Taft College Golf

Independent The Taft

April 20 - 26, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

April 20 - 26, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 43

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

Birthday Parties At The Fox Theater

Annual TIL Wine Tasting At The Fort

Passion For Nails April 23rd-28th High School Prom Special

10% OFF of any $15 or more service

Nail Services:

Gel Polish • Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

Like Us on Facebook

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

Monday to Friday 10am-7pm and Saturday 9am-6pm

(661)745-4913

2nd Annual Taft College Al Baldock Golf Tournament Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street • 661-765-6556

Pastas • Sandwiches • Salads • Espresso • Beer • Wine

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

Tri-Tip SANDWICHES

Beer & Wine Available To Go

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Shop Taft

Passion For Nails April 23rd-28th High School Prom Special

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

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

SPRING SPECIALS

$5 Off Any Phone $99 or More INTERNATIONAL CALLING $1 of credit for new customers

Batteries NEWWatch ARRIVALS

Gel Polish • Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

Like Us on Facebook

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

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

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

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

426 Center Street

New Corky’s Are In!

(661)763-5451

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

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

BLING JEWELRY Infant & Toddler Footwear

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

For Mother’s Day

Give the gift that keeps on giving!

Jim Shore Mother’s Day Angels Yankee Candles

Our Friendly Staff

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

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

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Vintage Watches Mechanical Clocks

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

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

J e w e l r y

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Nail Services:

Hablamos Espanol 661-745-4954 610 Center St.

Used Book Store in Taft

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.

10% OFF of any $15 or more service

LA Idol Jeans For Juniors & Misses!

Lic # B-721903

April 20 - 26, 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!

April 20 - 26, 2012

Inside Community Events.........3

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Community Events News Briefs Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

News Briefs......................3

Relay For Life Bunco Fundraiser Saturday, April 21st

Annual Rotary Club Peddler’s & Health Fair Saturday, April 21st

Relay for Life Bunco Fundraiser, Hosted by team All-Stars Saturday, April 21st 2012 5:00pm at the Taft Veterans Hall in Ford City. $20.00 per person to play, food and drinks as well as entry in the door prize raffle are included in this fee!

Additional raffle tickets will be available for some of the many other generously donated raffle items also. Contact Chrissy Rodart to purchase a ticket to play and/or to make a donation at 577-6833.

Westside News.................7

The annual Rotary Club Peddler’s Fair and Health Fair is coming up on Saturday, April 21st, so now’s the time to reserve space to sell your goods. Booth rental is just $40 for a spot at the events, at Buena Vista High School (located on North 10th Street across from the Historic Fort). Call 661-342-1702 for more information.

Taft Union High School Seniors To Receive $200,000 In Scholarships

Community Voices..........8

21st Annual Cuyama Valley Car Show Saturday, April 21st

Taft Union High School seniors will receive nearly $200,000 in college scholarships at Honors Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 23.

Private individuals and representatives from businesses and foundations will hand deliver the scholarships to nearly 100 students.

The event will be held in the high school auditorium. It is free and open to the public.

Have a community event that you would like to include?

Email it to us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

Westside Watcher............4 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6

From The Mayor..............8 Westside News..................9 Classified Ads.................10 Westside News...............11

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

21st Annual Eighth Grade Cuyama Valley Car Show Saturday, April 21st at Cuyama Valley High School in Cuyama Valley, CA. Registration starts at 8am, judging starts at 10am. $20 pre-registraion/$25 Day of Event. All money raised will be used for annual 8th grade activities and graduation. For more information contact Russ Barnes at (661)766-2769 or email to rbarnes@sbceo.org. Visit them online at cuyamavalleycarshow.com 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.

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

Phi Theta Kappa Bake Sale

Taft College’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is hosting a bake sale on April 24 in the Taft College quad from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds from the bake sale will be used for scholarships for graduating Phi Theta Kappa members and to fund the Phi Theta Kappa club. There will be cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies and more! Stop by the Taft College quad on Tuesday to enjoy some baked goods and give some support to your local Phi Theta Kappa club.

Valley Oaks Charter School 2012-2013 Enrollment Valley Oaks Charter School is accepting applications for enrollment for K-8 students for the 2012-2013 school year. Valley Oaks gives parents materials and guidance to home school their children. At our Taft facility we hold meetings, enrichment classes, testing, and activities. For information please call 747-9818.

Valley Oaks is sponsored by the Kern Co. Superintendent of Schools & has been a Taft extension site for 6 years now & we would like the community to know about our alternative education choice.

Save The Date

Upcoming Event Dates On The Westside

APRIL

JUNE

20 Al Baldoch Tournament 21 Rotary Peddlers and Health Fair 28 TUHS Hall of Fame Dinner 29 Survivor Social for Relay for Life at the Fort

1-2 West Kern Oil Museum Yard Sale 9 Chamber Annual Car & Motorcycle Show and Kiwanis Breakfast at the Car Show

MAY

JULY

3 Farmers Market Starts 4 TUHS Evening of Jazz 5 Chamber Cinco de Mayo Celebration and West Kern Oil Museum Bailing Out Days & BBQ 19-20 Fourth Annual Relay for Life 24 Kaiser Permanente mobile office grand opening

4 Westside Christian Ministers Association and Chamber 4th of July Family Picnic 28-29 Tumbleweed Festival

Recycle Phone Books For Library Books Westside residents can now recycle their old phone books AND help the Kern County Library buy new books. Books 4 Books is a month-long, county-wide recycling drive during April sponsored by Kern Waste Management and AT&T, which will earn the library ten cents ($.10) per telephone book. Any company’s telephone books can be delivered to the Taft Branch Library or any other Kern County Library branch during the month, as long as they are dry. The money earned from these donations will be used to purchase new materials for all library branches.

