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Independent The Taft

April 17 - 23, 2015

The Taft Independent

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

April 17 - 23 2015 • Volume 9 Issue 41

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

Qik Smog & Tune

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Local Motorcycle Repair

European and Japanese Street Bikes and All Dirt Bikes Safety Inspection Professional Service Dirt and Street BikeTire Mount and Balance Experienced Mechanics Basic Tune-up to Major Overhaul

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

Serious California Drought Bringing More Water Restrictions to Westside N o w S e l l i n g Te c h I n s p e c t e d a n d S m o g g e d Q u a l i t y Us e d C a r s

Oilstock Concert Line-Up Announced

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive

Alignment - Diagnostics - Brakes - Tires and Wheels TIA Certified ASE O P E N S AT U R D AY S 8 A M T O 4 P M

Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

A/C & BRAKE SPECIALS. ALL TIRES ON SALE. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

Financing Available

The Taft Independent

2

Shop Taft

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

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

April 17 - 23, 2015

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery

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

(661)745-4913

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

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

Personal Style

Salon and Boutique

Think Summer Fashions.

Flip Flops, Purses &Jewelry Think Oildorado.

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

A Hint of Class will be

Your Affordable Ad Here Call 765-6550

Ten Percent Firearms

moving to Pub Burger and French Fries Every Day $7.50 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Next Step Cardio & Fitness

Coming Soon!

Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

420 Center Street

LET’S FACE IT Mariah Melton, Esthetician 915 N. 10th Street No. 14 Taft, Ca 93268

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

By Appointment Only 661-623-1913 mariahmelton328@gmail.com

Sign-up Now and get your first 20 minutes free.

506 Center Street - (661) 745-4918

SPECIALIZING IN FACIALS, SKIN CARE & WAXING

Pad Thai with Egg Roll or Soup Lunch $8.99 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

April 17 - 23, 2015

Events Inside

The Taft Independent

Taft Business of the Week M&S Security

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

By Gardener Field

Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3 Westside Recreation......5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7

The Taft Business of the Week: M&S Security at 200 S. 4th Street.

M&S Security started in Taft in 1972 as Westside Security, then expanded to all of Kern County and turned into M&S Security in 1991. They install and monitor home and business alarms, patrol, security, and much more. It is owned by TUHS Class of 1964 Marvin Fuller Sr., who runs the Taft Office, Steve Fuller TUHS Class of 1988, is President of the Patrol and Guard Division, Marvin Fuller Jr., TUHS Class of 1989, is President of the Alarm Division. These days don’t leave your home or business without an alarm, call the only local Security and Alarm Company- M&S Security. Call M&S Security @ 397-9616 today to have an alarm install and monitored 24 hours a day.

Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 Shop Taft........................11 Shop Taft........................12

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

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Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com

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Tuesday April 21st, 2015 – 6:00 p.m.

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.

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We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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Contributing Writers Stephanie House, Jerry Livingston Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Joan Raymond, Andreas Fault

Largest Circulation on the

Columnists Randy Miller Dr. Harold Pease

Westside

Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Taft Calendar

3

By Andreas Fault Fundraiser this Saturday to benefit Shelly Williams Nicholson who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer, at the Taft Moose Lodge. Pulled Pork Sandwiches for $5, $7 with a side at noon, Horseshoe Tournament $10 a person- registration at 10:30am. Bunco at 1pm-$10 buy in. Raffle, 50/50, call Sunshine @ 577-7480 for more info. Please support this great family and keep them in your Prayers.

Saturday- Taft Soroptimist Garden Tour.

Taft Rotary Health Fair at Buena Vista High School from 8am-noon, across from the Fort.

“Tournament of Champions” Shooting Match at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club at 6am.

Cuyama High School “Car Show.” Call Dave Callaway at 661 766-2293 for info.

Taft High Hall of Fame Ceremony.

Sunday- Relay for Life “Survival’s Social” at the Taft Fort from 1-3pm. All Cancer Survivor’s and one caretaker are invited.

Thursday- State of the City Luncheon at OT Cookhouse from noon1:30pm. Tickets are $15.

Save the Date for these Future EventsApril 24: Al Baldock Memorial “Athletic Golf Classic.” Tickets and Sponsorships are now available.

Asian Experience on the Food Network show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” Premier Party at The Bank Sports Lounge at 7pm. See it on the biggest TV west of the 1-5.

