Drug Task Force

Independent The Taft

March 23 - 29, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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March 23 - 29, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 39

“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

Saturday, March 24th

$12.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT Top Sirloin

with Beans, Salad & Bread Dinner Served at 5pm

$1.50 Domestic Drafts 5pm Until Close NO TO GO’s

Sears Celebrates New Ownership

Taft College Art Gallery Grand Opening

Drug Task Force:

Methamphetamine Abuse Rampant In Taft & Kern County

By Jane McCabe

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street • 661-765-6550

Visit Us Online Taftindependent.com

Pastas • Sandwiches • Salads • Espresso • Beer • Wine

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

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Beer & Wine Available To Go

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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March 23 - 29, 2012

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Westside Watcher............4 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Community Voices..........8 Westside News..................9 Classified Ads.................10 Westside News...............11

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: Editor@taftindependent.com.

ADVERTISING. Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representative at (661) 765-6550, or email to Advertising@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 Managing Editor Advertising Jessica Skidgel Layout & Design Jessica Skidgel

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Community Events News Briefs 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 it to us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com Grandma’s Attic At Taft Branch Library Every Saturday Through April 14th Grandma’s Attic Storytime has resumed at the Taft Branch Library on Saturdays and will continue every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. through April 14. 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. For more information, call 763-3294 or visit the library at 27 Emmons Park Drive.

Taft Altarpiece Unveiled Friday, March 23rd The Taft Altarpiece will be unveiled at the gallery, 428 Center Street, on Friday, March 23rd, at 4 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.

Spring Fling Salad Luncheon Friday, April 13th Annual Spring FLing Salad Luncheon Friday, April 13th. This is the 12th year.

Where can you get a lunch like this for $6.50. We will deliver your choice of four great homemade salads, roll, deviled egg, pickle, cookie and drink. Tickets are available Please call Peace Lutheran 765-2488 or Sheri 765-6855. Matching funds by Thrivent Financial Funds raised to go to local community organizations.

Living Word Fellowship Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 31st Living word Fellowship is proud to sponsor an all you can eat pancake breakfast Saturday, March 31 from 7am to 11am. at LWF, 4995 Pato in New Cuyama. Includes your choice of regular blueberry, banana or chocolate chip pancakes; coffee; juice; and fruit. Proceeds benefit Outbreak youth group at LWF reconstruction projects.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from any LWF member or at the door the morning of the breakfast. For more information contact Becky Schwartz 766-2715 or Tamara Martinez at 766-2017.

TUHS Hall of Fame Saturday, April 28 The Taft Union High School Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 28 in the Mullen Gym at TUHS. Doors open at 5pm, banquet begins at 6pm.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased from Sheri Gregory at TUHS, One Wildcat Way, or at the Taft Chamber of Commerce, 400 Kern Street. Five people will be inducted into the Hall of Fame: Curtis Barnes (Class of 1960), Charles Beard (Class of 1957), Les Haney (Class of 1942), De Ann Gaither Sampley (Class of 1972), and William Silcox (Class of 1940). Doors to Main Hall will be open from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for persons who want to view the Hall of Fame Plaques and visit the generational display cases which feature memorabilia from ten decades of the high school’s history.

2nd Annual Taft District Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Celebration

2nd Annual Taft District Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Celebration On 5th Street Plaza will be held Saturday, May 5th from 11am-4pm. There will be mariachis, Mexican Food Vendors, Craft and Business Vendors, Beer and Margarita, Talent Show, and Lots of Fun to be Had! Contact the Chamber at 765-2165 to sign up for a limited number of vendor spaces! (Vendor forms available through Facebook - in our Event Sign Up Forms Photo Album) We are also looking for additional sponsors.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: EL PRESIDENTE $500: NAME & LOGO ON DRINK COOZIE, NAME ON BANNER, FREE VENDOR BOOTH, NAME & LOGO ON THE FLYER & RECOGNITION IN THE NEWSPAPER & AT EVENT EL GENERAL $250: NAME ON BANNER, FREE VENDOR BOOTH, NAME & LOGO ON THE FLYER & RECOGNITION IN THE NEWSPAPER & AT EVENT EL PUEBLO $100: FREE VENDOR BOOTH, NAME ON THE FLYER & RECOGNITION IN THE NEWSPAPER & AT EVENT Event Sponsored by: Campos Tire Service & Harley and Cindy Pinson

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins, Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen 1.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.34/g Monday, March 19th. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.80/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, March 19th were 38.7 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 31.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 28.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 27.9 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“Average retail gasoline prices will likely rise this week, after a surge in wholesale prices late last week,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “Some analysts believe gasoline prices may have peaked, but I am not at all confident in such words. I still maintain that prices will likely not peak until we get closer to the month of May, as a majority of locales around the United States make eventual switch overs to summer spec gasoline,” DeHaan said.

2nd Annual Santa Margarita Wildflower Festival March 24th & 25th The second annual Santa Margarita Wildflower Festival will take place this weekend, March 24th and 25th from 9am to 5pm at Santa Margarita Elementary School. Admission is free and there will be arts, crafts, food, a wildflower photo contest, free wildflower map, and hidden treasure presentations hourly.

For more information, vedor application, photo contest entries and sponsorship information call Jill Gallagher at (805)235-2129 or email jill@visitsantamargarita. com.

Taft Kiwanis & Westside Little League Pancake Breakfast Saturday Come out for a good breakfast and help raise money for the local Little League program on Saturday, March 24th at the annual Taft Kiwanis Little League Pancake Breakfast.

