizes.

Sponsorship opportunities at various levels ranging from $100 to $5,000 are available, McMurray said.

For more information call Sheri Black at 763-7746.

Moron Golf Tournament August 10th The Taft Union High School support golf tournament, The Moron Invitational, has been scheduled for August 10, 2013.

We’ve had a great 10 year run with $25,000.00 in direct donation to their golf program. Thanks go out to all our supporters and participants that have made this a fun day in the sun and you can count on plenty of sun!

Thank you for your continued support of our very successful raffle and try to set something aside, it is always greatly appreciated. I nvitations will be sent at a later date. Go Wildcats!

Grandma’s Attic Resumes at Taft Library 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.

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

Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Columnists Randy Miller Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

News Briefs

Mosquito Abatement Season Begins Spring has officially started, the weather is beginning to warm and mosquito activity has begun. The West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District would like to inform everyone that mosquitoes are active and present in our area at this time. Although rain has been sparse this winter, enough water remains to attract and breed mosquitoes. District personnel have already discovered several sources, many of which are a result of rain water that has accumulated in various objects around local residences.

The District would like to ask for your help to eliminate mosquito breeding sources in our community.

Tires, buckets, flower pots, trash cans, and other containers may hold rain water and should be dumped to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Toys left outside may also hold water and should not be overlooked. Swimming pools should be properly maintained and emptied if regular maintenance is not performed.

Troughs and other containers used to provide water for animals should be kept clean and changed regularly. Fountains and ornamental ponds should also be kept clean and may be stocked with mosquito fish at no expense to the owner.

Water leaks (especially those that may be present underneath structures) should be repaired. In addition, septic tanks and cesspools should be completely covered to prevent mosquitoes from entering and breeding.

As a rule of thumb, standing water should be avoided to prevent mosquitoes from completing their life cycle.

Please remember that Kern County is home to several mosquito species that may carry Malaria, West Nile Virus, and Encephalitis. Mosquitoes complete their life cycle in standing water and can emerge as adults in less than a week. Diseases are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

If you find a possible source of mosquito breeding or have adult mosquitoes around your home please call our office at 661-763-3510. Office hours are 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. We also have mosquito fish available for those who may have ponds, fountains, or water troughs. Again, we need everyone’s help to ensure that mosquitoes don’t impact our lives and daily activities.

Wake Up Christians First Southern Baptist Church of Taft challenges all Christians and Christian Churches of Taft and all surrounding areas to join our church on Sunday, March 24th at Taft Union High School front walk at 2 p.m. to pray for the Lord’s protective hands over all students, teachers, administrators and workers.

God’s people need to take a stand!

Sponsored by First Southern Baptist Church, corner of Pico and A Avenue, Taft, CA. 93268

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

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

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 22, 2013 through Thursday, March 28, 2013 The Croods (PG) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:30), 7:30 Sat: (3:15), (5:30), 7:30 Sun: (2:00), (4:00), 6:00 Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:00 Oz The Great and Powerful (PG) Fri: (5:00), 7:30 Sat: (2:30), (5:00), 7:30 Sun: (2:30), (5:30) Mon - Thu: 6:45 PM Snitch (PG-13) Fri: (5:15 PM) Sat: (3:00), 7:45 Sun: (4:15 PM) Mon - Thu: (5:00 PM) Safe Haven (PG-13) Fri: 7:45 PM Sat: (5:15 PM) Sun: (1:45), 6:30 Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM

Dear Editor,

Protecting Public Safety With Realignment Reform Legislation to Address Flawed Policy Senate and Assembly Republicans today introduced a number of legislative reforms that will address serious flaws in the Governor’s Realignment policy. Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) is confident these proposals will better protect local communities by shifting appropriate public safety resources to counties that need them most and ensuring criminals serve the duration of their sentences.

“The public safety of our communities has suffered directly as result of the Governor’s plan to shift criminals from state prisons to county jails. The consequences have been dangerous. Our local jails are overcrowded – forcing the release of convicts into our streets and preventing the incarceration of new offenders and parole violators,” said Senator Fuller.

Senator Fuller said that reports from individual jurisdictions suggest that Realignment has caused crime to rise in our neighborhoods and continues to put Californians at risk. An initial Federal Bureau of Investigations report suggested that over a six month period from 2011 to 2012, when Realignment was being implemented, crime rose in California. During this period, crimes including murder and rape increased by nearly 8%. Crimes including burglaries and car thefts increased by nearly 13%. Comparatively, national and other state crime rates decreased or remained relatively flat.