April 25th: Arc BBQ at the Taft Moose Lodge from 11-2pm. Tickets only $10.

Alpha House BBQ and Auction at the Rec at 5pm. Adults $12, Kids (5-12) $6, kids under 5 are free.

April 28th: Taft Community Blood Drive at the Taft Chamber, 400 Kern Street from noon-6pm.

April 30th: Taft Fort/Taft College Wine Tasting with music by the Taft High Jazz Band.

May 1st: Taft Fund the Fireworks at 4th and Kern Street. Please donate for our Fireworks Show.

1st Friday Cruise Night on Center Street from 6-10pm. Crusing, Shopping, and food.

May 2nd: West Kern Oil Museum Pioneer Days and BBQ from 9am-4pm.

Free admission.

“Full Moon Night Jumps” at Skydive Taft starting at 7pm.

May 6th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club, dinner at 7:30pm.

May 7th: Taft Tea Party Meeting at the Taft Veterans Hall at 6pm.

May 9th: West Hills Church of the Nazarene Annual Carnival from 5-9pm.

Inflatables, games, hot dogs, prizes, snow cones, and much more. The best part is- It’s FREE! TUHS Jazz Night at the Rec, Tickets are $25. Dinner, Dancing, and Music.

May 16th: Taft Relay for Life at the Taft High Track.

May 21st: Taft Fort 75th Anniversary Celebration. Dinner, music, and much more.

May 30th: Taft Chamber’s Rails to Trails Car Show. Call the Taft Chamber for info @ 765-2165.

June 5th: Taft Fund the Fireworks at 4th and Kern Street.

June 8th-12th: Taft West Hills Church of the Nazarene Vacation Bible School June 8th-12th.

June 13th: Taft Chamber Golf Tournament at BV Golf Course.

Paws in the Park at Veterans Park from 10am-2pm.

July 3rd: Taft Chamber’s Fireworks Show. Contact the Taft Chamber for sponsorship information.

October 9th-18th: Oildorado Days- Alumni Football, Concerts, Melodrama, Car Show, and much more.

Saturday May 2nd is the West Kern Oil Museum Pioneer Days from 9am4pm. Free Admission, BBQ- Tri-Tip or Chicken, beans, salad, and homemade desserts, drinks- $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 10. Gas Engine Show, Blacksmithing, Plant Sale, Music by the Westside Dixie Players, Model Railroad, and much more. The beautiful truck recently done by Jerry Tashjian will be on display in the Transportation Garage. Justin Covington and other volunteers relocated the World’s Oldest Perforator to Spotlight the show. The Museum is looking for volunteers and is open Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sundays 1-4pm.

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The Taft Independent

4

Editorial

Westside

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The

Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

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

Black Gold Brewing Co. American and Asian Food Burgers Pasta Thai Food Espresso - Beer - Wine Craft Beers Open Monday to Friday 7am to Close Saturday 7:30am to Close Sunday 10am to 12pm 508 Center Street 765-6556

Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, April 17, 2015 through Thursday, April 23, 2015 Furious 7 (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:15, 9:00 Sun: 3:15, 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:15 PM Get Hard (R) Fri & Sat: 8:45 PM Sun: 6:15 PM Mon - Thu: 7:45 PM Home (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:00 PM Sun: 3:00 PM Mon - Thu: 6:00 PM Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:30, 8:30 Sun: 3:30, 6:30 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Investing in Taft

By William R. Taft Bob Colston has invested lots of time and money into making Taft a better place over the years. He had to deal with all kinds of crazy issues to get Sandy Creek Estates to move forward. It finally is paying off and homes are finally going up. I love to drive up Hillard Street to see the progress. Pam Ward had a very successful business at The Fort and now she opened A Hint of Class Bakery on Center Street. If you have not tried her sweets, you need to get in there fast. Glenn Black took a cool building that needed tons of work and transformed it into The Bank Sports Lounge with Dennis and Niki Schertz. The Bank is the place that Taft has been missing so make sure you catch the baseball games there. The new owner of Snow White did not spare any money fixing it up, it looks outstanding. The new Best Western is looking great and the newest rumor is it will be open by early summer.

Satellite Solution Networks by Albertsons is a new excellent business with great prices. Royal Spa and Fitness has done lots of improvements and now carry all kinds of accessories.

