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Independent The Taft

March 28 - 3, 2014

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

March 28 - 3, 2014 • Volume 8 Issue 35

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

Before

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

Taco Monday’s .99 Tacos

Tuesday’s Chicken Frajitas Tuesday $7.95

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

Qik Smog & Tune

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

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

After City of Taft Offering First Time Home Buyer and Home Rehab Assistance Page 4 O P E N S AT U R D AY S 8 A M T O 4 P M

Visit Us Online www.taftindependent.com.

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 5 p.m.

765-6550.

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive

Alignment - Diagnostics - Brakes - Tires and Wheels TIA Certified ASE

Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

END OF THE YEAR TIRE AND SERVICES SPECIALS SEE STORE FOR DEATILS

Shop Taft

March 28 - 3, 2014

Passion For Nails western shop & PET Wash Fish - Reptile - Supplies Tack - Feed - Livestock Supplies Western Clothing - Boots - Work Apparell Pet Grooming Fred and Cheri Shaw 419 Harrison Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

1016 6th St. Taft 661-745-4855

Next Step Cardio & Fitness

506 Center Street - (661) 745-4918

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Salon and Boutique

New Arrival in Stock Bling Sunglasses Flip-Flops and More!

For all your hair needs 763-3527

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

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

$10 Off Any Phone $99 or more in Value

acme jewelry co.

Spring has Arrived!

Succulents, Garden Decor & Gifts for Any Occasion!

Watch Batteries Batteries Changed Most $4 426Some CENTER STREET $8 • 661.763.5451 Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery

Now Serving Splash Cafe Clam Chowder in a Pyrenees Bread Bowl 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

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

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

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

March 28 - 3, 2014

Events Inside

Taft Calendar

Shop Taft..........................2

On April 12th and 13th, is the 7th Annual Ron Shipe/Bob Bledsoe Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser at Honolulu Hills Raceway. Saturday practice 8-12. Moto Rodeo at 1pm with Barrel Racing, Slow Race, Plank Ride, Motorcycle Swap meet, and much more. Spaghetti Dinner starts at 4:30 for only $5.00, Raffle at 5pm. Sunday April 13th, Races start at 9am.

Taft Business of the Week Old’s Cool

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

Saturday: Taft High Track Invitational, starts at 9am. They will be selling Tri Tip Sandwiches.

Square foot gardening & grow your own pizza outdoor event at the Taft Community Garden at 10am.

Taft IDPA Tactical Shotgun Match at 8am at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club.

Tuesday- Taft community Blood Drive from 12-6pm at the Taft Chamber.

Wednesday- Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7:30.

Next Friday is the 1st Friday Cruise Night starting at 6pm. Cruising, hot rods, shopping, Lion’s Club famous BBQ, ice cold local brewed beverages at Black Gold Brewery, music, and much more.

Westside Recreation......5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10

Save the Date for these Future Events-

Shop Taft........................11 Shop Taft........................12

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

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Greg and Renee Hill, owners of Old’s Cool

By John Swearengin The Taft Business of the Week: Old’s Cool at 515 Center Street.

The Old’s Cool building was an eyesore that is now one of the nicest and coolest stores around. Old’s Cool has antiques, neon signs, paintings, home décor, and a little bit of everything else.

It is owned and operated by great Taft residents Greg and Renee Hill. If Old’s Cool does not have it they can get it or make it.

They are open Tuesday-Saturday.

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long Publisher@taftindependent.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Joan Raymond Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Dr. Harold Pease Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

By John Swearengin

Cuyama 23rd Annual Car and Motorcycle Show April 12th The 23rd Annual Cuyama Car and motorcycle show will be held on Saturday, April 12th. at Cuyama Valley High School Free Admission. Food,raffle, games, family friendly event benefits students in Cuyama. Registration begins at 8 a.m. or preregister. www.cuyamavalleycarshow.com

Visit Us Online www. taftindependent. com or on Facebook

April 4th: Taft High Baseball at Home vs. Cesar Chavez at 4pm.

Taft High Softball at Home vs. Cesar Chavez at 4pm First Friday Cruise Night on Center Street. Starts at 6pm. Lions BBQ, Hot Rods, and Shopping.

