Westside Senior Care

Independent The Taft

March 30 - 5, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

www.Taftindependent.com

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Publisher@Taftindependent.com

March 30 - 5, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 40

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

Pet Parlor , Grooming & Styling, Head To Tail

Westside Watcher: Moses Coming To Taft Easter Sunday

Hunger Games Now Playing At Taft Fox

Westside Senior Care Open House Saturday Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street • 661-765-6550

Soroptimist members Becky Ashcraft, Edith Laurin, and Debby Woodson with Senior Care Staff Dee Dee Brown, Lorina Harp, Linda Istre and Administrator Marily Kroh

Pastas • Sandwiches • Salads • Espresso • Beer • Wine

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

BEER TASTING

Thursday, April 5th 5:30pm

ALL YOU CAN EAT Spaghetti & Meatballs $9.95 Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers SPRING BREAK DAILY SPECIALS!

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Shop Taft

Passion For Nails Gel Polish

Preparing America’s Taxes Since 1955

Amanda Esdinosa Angie Rodriguez Megan Hiler 418 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 (661)765-5242 Fax (661)765-5476 hrblock.com

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lasts up to 21 days on Natural Nails!

Nail Services:

March Madness Specials

15%

Ultra Boost Mobile Off Page Plus & Verizon Phones

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

NEW ARRIVALS!

New Corky’s Are In! LA Idol Jeans For Juniors & Misses!

Infant & Toddler Footwear

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527 Inside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700 915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Spring Has Sprung

Planting Made Simple With

Succulents!

Happy Easter!

Say It With Flowers Easter Is On Sunday, April 8th 430 Center Street (661)765-2442

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Edward J. Herrera Insurance Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public We are an Independent Agency With Many Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies To Best Suit Your Needs

Why go to Bakersfield? We’re here!

We Represent You To Give You The Best Service

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates Our Friendly Staff

417 1/2 Center Street Taft, Ca 93268 (661)745-4920 Lic. # 0277365 www.edherrerainsurance.com

Ten Percent Firearms

Great Indoors & Out

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Expires March 31st, 2012

FlowerShop

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

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

Hablamos Espanol 661-745-4954 610 Center Street

Jacks

Streamlight Pro Tac, Watch Batteries S&W Tactical Flashlight, Pelican, NexTorch, 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Dark Ops Hellfighter X-8

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

J e w e l r y

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Like Us on Facebook

25% Off Generic Brand Cases

$20 Off Samsung Transform

F i n e

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

Brand Clothing Shoes • Jewelry A Hint of Class Name Accessories & More Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

acme jewelry co.

Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

Lic # B-721903

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

March 30 - 5, 2012

WE HAVE MOVED! Now located at 210 6th Street

FREE

Tire Rotation & Brake Check Plus We will check all fluids & tire pressure *Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

24

Plus Tax

$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Exp. Apr. 30, 2012

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

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

(661)763-4176

Electronics • Prepaid Phones Service • Accessories

WE SHIP!

March 30 - 5, 2012

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Westside Watcher............4 West Side Recreation Report..........5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Community Voices..........8

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 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.

Spring Break April 2nd - 6th

Taft Union High School Choir Dinner Theater Friday Night The Taft Union High School choir will host its Fifth annual Dinner Theater at 6 p.m. Friday, March 30th in the school cafeteria.

The show features members from both choirs.

Advance tickets cost $10; tickets at the door cost $12. Contact a choir student or choir director Amanda Locke at 763-2300, ext. 277 or alocke@taft.k12.ca.us.

Relay For Life Bake Sale This Saturday The All-Stars and Prevention for a Cure will team up on Saturday March 31st from 10am-1pm to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Teams will be set up in front of Albertsons selling bakes goods as well as personalized buttons with all proceeds to be submitted to the Taft Relay for Life event. This is also a great time to fill out a form to light a luminaria bag during the Relay for Life event held in Taft on May 19th 2012. Honor or remember your loved ones by contributing $10.00 for each bag. Names will be placed on bags and bags will line the track during the relay event. Come support both of these Relay teams!

Interested in starting your own team? Visit the Taft Relay for Life website and see how! www.relayforlife.org/taftca

From The Mayor..............8

Spring break kicks off Monday, April 2nd and runs through Friday, April 6th with no school for both Taft College and Taft Union High School students.

Westside News..................9

Resurrection Drive Thru Friday & Saturday, April 6th & 7th

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

West Hills Church of the Nazarene, located at 300 Lassen Street will have a Resurrection Drive Thru on Friday and Saturday, April 6th and 7th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. In this event you will see: the last supper, Jesus’ betrayal, the empty tomb, and many others. If you like our Nativity Drive Thru during Christmas time, you will love this!

Kern County Animal Control & ASPCA 3 Day Pet Adopt-A-Thon

Spring Fling Salad Luncheon Friday, April 13th

Want to adopt a fabulous animal and save a life? Then mark your calendars as KCAC is participating in the ASPCA’s Mega Match-A-Thon adoption event March 30-April 1st! All available animals will only be $20 to adopt! Fees include spay/neuter surgery, microchip, first set of shots and more! March 30th - 10 am to 5 pm, March 31st - 10 am to 5 pm and April 1st - 11 am to 5 pm. Log onto www.co.kern.ca.us/acd to view adoptable animals at our Bakesfield location, 201 S Mount Vernon Ave. (661)321-3000.

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 Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins, Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

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.

Alpha House Annual BBQ & Auction Saturday, April 14th Please join the Alpha House as they celebrat 20 years of serving the community of Taft and it’s outlying areas at their annual BBQ and auction Saturday, April 14th.