The 500 Block of Center Street has made huge improvements. Black Gold Brewery already has amazing Brews, Coffee, and food but now are doing some serious remodeling and is expanding next store into the former Eye Kandi building.

You will not find a better beverage selection and they now have Burgers, Clam Chowder, Fish and Chips, Thai Food and much more.

Next store Next Step Cardio has made some great improvements. Across the Street Old’s Cools always has the best sidewalk displays and Eye Kandi has the coolest storefront window and both stores have something for everyone.

Marty’s is back and better than ever. Valley Graphics and Screenprinting is an excellent store. Messenger Automotive is still the #1 at rebuilding Transmissions. Gene’s Tax Service and State Farm are both great business that are going strong.

The Fox Theatre is still, “The Place to Go!” All of these places and several others look great and it is great to see all these people investing in Taft. Bangs and Tangles just celebrated their 3 year Anniversary. If you have not been to Taft Sears since Ronika Nand bought it, you need too, it is a great store. Next to them Manny Campos has opened Monarch Used Cars. They have a large selection of vehicles at great prices. Burt Electric and Communications is now doing Solar and much more.

Taft has a very nice book store, Ben’s Books, Asian Experience is so good it is getting National Attention, and Qik Smog also works on motorcycles. I’m very happy to see these businesses doing well and they are needed. Thank you to all of these people for investing so much time and money into Taft.

Not everyone can invest money into Taft but how about investing your time. The Taft Kiwanis Club works hard to keep Taft beautiful. They clean the pond at the West Kern Oil Museum, painted a map at on one of the schools playground, recently painted at the Community Garden, did a cement foundation along Rails to Trails, supervised the bounce houses at Little League Opening day, and do several other projects throughout the year. The Taft Rotary Club was recently out cleaning up the side of the highway and they have annual events like the Health Fair and B&G Breakfast. The Taft Soroptimist Club recently worked at the Community Garden and always keeps the park on Center Street looking very nice. Hundreds of women will be out and about in Taft for the Soroptimist Spring Garden Tour Saturday and that will help our businesses. One of the most fun events of the is the Taft Lions Club Haunted House.

Invest your time in your Church, JFL, Westside Little League, The Rec, The West Kern Oil Museum, Taft Petroleum Club, Taft Moose Lodge, The Fort, and so many other things on the Westside, it will benefit all of us.

April 17 - 23, 2015

Oilstock Festival Announces Oildorado 2015 Entertainment Line-Up October 16th, 17th & 18th Foghat, Taylor Hicks, Junior Brown, Truxton Mile, Monroy, Bridge and Skynnyn Lynnyrd Confirmed to Perform

Starstruck Entertainment has announced the Oilstock Music Festival set for October 16, 17 and 18 at Franklin Field as part of the Oildorado 2015 celebration.

The event, a 3-day concert and family entertainment festival, is a benefit for the Taft Oildorado Committee and Going Coconuts for a Cure.

“As far as I know, this is the only 3 day festival of its kind in Kern County,” said Ed Gaither, program manager for Oilstock 2015. “This is definitely an event for all ages.”

“While all the acts have not been confirmed, we can announce that Foghat, Taylor Hicks, Junior Brown, Truxton Mile, Monroy, Bridge and Skynnyn Lynnyrd have been confirmed to play.

An additional headliner act will be announced May 31st.

According to Gaither, the festival will feature a sports lounge, special Budweiser Outdoor Patios, a kids zone, and a food concession area on the 4 sports fields at Franklin Field.

There will also be a Rocktober Beer Fest for adults at Saturday, October 17th featuring samples of local a regional craft beers, sponsored by Budweiser. The beer tasting is $20 per person and tickets can be purchased at Black Gold Brewing Company and The Bank Sports Lounge.

The event is 21 years and older only, and guests will receive a collectable beer sample glass. Gates will open at 1:30pm.

For tickets, visit on-line at www.oilstock.eventbrite. com. Tickets will also be available at the offices of Westside Park and Recreation District.

Tickets prices start at $30 per person. A three-day pass is $85 for a three concert days.

Reserved tables of 8 are available for all 3 days for $1000. Cabanas will be available for $3000.

For more information, email info@teamstarstruck.com.

No ice chests, outside food or drinks will be allowed inside the festival site.