The Los Angeles Times also reported that a number of state parolees are removing the GPS ankle monitors that track their whereabouts with little risk of serving additional jail time, because county jails are overcrowded (prior to Realignment, parole violators would be directed to state prisons). More than 3,400 arrest warrants have been issued for parolees, including sex offenders, who tampered with their GPS monitors, since this policy went into effect in October 2011.

The Kern County District Attorney’s Office has attributed the increase of 1,000 more felonies – representing a 15% increase in crime – to the Governor’s Realignment plan. And the Associated Press reported that, since the policy went into effect, the number of fugitive sex offenders in Kern County has increased 30%.

“Public safety shouldn’t be addressed with bureaucratic maneuvers. If the Realignment Policy was the Governor’s solution to overcrowded state prison, then the increase in crime and more fugitive sex offenders tell us that another solution is sorely needed. Our children and communities demand it,” said Senator Fuller.

Senator Fuller has agreed to co-author SB 144 and SB 225.

SB 144, the Realignment Reinvestment Act, would provide additional funding for front-line law enforcement, jail operations, community supervision and treatment services. The allocation of these additional funds is directly linked to the number of “realigned” offenders in each county.

SB 225 would ensure that felons sentenced to more than three years behind bars would serve their time in state prisons instead of overcrowded local county jails, where the likelihood of early release is much higher.

Paik’s

“Where Everybody Meets”

450 Petroleum Club Road – 763-3268

Come out for the Club’s Monthly Industry Night Steak Dinner On

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Sponsored this month by Berry Petroleum

Come meet different sponsors from the oil industry and have some fun!

Bar Opens at 4:30 p.m. Dinner at 7:30 p.m. 50/50 Drawing/ Win Door Prizes Donation $12.00 TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversaries. We do bar and food catering to fit your event! Monday – Thursday the Club has hourly rates in bar area for Business Meetings, Baby Showers, Scentsy Parties etc.Hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

Call Deanne to book your special event 661-301-1882 or 661-763-3151 ext. 130

Letters to the Editor Conley School Clean up

Ranch House Restaurant TAFT PETROLEUM CLUB

March 22 - 28, 2013

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.

On behalf of the staff and students at Conley School I would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the time and manpower that was donated to clean the adjacent lot by Conley School.

First, I would like to thank Mr. Michael Long, Chairman of the Greater Taft Area Economic Development Authority for inquiring about my wishes and concerns while visiting Conley School on a Thursday. By Monday, GTEDA had visited the lot, researched the owners, obtained permission, and had cleaned the lot. When I say cleaned that is an understatement. An enormous, unsafe tree, excess sage brush, furniture, a hot tub, a satellite dish, and miscellaneous trash disappeared over a weekend.

Thank you to Mr. Bob Hampton for his generosity to our community and Conley School for providing the manpower and equipment to complete this overwhelming task. Next, thank you to our 4th District Supervisor, David Couch for his care and concern for the beauty and safety of Taft. Your attention to our community is sincerely appreciated. Finally, thank you to the Members of GTEDA, the City of Taft, and the Chamber of Commerce for your combined efforts to improve our community. Taft is a wonderful place to live and we are thrilled at your efforts to make it a visually appealing and safer place to live.

Finally, the unsightliness of the lot next to Conley School coupled with the safety issues diminished the beauty of our historical school and posed concerns for students’ safety on and off campus. As Conley School has now reached its 100th birthday, we are thankful for the gift of helping to improve the aesthetics of our campus.

Sincerely, Lisa Kindred Conley School Principal

Taft Calendar of Events April 7th. Taft Seventh-Day Adventist Church/Chili Cook-Off and Auction $5.00 for Food and Fun.@ Recreation Center Auditorium Sunday April 7, 2013 @3pm Fort & TAPT Wine Tasting Thursday, April 18. 5pm Taft Chamber Cinco De Mayo Celebration May 5th.

Fort Spaghetti Dinner & Auction. Thursday, May 9th 5pm Chamber Rails to Trails Car Show is June 8th.

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

Family Day July 4th.