Dinner is at 5pm, dine in or take out. Adults $10, Children (5-12) $5. Children 5 and under FREE. Auction begins at 6pm at the West Side Recreation and Park District, 500 Cascade Pl. 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.

St. Mary’s Church Bake Sale Sunday, April 15th Bake Sale Sunday, April 15th from 9am to 12 noon at St. Mary’s Church, located at 110 E. Woodrow St. Great selection of baked goods!

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.

A nation wide shelter-adoption event

TUHS STAR Testing Begins In April Taft Union High School students will show what they’ve learned when they take the state-mandated STAR (Standardized Testing And Reporting) test over three weeks from April 11 to 27.

Testing starts Wednesday through Friday, April 11-13, with sophomores taking the science test and juniors taking the social science test. Friday is a makeup day.

The second week, everyone will be on an entirely different schedule as students take the math and English tests. School will start at the regular time, 7:45 a.m., but Monday through Thursday, April 16-19, students will be on a block schedule and released at 1:15 p.m. Buses will run at 1:25 p.m. and sports practices will run immediately after school lets out. Friday, April 20, will be a makeup test day with students being released at 12:30 and buses running 10 minutes after that.

The third week, students will take science and social science tests.

The schedule will be the same hours as the previous week.

The high school is providing free breakfast during STAR testing as well as the regular closed-campus, mid-morning nutrition snacks.

Superintendent/Principal Mark Richardson said students should be well rested for the tests. Test results are an important measure of student progress.

Results are used to place students in the correct class and to measure Taft High against others in the state. Students should do well on theses tests as a matter of personal, school and community pride, Richardson said.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday April 3rd, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.

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

Taft Relay For Life Saturday & Sunday, May 19th & 20th Annual Taft Relay for Life is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 19th and 20th at TUHS. To get involved, contact La Nell Howell at 661-330-5606, lhowellrfl@gmail. com or visit online at: relayforlife.org/taftca

AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND POSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE www.cityoftaft.org TELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11: Wednesday 8 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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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. 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 TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, March 30, 2012 Through Thursday, April 05, 2012 Mirror Mirror (PG) Fri: (5:00), 7:30, 10:15 Sat: (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30, 10:15 Sun: (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30 Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:30 Wrath of the Titans (PG-13) 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 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: (4:00), 7:00 Tue - Thu: (4:00), 7:00

Taft Petroleum Club

Ribeye Steak or Chicken Dinner from 6pm - 8pm LIVE IN CONCERT SATURDAY MARCH 31ST JOSH FISCHEL OF BARGAIN MUSIC, ARTIFICIAL EUPHORIA, JOHNNY GO, AND THE REDLINERS. CLUB OPENS AT 6PM AND MUSIC STARTS AT 8PM $5.00 21 AND OLDER ONLY Industry Night Wednesday, April 4th Opens at 4:30pm, dinner at 7:30pm Sponsored by 2 Wheel Productions Tri-Tip dinner $12 450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 4:30pm to Close

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher Classic Cecil B. DeMille Movie The Ten Commandments to Play at Fox Theater Easter Sunday Moses would not have it any other way.

The owners of the Taft Fox theater, who have worked tirelessly, invested big money and made efforts of biblical proportions (you try dealing with Kern County Fire Department inspectors) to reopen Taft’s beautiful Fox theater have decided to show the The Ten Commandments on Easter Sunday.

The Ten commandments is an epic 1956 film that dramatized the biblical story of the Exodus, in which the Hebrewborn Moses, an adopted Egyptian prince, becomes the deliverer of the Hebrew slaves.

It is a classic movie made for the big screen back in the day. Watching the movie on a DVD does not do the movie justice.

So far, most Taft residents have been very faithful in their support of the newly reopened Taft Fox theater which shut down last year after a few failed attempts to operate profitably. The new theater owners are very happy and most thankful for the community’s support.

Except for a few unbelievers, however, who choose to go to Bakersfield to see The Hunger Games, Taft movie seeers have had nothing but great things to say about the theater and the low entrance prices.

The Ten Commandments is a must see. The movie’s cast includes such acting greats as Charlton Heston as Moses (of course), Yul Brenner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson, Yvonne De Carlo, John Derek (Bo Derek’s husband), Vincent Price and John Carradine.

The movie is one of the most financially successful films ever made, grossing over $65 million. Adjusting for inflation, it is the fifth highest-grossing movie domestically, with an adjusted total of $977 million in 2010. In 1999, The Ten Commandments was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

In June 2008, AFI revealed its “Ten Top Ten”—the best ten films in ten American film genres—after polling over 1,500 people from the creative community. The Ten Commandments was listed as the 10th best film in the epic genre.

So, if you want to have a great family experience next Easter Sunday (after church of course) take the family to the Taft Fox theater and see the Ten Commandments.

The acting is great, the subject matter is fabulous and it is a movie that your kids will never forget.

And remember, you can’t see it in Bakersfield.

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

March 30 - 5, 2012

TIL Wine & Food Festival Tickets are available for the annual wine and food festival that raises money for Taft College’s Transition to Independent Living (TIL) program.

The event, which features food, wine and microbrew tasting along with silent and live auctions, will be held at the Historic Fort on April 19.

Music by jazz pianist Nat Dove also will be featured.

A student representing the college’s program that trains young adults with mild intellectual disabilities to live on their own will make a presentation.

Advance tickets are $25 per person ($30 at the door).

There are several sponsorship levels as well.

A sponsorship that includes two tickets is $125, sponsorship with four tickets is $250 and a sponsorship for a reserved table of eight is $500.

Wine and microbrew from a variety of makers will be on hand for sampling along with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Taft College chef Geoff Dunham and his staff.

Live and silent auctions and prize drawings will be held.