The event will provide free parking. Special VIP parking is available for purchasers of two or more 3-day pass concert tickets.

Oilstock is a production of Starstruck Entertainment.

Heritage Park of Taft would like to thank Taft Midway Sunset Lions for the wonderful gifts we received at Christmas. We seniors are very appreciative of what you do for us every Christmas.

Sorry this is so late in coming. Again, thank you so much.

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

April 17 - 23, 2015

The Taft Independent

5

The Taft Independent

6

WKWD Responds to State Water Board Regulatory Frame Work for Drought Jerry Livingston J.D. Jerry.Taft.Independent@gmail.com Watch out, another round of drought regulations are coming to the West Side.

On April 1, 2015 Governor Brown issued an Executive Order that initiated another round of regulatory rule making by the State Water Resources Control Board.

The Water Board has posted a schedule on its website outlining the timeline for these additional drought regulations.

The Water Board issued a Draft Regulatory Framework and requested public comment on April 7, 2015.

Draft regulations will be issued on April 17, 2015 for public comment.

On April 28, 2015 a notice of emergency rulemaking will be issued with the Board hearing and adoption coming on either the 5th or 6th of May. On April 13, 2015 Harry Starkey submitted comments addressing various aspects of the Draft Framework and its impact on water districts operating in the inland portions of California.

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935 HOURS

Monday thru Friday 8:00am –9:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm

The comment letter emphasized the importance of recognizing the significant differences between costal and inland water districts. In particular the summer months were usage in hot arid regions such as Kern County is significantly higher than California’s costal regions. Because the frame work does not take into account climatic factors it overstates the need for reductions in areas such as the West Kern Water Districts service area imposing greater reduction requirements.

West Kern has been placed in the most restrictive category which will require a 35% reduction in water usage for area residents.

The Districts comment letter also raised an important issue for the business community it serves regarding process water or water used in the production of a product such as the three power plants to whom the District supplies water as well as the many oil producers served by the District. The current framework for legislation does not recognize the distinction between water for process versus water used for landscape irrigation. The District recommended separating out the two uses.

According to the District the water suppliers who serve a large percentage of commercial, industrial and institutional users are put at a distinct advantage because their total volume of water is divided by the total population. Since the District’s residential customers comprise approximately 17% of the Districts usage an calculation based on total water usage will result in overstating the usage by residential customers. Thd district suggested using total water users as a yard stick for water se reductions rather than the over simplistic Residential Gallons Per-Capita Per-Day. Health and safety must also be considered by the Water Board as they adopt new regulations according to the District. Their letter suggested that the Water Board needs to consider exemptions for health and safety.

The District has consistently sought opportunities to save water for drought years by “water banking.” The District suggested that the Water Board needs to consider accounting for the use of banked water in its calculations of savings necessary for the district. Failing to account for banked water would eliminate any incentive to bank water for use during drought years.

The District highlighted banking of water as a pro-active pre-drought conservation activity that needs to be encouraged.

April 17 - 23, 2015

Kern County Aging Services Awarded $700 Grant

Kern County Aging and Adult Services is proud to announce it has received a $700.00 grant from Meals on Wheels America for its participation in Subaru of America’s seventh annual “Share the Love” event. During the event held from November 20, 2014 through January 2, 2015, Subaru of America, Inc. donated $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities, including Meals on Wheels America, of which Kern County Aging and Adult Services is a member.

“The funding received through this grant will be used to help expand our North Kern Senior Nutrition Program, which currently serves the cities of Delano, McFarland, Shafter, and Wasco,” Lito Morillo, Director of Kern County Aging and Adult Services In an effort to raise awareness of The “Share the Love” event, the Department shared information about the event on our home internet page www.co.kern.ca.us/aas/, and provided printed information to members of the public who visited our nutrition sites and our main office.

“We greatly appreciate Subaru’s ongoing commitment to Meals on Wheels through its annual ‘Share the Love’ event,” said Ellie Hollander, Meals on Wheels America President and CEO. “Subaru of America and its local retailers across the country have truly become an extension of the Meals on Wheels family. Even long after this event concludes, Subaru helps us to deliver that warm meal, friendly smile and vital safety check that are so vital to millions of America’s seniors.”

Kern County Aging and Adult Services looks forward to promoting the “Share the Love” event further in the coming years; including working directly with our local Subaru retailer.