Fort Bubba’s Okie Dinner. Thursday, September 26. 5pm Fort Pumpkin Patch. Tuesday-Friday. Oct.2225.

March 22 - 28, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

TUHS Great Race Last Wednesday

Post-It Note Therapy at TUHS

Taft High students ran through an obstacle course around the football field Wednesday in the Great Race, part of the Spring Fling activities prior to spring break next week. From left, Justin Jones prepares to slide right behind Paul Labetzke and Kennedy Kunce.

Taft High students arrived at school Thursday to find their lockers adorned with pastel-colored post-it notes, which imparted handwritten words of encouragement. “Laugh insanely.” “It’s all up 2 U.” “Move on. It’s just a chapter in the past.

Don’t close the book, just turn the page.”

A total of 1,167 individually written notes on every locker in the main building and the library building. The idea was the brainstorm of sophomore Maddison Rubadeau. She had planned to remain anonymous but Eric Newton, director of the Associated Student Body, credited her with the cheerful cause in a staff email.

Rubadeau thought that morale was down and had planned to do this even before the events of Jan. 10, but that day moved her to action. “I wanted to help everybody.”

She said some students made fun of her altruistic effort, but others really appreciated it. The notes were universally well received by staff and even brought some to tears. The message on sophomore Destiny Duncan’s locker read, “Replace fear of the unknown with curiosity.” Duncan said, “This message on my locker made my day. … It was as if someone who knew me put it there.”

Sophomore Tara Sanderson added, “To wake up and go to school and find a cute little note on my locker that read, ‘I believe in the sun, even if it isn’t shining,’ was the icing on the cake of a beautiful day. It’s that kind of small gesture that puts a smile on your face and puts you in a pleasant mood for the whole day.”

Office assistant Beth Barba, wrote to colleagues, “How wonderful it was to walk our halls and see the positive messages posted on our students lockers. This is what being a Wildcat is all about. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the special soul(s) whose hard work and commitment to making a positive difference touched our campus today. Simply amazing!”

Rubadeau found the sayings on the “pinterest” website and it took her a month and a half to write all the notes. With the help of her parents, she decorated the lockers in about a half an hour after school on Wednesday.

“I am glad I did it. It helped me to be able to help everybody else.”

Caitlyn Emberson finishes the crawling portion of the Great Race.

Kayla Schuyler tosses powered dye at Mackenzie Floyd.

Lizette Mendoza, with her back to the camera, tosses powered dye on racers, from left: Jessica Rofkahr, Whitney Graham, Bethany Fitzsimmons and Savannah Gregory.

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

March 22 - 28, 2013

Westside News & Business Briefs

“Leaning Tower” of Victory Square Hillside Terrace Estates Housing May be Ordered Vacated, Removed Development Moving Forward

Occupied 4 Unit Apartment Building in Ford City Will be ordered vacated and demolished if the property owner does not repair the building. The building is nearly 4 feet lower at one end due to ground settlement.

Kern County 4th District Supervisor David Couch has proposed the demolition of 4 blighted and unsafe Ford City buildings according to an aide to the supervisor.

Mark Salvaggio told the Independent that the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved a plan this week to have 4 Ford City buildings demolished if not repaired within 30 days by the property owners. The buildings are located at 424 Adams Street, 114, 303 and 306 Madison Street.

Three of the buildings are in the Victory Square area in Ford City and have been described as a public nuisance by Salvaggio.

“They are dangerous structures posing public health and safety problems for the neighborhood,” Salvaggio wrote. “Supervisor Couch is working very hard to eliminate blight in the greater Taft area. These eyesores have a negative impact on the property values of the surrounding homes.”

In South Taft, 207 Naylor Avenue and 117 Lierly Avenue were also slated for demolition last week.

At the Tuesday meeting of the Taft City Council, Councilman Dave Noerr expressed support for the demolition plan and described the buildings as dangerous to the occupants and described living conditions in the building as as “third world”.

“The buildings are unsafe and a public nusiance, and not good for the people of the Westside,” Noerr said. “The buildings have leaking water and sewer problems and conditions are third world.”

A 350 unit housing project slated to be built along Hillard Street is proceeding on schedule, according to housing developer Verlen Love.

The Hillside Terrace Estates development has been approved by the Taft City Council pending an agreement between the developer and Occidental Petroleum.