The live auction will feature two dinner cruises aboard Leonard and Midge Gentieu’s Morro Bay yacht, the Papagallo II. One is a cruise for two and the other a cruise for 20.

The event is co-sponsored by the TIL program’s advisory committee and the Historic Fort.

Planners are seeking donations for the auctions and prize drawings.

Items can include merchandise, gift baskets, gift certificates or cards, wines, home décor, yard accessories, weekend get-a-ways, art work and the like.

To donate items contact Vickie Waugh at Taft College (7637799) or Edith Laurin at the Fort, 915 No. Tenth St, Suite 2 (7657371), by April 16.

CITY OF TAFT COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICER $16.15 - $19.62/hour Under general supervision is required to perform a variety of routine and complex enforcement of City ordinances; code enforcement work and vehicle abatement work within established parking laws; and perform traffic investigations. This position will also assist in enforcing City ordinances and state laws regarding stray, dangerous and nuisance domestic and wild animals.

Applications will be reviewed and the most qualified individuals will be invited to participate in the testing process.

Min. Qual.: High School diploma or GED; possession of a valid California driver’s license; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment is helpful.

Application and job description may be obtained at www. cityoftaf.org or 209 E. Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268. Final Filing Date: 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 13, 2012.

CYCLE KATZ INC. HAS MOVED TO 320 HARRISON ST. 745-4931

PARTS • SALES • SERVICE Locally owned and operated We work on all makes and models

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Larger showroom and larger mechanic Area Now offering a customer lounge with coffee and donuts

Mon, Tues, Thurs - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

Come check out our new location!!!

WWW.CYCLEKATZ.COM cyclekatz@att.net 320 Harrison st. (661) 745- 4931

Open 7 Days

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

March 30 - 5, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

West Side Recreation Report Don’t forget… You can pay for your favorite programs over the phone using a credit or bank card.

Call the District Office at 763-4246 for more details! info@wsrpd.com www.wsrpd.com www.facebook.com/wsrpd www.quickscores.com/wsprd

by Stephanie House

EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 31 10:00 a.m. SHARP! ‘A’ Street Park, Taft Ages 2-8 FREE! Bring a basket and be sure to show up at least 15 minutes early for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Kids will get to “hunt” for candy, plastic eggs, and prizes in different areas, divided by age groups. The Easter Bunny will also be there and the fun will take place rain or shine!

BOARD GAMES & LUNCH Friday, April 6 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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

BOUNCE HOUSE MANIA Friday, April 6 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Ages 2-10 (must be accompanied by an adult) Hourly Fee: $5 for 1 child, $12 for 2-3 children or $15 for 4-5 children We will be filling the Aera Gymnasium at the Recreation Center for a day of bounce house fun! Come on down and get your jump on! Time starts at the top of each hour; children must be accompanied by an adult.

NATATORIUM POOL PARTIES Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for private party rentals at the Natatorium swimming pool. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday between June 1 and August 19. Rental fees start at $165 for 2-hours. Call 763-4246 for more information.

KIDS FUN DAY Monday, April 2 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium Grades K-6 $8 per person ** registration deadline – March 30 Join us for a fun day of games,crafts, lunch, snacks and more! The more the merrier, so be sure to signup with a friend! Pre-registration is required.

SIDEWALK CHALK ART Tuesday, April 3 10:00 a.m.

Community Center Parking Lot, 500 Cascade Place, Taft All Ages FREE! All young artists and creative minds are invited to leave their mark on our sidewalk. We’ll provide the chalk you just choose a big spot to decorate as you wish.

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

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

BBQ LUNCH & MOVIE Wednesday, April 4 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

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

TIE-DYE T-SHIRTS Thursday, April 5 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Community Center Activity Building Grades 2-8 $4 per person ** registration deadline – April 4 Bring a new, 100% cotton t-shirt and you will be able to tie-dye it some cool colors. Kids are encouraged to wear old clothes to work in. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MOTHER DAUGHTER LUNCHEON Saturday, April 21, 2012 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium Girls ages 3 and older $30 per couple, $5 each additional daughter Registration Deadline: April 17

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE Monday, May 7 – Wednesday, May 9 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium $5 per person Register the first night of class. (next class: August 6-8, 2012)

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Annual Alpha House Auction & BBQ

Westside Senior Care Grand Opening Saturday 10 a.m.

Taft’s only assisted living care center, Westside Senior Care, will hold its Grand Opening on Saturday, March 31st at 10 am at the former traveling nurses home at 115 Adkisson Way. The former Taft Hospital building now houses up to 6 senior citizens who wish to live in the assisted living facility courtesy of the West Side Health Care District.

The facility, which currently serves 4 residents, opened last September when the former location on E Street in Taft Heights was forced to close.

Homeless, the occupants and administrator Kitty Shinn looked desperately for a new location to house the elderly residents. Shinn and current facility administrator Marily Kroh approach the health care district and asked for help.

Board member Eric Cooper brought the idea up at a board meeting and the district offered the old traveling nurse home on Adkisson Way. Becky Ashcraft, Edith Laurin, Debby WoodEric was very, son, Dee Dee Brown, Marily Kroh, Lorina very helpful,” said Harp, Linda Istre in front the new facility.

Kroh who now manages and administers the new home. “The district has been very good to us.”

The residents moved into the renovated facility on September 16 last year and have settled in according to Kroh.

“We still have room for two more residents,” Kroh said.

Kroh also praised Edith Laurin of the Historic Fort whose mother was a resident, and former Taft College President Dr. David Cothrun who helped with furnishing the facility and making improvements.