Your choice of pancakes or biscuits and gravy for just $5. The breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Taft Union High School cafeteria.

All the money raised goes right to the Little League program.

Maricopa Tea Room Specials Monday, March 26th: CLOSED

Tuesday, March 27th: CLOSED Wednesday, March 28th: Chef Salad & Crispy Chicken Salad Thursday, March 29th: CLOSED Friday, March 30th: Chef Salad & Crispy CHicken Salad

Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

Your Weekly Gas Price Update & Outlook

taftindependent.com

Telephone: 769-8231 Extension 5 323

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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. Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Wed. 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

Taft Crude Coffee House Coffee House and Deli Monday – Friday 7 am to 4pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pm Sundays 7:30 am to 10 am 1010 6th Street, Taft 763-5156 Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Open Monday to Saturday Lunch served 9am-1pm Dinner served 5pm - 8pm 508 Center Street 765-6550

NOW OPEN

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft Week of Friday, March 23, 2012 through Thursday, March 29, 2012 The Hunger Games (PG-13) Fri: (4:00), 7:00, 10:00 Sat: (1:00), (4:00), 7:00, 10:00 Sun: (1:00), (4:00), 7:00 Mon - Thu: (4:00), 7:00 21 Jump Street (R) Fri: (5:30), 8:00, 10:30 Sat: (12:30), (3:00), (5:30), 8:00, 10:30 Sun: (12:30), (3:00), (5:30), 8:00 Mon - Thu: (5:30), 8:00 John Carter (PG-13) Fri: (4:45), 7:30, 10:15 Sat: (1:45), (4:45), 7:30, 10:15 Sun: (1:45), (4:45), 7:30 Mon - Thu: (4:45), 7:30

Taft Petroleum Club

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The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversaries. Hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 4:30pm to Close

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft City Council Report

By Kent Miller Taft City Councilmembers at their meeting Tuesday evening heard from proponents of a freestyle bicycle park, received a collage photo from the community’s All-Star Band and approved the transfer of funds from the Low-Mod Fund to the city’s Housing Authority.

Proponents of freestyle bicycling sought the city’s help in the creation of a facility “to accommodate the recreational needs of a defined body of community residents,” according to a General Plan presented to the council.

“We need you guys to back us,” said LeAnn Putnam, a spokesperson for the group. Some riders have been cited and had their bicycles confiscated for being on the skate park grounds on 10th Street, Putnam said.

“We are coming to the city because we don’t want them to be criminals ... (and) have their bikes taken away,” she said.

Mayor Randy Miller told the group that “we understand the need and the want. But what you need to understand is the funding.

“There is more involved than just wanting to have it.”

The city can’t afford to build or maintain a freestyle bicycle park, Miller said. The proponents need to form a committee, obtain non-profit status and seek donations for the park from companies that operate locally.

Councilmember Dave Noerr recounted his experience about 15 years ago in having a BMX facility built and operated in Taft.

BMX (bicycle motocross) is a sport involving extreme racing in motocross style on tracks. Motocross is a form of motorcycle racing held on enclosed off road circuits.

He and others “put a lot of time and money” into the project and had one of the top three BMX facilities in the United States in Taft, Noerr.

“You are facing a huge task; a lot of time and a lot of money,” he said.

And today the BM X track is no more because of lack of volunteers to operate the facility, the councilmember said.

He also cited the problems with the skate park, which soon after

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

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200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

March 23 - 29, 2012 opening had to be closed temporarily because of vandalism and trashing of the facility by the users.

Collage The Taft All-Star Band, made up of students from Taft Union High School and Lincoln Junior High, performed in November in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Festival of the States.

Marlene Mudge, co-director of the All-Star Band, and two student members presented a framed picture of the U.S. Capitol to the council.

The picture of the capitol was actually a collage made up of scores of small photos of members of the band and of its performances in Washington, D.C. Housing Authority As of Feb. 1, every redevelopment agency in California was dissolved under Assembly Bill 1X26.

Agencies that have a pooled banking arrangement with their city, such as in Taft, have been advised to establish a separate banking account under the name of the successor agency, according to information presented to the council that was prepared by Teresa Binkley, city finance director.

At its March 15 meeting, the council adopted a resolution naming the members of the City Council as commissioners of the Housing Authority, which succeeded the city’s redevelopment agency.

Having separate banking arrangements under the name of the Housing Authority could be beneficial in avoiding inadvertent uses of city money for future possible shortages in cash flow to the authority, Binkley wrote.

City staff recommends that the council open a separate account for the authority and authorize funds in the Low-Mod Fund (Fund 66) be transferred to a new Housing Authority account, she wrote.

The council unanimously approved establishing the Housing Authority account at Westamerica Bank and the transfer of the Low-Mod Fund money to the account.

The city’s mayor, city manager, city treasurer, city clerk and finance director are authorized to order deposits to and withdrawals from the Housing Authority account.

Visit Us Online Taftindependent.com Please join us for

West Side Senior Care Open House Saturday, March 31 10am to 2pm Chamber Ribbon Cutting 11am Taft’s newest residential care facility for the elderly State License #157202510 115 Adkisson Way 661-745-4220 or 661-623-4489 Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Taft

March 23 - 29, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Nearly 200 Students Had A Great Taft College Announces Grand Time at the 2012 FFA Bash Opening of New Campus Art

By Antonio Rosas, Wasco FFA Chapter Reporter Gallery

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Saturday, March 24th

$12.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT Top Sirloin

with Beans, Salad & Bread Dinner Served at 5pm

WASCO — The Taft High Future Farmers of America won the coveted 2012 FFA Bash award at a competition here during FFA week Feb. 20-26.