“We are working with the city and Occidental to get fianl agreement,” Love said.

Love said that he had worked out a tentative agreement with Occidental, who must wave surface rights to the property to allow building homes on the first 30 acres of the 129 acre project.

Love said that he has been contacted by potential buyers for information on purchasing homes.

Love said that he is accepting names of interested home buyers and that they should contact Glenda Love at (661) 706-3465, or email htetaft@gmail.com.

“People should not have to live in such squalor,” Noerr continued. “We are concerned about the welfare of the people who live in the leaning tower,” Noerr said said referring to one 4 unit apartment.

According to Salvaggio, nearly 80 west side buildings have been identified for demolition in the South Taft and Ford City areas if property owners do not act.

OT

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Kern County Code Enforcement official Robert Fenwick posts unsafe occupancy signs on an abandon structure in South Taft. Kern County has identified nearly 80 buildings for demolition in the county neighborhoods around the City of Taft. The clean-up of abandoned and blighted properties are being lead by 4th District Supervisor David Couch.

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

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Taft Girl Saves a Life at Disneyland Taft High senior Sara Jewell used her CPR skills to save the life of a one-yearold girl when Jewell was on a choir field trip in Disneyland March 9.

The advanced chamber choir performed before a panel of judges in the morning and the singers were spending the day in the Magic Kingdom before the awards were given out in the evening.

“We (Kayla Taft High senior Sara Jewell Schuyler, Whitney Graham and Emily Davis) were in line for the Dumbo ride when a lady came up to the fence screaming that she needed first aid. I hopped the fence, ran up and said I was a lifeguard,” Jewell recalled. “The mom was holding her child and the child was limp. She hadn’t been breathing for awhile. Her lips were blue, her eyes were rolled into the back of her head and she was convulsing. I immediately started giving her CPR. I did the breathing and a nurse did chest compressions. After more breathing treatments, the child turned her head and threw up spaghetti noodles and started coughing, and coughing is breathing. I waited until paramedics arrived and got her on oxygen. She was taken off on a stretcher and I don’t know what became of it.”

Afterwards, “We all just hugged each other and cried. I called my mom and then my boss who employed me as a lifeguard. I got lots of handshakes, lots of ‘You’re a hero.’ A US Marine responded (to the scene), but told me, ‘It looked like you had it in control.’

I really don’t feel like I did anything spectacular. I just did what I had to do.

“This was the only time (I’ve ever used my CPR training). I’ve never even had to pull anyone out of the pool. It was terrifying. I had such an adrenaline rush. All I remember was hopping the fence and telling the lady I was a lifeguard. The rest was a blur. My training took over. It felt like it was a dream and it still does.”

If it seems like the responsible young woman recalled events in detail, it might be because she is editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Gusher.

A Disney official followed her and gave her three fast passes to speed through lines the rest of the day. “The guy actually chased us down,” she said.

And the cherry-on-top of this story: The advanced choir earned a silver medal, just one point from getting a gold.

Senior Viviana Camacho received a solo award and Kayla Schuyler received the only inspirational award given.

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March 22 - 28, 2013

Kern County Roads Department Receives Grand Jury Report The Administration and Audit Committee of the 20122013 Kern County Grand Jury visited the Kern County Roads Department on December 6, 2012.

California Penal Code §925 authorizes the Grand Jury to investigate and report on the various departments throughout Kern County. The Committee reviewed past records and determined that the Kern County Roads Department had not been visited by the Grand Jury in over four years.

The Committee researched via internet prior to visiting with the Kern County Roads Department. The Committee met with the Director and staff and was provided with a presentation.

A tour of the facilities followed the meeting.

The stated mission of the Department is: “Plan, design, construct and maintain the safest, most cost-effective public roadways for the movement of people and goods.”

The report described the history of the agency: A. The Road Fund was established April 2, 1866. The Collier-Burns Act, adopted by the State Legislature on January 1, 1948, provides for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges based on the areas of greatest need within the County. This act also provides for the appointment of a County Road Commissioner by the Board of Supervisors (Board).

B. On March 26, 1979, the Board directed the merger of the Road Fund with the Public Works Department.

C. On July 1, 1992, upon Board order, the Public Works Department was reorganized. The staff and responsibilities for Roads and Transit were placed under direction of the Resource Management Agency.