Residents live very comfortably at the new West Side Senior Care facility lovcated at 115 Adkisson Way. “To get a new state license for the facility, we needed to renovate the building to accommodate the residents,” Kroh said. “The health care district made all the required improvements,” she said.

“Edith and her mother helped with funding for a $30,000 reserved account required by the state, and my family help as well.”

Kroh also said the the Taft Soroptimists have been very helpful with funding and support.

With the cost of care in assisted living facilities costs as much as $5,000 per month, residents at the new Taft home pay $2,300 per month.

Items are still needed said Kroh. “We depend on donations,.

“We still need a new TV, a refrigerator, patio furniture cushions, kitchen chairs and funds for incidentals,” said Kroh.

To make a contribution or to donate, contact Marily at 7454220 or 623-4489.

The Alpha House will be hosting their annual Auction and barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, April 14th. After 20 years of servinf Taft, Alpha House has found this fundraiser to be very productive for them, it has been a great way for the staff and volunteers to meet their contributions.

The Alpha House has been serving Taft as well as outlying areas from all over Kern County. Their mission is to provide a safe and secure shelter to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness. When families leave Alpha House they often return for case management and aftercare that our staff often offers on their own time. It is the goal of the Alpha House to provide support and encouragement as they begin rebuilding their new lives. Alpha House is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter where the domestic violence occurs the staff is available to answer the emergency hotline or provide intake at any hour, any day of the week. Our staff and volunteers have been blessed to see all the lives turned around with the help of our services through the years.

Dinner will be held at the West Side Recreation Center at 500 Cascade Place and served at 5pm with the auction beginning at 6pm. Adults are $10, Children(5-12) $5, and Children under 5 are free. For more information and questions call 763-4357.

Taft Singer-Songwriter Inspired By Death Of Trinity Hanna

By Nicole Frost

In January, the death of three-year-old Trinity Hanna changed the lives of many people in the Taft community. Taft singer-songwriter Jeff “JT” Simpson wrote “Hear Them Cry” in response to the tragedy.

“I’ve been a songwriter for about 19 years,” said Simpson. “I’ve been in bands, I’ve been a D.J., I’ve been around music my whole life.”

Simpson wrote this song after reading numerous Facebook posts about the child’s death. Although he didn’t know her personally, Trinity’s death affected him immensely.

“That Sunday, I was flipping through pages and pages of Facebook posts about Trinity,” said Simpson. “I read all of their emotions and feelings, and I pulled up a note page on my phone and started writing.”

“Hear Them Cry” didn’t start off as a song.

“I showed my wife what I wrote and she said ‘great song,’” Simpson explained. “To this, I thought, ‘yeah, it could be a song.’ So, I started playing some chords on my guitar and I met up with my friend Eric Collum to record the song in studio. I decided that I just had to release the song.”

“Hear Them Cry” will be available on iTunes and hardcopy starting April 1st. On iTunes, the price of the song will be between $0.99 and $1.29. CDs will cost $5.

In addition to selling the song, Simpson will be selling T-Shirts for $15 starting next week and he will also be performing “Hear Them Cry,” as well as some of his other songs, for a fundraiser concert at the Oasis on April 21st. There will be two shows at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. All proceeds from the song, T-Shirts, and events will go to local organizations such as Alpha House and Jameson Center.

Presents “I’ve never been much of an advocate for anything, but this event with Trinity made me more outspoken about the issue of child abuse,” said Simpson. “I’d love to perform this song everywhere to raise awareness about A Classic Film On The Big Screen child abuse.”

For more information about “Hear Them Cry” or Simpson’s band “A Stones Throw,” you can visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/JTandAstonesthrow. Also, you can hear the song on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1-KWWT69GM&feature=gSunday Showing Only • Sunday, April 8th at 6pm upl&context=G29d5be9AUAAAAAAAAAA.

Taft Fox Theater

The Ten Commandments

Easter

March 30 - 5, 2012

Discussion of film with Westside Ministers Association Before the Film and During Intermission

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 • Taftfox.com

March 30 - 5, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

The Pet Parlor, Grooming And Styling, Head To Tail

Dacoda Gonzalez, grooming technician, (left) and Rachel Dayton, Pet Parlor owner with five dogs, a cat, a ferret, a goat and a bird, oh my!

The Pet Parlor is one of the newest pet grooming businesses here on the Westside that caters to all animals. Owner, Rachel Dayton, a pet lover and enthusiest runs the Pet Parlor from her home in Fellows and has an extra hand with sister-in-law Dacoda Gonzalez as her grooming technician. The Pet Parlor is a full grooming and pet maintenance salon, catering from the smallest to the largest of breeds and animals. From pomeranians and yorkies to pit bulls and great danes the Pet Parlor can get you cleaned up. The Pet Parlor also caters to many different types of pets, not just man’s best friend, such as; birds, turtles, cats, ferrets, lizards, goats and more, you name it.

Looking to make a statement with your pet? Creative grooming is the latest trend; adding fun dyed shapes and colors to your pets fur, edgy hair cuts and feathers!

Rachel started the Pet Parlor awhile back after she first tried her hand in the grooming field. “I fell in love with it and made it work for Lily shows off her My Little Pony inspired me, I get to set my own ‘do with splashes of hot pink and a schedule and be here for matching heart on her hip. my kids.”

The Pet Parlor, located in Fellows at 26851 Henry Road, is only 3 miles and a right hand turn from Taco Bell, right past Coopers Petroleum. Rachel offers pet pick up and delivery for a small fee.

Rachel began her love for animals at an early age with her involvement in 4H and showing horses. “I’ve always been around and had animals and when I met my husband he had snakes and lizards,” said Rachel, “it’s a perfect match for us and a way for us to use our experience to help and teach others about proper care and maintenance for their pets.”