Spring Vendor and Craft Show at the Rec, Community Center from 5-8:30pm. Saturday April 5th 8:30am-3pm. Free admission for shoppers.

April 5th: West Side Little League Opening Ceremony Opening Night at Kern County Raceway April 8th: Taft High Softball at Home vs. Shafter at 4pm.

Taft High Baseball at home vs. Shafter at 4pm.

April 9th: Taft High Baseball Double-Header at Home vs. Golden Valley at 3:30/5:30.

April 10th: State of the City Luncheon at OT Cook House from 12:001:30.

April 11th: The Taft High Choir will have a Dinner Theater at the TUHS Cafeteria at 6pm.

April 17th: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for “Oil Field,” a Fenway Park Replica at 2pm, next to the new Rec Building at 500 Cascade Place.

April 18th: West Hills Church of the Nazarene Drive Thru Resurrection.

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

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

The SSL Golf Championship at Buena Vista Golf Course.

April 24th and 25th SSL Tennis Championship at Taft High.

April 26th: Taft Rotary Health Fair at Buena Vista High School from 8am-Noon.

TUHS Hall of Fame 2014 Induction Dinner and Ceremony. Tickets are $40.00.

April 30th: Job Fest 2014 at the Taft Fort from 9am-noon. For more info call Marie Covello 763-0206.

May 2nd: Fund the Fireworks at the Taft Chamber.

May 3rd: Soroptimist Garden Tour.

May 3rd: West Kern Oil Museum Pioneer Days.

May 8th: SSL Swimming Championship at the Taft High Pool May 10th: West Hills Church of the Nazarene Carnival.

May 16th: Taft College Al Baldock Golf Classic.

May 17th and 18th: Taft Relay for Life at the Taft High Track.

May 31st: Taft Chamber’s “Rails to Trails Car Show.”

The Taft Fox Theatre and West Side Rec have partnered to bring 4 great Wednesday Matinee’s at 2pm for only $5.00, or $15.00 for all 4 movies at the Fox. This Wednesday, April 2nd Ice Age, April 16th, Antz, April 30th Open Season, May 14th Madagascar. Purchase advance tickets at the Rec.

March 28 - 3, 2014 Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The

Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café Asian Experience and Steakhouse Asian Food and Pizza

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pm Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm 24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres 768-4655

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

Lunch and Dinner Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pm Saturday 4 pm - 9 pm 215 Center Street, Taft 763- 1815

Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Craft Beers Open Monday to Friday 6:30am to 8pm Saturday 7:30am to 8pm Sunday 10am to 2pm 508 Center Street 765-6556

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Fox Theatre Taft, Taft, CA Taft, CA 93268 Week of Friday, March 28, 2014 through Thursday, April 03, 2014 Noah (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:30, 9:10 Sun: (4:30), 7:15 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM Divergent (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:15, 9:00 Sun: (4:15), 7:00 Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM Mr. Peabody & Sherman (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:00 PM Sun: (4:00 PM) Mon - Thu: (5:00 PM) Non-Stop (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 8:15 PM Sun: 6:00 PM Mon - Thu: 6:45 PM

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Taft Offering First Time Home Buyers and Rehab Assistance Program

The City of Taft, though grants received from the Dept. of Housing and Community Hi Everyone, Development, offers a There are three questions that I’m asked more than any other First Time Home Buyer in my role as a Councilman. When is the motel going to be built, Program and a Housing when is Bob Colston going to start building houses, and are we going to get a Taco Bell again ?? As far as the motel is going, the Rehabilitation Program. owners and developer have submitted plan checks to the City.

Qualified Applicants We are talking about a three story, 60 room facility. So it is not a receive assistance in the form of low interest loans to either routine thing that our planning department is always handling.

Much to pore over, much to check, much to review. It is still, in the help purchase their first home or rehabilitate the home they final analysis, do they pull the trigger or not. Having a motel in the currently live in. These are income qualified programs and middle of town and not out on the highway, is that an issue?? Well, households must meet the income guidelines for their houseyes it is. There has to be a lot of directional signage that the City hold size which at this time is $46,300 annually. will need to place around to draw those travelers off the highway.