D. The current Director was appointed Road Commissioner by the Board of Supervisors on October 11, 1994.

E. Following reorganization in July, 2011, the Agency was dissolved and the Roads Department and the Transit Division began reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors.

The Grand Jury found the following: Kern County is the third largest county in the state and has the second largest road system with Fresno County being first.

Staffing levels are at the Base Level of 71 personnel with additional personnel added in the summer months for the upkeep of the 3,300 roads in the County.

The Kern County Roads Department is a stand alone Road Fund with $1.5 billion in investments in the Road System.

Funding comes out of the General Fund. This year due to an increase from the gas tax, a $10 million increase for work and development is expected.

The Kern County Roads Department is subdivided into six departments.

• Administration / Special Projects • Design • Maintenance • Construction • Office Engineering • Development Review The Grand Jury found that the Department continues to maintain a high level of efficiency despite budget cutbacks. As funding becomes available pending projects should continue to get the proper funding to completion. The Administration and Audit Committee commends the Kern County Roads Department for the conscientious efforts to address the needs and services of the County in a responsible fashion.

Kern County Roads Commissioner Craig Pope told the Independent that “We continue to try to do the best we can with the resources we have.”

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

Shannon Grove Recognizes Kern 3rd Annual Santa Margarita Wildflower Festival This Wekend County Women in Military Service SACRAMENTO - Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (RBakersfield) recognized three Kern County military service members at the capitol this week to highlight women in the armed forces. Veterans Kathryn Nilon and Diane Baker and active-duty service member Sandra Presson, all of Bakersfield, were honored for their dedication to our country.

“These women paved the way for their fellow female service members and it is an honor to recognize them for their determination,” said Grove. “We need to recognize those who shaped our military and thank them for their leadership.”

The 3rd annual Santa Margarita Wildflower Festival is happening this weekend at the Santa Margarita Elementary School, 2207 H Street from 9-5.

“Hidden Treasurers” presentations are scheduled on the hour from 10-4. Admission is free, 3 food vendors will be on the scene and, if you’re a photographer, don’t forget to enter your wildflower photos in the Photo Contest.

The Friends of the Carrizo Plain will have a display table located in the school multi-purpose room.

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

The Kern County service members reflect three different eras of women in the armed forces. Kathryn Nilon served in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) medical service in 1951 and 1952, during the Korean War. The WAC, a branch of the U.S. Army created to enlist women into the armed service, was created during World War II. Nilon worked at the Murphy Army Hospital in Massachusetts. Diane Baker served in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 to 1978, and was the first female to be stationed as a mental health specialist on the psychiatric ward at March Air Force Base in southern California. This role enabled her to treat men returning from combat in Vietnam. She is now a fifth grade teacher at College Heights Elementary School in Bakersfield, where she leads a school-wide drive to provide hundreds of letters to veterans participating in the Kern County “Honor Flight.” Chief Petty Officer Presson enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1996 and performs her active duty time at the Navy Medical Center in San Diego, where she serves as the senior enlisted leader for an 18-member detachment. When not serving as a reservist, she works as a registered nurse in Bakersfield.

Assemblywoman Grove acknowledged the women on the floor of the State Assembly on Thursday during the introduction of House Resolution 11, a measure she co-authored to recognize women in the armed forces. Grove, who served in the U.S. Army, was the first female veteran in the California State Assembly and is a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs.

CPNM intern, Loraine Glidewell, is presenting “Carrizo Plain - the closer you look the more you see” at 1 PM on Sunday.

FOCP Board member, Dr. Dirk Walters, is presenting “Highway 58 Wildflowers: Santa Margarita to Carrizo Plain NM” at 2 PM on Sunday.

Other interesting presentations include: Cheri Roe (Santa Margarita Historical Society), Pacific Wildlife Care, Leslie Bryson (Taking Winning Wildflower Photos), Steve Sinton (Living Among the Wildflowers), Joe Carro (The Night Sky), Edward Vernon (Asistencia Santa Margarita de Cortona), Topaz Solar (Biological Protections), Marlin Harms (Photographing Wildflowers and Photo Shop - Photographing Wildflowers on Display, bring your camera), Penny Nyunt (Las Pilitas Nursery - Local Native Plants).

Sandra Presson, (L-R) Kathryn Nilon, Shannon Grove and Diane Baker at the State Capitol.