“Subaru, our retailers, and our owners feel good about giving to organizations like Meals on Wheels, and that’s why we do the Subaru “Share the Love” event,” said Brian Cavallucci, Subaru of America’s National Advertising Manager. “Subaru is honored to have donated more than $8.4 million to Meals on Wheels over the past seven years, making a positive impact in local communities and the lives of our elderly loved ones.”

The 2014 “Share the Love” funds will continue to benefit local Meals on Wheels America Member organizations throughout the year through additional grant opportunities, Annual Conference scholarships and by sponsoring the organization’s March for Meals annual awareness campaign.

100 E North St. Taft CA

For Sale

804 Vista Via Drive

3,600 sq. foot Home

ALL VETERANS

The drinks are on us!

Come out to the Shell Foodmart in Maricopa anytime in April and receive a free 20oz Pepsi fountain soda with the purchase of any hot deli item.

Any American Veteran - Young or Seasoned.

No ID required.

THANK YOU VETERANS!!

Maricopa Shell

For Private Showing Call Bob Colston at 763-3517

Custom Executive 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with fantastic view. Large Living room, Large family Room. 2 fireplaces, central heat and air.

Granite countertops, tile floors, new carpet throughout. .

A & A Express 615 Poso Street Maricopa, California 93252

(At the intersection of Highways 166 and 33)

(661) 769-8844 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

April 17 - 23, 2015

Oildorado planning heats up With 174 days left until the first day of the big event, planning for Taft Oildorado Days is picking up steam.

The general board of directors held its first planning session on Tuesday at the new Oildorado headquarters and store in the former Taft Chevrolet building at Fifth and North streets an hour after the executive board of directors held its monthly meeting.

The general board is composed of volunteers who will steer the committees that put together Taft’s once-everyfive-year anniversary celebration.

“Surround yourselves with good people,” Oildorado President Paul Linder urged the committee chairs. “You are the foundation that makes this all work, and the executive board truly appreciates all that you do.”

Oildorado Days 2015, celebrating the town’s 105th anniversary, will be held Oct. 9-18 – ten days of festivities that includes a parade, civic luncheon, queen pageant, oil field skills competition, vintage aircraft flyovers, hot air balloons, Boomtown Days at the West Kern Oil Museum, a car show, dances, barbecues and entertainment that includes the traditional melodrama.

One of the most popular events will be judging to determine the finest beards, ponytails and hair buns in town.

The Taft College Foundation will hold its second Petroleum Summit featuring keynote speaker T. Boone Pickens along with state and local industry leaders.

Fourteen young ladies – the Maids of Petroleum – who are vying to become the queen of Oildorado Days attended the meeting. They’re already active. Ten of them volunteered to help the Taft Chamber of Commerce raise money for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show.

Oildorado Sheriff Bryan Sellman said the official Oildorado Days posse and Wooden Nickel Gang are almost complete.

“We’ve already started planning our promotions,” he said.

“We’ll be attending the Wasco Rose Festival in September.”

He said Jim Burke Ford and Three Way Chevrolet are donating trucks that will be used to carry the “Hoosegow” to house those who either don’t have a beard or an official “Smooth-puss Badge.”

Shannon McMillan will once again serve as the Posse’s

McCalls Candles and Melts

The perfect holiday scents for use now or gift giving! Works well with Scentsy warmers too Have Camera, Will Travel. Call today for more details and appointment 763-5429.

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

Proof #

1

Date

4/6

The Taft Independent

Updated Plans for the Annual State of the City Luncheon Announced Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dr. Kathy Orrin has announced additions to the list of speakers for the upcoming State of the City Luncheon scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 23, at the OT Cookhouse banquet room. Traditionally held during an April meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Taft, the luncheon is designed to keep citizens of the West Side informed about civic and economic issues which impact what happens in Taft and the neighboring communities. The tickets are $15, and reservations are appreciated.

The line-up of speakers already in place includes Taft City Manager Craig Jones, former Mayor and current President of the 2015 Taft Oildorado Paul Linder, and Vice President of the Independent Oil Producers Association Les Clark, Jr. The additions to the speaker line-up include Mayor Randy Miller, whose calendar opened up unexpectedly, and Harry Starkey, General Manager of the West Kern Water District. In Starkey’s most recent visit to Sit n Sip at the Chamber, it was obvious that the state of regulatory management and the speed at which the rules are changing with regard to water are subjects worthy of our attention.