Give Rachel and Dacoda a call at the Pet Parlor today, 661-7684654.

Full Grooming & Maintenance Creative Grooming Dogs • Cats • Turtles • Ferrets Birds • Lizards and More

Large Breeds Welcome!

Grooming & Styling 661-768-4654

Rachel Dayton Dacoda Gonzalez rachelspetparlor@gmail.com rachelspetparlor.webstarts.com

By Appointment

26851 Henry Road Fellows, CA

661-768-4654

Family Packages Pick Up & Delivery Service

Your Weekly Gas Price Update & Outlook

Average retail gasoline prices in Bakersfield have risen 1.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.30/g Monday, March 26th. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.86/g, according to gasoline price website BakersfieldGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Bakersfield during the past week, prices Monday, March 26th were 33.5 cents per gallon higher thanthe same day one year ago and are 3.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 21.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 29.5 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“The national average has risen twenty one consecutive days, according to our data, a troubling sign. Typically we expect such increases to occur more so in April,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “We’re 31-cents per gallon ahead of our year ago pace, and I’m seriously contemplating revising my January forecasts upward having seen things race higher, faster than expected. If there’s any ounce of good news for motorists, its that such high prices so quickly may mean prices will peak in April rather than May,” DeHaan said.

Blue Jeans & Bling Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

Black Gold Cafe and Deli Pastas • Sandwiches Espresso • Beer • Wine

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

Open Monday-Saturday 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm

Spring Break Specials ALL YOU CAN EAT

Spaghetti with our Homemade Marinara Sauce & Meatballs

$9.95 ALL DAY MON- FRI

THURSDAY April 5th BEER TASTING At 5:30pm

Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes Children’s Jeans & Shirts Monday - Friday 11am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Host a party 415 Center Street Visit us on Facebook sales@bluejeansandbling.com

763-9100 HAYDENS HOPE

Good Friday Tuna Sandwich Chips & Drink $7.50

THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

Come Get Your Easter Baskets!

We Take God Bless!

T-Shirts Donations!

ONLY 5 for $1

3/30/12 - 4/5/12

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

420 1/2 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only

Best IPA Selection

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Bottled Beers!

Used Book Store in Taft

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

ALL Books $.25 April 1st - 30th ONLY 810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

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 30 - 5, 2012

From The Mayor

“Fast and Furious,” Worse Than Watergate?

Hi Everyone,

Hope you have been going to the movies lately at Taft’s own Fox Theater. Ginny and I have been trying to go at least once a week, as we enjoy the night out and although Imagine being willing to do anything to destroy the Second Amendment to the U. S. Conwe have a flat screen TV it is just not the same as the big stitution—the one that allows you to defend yourself and resist any government that becomes screen experience in a theater. The critics panned John tyrannical, even our own. Since Americans will not willingly do so, imagine someone in power Carter, the Disney action movie, but we enjoyed it. It was plotting to create the rationale that would turn most reasonable people against over 2 hours long but the action and the story line, fightthese rights. Evidence of such has now surfaced in the form of an email from a Justice Departing for survival on Mars, was pretty good. What do we ment agent that strongly indicates that the government’s “Operation Fast and Furious” was know ?? We would recommend it for kids older than ten designed to do just that. If so, this could be worse than the Watergate conspiracy (no one was as the action sequences were pretty intense. Now, I am not going to be a movie killed) with responsibility heading uphill to at least Attorney General Eric Holder, perhaps to the critic in this column, but we would not recommend ‘21 Jump Street’. We thought President. it had a nice premise with some comedy and action as the lead characters were Seemingly the intent was for the government, through the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Administration (ATF), to police officers, under cover in a high school, trying to catch dealers selling a new secretly sell illegal guns to the Mexican drug cartels, then blame those sales on U.S. gun shows to discredit them. The addeadly form of a drug. One of the leads was up for an Academy Award recently. ministration had argued that 90% of the guns used by Mexican drug cartels had come from gun shows in the United We should have known better when early on Ice-Cube was introduced as the States. The ATF gun sales, if undetected, would provide the government rationale and support to close down the gun police supervisor overseeing the leads. Mr. Cube has made a nice living by using shows making it more difficult for citizens to obtain a firearm. The story is full of government intrigue, lies, conspiracy, and the most vulgar language, in most of his movies that I suppose some of his fans the murder of hundreds of Mexican citizens and an American Border Patrol Agent, Brian Terry. The scandal, if proven, is have come to appreciate. I am not a prude and I spent four years in the Navy and many times worse than Watergate that toppled the corrupt Richard Nixon. many years in construction; this movies use of the “F” word and worse repeatThe transfer of the illegal weapons was done without consulting U.S. law officers outside ATF or the Mexican authoriedly over and over in every scene by all the characters got to be nauseating. It ties. The government would have succeeded with the scheme were not some of the illegal firearms found at the scene of was uncomfortable sitting with my wife through this. About a third of the way murdered Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry; one of which actually the instrument of his death. through, a couple that was in a couple of rows in front of us, the male got up and What is new about this two-year-old scheme is an e-mail wherein Arizona U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke, charged with was followed by what looked to be a small 5-year-old girl. That sealed the deal executing the “Operation Fast and Furious,” boasted to a colleague of the operation’s propaganda value, presumably to vilify for us; we got up and left when he brought her back. I suppose it is their parental gun shows. It read: “Some of these weapons bought by these clowns in Arizona have been directly traced to murders of right to bring their child to an “R” rated movie but that certainly doesn’t make it elected officials in Mexico by the cartels, so Katie-bar-the-door when we unveil this baby” (“Will Holder’s Watergate Beright. Should I have said something to him, well if he is stupid enough to expose come Obama’s Waterloo?” Americas 1st Freedom, April 2012). They knew precisely what they could do to the gun shows his child to this kind of grossly obscene behavior he is just stupid enough to cause with the propaganda value of their sales if undetected. me bodily harm. We are still sick about this incident but do not hold it against Wayne La Pierre, Executive Vice President of the NRA, best expressed the seriousness of this illegal operation, apart the Theater owners at all. This movie was aimed at mindless idiots and for that from defrauding Americans of their constitutional gun rights, when he wrote. “In that ‘gun-walking’ operation, Obama couple it bode well for them. administration operatives encouraged, bankrolled, and oversaw repeated felonies at gun stores and at border crossings with Went to a Kern COG meeting this week held at the Westside Recreation criminals smuggling at least 1,700 firearms into Mexican drug-fueled criminal commerce.” Regular citizens, doing the Auditorium. The subject was “Directions to 2050”. This workshop dealt with same thing would be serving time. This reminds me of President Nixon’s now famous statement with respect to Watergate. the issues of quality of life, transportation, energy efficiency, housing, global “When the president does it, it is not a crime.” competiveness, and other regional issues. Kern COG staff was there in full force The e-mail in question was a part of the 6,000 documents received from the 80,000 requested of the Justice Department with wonderful graphs, charts, slide presentation, and a great interactive group by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform headed by Darrell Issa. The Justice Department yet participation format that got us involved. The only problem we had was lack of refuses to honor a two-year request for the other 74,000 documents. The Issa Committee accuses Eric Holder of stonewall- community participation. Councilman Linder and two City staff were there, ing and cover-up and threatens Contempt of Congress for the Justice Department head. along with Kathy Orrin from the Chamber and six community members. This What has been surrendered reportedly proves that U.S. gun shows were not the source of cartel firepower, as this adgroup is going to decide the priorities and the future of the Westside for all the ministration has repeatedly contended, they were, and that Holder intentionally lied when he told Congress he had heard rest of you for the next 40 years ?? I hope not, because that puts a terrible burden about “Fast and Furious” from the media, as did other Americans. “One Justice Department official has claimed his Fifth on us who were there to get it right for those that are around when 2050 comes.