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Liberty Under Fire

Miller Time

For most of our history no one paid income tax. Why now?

A Lot Happening in Taft!

Dr. Harold Pease

What’s going on in Taft these days ?? Well, quite a lot actually if you look around. First and foremost, the Family Dollar store is complete on the outside and they are beginning the stocking process on the inside. It is a very nice addition to the community and most importantly, it fills in an empty space that had been an eyesore for some time. It completes that side of the block. When you come up to the stop light, just take a moment to look at all four corners and really admire how nice this major crossroad in our community looks.

I can’t help to think that this corner is as nice as in any community you can visit in this state. Our planners and City staff over the years had a vision of how the landscaping, building design, and signage would all tie in to make an esthetic impact as you’re travelling down the boulevard. We welcome the Family Dollar store and the jobs that they are bringing to Taft. Job well done.

Work has begun on the old Kings Nursery building and the former KFC. Although we are sad to see them go, the buildings didn’t set very long until Pizza Hut and Popeye’s decided to rebrand those spots and bring new services to our town. Having national chains come to Taft validates what we have been saying for years, “if you will come, we will support you”. Competition is always a good thing, because it gives you choices and it makes their rivals step up their competiveness and customer service, if they want to earn your dollars and patronage. I believe the pie is big enough in Taft to support all our businesses if we can stem the tide of dollars going to Bakersfield. Having choices is the main ingredient to having a thriving business community in Taft.

Take a look over at the Rite Aid building. Lots of work going on the outside remodeling the façade. But it is the inside that will blow you away. They are going through a complete makeover, while still being open to serve you. They are moving things around, redoing the flooring, making the ceilings even, bringing in some mood lighting, and bringing in some new product lines. I have been told that the new layout is a prototype for the layout for their older stores.

We are the first to have this done. We appreciate that they are doing this as they see the value of remaining in Taft and investing in the future. Thank you Rite Aid, you are a good neighbor and business partner.

If you have driven up Hillard Street lately, you have noticed some activity along the west side. We have passed the hurdles from Fish and Game to be able to start building some new homes that we desperately need. Some pipelines were moved and re-routed as were some utilities.

We are working through the minerals rights issues with OXY, and will be coming to some agreeable conclusions that will let us move forward to build some model homes on the first 30 acres. It has been a long process because of the general economy but now we are really poised to start seeing some new construction.

We are more than halfway through the extension of the Rails to

As a nation under the U.S. Constitution we are 224 years old. It may surprise readers to learn that for most of these years, 124 to be exact, we had no established federal income tax and handled our national debt quite well. Today most pay at least a fourth of their income to the federal government. Prior to 1913 you kept for yourself what is now taken from you. And what would you now spend it on were it not taken? Not on the basics such as food, housing, and utilities for they are covered in what you are allowed to take home. You would spend the extra fourth of your salary on thousands of items that are made by others as well as services you might like. This not only would enrich your life but it would provide millions of jobs for others making those items or providing those services as well. Many middle class folks could purchase a new car every year with what they are forced to give to the federal government.

Would you spend it more wisely than the federal government?

Certainly! Most of the money taken from you by the federal government is spent on perpetual war, foreign aid, grants to privileged portions of our society, and endless unconstitutional subsidized programs; the last two of which basically take the money of those who produce and redistributing it to those who do not. Even some non-tax payers get income tax refunds—so corrupt is the system.

Of course, those receiving and benefiting from these areas will defend them. But the fact remains that tax monies provide largely government jobs, which are almost entirely consumption jobs (jobs that consume the production of society but produce nothing consumable). Such jobs cannot produce for public consumption a potato, a carton of milk, or even a can of hair spray. They bring another guy to the table to eat, but not another to produce something to eat.

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

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

The problem with the federal government going off the list and funding things clearly not on it was that each time they did so the stronger the inclination to do so again. One minor departure begets another until one notices that what the federal government does has little or no relationship to the list. I ask my students what would happen if they took one lollipop to kindergarten and gave it to one child? What would the others say? Where is mine? Or, I give one student the answers to the next exam and the others find out. What would they say? Try taking away long provided benefits from a privileged group, as for example food stamps, and see how popular you are with that voting group in the next election.