Wasco FFA celebrates that week by getting together with other schools in the South Valley Section, Taft and McFarland, and putting on a FFA Bash. The FFA Bash is a fun, competitive event where FFA members showcase their knowledge through a series of event. Some events are very educational like the welding competition, while others are fun and designed to show off school spirit, like “Dancing with the Stars.”

Taft students won the welding contest, where members had to Shield Metal Arc Weld (SMAW or traditional “arc welding”) a piece of 3-inch pipe to a flat piece of metal, welding in a circle. On the other side of the flat, they had to weld a thin-walled square tubing to it, taking care not to burn through. That was the challenging part because in the end both sides had to hold water.

The outside activities were “Fear Factor” and blind volleyball.

“Fear Factor” was a rally race where students had to find items in a bowl of Jello and eat a ball of mayonnaise. Torrie Parkinson of Taft said, “ ‘Fear Factor’ was fun but weird because you had your face in a plate with something nasty.”

Members competed in a lively game of “blind volleyball.” Blind volleyball is unique in the fact that the volleyball court is circular and divided up by the number of teams playing. Nets are covered with a tarp that runs to the ground blocking the team’s vision. So you never know where the ball is coming from! Finally each team gets to serve their ball at the same time and the chaos starts. It gets scored by the number of times a team drops the ball on their side of the net. The team with the lowest score wins!

After dinner, the students and teachers competed in a fast-paced game of “Dancing with the Stars.” Students competed against each other showing off their moves on an X-Box Kinect.

On Friday, March 23, 2012, the Taft College Foundation will host a Grand Opening Reception to celebrate the official opening of the new Campus Art Gallery.

On display will be the works of two established artists, entitled “Women Working” which will include watercolors by Nancy Dawson and sculpture by Betty Younger. Both artists have a long history of exhibiting within the greater Bakersfield and Kern County area.

The public is cordially invited to a wine & cheese reception, beginning at 5:00 p.m., to not only meet the featured artists, but also to meet the Art Gallery Coordinator, Sonja Swenson, and tour the Art Gallery. In addition, music will be provided by the Desert Strings, there will be poetry readings and a special dramatic surprise!

Please join us for this very special artists show and help us celebrate the newest addition to the Taft College Campus.

Taft Sears Under New Ownership

The Taft Sear’s store held its grand opening last Saturday on Center Street. The store is under new ownership. The Taft Chamber of Commerce was on hand to cut a welcoming ribbon and celebrate the stores opening.

Good Selection Kershaw Speed Safe Knives 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Spyderco Knives

426 Center Street

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be accepted by the Board of Trustees of Thw West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District for the following equipment: SOLD “AS IS” 2002 Ford Ranger ID #1FTYR10U82PA78151 V-6 Engine, Auto P/S, P/B, Air & Cruise 65,200 miles Maintenance records available Minimum Bid: $4,988.00

1988 F150 4X4 ID #1FTEF14N2JPA66719 V-8 Engine, Auto P/S, P/B, 70,574 miles Maintenance records available Minimum Bid: $5,225.00

Signed: Board of Trustees, West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District 7004 Gas Company Road Taft, CA 93268

J e w e l r y

Wheat Back Cent for $220 Fine Jewelry5000 • Candles • Gifts 1934 $500 14K Gold • Sterling Silver Federal Reserve Note Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair $800 Watch Batteries

BID REQUEST

Available for inspection at West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District yard, 7004 Gas Company Road, from 7am until 3pm. Minimum acceptable Bid for each vehicle will stated. All bids must be in the District office by 3pm Thursday, April 19, 2012. All bids will be opened at 7pm, April 19, 2012 at the regular scheduled Board of Trustees meeting at the District office. The District reserves the right to reject all bids.

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Visit Us Online www.taftindependent.com

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Drug Task Force: Use of Methamphetamine Is Rampant In Taft & Kern County

By Jane McCabe

Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that increases alertness, concentration, and energy. It triggers a cascading release of dopamine in the brain that induces euphoria, enhances self-esteem and increases libido.

It has a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Methamphetamine abuse can cause changes in brain structure, function and memory. It often leads to psychotic behavior such as paranoia, hallucinations, and violent tendencies. Brain scans of meth addicts resemble those of patients with advanced Alzheimer’s. After more than a year of abstinence, former users may still show severe impairment in memory, judgment, and motor coordination. However, people can recover from methamphetamine use over time.

Recognizing the problem, in 2008 the Kern County Methamphetamine Reduction Task Force was created to examine the impact of methamphetamine use in Kern County.

The results are startling: It found that 30% of all police and emergency services encounters originate from methamphetamine use. Nearly 40% of all felony prosecutions in Kern County involve methamphetamine (including the recent tragic death of Trinity, an innocent threeyear-old child who was beaten by her mother’s boyfriend, a man on methamphetamine.)

Nearly one in three people who go the Emergency Room at the Kern County Medical Clinic has used methamphetamine at least once in his or her life. About half the people in drug treatment programs are methamphetamine addicts.

Nearly one out of four clients served by county law enforcement agencies in Kern has used or is using methamphetamine.

Case studies conducted in Taft and Wasco included public opinion polls in which a survey team talked to people outside retail establishments—133 were collected from residents living in and around Taft. Three hundred and six surveys were collected from residents living in and around Wasco. Pastors, law enforcement officials, treatment providers, substance abuse clients, school administrators, and a judge were interviewed.