Amendment rights against self-incrimination and refused to testify,” elevating anticipation that, so far, we may see only the Trying to plan for the future is a tough process. How many of you saw the houstip of the iceberg. ing market collapse coming before it happened or the dotcom bust in 2001 ?? If Hopefully the Committee and media will also probe the seemingly intentional design of this administration to plant you could have warned us, it would have saved a lot of grief for the rest of us. I the evidence (the 1,700 guns into cartel hands) to get Americans to end the gun shows in their efforts to end gun rights of retired in July of 2008 just when the full recession hit, Social Security quit paying Americans and the 2nd Amendment in- cola’s, and my county retirement quit giving a yearly 2.5 percent benefit increase. suring such. How about doing so with So don’t count on me to predict the future for you, I didn’t get it right for me. the same vigor that Congress and the Anyway, planning has to be done right and with foresight or it will be total chaos media went after Richard Nixon when because one of the startling statistics brought out was that the county will have he authorized the burglary of Demo2.2 million residents by 2050 if predictions are accurate. That’s more than double cratic Party National Headquarter? what we have now. Where are they going to live ?? What about roads, vehicles, Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the air quality, schools, water, land use, food, energy supplies, infrastructure and the United States Constitution. He has ded- myriad other issues that will need to be faced. Kern COG is starting the process icated his career to studying the writings to make us all wake up to what the future will be like if you are going to remain of the Founding Fathers and applying 1 Hour Massage $60 in Kern County. Thanks Kern COG and thanks to Paul Linder for being the that knowledge to current events. He board rep from our area. This all comes down to how to use your taxpayer dollars 30 Min. Massage $40 has taught history and political science wisely. Let’s just hope we can do it right. Kern COG has a website you can visit this perspective for over 25 years at www.Directionsto2050.com where you can join in and give your opinions on 1 Hour Foot Massage $40 from Taft College. To read more of his weekly these issues. Do it because you care and you live here, remember you don’t just articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderreside here.

Fire.org One of the issues we are trying to deal with is how to capture a bunch of those 10am - 10pm • 7 Days A Week drivers coming from Bakersfield to the Westside every day. It is the old chicken and egg issue: houses or businesses. Because of the housing slump, we are doing our best to attract new businesses to Taft and hopefully we’ll have some news soon on some of those projects.

Then we hope to attract developers to come and see that we have the amenities that homebuyers are looking 24 Hour Emergency Sewer & Drain Service 661-378-5852 1117 Kern Street #2 for: thriving businesses, restaurants, recreation, schools, 24 Hour Plumbing Repair Service life style, a safe community, attractions, and darned if Residential Commercial we don’t have a grand movie theater. We have many of those things already on our agenda, so I’m here to tell TAFT WASCO SHAFTER you Taft is ready to go. We are energized for the future 344-2780 758-3508 745-5351 and we hope you join us for the ride.

Adam Dayton See you around town.

By Dr. Harold Pease

$5.00 OFF Any Service With This Ad

Lee Downing, Owner • Lic. #674961

Randy Miller Mayor, City of Taft

March 30 - 5, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft High Band Booster To Host “An Evening of Jazz” TUHS Band Boosters will be hosting “An Evening of Jazz.” The event will feature live jazz music from the Taft High Jazz Band along with dinner and dancing. Dinner and dessert will be served by students of the Taft High Concert Band.

Proceeds from this event will be used to provide graduating seniors with college scholarships.