First Time Homebuyer Program can assist homebuyAnd the economy is still a big question mark for everyone involved. ers purchasing their first home. The homebuyer must meet We have our fingers crossed as you do. Once that domino falls, the City believes that it will lead the way for other national chains and credit qualifications and qualify for the maximum amount of private entrepreneurs to take another look at Taft and Locate here. primary loan from the lender of their choice.

The City assistance is in the form of a deferred “silent” That would mean the possibility that a Taco Bell could come back.

But, the number crunchers hidden away in far away offices, look second loan and will fill the gap needed for the purchase after at the population density, purchasing habits, average incomes, tax the primary loan and required 1.5% down payment from the base, tax incentives, overall profitability potential, location, traffic homebuyer. patterns, and the thing we learned years ago: roofs !! Which leads Homes must be located in the city limits of Taft, pass city us to the future of new housing being built in the City of Taft. inspection, and meet the programs “modesty clause” which Take just about any City in the State of California that has availstipulates no pool, spa or custom homes and home must be able land; they can build when they have the financing and need. size appropriate for the household.

Just rollover any farming land and Vo-la, homes. But Taft is home to several so called endangered species. I say so called because of Housing Rehabilitation Program provides assistance the drought and coyotes out in the boonies, they are all coming to current homeowners for needed housing rehabilitation into town. We all know that the best place to build homes is on repairs. Eligible housing rehabilitation includes repairs and/ Hillard Street on the old ARCO property that Colston bought. or replacement of the roof, electrical, plumbing, carpet, It was not unlike the land that is just across the street to the east linoleum, windows, insulation, painting, stucco, foundation, where many of us live. That area was developed back in the early home accessibility improvements and other items to repair or 80’s without any environmental issues that I recall. But now, those tumbleweeds (which originally came from Russia, by the way, replace what is already existing. Energy conservation items many moons ago) and sage brush you see out there is habitat. That improvements, such as weather stripping and insulation will means that the critters hide there, not much to eat so they come be encouraged. across the street to feed on the vegetation of the homes. It is up to Housing reconstruction is available to reconstruct a the CA Fish and Game Department to make the final yea or nea. new house in place of an existing substandard house that is They just can’t seem to see our dilemma as a priority; there are only so many bodies in the Fresno office to deal with these kinds of deemed beyond repair by the inspector and room additions issues and now the High Speed Rail has pulled them off our track. are available in the case of household overcrowding and per They have come to inspect the area we want to build on and veriprogram standards. fied there are no critters. If there are, we have worked on set aside Housing Rehabilitation Loans are at 1% interest and for land (for a Take Permit) just in case. The real problem as I see it is 30 year term. that no one is willing to sign a yea letter because that would mean Applications are currently being accepted for both prothey made a “career decision”. If you study a study to set up another study then you see, no decision is made and your career is intact. If grams and can be obtained at Taft City Hall. Call (661)763you force political pressure upon them that will make them harder 1222 x 16 for more information.

Miller Time

to deal with and less likely that things will go our way. That puts us in the preverbal rock and hard spot; where the horned toad lives; seen one lately; mighty tasty food for the Kit Fox. As usual, wait and see.

Well as expected, the gas refiners decided to shut down some of their plants at the same time for overhaul and switch to cleaner summer fuel processing, that drives the price of gas back up. Do you buy your gas at stations out of loyalty or price ?? How many of you are Costco members and buy your gas there?? I have a Chevron and Shell card and use them here in Taft. But have you noticed that gasoline suppliers don’t advertize on TV anymore like they used to. Seems they get enough of your business so they don’t have to. In reality, we all know that gas comes from the same refiner, only that some chemicals for several brands are added to make them different (better??). So much for brand loyalty; gas stations are just dispensers with quick convenience shopping options added.

I have volunteered at the Needs Center for the past four years.