Over 90 percent of those polled had heard of methamphetamine. Over 75 percent believe methamphetamine to be a problem in Taft. Over 50 percent personally know someone in Taft who uses or used methamphetamine.

Seven out of eight people in Taft and Wasco, who were in treatment, started using methamphetamine at 13 years of age, often because a friend at a party indoctrinated them.

In 2009, as a result of the Meth Impact Study, the Kern County Board of Supervisors asked Kern County Mental Health to create a road map to reduce methamphetamine use in Kern County. The Task Force included public and private agencies, law enforcement, businesses, schools, the faith-based community and concerned citizens.

Members of the Task Force and members of Taft services clubs—the Rotary, Kiwanis, and Soroptomists—attended lunch at the Fort on Thursday, March 22nd and listened to a presentation to raise community awareness. Dr. Dixie King, coordinator, told the audience that the Task Force can increase awareness but that if the situation is to change, it will “have to done by the community

itself.”

Communities that request it will be given assistance in developing a strategic plan to combat methamphetamine use. Besides Dr. King, a number of people spoke—Lily Alvarez, Chevy Garza, Carl Beckett, Mike Dorion, Judge Craig Phillips. Marty Downs, Taft Police Chief Ed Whiting, and Adrienne Buckle.

According to Carl Beckett, crude, home-made laboratories in every town in every state in the union are producing methamphetamine. Kern County recently had the largest seizure ever, 419 pounds, of methamphetamine, and this from a Bakersfield home where children lived and was near a school. “If one of these labs exploded,” he warned, “you’d know it.” Kern County also had a large seizure of Spice or synthetic marijuana.

Mr. Beckett warned that Kern County is a distribution center and that a town like Taft could easily be chosen as a place for cartel members to blend into the neighborhood and set up houses for the manufacture methamphetamine.

Mike Doiron, Vice President of Asset Management and Procurement for Paramount Farming Company, says his company is waging a “monster battle” with thieves who steal copper wire from pumping stations to use it in the manufacturer of methamphetamine.

The Task Force can train small businesses to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug use and how to recognize methamphetamine paraphernalia. They can train in how to create and implement Drug-Free Workplace policies (including drug testing procedures.)

Police Chief Whiting said that in the 8,500 calls received over the past five years, 488 or 17% were methamphetamine related.

Recently Sheriff Marty Downs was injured when trying to arrest a miscreant on methamphetamine. He thinks DARE, a program for which funding was cut, was a good thing. He spends time mentoring high school students.

Lily Alvarez said that neighborhood surveillance watches can be

‘Stop Meth’ street graffiti near Center Street. effective and that churches often become important to people in recovery.

The more severe the illness the stronger the medicine needed to correct it. If one’s children are taken away because of one’s use of methamphetamine, this can serve as a deterrent. Seven out of eight people in treatment say they remain in treatment so that they can regain custody of their children.

It is against the law to use or sell methamphetamine. If all entitlements were denied to people to break this law, this might serve as another deterrent. Dr. King shook her head and said a number of people who use methamphetamine are employed.

Use of methamphetamine in Taft is epidemic.

It has created a lost generation of deadbeats, many of whom are parents.

We would like to have your opinion on this crisis and suggestions of what can be done to combat it.

March 23 - 29, 2012

Kanoe Bandy, Nominated For CCCADA Honoree for Honoring Our Own Award Taft College has just been notified that Kanoe Bandy, Director of Athletics, has been nominated as the 20112012 CCCADA Honoree for Honoring Our Own by the California Community College Athletic Association.

Taft College is very pleased to recognize the work of this outstanding instructor and coach.

Kanoe began her career at Taft College in 1987 as a Business Instructor and Women’s Volleyball Coach. In 1994, Taft College dropped the entire athletic program.

However, due to her teaching Kanoe Bandy responsibilities in the business department, she remained on staff. In 1996 Kanoe was designated as the newly appointed Athletic Director, given responsibility for reinstating the college athletic program.

Kanoe’s main passion is working with students and coaching the women’s volleyball team. She has been honored as Central Valley Conference Coach of the Year seven times, and Nor Cal Regional Coach of the year for three consecutive years, beginning in 2003.

In 2005, Kanoe was also honored as the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Northern Regional Coach of the Year. While in attendance at the AVCA Awards Banquet in Kansas City in 2010, she was also honored for her 400th AVCA win.

Kanoe is a Taft College representative on the Central Valley Conference Board of Directors. She also holds the position of Secretary/Treasurer to the California Community College Women’s Volleyball Coaches Association. She has served as a management council representative for the sport of Water Polo and currently serves as the Membership Chair/Treasurer for the CCCADA. Kanoe received her Bachelor’s Degree from Fresno State University and her Masters in Business Administration from California State University Bakersfield.

March 23 - 29, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Taft Sportsmen’s Club Rimfire Action Shooting Program

The Taft Sportsmen’s Club and Junior Division is offering a new Rimfire Action Shooting Program this Saturday, March 24th and the 4th Saturday of every month. Registration begins at 8am followed by a safety briefing and then the shooting competition.