The event will be held on Friday, May 4 at the Taft Masonic Lodge, 521 North Street. Doors to the event will open at 5:30pm and dinner will be served at 6pm. The evening’s festivities are expected to last until 8pm. A limited number of tickets will be available. Individual tickets are available for a $25 donation. Reserved tables for six people are also available for a $150 donation. A special Gold Package is also being offered for a $250 donation. This package includes a reserved table for six and the opportunity for an individual from your table to conduct the jazz band for one song.

The event is open to the public. Band alumni members are encouraged to attend. No alcoholic beverages will be served at the event. Tickets are available at the Taft Chamber of Commerce or from Amanda Posey at TUHS. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Robin Norton at (661)619-5771, Jane White at (661)623-1299, or Amanda Posey at (661)763-2351.

Kern County Chief Deputy County Clerk And Registrar of Voters Karen Rhea To Speak At April 18 General Meeting Bakersfield, CA – The League of Women Voters of Kern County is pleased to have Karen Rhea Kern County’s Chief Deputy County Clerk and Registrar of Voters as our speaker on Wednesday, April 18.

The June 5th primary election will initiate California’s first “open primary” and Ms. Rhea will discuss the ramifications of it on California voters. The meeting will be open to League members, guests and the community.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Ms. Rhea relocated 16 times as an Air Force brat before settling in Visalia. She commutes daily to Bakersfield in order to stay close to her mother who lives in Visalia.

Ms. Rhea’s first job in elections was a temporary position with an elections printing vendor. She has since devoted her career to elections and has utilized her knowledge of election law, professional project and quality management principles. She also specialized in the development of process efficiencies.

Appointed to her current position in 2008, Ms. Rhea is a Certified Elections/ Registration Administrator (CERA), Election Center/Auburn University and a California Professional Election Administrator. She serves on the Voters with Specific Needs, Help America Vote Act and subcommittees for the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at 7 pm at University Square, 2000 K Street. Please make your reservation by calling the League Line at (661) 634-3773 or email Patti Jepsen at patti.jepsen.ak8b@statefarm.com.

The League of Women Voters of Kern County is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.

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

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

Taft Crude

Coffee House

Ice Blended Mocha Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors Open 7 Days - 763-5156 1010 6th Street • Taft

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

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

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

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

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Rev. Linda Huggard

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

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Services 10am 1000 6th St.

630 North St.

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

765-5557

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Weekly Classes Mon - Thurs Please call 765-7472 for info 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 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

Holy Week Schedule

www.sagebrushannies.com

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111

New Hope Temple

Mass Schedule

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and Mary A. McWhorter

Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 9:00A.M. English 11:00A.M. Spanish

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

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

Palm Sunday, April 1st: 9am English and 11am Spanish Holy Thursday, April 5th: 7pm Mass Bilingual Good Friday, April 6th: 12 (noon) Station of the Cross 5:30pm Bilingual Holy Saturday, April 7th: 8pm Mass Bilingual Easter Sunday, April 8th: 9am English and 11 am Spanish

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

E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

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.

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.

Business Services

& Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661293-0359 or 661-7656497. We will pick up!

For Sale FOR SALE

COMPUTER SERVICES

Moving Sale 506 Sierra St. Saturday 3/31 8am.

Twin Captains Bed, Dining Table, Love seat, Vanity, Armoire, Exercise Bike and more!

Relay for Life Yard Sale.

502 Olive - Maricopa.

Fri. and Sat. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

504 San Emidio, in alley, Sat. 7am Carpet & Padding, lg. dog house, med. cage,

Taft PC Services

AUTOMOBILES

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.

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

CLEANING SERVICES SERVICES OFFERED

Employment

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

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS She’s been hanging around our backyard near 6th Avenue and B street in Taft Heights and wants to come home. Friendly, longhaired dark gray and white young female cat misses you. Please call 765-7515

HELP WANTED

LOST PETS

TC Student wanted for part time waitress.

Experience required.

765-6550.

Lost Black Male medium sized puppy mix . all 4 paws white, white tip on tail with collar. 5777616. REWARD.

CHILD CARE SERVICES

Wanted

WANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552 Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries

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

Advertise

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax:

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

March 30 - 5, 2012

BUSINESS FOR SALE

garages! $1,100 127 Lexington 3/1+pool! $1,200 302 E San Emidio 3/1.75+ pool! $1,300 402 Pierce St. 3bd/1ba 1 car garage + shop $889 mo. + dep. 661343-0507

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

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

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

APART. FOR RENT MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057 Imperial Gardens 424 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.

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

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Assembly Woman Shannon Grove Honors Colleen McGauley As 32nd Assembly Distict Woman of the Year

Grove (left) McGauley (right) SACRAMENTO – Tuesday, March 27th, Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) honored Colleen McGauley as the 2012 Woman of the Year for the 32nd Assembly District. Ms. McGauley, the Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Kern County, was recognized at the annual Assembly ceremony at the State Capitol.

Ms. McGauley was the first CASA volunteer to serve in the Kern County juvenile court and has been with the Kern Chapter since its inception.

McGauley became executive director in 2001 and under her leadership, CASA Kern County has doubled the number of volunteers participating in the program and the number of children served annually. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children in the foster care system.

Volunteers work with children on a one-on-one basis and stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.

“I am very proud to honor Colleen McGauley as Woman of the Year,” said Assemblywoman Shannon Grove. “She is serving the children of Kern County in a very important way and her commitment is an inspiration to us all.”

Ms. McGauley’s community service also includes leading the Non-Profit Leadership Forum of the Bakersfield Rotary Club. McGauley earned her bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and her master’s in public administration from California State University, Bakersfield, where she received the outstanding alumnus award for 2010 -2011 from the school of business and public administration.