So why does the government now need a fourth of everything you make and it is still not enough? Because we went off the listed powers of the Constitution and every departure required more taxpayer funding, that is why. The answer to less tax is less government. A side benefit is more freedom. The productive classes would not be hurt as might be supposed. Seldom do they qualify for the federally subsidized programs anyway. The fourth taken from the productive classes would be spent by them thus creating a haven of jobs of which those who wished to work could and would have no excuse not to. The cycle of dependency would

by Randy Miller

be drastically reduced. The federal government would no longer be an enabler to those not working. States would decide for themselves what assistance programs they could afford with some states offering more and others less as the Tenth Amendment mandates.

So, how did we cover the expenses of the federal government— even wars—our first 124 years? Products coming into the country were assessed a fee to market in the U.S. called a tariff. Ironically we got product producers in other countries to cover our national expenses and thus we were able to spend, on ourselves, every cent of what the federal government now takes, which inadvertently stimulated the economy. I am certain that there is someone out there that could find a supposition in the above to fault, but no one should be able to argue that our approaching $16.7 trillion national debt is fair, has really worked for any of us, and is a better plan. I personally like the idea of being able to purchase a new car every year.

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. For most of our history no one paid income tax. Why now?

March 22 - 28, 2013 Trails off Hillard Street out to Sandy Creek. This will add nearly a half a mile to our existing trail. The asphalt trail is in, tree holes have been dug, and water lines has been routed under the street to feed the new vegetation. We will be installing solar pole walkway lightening soon and this will be a wonderful addition to our community. But, there is danger ahead.

The City Council is pleading with our local off road motorcycle community to please respect what we are trying to accomplish by keeping your motorized vehicles off this property. I know it is a tempting target to ride down the pathway and to jump over the trail, but you will be doing a real disservice to this community by your callous disregard for our community’s most prized possession.

I will warn you now that if you are caught on the trail, the City of Taft will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, and if you are underage we will go after your parents. If we find any and all damage, we will assume that you caused it and we will seek full restitution. This is the same warning we gave about the Oil Workers Monument.

We are asking for all citizens especially those that use the trails responsibly to call the police department if you see anyone abusing the trail. There will be a substantial reward if we get a conviction.

Please help us keep it beautiful.

I attended the Kern Economic Summit this past Wednesday morning; always learn something new. In years past, it was that Kern County has dirt, meaning open space. Tejon Ranch is the prime example of attracting distribution centers from LA with the Dollar General Warehouse now open. They are building a massive amount of stores; they want to be like the old neighborhood grocery store. Ours is still on track.

The thing I took away this year was the fact that Kern County’s biggest export is not agricultural or oil, but our children. A recurring theme was the lack of an educated prepared professional workforce; only 10% of adults in kern County have a BA Degree.

We also have 15 billion barrels of untapped oil running up the valley floor, more reserves than all other states combined. The problem drilling for oil in California, how do we get it out ?? Once we drill outside Kern County, sensitivities come into play. It would sure solve many of the state’s budget woes and add some needed jobs if we drilled, we’ll see how it goes.

I’ll leave you with this last bit of wisdom from a humorist speaker; “In the USA, 44% of all marriages end in divorce; that means the other 56% of marriages end in death”. Enjoy the spring weather and the longer evenings. Get after those weeds; don’t wait until they dry up.

See you Around Town, Randy Miller Proud to be From Taft

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 22 - 28, 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

Business Services Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191 Woodrow. 900-7681.

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

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.

Multi-family Yard Sale.

Sat. 7 a.m. Chaparrel Ave. Dustin Acres. Tools, knick nacjk, children mc riding gear.

306 Easter in home. Sat.

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.

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

HELP WANTED Taft City School District is accepting applications for a Bilingual Clerk/ Community Relations Liaison for 8 hours per day/10 months per year with a salary range of $10.05 to $12.83 per hour in six steps.

The benefit package provided includes medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Employment process includes written exam, typing test, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and physical exam with drug screen.

Application and Job Description may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Monday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m. EOE Please publish on Friday – March 22 through April 5, 2013 and online.

Looking to fill part-time and full-time positions.

Must have clean DMV. Must have a clean background. Must be flexible to work weekends. Must have reliable transportation.

Visit abm.com to apply.

Call 661.322.3289 if you have any questions.