Match fees are $15 for club members, $20 for non-club members, $10 for seniors over 60, and free for juniors 17 & under! First time lady shooters are also free! You can also shoot multiple guns. $10 re-entry for same firearm and/or $15 re-entry for a different firearm. *5-6 simple stages *Combination of steel, clay, foam, and paper targets *Just about any firearm chambered in .22LR is allowed *You need to bring your firearm, ammo, about 5 magazines, and hearing & eye protection *No automatic or suppressed firearms. *Juniors must have a parent present and know the 4 rules of gun safety Come out and shoot the hottest new program by the Taft Sportsmen’s Club! Please ask if you have any other questions by going to our website http://www.taftsc.com/22.html , or e-mailing us 22@taftsc.com.

Assistant Swim Coach Needed

Pastas • Sandwiches Espresso • Beer • Wine

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

Open Monday-Saturday 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm Sandwiches & Salads

The Taft Tigersharks are looking for a qualified assistant coach for the upcoming swim season. Must have competitive swimming experience, be 16 years old or older and have means for transportation. Valid lifeguarding and CPR certification desirable. Starts Monday, April 9 through July 20. $10 per hour plus swim meet per diem. Send resume to tafttigersharks@yahoo.com.

Buck’s Steak House Bar GRAND OPENING

Burritos • Tacos • Tortas • Sopes Nachos • Quesadillas • Enchiladas Available from El Venado Catering “In the Buck’s Steakhouse Parking Lot”

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only

Open Mon-Fri 2pm -11pm Sat & Sun 10am-10pm

Big Screen TV • Sporting Events

260 California Street • Maricopa • 661-577-7581

HAYDENS HOPE

Used Book Store in Taft

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

THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

SALE - SALE - SALE Shirts & We Take God Bless!

Sweaters $.25 Donations!

ALL Books $.25 April 1st - 30th ONLY

Does not include hoodies or jackets

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Select Items Half Off

Pants $.50

Drop Off Or Call For A Pick Up! 745-4963

BLTA • Black Gold Club Roast Beef • Ham • Turkey Avocado • Tuna Salad • Egg Salad • Pastrami • Meatball Sandwich • Grilled Cheese Italian Garden Salad • Chef Salad • Polish Dog • Chili Dog • Soup & Salad Pastas Shrimp Scampi • Spaghetti With Meatballs • Raviolis Mozzarella & Baked Chicken Ravioli Spinach & Cheese Raviolis Espresso & Coffee Coffee • Iced Coffee Espresso • Latte • Cappuccino Americano • Vanilla Latte Cafe Mocha • White Mocha Chai Latte • Hot Chocoloate Blended Drinks • Iced Drinks Chocolate Freeze Vanilla Freeze • Iced Tea Fruit Smoothies • Protein Drinks Desserts Cheesecake • Chocolate Pie Key Lime Pie • Pastries

420 1/2 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

Los Primos Carniceria Meat Market

GRAND OPENING

Good Prices - Good Steaks Tri Tip Steaks T-Bone

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

Spices Tortillas Ceviche

“The Best Carne Asada In Town”

524 Finley Drive • In Sunset Plaza • (661)765-2700

Best IPA Selection

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Bottled Beers!

Beer & Wine Available To Go

Open Monday-Saturday 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm 508 Center Street • Taft DIne In Or Pick Up • 661-765-6550

8

Community Voices

TAFT INDEPENDENT

March 23 - 29, 2012

Board of Trade Launches Annual ‘WildFlower Hotline’

Congress and the President Square off on Who Can Initiate War; Sanctity of the Constitution is at Stake

By Dr Harold W. Pease Recent presidents have so mutilated the clear language of the Constitution as to the authority to make war that congressional push-back, even from the weak Congress we now have, was inevitable. That push-back came in a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing when Joint Chief of Staff Chairman General Martin Dempsey inferred that the authority that he depended upon was not from Congress, as required in the U. S. Constitution, but from unelected UN or NATO authorities. Senator Jeff Sessions, Chairman of the Committee, then interviewed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and was given the same response. Disbelieving what he heard, Sessions repeatedly inquired in different ways only to be given the same answer. (See YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zNwOeyuG84) Even the President’s voice did not appear to be as important as that of the UN or NATO. Constitutional clarity is so strong with respect to Congress alone having sole power of war that it is hard to imagine that such statements are due to gross ignorance alone. This is one of the most critical moments in U. S. History with respect to liberty. If the Executive Branch of government can effectively remove the power to initiate war from Congress, giving it to itself, and then to some international coalition such as the U. N. or NATO, we essentially lose our sovereignty and our armies used as the policemen of the world. Would not the recipient of such power, the United Nations, not then become the dreaded world government? Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution, preserving Americas right to fight whomever, would be effectively destroyed.

To protect the Constitution and to keep the Congress from having but a ceremonial jurisdiction with respect to war, as the General and Defense Secretary inferred, the House of Representatives is attempting to place the president on short notice that the next disregard of Congress would be grounds for impeachment. Concurrent resolution H. Con. Res. 107 reads, “Whereas the cornerstone of the Republic is honoring Congress’s exclusive power to declare war under article I, section 8, clause 11 of the Constitution: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that, except in response to an actual or imminent attack against the territory of the United States, the use of offensive military force by a President without prior and clear authorization of an Act of Congress violates Congress’s exclusive power to declare war under article 1, section 8, clause 11 of the Constitution and therefore constitutes an impeachable high crime and misdemeanor under article II, section 4 of the Constitution.”