They distribute a whole bunch of canned, dry, fresh, and frozen food a year. There are mostly seniors working there and we have three eighty year olds. While I admire and love all the workers, I want to give a shout out to one of the hardest working men I know: Howard Minton, affectionately known as the Energizer Bunny. He has been a mainstay for the Center for many years. He runs me into the ground every time I’m around him. He works out at Honolulu Hills Raceway when they have races, and he is an active member of the Midway Sunset Lions Club. He is a workhorse extraordinaire, a proud Taftian, a wounded Korean War Veteran, a loving husband and father, and after this, I still hope my friend. He is deserving of your praise and thanks. He lives in Taft, he doesn’t just reside here.

See you around Town, Randy Miller A Howard Admirer

TRUSTEE VACANCY The West Kern Community College District/Taft College invites interested community members to submit letters of interest to fill a recently vacated trustee position. The term of this interim appointment will expire December 2014. Eligibility requirements: 18 years of age, residency in the District, registered voter and otherwise not disqualified by the Constitution or the state from holding a civil office (Education Code 72103). Letters of interest may be mailed to: Shelley Klein Assistant to the President WKCCD/Taft College 29 Cougar Court Taft CA 93268 The deadline for letters of interest is April 9, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. Qualified applicants will be interviewed. Questions may be directed to: Shelley Klein (661) 763-7711 or sklein@taftcollege.edu.

March 28 - 3, 2014

West Side Recreation Report Check us out online!

Need more information on programs, classes or facilities?

Visit us on the web: www.wsrpd.com www.facebook.com/wsrpd www.westsidesports.org www.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House SENIOR REC ROOM Who: Ages 55+ Where: Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Hours: * Monday-Thursday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. * Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. * Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (1st and 3rd week of the month) The Senior Rec Room is located in the Community Center Activity Building and includes televisions with cable programming, computers with internet access and basic Microsoft programs, comfortable furniture, games, magazines and books. The Rec Room is a great place to socialize and spend time with others.

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

Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 18 and older The District holds Bingo games every week for adults. Average buy-in is $15 per person. Cash pots are awarded and we also sell pull-tabs. Stop by and check it out!

TINY TOT WIFFLE BALL Who: Ages 2-4 When: Wednesday or Friday Time: 5:15-5:45 p.m. or 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Session: April 16 – May 16 Where: Oil Field (Recreation Center) Fee: $25 per player Registration deadline: Thursday, April 3 INSTRUCTIONAL T-BALL Who: Ages 4-6 When: Monday, Tuesday or Thursday Time: 5:15-6:00 p.m. or 6:15-7:00 p.m.

Session: April 14 – May 24 Where: Oil Field (Recreation Center) Fee: $35 per player Registration deadline: Thursday, April 3 WIFFLE BALL LEAGUES Pro Division: Ages 16+ Triple-A: Ages 16+, Coed Double-A: Ages 50+ A League of Their Own: Ages 16+, Women Sandlot: Ages 10-15 Season: May 3-31 Where: Oil Field (Recreation Center) Fee: $35 per player or $150 per team Registration deadline: Thursday, April 24

COOKIE WORKSHOP Tuesday, April 1 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Ages 4+ $3 per person Come create a jumbo sugar cookie! While cookies are baking, we will draw and color. Younger kids will need to bring a helper along.

BEADS & MORE BEADS Tuesday, April 8 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades K+ $3 per person Bring your imagination to this fun hour of making a variety of projects using a variety of beads.

We will have all of the necessary supplies you’ll need to create necklaces, bracelets and fuse bead iron projects.

SPRING BREAK ACTIVITIES COMING SOON! April 12-18, 2014 Easter Egg Hunt, BBQ Lunch & Movie, Sidewalk Chalk Art, Candy Bar Bingo, Kids Fun Day, Tie-Dye T-Shirts and Board Games & Lunch. Check out our website, Youth Brochure or the April 11 edition of the Independent for more details. You can also give us a call at 763-4246.

BASKETBALL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Who: Ages 10-15 When: Thursday Afternoons Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Where: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation Center Fee: $2 per visit (free for Recreation Center members) These skills development sessions are designed to improve the player’s ball handling, passing, perimeter moves, shooting, defense, agility and understanding of the game. No pre-registration is needed; just drop by the Rec Center ready to play (no street clothes or shoes). Sessions will be led by Coach Pait with assistance from various other coaches.