The Woman of the Year Ceremony celebrates 80 extraordinary women from California, one from each Assembly district. Started in 1987, the ceremony became an annual celebration of community service and outstanding contributions by women in California.

Assemblywoman Grove, R-Bakersfield, proudly serves the 32nd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Taft, Frazier Park/Lebec, and the Kern River Valley.

Elk Hills Students Astronomy Night Elk Hills students pose before getting into costume for their solar system play, The Sun gets a Family, written and directed by Sandra Bafia, The play was part of Elk Hills School Astronomy Night. Mrs. Bafia is shown top row, left; Mr. Wright, 7th-8th grade teacher, is shown on top row right.

Senator Fuller Authors SCR 50

The Hunger Games Movie

Legislation To Rename Portion Of Highway 99 For Fallen Sheriff Deputy Daniel Archuleta

Jennifer Lawrence carries “The Hunger Games.” She play Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year-old heroine whose presence dominates the screen, from the movie’s start when she volunteers to take her younger sister’s place as the chosen female representative from District 12 to participate in the Hunger Games to its end.

She’s the same stalwart young lady who played in “Winter Bone,” a naturalistic movie set in methamphetamineinfested hills of modern Appalachia, where too she represents the idea that the best of youth can come from the poorest of circumstances.

The movie is set in the futuristic dystopia North America is now, a country called Panem, comprised of twelve districts of varying degrees of economic prosperity; District Twelve is the poorest, a district of coal miners and common laborers. (Scenes of life in District Twelve resemble the Depression era photographs of Dorthea Lange.)

Those who rule Panem have created a ghoulish form of entertainment, similar to that of Rome’s feeding Christians to the lions in the Coliseum during the 2nd and 3rd Centuries AD, or Spain’s auto da fé’s, the public burnings of supposed heretics at the stake during the Inquisition of the 16th and 17th Centuries: Twenty-four teenagers, a boy and a girl from each district, are chosen to compete in survivor-style fighting to the death, until a single victor remains…

This is case of collective madness perpetrated by the ruling class but accepted by those whom it exploits, a breakdown in civility, a case of moral turpitude and depravity. It’s insane but those who live in this dystopia have accepted it as normal, whether they be the silly people dressed in outfits reminiscent of the court of Marie Antoinette, wearing wigs and blue or green or violet lipstick, who administer the districts and the invisible patrons or the people so oppressed themselves. Sad to say even though Katniss and her sort-of boyfriend Peeta challenge the rational of The Hunger Games, the emperor’s new clothes is never called what it actually is and discredited.

This society in effect has denied that the love people may have for one another is a more powerful force than the principle that in life one must triumph over one’s peers in a deadly fashion.

From the get-go Katniss flies in the face of all that, from the minute she spontaneously protects her younger sister from having to undergo the horror of the games by substituting herself in her place until at the movie’s end when she and Peeta are the lone surviving participates and are ordered to kill one another. Katniss asserts that her life is not worth living if Peeta is not in it. She draws from her pocket some poisonous berries, which they, like Romeo and Juliet, can eat and so die together.

She has in effect forced the authorities hand, so they declare both she and Peeta’s the winners…

Many things can be said about movies made from novels written for the teenage audience. The Hunger Games is the first of three books written by Suzanne Collins—the trilogy also includes “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay,” which no doubt will also be made into movies, considering the phenomenal success of The Hunger Games. First of all they are based on compelling stories, which feature strong heroines, with whom young people can readily identify. Secondly they are paced more leisurely than the mad-dash action films that dominate today’s film industry. And, finally, the stories told are religious in their depictions of young saviors whose intent is to save the world…

My problem with The Hunger Games is that I wanted the hypocrisy of such brutality completely unmasked and so was disappointed when Katnis and Peeta take the speed train back to District 12, where they are applauded by their people. Given the movie’s ending we can assume The Hunger Games have not ended…

(Sacramento) – Senate Concurrent Resolution 50 has been introduced by Senator Jean Fuller and was passed out of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee today. SCR 50 designates the interchange of State Highway Route 99 and State Highway Route 119 the “Deputy Daniel Lee Archuleta Memorial Interchange” and would give authority for privately funded memorial signage to be displayed.

Kern County Deputy Sheriff Daniel Lee Archuleta was killed in the line of duty on September 12, 2004, while responding to an emergency call. His patrol vehicle rolled over and another Deputy Sheriff discovered the battered patrol vehicle in the southbound lane of Tupman Road.

Archuleta was found dead at the scene.

“I introduced SCR 50 to honor Deputy Sheriff Archuleta for his steadfast dedication and ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Kern County,” said Fuller. “Deputy Sheriff Archuleta gave his life in the line of duty. I’m privileged to commemorate his sacrifice and devotion by naming the interchange of Highway 99 and 119 in his honor.”

Deputy Sheriff Archuleta graduated from the academy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department on February 20, 2001, and began employment with the LA County Sheriff ’s Department in February of 2001. On October 5, 2002 Deputy Sheriff Archuleta was hired by the Kern County Sheriff ’s Department and assigned to the Support Services Bureau, the Training Division, and the Resource Pool. He transferred to the Law Enforcement Bureau, South Area Substation Division, Taft Court in November of 2002. In May of 2003, he entered the Field Training Officer Program and was promoted to Deputy Sheriff II on October 4, 2003.

Deputy Sheriff Archuleta leaves behind his wife, Laura, and his two daughters, Victoria and Isabella.

State Senator Fuller represents the 18thSenate District, which includes Bakersfield, Visalia, Tulare, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Mojave, Taft, Kern River Valley, the Frazier Mountain communities, and other portions of Inyo and San Bernardino Counties.

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