This action has resulted, not only because General Dempsey and Defense Secretary Panetta have expressed a desire to take such power, but also because doing so has been the practice of the Obama Administration. Congress was not consulted when American planes bombed Libya, or when President Obama, alone, authorized Special Forces to inter Central America last fall, or his authorizing drone strikes in several middle-eastern countries killing designated individuals—all such have traditionally been considered acts of war. Certainly these would be treated as acts of war were they perpetrated on U.S. soil by another country.

This action is especially timely as war proponent John McCain is now advocating that we enforce a no fly zone over Syria—another act of war on yet another country. Moreover, we continue to provoke Iran in an attempt to get it to make a response worthy of our (or Israel’s) warplanes. Where do we get authority to bomb other countries at executive will?

Certainly not from the people, or their Constitution.

Please encourage your three members of Congress to protect the Constitution. Are they on board with this warning to this president and all who follow him? Are they cosponsors of this resolution? No issue is clearer than this one as to whether they support the Constitution or do not. Congress alone should decide when and if our sons and daughters are placed in harm’s way. Anyone supporting this transfer of power from Congress should be removed from power by your vote this November or, if president, and it happens again, impeached, regardless of political party, as soon as possible. After all it is about your liberty.

Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

Study: California’s High School Graduation Rate Getting Worse SAN FRANCISCO — A new study shows California is among the states that are falling behind in graduating high school students.

The study released Monday by a children’s advocacy coalition led by former Secretary of State Colin Powell named the state as one of 10 where graduation rates declined between 2002 and 2009.

California had a 72.7 percent graduation rate in 2002, when the national average was 72.6 percent. By 2009, it had graduated 8,913 fewer students and the rate had fallen to 71 percent, while the national average climbed to 75.5 percent.

But the report found that fewer California students are attending what its authors term “dropout factories” — schools that fail to graduate more than 60 percent of students on time.

The number of high schools meeting that definition declined from 129 to 126.

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765-6550

After a long and dry winter, the recent rains are leading to high hopes for the 2012 Kern County wildflower season. With the anticipation of colorful growth comes the annual launch of the Kern County Board of Trade’s Wildflower Hotline.

The hotline, a telephone number and web site offering updates on wildflower growth and locations, began operation this week and will continue throughout the season.

Wildflower information is available around-the-clock for callers to 661-322WILD (9453) or Internet users visiting the Board of Trade’s tourism web site at www.VisitKern.com.

The online version also includes the return of the Kern Wildflower Blog, which will allow nature enthusiasts to post information on the best places to see wildflowers and to share their recent experiences with other wildflower devotees.

“People come from all over to see what Kern County has to offer,” noted Dave Hook, Interim Executive Director of the Kern County Board of Trade and narrator of the hotline. “Kern is County is home to a wide variety of species, so it’s definitely a favorite of wildflower enthusiasts.”

Each spring the Wildflower Hotline receives thousands of inquiries about local growth from around the state and across the nation. Kern is home to a number of major wildflower species including the California poppy, Indian paintbrush, desert calico and San Joaquin wooly thread. Coreopsis, lupine and other varieties are also common.

Visitors contribute over $1.1 billion per year to the Kern County economy.

Persons wishing to contribute their own sightings may contact the Board of Trade during regular business hours (M-F, 8am-5pm) at 661.868.KERN (5376) or 800.500.KERN with the location and common name of the blooms. Sightings may also be submitted by e-mail at Wildflowers@VisitKern.com.

Kern County Farm Bureau to Host ‘Farm Day in the City’ in March This will be the Kern County Farm Bureau’s 27th year hosting Farm Day in the City which has become the largest continuous ag-education program hosted by a county Farm Bureau in the state.

More than 3,000 Kern County students in 2nd through 4th grades will be viewing over 30 interactive demonstrations given by various local industry representatives. The students will get an understanding of what is grown here in Kern County, how it is grown, and how our farmers protect their crop and our environment. Farm Day in the City will be held March 27th and 28th from 9am to 1:30pm at the Kern County Fairgrounds - Exhibit locations in Building 2 and the barn areas.

Exhibits Include: · Sheepdog demonstrations · Locally grown crop samples and displays · Crop dusting helicopter · Cattle roping demonstrations · Dairy cows and baby goats. · Almond shakers, tractors, cotton pickers, and much more!

For exhibitor/school information please contact Christine Dufresne at cdufresne@kerncfb.com.

March 23 - 29, 2012

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Crude

Coffee House

FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS

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

Check Out Our Website Maricopaquiltcompany.com And Facebook Page

Licensed Funeral Directors

WED.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-2:00

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111 Ice Blended Mocha Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors Open 7 Days - 763-5156 1010 6th Street • Taft

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

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.

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

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 9:00A.M. English 11:00A.M. Spanish

Lenten Liturgy Schedule Mass Wedensday 5:30 P.M. Confession Wednesday & Friday 5:00pm -5:20pm Stations of the Cross Friday of Lent 5:30pm

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ANNOUNCEMENTS SERVICES Taft Independent www.taftindependent.com Publisher@taftindependent.com

With The Taft Independent!

Call Today!

765-6550

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.

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

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

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Services 10am 1000 6th St. Weekly Classes Mon - Thurs Please call 765-7472 for info For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley

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

www.nlctaft.org or nlctaft@bak.rr.com

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 $3 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

426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550 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

Community 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.

Moving Sale. Sat 24th 7am-? 304 Chevron Place, behind The Fort.

Large household items, fridge, sofas, treadmill and more!

Business Services COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Computer Repair Graphic Arts Web Design Virus Removal 661-623-5188 YARD SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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.

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.

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.

Are you a widow? Do you wonder what on earth am I here for?