TAFT COLLEGE SOFTBALL CAMP Who: Ages 6-15 When: April 16-18 (Wednesday – Friday) Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (lunch provided, 12:00-1:00 p.m.)

Where: Taft College Softball Field Fee: $40 per player (includes t-shirt and lunch) Registration deadline: Thursday, April 10

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

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

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

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

March 28 - 3, 2014

March 28 - 3, 2014

Taft High Softball is still going strong

By John Swearengin We all need to give a huge shout out to the Taft High Softball Team. Once again they are having an amazing year and are all over the news lately. Arizona Pilgrim was the Westside Sports Player of the Week and the Carl’s Jr. Player of the Week recently. Arizona recently pitched a perfect game at Independence High School. The Lady Cats were Valley Champs last year and are looking to do it again. They are stacked with talent at every position. They have several other stars like Caitlyn Emberson, Olivia Ortlieb, Halle Neher, Hayley Tracy, Katie and Corie Evans, Josey Burke and so many others. Their next home game is Friday April 4th at 4pm vs. Cesar Chavez. Please come out and cheer on this outstanding team.

The West Side Recreation and Park District recently finished their most successful basketball season. Kids came out in record numbers and the beautiful new Gym was bursting at the seams with players, parents, grandparents, and several fans. Now the Rec is preparing for the Grand Opening of the “Oil Field” on April 17th at 2pm. Oil Field is located next to the Rec Gym at 500 Cascade Place. It is a Fenway Park replica. Whiffle Ball and T Ball will be played on this amazing field. Several other improvements and additions to the Rec will also start soon near Oil Field.

The Rec is committed to having something for the entire family no matter what age you are. Several local Senior’s have joined the senior walking program at the Rec Gym. The senior’s are moving fast to making their goal of “Walking across America.” The West Side Health Care District has also partnered with the Rec to make this program a huge success. Several Senior’s have lost weight, lowered their blood pressure, and feel much better because of the Senior Walking Program. Stop by the Rec Center to check it out. So many things have come and gone in Taft. The Rec has had some rough times in the past as well but in the past seven years or so the Rec has brought their rating back up to outstanding.

Taft City Schools gets out of School at 1:35 on Wednesdays, and the Rec has partnered with the Taft Fox Theatre to provide 4 Matinee Movies on Wednesdays at 2pm. Kids

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery

Now Serving Splash Cafe Clam Chowder

can check out a movie and still have time for any practices they might have and homework. Contact the Rec for more info and $5.00 tickets. Speaking of Taft City Schools, take a drive by Jefferson School and check out all the new improvements. Jefferson School has never looked better. All of the schools have had so many great improvements lately.

I’m proud to be a Parkview Alumni, now that my daughter goes there I love going to all of their events. The Parkview PTA is having a Spring Carnival on April 25th from 5-8pm.

Come out and have a good time while supporting the Parkview Bears.

Last Saturday the Kern County Raceway had their first Car Show. It seemed most of Taft was out there and they should have been because it was a great time. There were amazing hot rods, great food, drinks, vendors, burnouts, perfect weather and live music. Make sure you attend next year if you missed out this year. This Car Show should get everyone pumped up for the next 1st Friday of the Month, Center Street Cruise Night on April 4th. Save the date for the Taft Chamber’s Rails to Trails Car Show on May 31st.

Last year the car show was very HOT! I hope the weather is nicer because there were lots of amazing cars and vendors.

Taft recently lost three great members of our community, Janice Morgan, Fernando Amorteguy, and John Waldrop.

I did not know them very well but knew all three of them most of my life and they were great people that I always enjoyed seeing. All three of them always seemed happy and were involved in Taft in one way or another. They all three have several great family members that live here in Taft. I will miss seeing Mrs. Morgan waving at the cars that drove by her house, I will miss talking to Fernando around town, and I have missed seeing Mr. Waldrop sitting on the stool in Waldrop’s Auto Parts. They will be missed by many people but are in a better place. Stay positive Taft!

Maricopa Elementary School 2014-15 Kindergarten Roundup April 1st 3 p.m.