SERVICES 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

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

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 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

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

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax: E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

March 22 - 28, 2013

Be Seen!

3 bd. 2 ba. Lg. fenced yard, RV Parking, shed, $975 mo. $975 deposit.

441 Hazelton, Maricopa.

Call 763-3943 or 6232404.

2 Bd Home for Rent, Available Now, located at 520 Olive Ave., Taft, CA Good Family Home, Big Back Yard, Washer Dryer Hookups, $650 per month, plus $400 deposit.

Hablo Espanol, 805 746 5410 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.

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500 Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT $700 Mo. Renter pays (661) 763-1500 utilities 3 bd 1 ba. Pet’s Lic # 01525550 ok. Call 745-3211.

FOR RENT FOR RENT Westside Real Estate 119 ½ Madison 1/1 765-5000 $500 203 W Ash 2/1.5 $600 2bd. w/garage $650. mo 205 W Ash 2/1.5 $600 429 Rose.

202 Philippine 1/1 $650 2 units at 319 1/2 San 522 Center 1/1 $450 Emidio utilities included 3/1 $700 1 bd $550 and 1 bd + 400 Woodrow 2/1 $725 office $650 + dep.

104 North 2/1 $725 522 San Emidio 3 bd 561 Front 2/1 $725 1bth has basement & 302 Calvin 1/1 $850 new floors $800 + dep.

709 Kern St 3/1 $900 402 Pierce 3 bd 1 bth w/ 512 D St 3/1.75 $900 garage $850 + dep.

507 Tyler 3/1.75 $1,000 155 1/2 North St. B. $450.

Looking to buy a 765-5000 house in Taft. Have License 01914953 $20,000 cash. Call 805 651-9720.

APART. FOR RENT Avail. Now! Nice. Prof.

Nice. Prof. 2 bedroom 2 bedroom 1 bath 1 bath Apt. in newer Apt. in newer duplex. duplex. Central heat Central heat and air. and air. Incl. washer Very nice with private and dryer in apt.. Very yard. carport. $675. mo. nice with private yard. plus dep. Renter pays carport. $675. mo. all utilities. Credit check plus dep. Renter pays req. 623-4296. Michael. all utilities. Credit check req. 623-4296. Creekside Apartments.

Michael.

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

Homes for Rent 420 Finley Dr. 2bed. 1 ba.

411 Shattuck. $600.

Center Street 3bd. 1ba $750.

Apartments. 1 bed 520 Shattuck. room 1 bath. $99 move 3bd. 1 1/2 ba. $800. in special based on 118 Crystal. approved credit. No Pets 3bd. 1 ba. $800.

Allowed. Call (805) 375220 Mont View 1458 or (661) 765-7678.

Call Paul Joyce (805) 218-1686 Imperial Gardens.

Joyce Properties 2 bedrooms with (661) 765-6300 balcony. 1 bedoom. 424

Classified Ads in the Taft Independent $2 per line Box your ad for $5 more

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

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

call 765-6550

765-4191 or 549-1068

Advertise With The Taft Independent Call Today!

765-6550 Classified

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At the Taft Independent

Starting At $2 Per Line!

Experience Required.

Please call 765-6550.

Visit Us Online at www.taftindependent.com

Fort’s Hidden Treasure is A Hint of Class

The Fort’s unique and eclectic A Hint of Class clothing and gift shop is a hidden treasure owned by Pamela Rowland Ward. Pamela is a Taft native of 46 years and has served the community for 30 years. Pamela earned the Bank of America Award in her senior year in high school and went on to college to pursue her love of interior decorating and fashion design. Pamela helps out in many functions and fundraisers and is a great asset to Taft. She is a member of the Taft Fort, Taft Chamber of Commerce, Soroptimist International of Taft, Taft High School ROP Board, Taft Community Gardens, and also sponsors a Westside Recreation Girls Pony Tail League Team. A Hint of Class sells garden and home decor and also has a clothing boutique. Pamela does landscaping and decorates clients homes, and also does weddings and parties. “I love the community of Taft and enjoy what I do. My motto is ‘Do what you love and love what you do’”, Pamela said. A hint of Class has been serving Taft for 10 years and has been at the Taft Fort for 7 years. Stop and see one Taft’s most unique and beautiful locally owned shops. The Fort is located at 915 North 10th Street.

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 22 - 28, 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