Widows meet twice a month on Tuesday 10 a.m. at the Buena Vista Mobile Home Club House. If interested, call June Selby 763-4845.

CLEANING SERVICES SERVICES OFFERED Piano Lessons. All ages accepted, beginers, intermediates. 565-8322

Employment HELP WANTED

CITY OF TAFT EXTRA HELP MAINTENANCE AIDE $10.00/hour Works under the general supervision and direction of a Maintenance Leadperson. The Extrahelp Maintenance Aide has responsibility for performing a variety of tasks related to janitorial, maintenance of city building, facilities and grounds, and community clean-up.

This classification is for extra-help positions used by the City of Taft seasonally as needed.

Min. Qualifications: High School diploma or GED; and one (1) year of experience and/ or training involving

maintenance and/ or grounds keeping (or related); or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

Special Requirements: Must possess a Valid State of California Driver’s license.

Application and job description may be obtained at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft. A complete City of Taft application must be received by the Personnel Department no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 16, 2012.

EOE. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of application and postmarked applications will not be accepted.

TC Student wanted for part time waitress.

Experience required.

765-6550.

AUTOMOBILES 1993 GMC 4 WD Good work truck Newer trans, runs good $4,500 340-4354

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS LOST PETS

Real Estate 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

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Wanted

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552 Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661293-0359 or 661-7656497. We will pick up!

For Sale FOR SALE

Multi Master 300X X Series Welder. Wire feed and stick. $2,700 OBO 619-1067.

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list or drop by the office.

MOBILE HOMES Complete Remodel B.V.M.H.P. #115 New custom kitchen bath cabinets & hutch

By Taft Woodworks, granite on all surfaces new carpet, tile floors drywall, paint New black appliances 2 in. blinds crown molding 340-4354 763-1970

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

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 224 B St#C Studio $475 302 Jefferson 2/1 $850 410 Buchanan 3/1 $900 606 Pierce 3/1.75 2 garages! $1,100 127 Lexington 3/1+pool! $1,200 302 E San Emidio 3/1.75+ pool! $1,300 Maricopa. 2bd 1 ba.

Fenced yard, Laundry room, no garage, $650 mo. $900 deposit. (805) 929-3185.

CHILD CARE SERVICES

WANTED

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

FOR SALE Established local Taft business. Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli.

Excellent location, near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $20,000 OBO. Room to expand product offerings. Good family business. Call 661-623-4296.

HOMES FOR SALE

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Lg. 2 bd.rm house.

Garage, storage shed, chicken pen, lot’s of trees, fenced yard. $850 mo. $500. dep.

763-4593.

Maricopa. 3bd. 2 ba. big yard. $800 mo. $800 dep. 321-9636 or 5777041 habla espanol.

3 bd/ 2ba 2 car garage.

Nice yard, neighborhood, Parkview Village. $1,400 mo. Includes yard and pest service.

549-0314.

402 Pierce St. 3bd/1ba 1 car garage + shop $889 mo. + dep. 661343-0507

APART. FOR RENT

Can’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short sale!

MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057

Wondering how buying

Imperial Gardens 424

March 23 - 29, 2012

Business Services Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191 Woodrow Street 2bd $625 mo. 1bd $550 mo. Stove fridge, dishwasher, pool, private car port. 661623-3699 or 661-7654299.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr.

Get It Rented!

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

West Side Real Estate And Property Management

OPENING SOON

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. 325 Kern Street

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line!

Call Today (661)765-6550

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Passion For Nails 1014 6th Street

Mon. to Fri. 10am-7pm Sat. 9am-6pm (661)745-4913

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.

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

March 23 - 29, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

California’s Teen Birth Rate Drops to Record Low, Community Update on Measure A (Proposition 39 Kern County Has Second Highest Teen Birth Rate Bonds) Construction Projects In California In March, 2004, voters approved the passage of Measure A, authorizing issuance of bonds for the SACRAMENTO – California’s teen birth rate dropped to a record low in 2010, Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state public health officer, announced today. The rate declined to 29.0 births for every 1,000 females ages 15-19, from the rate of 32.1 births in 2009. The teen birth rate has declined since 1991 when it reached a record high of 70.9 births.

“Teen pregnancy has been a long-standing public health challenge associated with increased maternal and infant morbidity and mortality,” said Dr. Chapman. “Early teenage childbearing has been recognized to have negative health and social consequences to adolescent mothers, but we must continue to work together if we are to reduce the state’s teen birth rates even further.”

Teen birth rates also declined in all major racial/ethnic groups. Teens age 18-19 experienced a decline of 9 percent (from 53.5 in 2009 to 48.6 in 2010), and teens age 15-17 saw a drop from 17.5 to 15.2, representing a 13 percent reduction. While Hispanic teens age 15-19 continued to have the highest birth rate in 2010, they demonstrated the second highest decline at 11 percent between 2009 and 2010. Hispanic teen birth rates dropped from 50.8 in 2009 to 45.0 in 2010. African-American teen birth rate was 37.0 in 2009; it dropped to 34.0 in 2010, representing a decrease of 8 percent.

Asian/Pacific Islander teens and White teens had reductions of 14 and 8 percent, respectively.

California’s teen population appears to be leveling-off, however changes in its composition can influence the teen birth rate. In 2000, nearly equal proportions of female teens were Hispanic (39%) and White (38%); by 2010, Hispanics comprised 47% and Whites 33%.

California continued to implement a number of programs aimed at preventing teen pregnancy.