Visit the Classrooms Pick-up the enrollment packet Meet the Teachers

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Zack took first place in the qualifying round in district 5 for the state championships. He will bowl state championships may 4. He bowled a 253,189,222 for a 664 scratch series and 781 handicap series!!!

Congratulations Zack and keep up the great work!

The Taft Indepenent Every Issue Free No Subscription Required Visit our Free Website to view entire paper in digital newspaper format www.taftindependent.com

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935 MONDAY TO FRIDAY NOON TO 9 P.M.

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Hours Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm

Zack Long WSRPD - Pizza Factory Athelete of the Week

HOURS

in a Pyrenees Bread Bowl

Ben’s Books

Athlete of the Week

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

www.taftindependent.com Senior Portraits Class of 2014 Fun and Easy

Free clothing change, multiple pose packages, yearbook photo Starting at $99 + Tax. Book now to purchase 16x 20 print for $27.00 with any package. Offer ends August 24th.

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

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

765-6550 Classified ads $2 per line

Liberty Under Fire Obama Expands Federal Monuments with his pen

By Harold Pease, Ph. D On March 11, 2014, President Barack Obama, designated the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands a national monument, setting aside 1,665 acres of a pristine Northern California coastline for future generations, thereby keeping a promise made in his 2014 Cabinet meeting and Inaugural Address. “We are not just going to be waiting for legislation in order to make sure that we’re providing Americans the kind of help that they need. I’ve got a pen, and I’ve got a phone. And I can use that pen to sign executive orders and take executive actions and administrative actions that move the ball forward….” Some have dubbed this his nullification of Congress speech.

But where in the Constitution is authority for him to take land from a state and claim it for a national monument or park? A look at Article II, wherein his powers are listed, identifies no such power. He has but eleven powers: 1) “Commander in chief of the army and navy of the United States” including the militia when called into actual service of the United States; 2) supervise departments (cabinet), each presumably established by the Congress (George Washington had but four); 3) grant reprieves and pardons; 4) make treaties with the help of the Senate; 5) with Senate help appoint positions established by law such as ambassadors, ministers and judges; 6) fill vacancies “during recess of the Senate;” 7) make recommendations to Congress on the state of the union; 8) convene both houses on special occasions and handle disputes with respect to convening; 9) receive ambassadors and other public ministers; 10) make certain that “laws be faithfully executed;” and, 11) “commission all the officers of the United States.”

Simply stated the president has two supervisory powers over existing organizations and two shared powers with the Senate, otherwise he pardons, recommends, appoints and entertains. That is it! Notice the absence of the words executive order, or anything like unto it. He has no lawmaking or land acquisition powers.

Constitutionally land acquisition is left only to Congress as per Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 that leaves the federal government propertyless with but two exceptions, 1) ten

March 28 - 3, 2014 miles square for a capital, and 2) for common defense.

Clause 17 is the last of eight qualifiers defining common defense and allows the federal government additional land acquisition provided three stipulations are met. Those are: such land had to be purchased by the federal government (not just confiscated), receive the consent of the state legislature where located, and had to be for military purposes.

President Theodore Roosevelt, who first violated this part of the Constitution by creating Yosemite National Park, should have been impeached for four reasons. The power to acquire land did not belong to the executive branch, the federal government did not purchase it, the California State Legislature did not give consent, and it was not for military purposes. Likewise President Barack Obama had no authority to acquire land, did not purchase the pristine California coastline, did not obtain the consent of the California Legislature and it was not acquired for military purposes.

That presidents have followed Roosevelt’s clearly unconstitutional practice does not make it constitutional.

This is not an argument that governments should not set aside our most pristine portions for the enjoyment of those not yet born, but only that they do so constitutionally. One departure from the Constitution invites yet another until the document is not “sacredly obligatory on all” as warned George Washington in his famous Farewell Address. At any time a state, county, or city may create a park or monument or, we could have properly amended the Constitution through Article V to enlarge the land acquisition powers of the federal government but, my point, we did not. The Constitution is designed to harness the federal government from doing whatever it pleases, in this case, confiscation of property.