“This annual luncheon is a great chance to hear from those we entrust with the ever day operation of important segments of our community. It is a privilege to have leaders who are interested in and willing to communicate with those they serve. I hope folks take advantage of this opportunity,” stated Executive Director Orrin.

Reservations may be made by calling the Chamber at 765-2165 by Tuesday, April 21. The cost is $15 per person. official nemesis – “Shamus McNasty,” head of the notorious Wooden Nickel Gang.

Tiffany Yaws, chairperson of the “Whiskerino” beard and moustache contests, said interest has been high.

“It’s going well,” she said. “A majority of our applicants are young. We’re also planning to hold day-of-the-event registration.”

Linder said the line-up of entertainment will be announced soon by former Taftian Ed Gaither of Starstruck Entertainment.

Franklin Field will be the focal point for the bands and other acts.

Sponsorships, the financial backbone of Oildorado Days, are still available.

“We still need help with sponsorships,” said chairperson Shannon Jones. “We’ve had a good start.”

Energy companies Chevron and Aera are major sponsors. Jones said sponsorship packets are available at the Chamber of Commerce office.

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

Sidewalk sale every Saturday in May. All books outside the building will be priced at 10 cents each!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

7

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Wild Cod Fish and Chips Small $8.95 Large 11.95 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Happiness Is Picking Up and Reading a Free Taft Independent www.taftindependent.com

8

Liberty Under Fire Senate Foreign Relations Committee Unanimously Rebuffs President Obama

By Harold Pease, Ph. D In one of the most amazing and lopsided votes of the U. S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (19-0), President Barack Obama was rebuffed for his reluctance to follow the Constitution and present his Iranian Treaty to them for approval. Nine Democrats joined their Republican colleagues to force the President to do so, rather than allow him to just implement it on his own or through the United Nations, which appeared to be his intent. The Senate will not be bypassed.

The President’s own political party, at least on this issue, against its own leadership is finally standing with the Constitution which reads: The President “shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur” (Article II, Section 2, Clause 2). The advice function is performed during the creation of a treaty and the consent function thereafter, once an agreement is presented to them.

Many 20th Century presidents ignored the Constitution and did not seek the advice of the Senate when they created treaties and certainly Obama refused to do so, preferring to prepare a treaty without any transparency with the Senate.

Totally ignored on the first function, this was not going to be permitted on their consent function. They await the President’s presentation of the treaty to them as required by the Constitution before any possibility of lifting economic sanctions is authorized, a provision desperately wanted by the Iranians.

Once again the treaty must be ratified by two-thirds of the Senate. Without this majority vote it is meaningless. That all committee Democrats chose to stand for this constitutional process gives Obama no leverage to ignore the Senate function which is to give consent or not. They have final say, not he. There is no veto function on treaties. It dies on the spot without their consent. Realizing that Democratic Senators were not supporting the treaty as written, Obama finally caved in on presenting the treaty to the U. S. Senate and accepting some changes, as a yes vote without presentation and some change, after offending the Senate, was very unlikely. Obama would never have done so without the Democrats valiant stand against him.

The Taft Independent The significance of the Democratic Party stand on this issue cannot be over stated. Their commendable stand effectively saved this part of the Constitution because had they not stood two things would have followed. First, this president would have been embolden to push the limits of unconstitutional executive power even further and second, such extension would have been used by future presidents, both Republican and Democrat, as acceptable past practice to legitimize future extensions of power. One might as well remove the advice and consent clause from the Constitution, as it would be so damaged as not to function as intended in the future.

Why every Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations committee chose to go against their own president, none have said. Perhaps it is because they too are afraid of Barack Obama’s inclination to ignore constitutional law. This Congress has experienced the most encroaching president on legislating and treaty-making power since Franklin D. Roosevelt and they too were not certain that he intended to present the finished treaty to them for ratification. Remember, this is the same president who by executive order, bypassed Congress on executive amnesty thereby making law by himself and independently changed parts of the National Health Care Bill at least 14 times with a stroke of the pen with no constitutional authority. Perhaps they could see their authority being eroded. Hopefully they understood that if a Republican president did the same thing, increasingly undermining the constitutional separation of powers leaving the Senate weaker than before, this would not be good.