California administers programs that offer comprehensive and diverse approaches to address the cultural and individual factors influencing behavior, particularly directed toward population subgroups exhibiting high teen birth rates.

Declines reflect the impact of strong teenage pregnancy prevention messages that accompany a variety of public and private efforts to focus on adolescents’ attention on the critical importance of avoiding early childbearing. CDPH funds a variety of teen pregnancy prevention programs that include the Information and Education Program, the Adolescent Family Life Program, and the Family PACT (Planning, Access, Care and Treatment) Program. In 2011, CDPH was awarded a Personal Responsibility Education Program grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration to focus services in 19 counties in California with teen birth rates that have consistently remained higher than the statewide teen birth rates.

“The continuing decline in teen birth rates underscores the importance of teen pregnancy prevention programs in California,” said Dr. Chapman. “We must continue our work to achieve yet another milestone next year.”

On Tuesday, the California Department of Public Health announced that Kern County has the second highest teen birth rate in California. Tulare County comes in first.

“It’s alarming, it’s an alarming thing to show that the rate of teen pregnancies is going up, because, as I said earlier, teens are at nutritional risk. They’re still growing, and they have the added risk of having a child to grow and take care of even after they have the baby,” said Kathlyn Lujan with California WIC. Programs through WIC and the Community Action Partnership of Kern helps teens stay healthy throughout their pregnancy, both physically and mentally. On Tuesday, CAPK-WIC held an open house to promote their services to the local community. They say the key to fighting teen pregnancy is to break the cycle of poverty.

“Breaking the cycle of poverty helps girls get better education, and we do know that the more educated we have of a family, the less apt they are to have early pregnancies because they’ve got other opportunities,” said Elizabeth Tolley with CAPK. But, not all the news announced by the CDPH on Tuesday was bad news. CDPH said California’s teen birth rate is at a record low. The rate declined to 29.0 births for every 1,000 females ages 15-19, from the rate of 32.1 births in 2009. They also add that there’s room for improvement in Kern County.

Laurie Weaver, the chief of the Office of Family Planning for CDPH said, “Although the rate is still high and we would like to see it reduced, we are seeing it start to move lower, which is significant and very important to us.”

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District in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $39,800,000 to finance specific construction and renovation projects. Part of the ballot language stated as follows: “To improve the quality of education at Taft College, shall the West Kern Community College District be authorized to upgrade and expand the campus, provide vocational labs and programs in science and healthcare to produce a trained workforce, improve access to computers and technology, construct a library media center for community use, and build classrooms, by issuing $39,800,000 in bonds, within legal interest rates, with annual audits, a citizens’ oversight committee and no money for teacher or administrators’ salaries?”

As of June 30, 2011, the latest official audit of the project(s) has been completed, with the end result that “…the West Kern Community College District has properly accounted for the expenditures held in the General Obligation Bond Fund (Proposition 39) and that such expenditures were made for authorized Bond projects.”

Specifically, project work to date, has included the following: Remodel of the Administration & Library building - $19.22 Million Science Modernization/remodel - $5.05 Million Child Development Center Construction of new CDC - $4.16 Million Maintenance & Operations new facility construction - $3.18 Million Tech Arts modernization of classrooms & labs - $5.87 Million Chiller Main Plant development - $1.8 Million Several smaller projects including parking lot improvements, Landscape/Courtyard improvements & infrastructure improvements - $2 Million.

Projects that are in construction or in design/development include: Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Buildings - $15.7 Million Based on stipulations written into the legislation, the Citizens Oversight Committee has met quarterly to: Review expenditures Hear reports of funding & updates to projects Review Annual audits Tour projects during & upon completion of construction The Citizens Oversight Committee has, during the previous twelve months (and past several years) indicated that the Measure A Funds have been judiciously utilized and are in compliance with Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution.

The Board of Trustees of the West Kern Community College District are pleased with outcomes of the construction projects to date and what the project upgrades have meant for campus life for Taft College students. By turning these facilities into state of the art buildings and classrooms, the future of education at Taft College has been enhanced far into the 21st century.

School Expulsions In Kern County Highest In The State School expulsions in Kern County are the highest in the state and the nation.

Local parents we talked to feel it’s the parent’s job to be more involved with their kids, instead of passing the responsibility onto schools.

Kern County is home to 173,360 students, fewer than 3% of students in California. However, 14% of the state’s expulsions took place here, according to the California Department of Education.

Bakersfield High School reported ejecting 232 of its 2,755 students.

So, how easy is it for students to get expelled?

Otis Jennings, Student Discipline Director for the Kern High School District, says every situation is different. “Behavior varies. There is no way to predict behavior of students from one site to another. In any given day, there can be many cases.

They can even be issues from the community that cross over to school.”

Here is a breakdown of expulsion numbers from 2011: 2,578 Kern County students were expelled.

843 were for using intoxicants, including beer, illegal street or prescription drugs.

522 were ousted for “causing, attempting or threatening to cause physical injury.”

1,213 violated other rules.

So should the blame be put on schools for these high numbers? Parent Julie Downs says ‘no.’ “I think the responsibility should lie more on the parents. I think it is unfair for the school district to have that kind of responsibility put upon them.”

The school district says it uses a discipline system which it feels is fair. “We use what is called ‘progressive discipline’,” said Jennings. “First offense we try to use a disciplinary action that is least restrictive or least severe. It may be a phone call home.

Kern’s schools had four times the state average of expulsions and more than Los Angeles County, which has nine times the student body.

12

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