Presidents, in law-making through executive orders, have empowered themselves to the point of “kingship” with their worshipful, unchallenging, party followers (whether Democrat or Republican) quite willing to look the other way as this office grows beyond its ability to be efficient. At any time a president could remind the people of his real constitutional powers but he will not as that would drastically reduce his power that is beginning to look limitless.

We must return to the constitutional powers of the President as outlined in Article II, only adding to them by way of amendment as described in Article V—no exceptions! In the case of land acquisition there is no place for his pen.

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.

TAFT COMMUNITY GARDEN Outdoor Classroom Event Square Foot Gardening & Grow Your Own Pizza Outdoor Classroom Event March 29, 2014 – 10 a.m.

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May 3 –Succulents Class & Garden Tour

April 24 – Earth Day at the Community Garden June 14 – Starting Plants from Cuttings

March 28 - 3, 2014

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Gateway Temple

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

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 4279722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

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

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

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Parish Hall Available for Rent

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

First Baptist Church

Where on Earth Are We? A sermon series on Prophesy Pastor Trent Meadors

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

West Kern Christian Center Join us this Sunday at 6pm at our new location, 1000 6th Street in Taft.

Pastor Randy Bunch

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Serving Since 1939

WE HAVE ALWAYS STAYED CONSISTENT!

Midweek services start Wednesday, March 5 at 7pm. For more information: Email, info@wkcc-taft.org Phone, (661) 623-5001 Website: www.wkcc-taft.org 623-5001 1000 6th Street, Taft.

Community Christian Fellowship 631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Clergy The Rev. Heather Mueller 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive We invite you to join us each week as we worship

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

Info call 765-7151

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS March 22, 2014: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, at 703 5th St., will be having a Rummage/Bake Sale in our courtyard. It runs from 8:00am through 12noon.

In case of rain, we’ll hold the Sale inside our Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!!

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

Classifieds

March 28 - 3, 2014

Ken Shugarts

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines,Ads andare $7 per issue forline. up toPhone, 10 lines.fax, Yardmail Sale or adsdrop are free.

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Boxed\outlined\bolded adsyour start company at $12.00 for 8 lines, Ad your photograph classified for $5. Ad logo for $16 $5. for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

Boxed ads are $5 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for car, sale truck ads areor$5motorcycle per week, orand $10 we’ll the rest. with ado photo.

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

Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon) Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550 3 bed 2 bth, new Fax: 765-6556 flooring & paint, many upgrades, 909 San E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

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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.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED

Help Wanted Part Time Taft City School District is accepting applications for two Bus Driver positions: 4 hours per day, 12 months and 3 hours per day, 10 months per year. Employment process includes written exam, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and physical exam with drug screen. A written exam for these positions will be given on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 @10:00 a.m.

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District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned

by Monday, March 31, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.

EOE Now hiring On-Site Apt Manager or Management Team.

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Must be bilingual Spanish/English.

Call:661-846-6403 or 210-585-2232.

M & S Security is now hiring individuals witrh bth EMT and Security Guard Certification.

Need clean DMV. (661) 397-9616 x 202.

Midway Elementary School District is looking for classified personnel to substitute in the office, as a classroom aide andalso for janitorial duties. Must have an A.A. Degree.

Applications are available @ Midway School District, 259 F Street, Fellows, CA. Or call 7684344 for more information.

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

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Driver/Grounds 10 months/5 hrs per day $13.87/hour, partial benefits Must have Calif.

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MOBILE HOMES HOMES FOR RENT

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Home For Rent 2 bedroom 1 ba. 411 Shattuck St. $600 mo.

(1 year lease) $750 deposit. Pick up application at 318 North St. (661) 769-6469. Joyce Properties.

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

We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit. No Application Fee. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. Call (661) 846-6403 or (661) 765-7678.

100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 518 Center St Retail Space $500 Home for rent. 416 Montview. 2bd 2 ba.

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417 Montview. 2bd. 1 ba. house. Fend yard. $15,000 cash or owner will carry with down payment for 5 years..

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March 28 - 3, 2014

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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 •

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March 28 - 3, 2014

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