Hopefully this is so, because until this president adopts some measure of constitutional integrity or is removed from power, fellow Democrats must stand on other parts of the Constitution in order to save them. This should be but a beginning. We have drifted from constitutional integrity for so long. And when a Republican president again occupies the executive branch, hopefully Senate Republicans too will swallow their pride and stand with the Democrats against their own to save the Constitution from Republican damage to it. We express our pleasure with the stand taken by the U. S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and especially with the nine Democrats who put constitutional loyalty over party.

Dr. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and 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 30 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

Obituary

April 17 - 23, 2015

The Taft Independent

April 17 - 23, 2015

9

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April 17 - 23, 2015

NOTICE INVITING SUBCONTRACTOR PROPOSALS Taft Union High School District 2 Shade Structures at Taft High School Proposal Deadline: 5/8/15 @ 2:00PM Place of Proposal Receipt: Taft Union High School District’s Office 701 Wildcat Way Taft, CA 93268 Attn: Mr. Rocky O’Neill Main Office Tel#: 661-763-2300 Main Office Fax#: 661-763-1445 All proposals shall be made and submitted only on the forms presented by Taft Union High School District. Proposal submission documents shall include but not limited to Pre-bid information and contract forms, bid & agreement documents, 2 Shade Structures at Taft High School Project Manual, information for bidders and Division 0 & 1, and the requirements of all relevant specification sections and addendums apply to and are made a part of this contract bid package.

Project Identification Name: 2 Shade Structures at Taft High School Project Location: 701 Wildcat Way Taft, CA 93268 Project Description: 2 DSA Approved Shade Structures Plans Available From: Ordiz Melby Architects, Linda Welliver NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Taft Union High School District., hereinafter referred to as “Owner”, is calling for and will receive proposals for the award of a subcontract for the above project up to, but not later than, the above-stated time.

Method of Proposal Receipt: Personal Delivery, Courier, UPS, Fed-Ex, or mailed via United States Postal Service. Taft Union High School District’s Office, 701 Wildcat Way, Taft, CA 93268 Subcontractor proposals will be received, Proposal Package Includes: Bid Package 1 – (2) DSA Approved Shade Structures Prevailing Wage Project Labor Code Section 1771.1 (a) A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of Section 4104 of the Public Contract Code, or engage in the performance of any contract for public works, as defined in this chapter, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Section 7029.1 of the Business and Professions Code or by Section 10164 or 20103.5 of the Public Contract Code, provided the contractor is registered to perform public works pursuant to Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

All contractors and subcontractors please refer to Labor Code Sections 1720, 1771, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1778, 1813 and 1815 for all public works projects.

Miscellaneous Information Plans and Construction Manual will be provided on CD or emailed only.

Each Submitting Participant shall be a licensed subcontractor pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code, and be licensed pursuant to California law for the trades necessary to perform the work called for in the contract documents and associated proposal packages.

Proposal/Bid bonds are required for ALL proposals in excess of $100,000.00. Proposals in excess of $100,000.00 will also require a Payment and Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the proposal amount or subcontract amount, from a California Admitted Surety acceptable to Taft Union High School District and not less than AM Best A-rating. See Contract Documents for Bond Forms and individual Owner requirements and/or Liability Insurance (not less than AM Best A- or better rating).

Each proposal must strictly conform with and be responsive to the contract documents as defined in the General Conditions and Construction Manual.

The CONTRACTOR reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive any irregularities or informalities in any proposals or in the submission of proposals.

No Submitting Participant may withdraw any proposal for a period of ninety (90) calendar days after the date set for the opening of proposals.

Taft Union High School District. is actively pursuing and encourages participation from qualified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) subcontractors in all trades. DVBE subcontractors should note their certification in the space provided on the proposal form.

Any request for substitutions pursuant to Public Contracts Code Section 3400 must be made on the form set forth in the contract documents and included with the proposal. All substitution requests shall be submitted ten (10) days prior to the proposal date.

It is each Submitting Participant’s sole responsibility to ensure its proposal is timely delivered and received at the location designated as specified above.

Advertised: April 17, 24 (2015)

The Taft Independent

April 17 - 23, 2015

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5 April 17 - 23, 2015

The Taft Independent

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(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

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