The Taft Branch is located at 27 Emmons Park Drive and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call the library at 763-3294.

Farmers Market Coming May 3rd If you are a shopper, get ready for the season’s first Farmers Market opening celebration on Thursday, May 3, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. If you are a prospective vendor call the Chamber at (661) 765-2165. We will guide you through the process which will include contacting the Ag Commissioner’s Office in Bakersfield at (661) 868-6300. They will send you paperwork to fill out (not complicated) and arrange to visit your home to certify your garden, orchard, etc. This is not a horrible ordeal! The folks who have been through this process find the visits from the Ag Commissioner’s office to be very friendly and helpful.

Taft Chamber Plans Cinco De Mayo Celebration on 5th Street Plaza The 2nd Annual Taft District Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Celebration is being held on Saturday, May 5 from 11AM to 4PM on 5th Street Plaza. Everyone is invited to attend this event for no charge. Listen to the sounds of Mariachi music, participate in the talent show, sample Mexican beers, margaritas, and food and enjoy the celebration. Local food and craft vendors will have a variety of items for sale and there are still some available spots.

Contact the Chamber at 765-2165 or 400 Kern Street for Vendor booths and Event Sponsorships. Sponsorship benefits include your business name and logo on drink coozie, name on event banner, free vendor booth, name & logo on the flyer, and recognition in the newspaper and at the event.

Find the Taft Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/taft.chamber to stay up to date on all of the activities and events in Taft. This event is sponsored

by Harley Pinson, Campos Tire Service, and Next Step Gym.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café Asian Experience and Steakhouse Asian Food and Pizza

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

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. 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, April 20, 2012 through Thursday, April 26, 2012 Lockout (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:30), 7:00, 9:45 Sat: (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:45 Sun: (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00 Mon - Thu: 4:30, 7:00 The Three Stooges (PG) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:00), 7:15, 9:30 Sat: (12:40), (2:50), (5:00), 7:15, 9:30 Sun: (12:40), (2:50), (5:00), 7:15 Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:15 American Reunion (R) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:45), 7:20, 9:45 Sat: (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:45), 7:20, 9:45 Sun: (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:45), 7:20 Mon - Thu: (4:45), 7:20

Taft Petroleum Club Ribeye Steak or Chicken Dinner from 6pm - 8pm

Have Your next event at The Club!

Weddings, Receptions, BBQ’s, Parties, Anniversaries And More!

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

Taft City Council

By Kent Miller

Taft City Councilmembers came out in strong support of two items and condemnation of a third at their meeting Tuesday evening.

Endorsement of the Measure C school bond issue on the June 5 ballot and the “Citizen Legislature Act” for a part-time state legislature were passed by 5-to-0 votes. Also passed 5-to0 was a resolution in opposition to California’s High Speed Rail Project.

Measure C Ed Whiting Ron Bryant, superintendent of Taft City School District, addressed the council in a presentation before the regular council session.

Measure C would provide $23.6 million in general obligation bonds for much-needed modernization and renovation of TCSD’s six schools, Bryant said.

“There are asbestos and leadbased paint issues to contend with,” he said in describing some of the problems with the district’s aging schools.

“The electricity (in one school) is 76 years old. We have to shut off the lights to vacuum or it will kick off the breaker.

The boiler room is on its last legs. The heat is just on or off, no in-between.”

Total district needs are more than $45 million, but the bond measure will allow for upgrade Ron Bryant of the most serious issues, Bryant said.

“It will take $2 million just to upgrade the Lincoln ( Junior High School) electrical,” he said. “Jefferson (Elementary) is our newest school and it was built in the 1980s. It has swamp coolers.

“Conley (Elementary School) has ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) issues. Our priority list is health and safety, air conditioning, heat, fire alarms.”

According to the district’s Website: the most recent Conley reconstructed was in 1934, Lincoln had work and additions to the original facility between 1934 and 1955, the “new” Roosevelt Intermediate School dates from 1954, Parkview Elementary was built in 1955, the “new” Taft Primary Elementary in 1959 and Jefferson in 1985.

Continued on Page 7

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

April 20 - 26, 2012

Fourth District Supervisorial Candidate Forum Tuesday Night Harley Pinson and David Couch Will Partcicpate in Chamber Forum at O.T. Cookhouse

Candidates for the Kern County Fourth Supervisorial District will be meeting one another in a forum presented by the Taft District Chamber of Commerce at OT Cook House on Tuesday, April 24. David Couch and Harley Pinson have agreed to participate in a question/answer/rebut format, with opening and closing statements by both candidates. Election day for this race is Tuesday, June 5, 2012.

“We are pleased that these supervisorial candidates value the Westside to the extent they are willing to come to us for this important exchange,” remarked Kathy Orrin, Executive Director of the Taft District Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. ”Although most of the evening will be spent addressing questions prepared by the Chamber Board of Directors, there will be a time for the audience to submit written questions to the panel.”

Moderating the forum will be Taft’s own Jeff Lemucchi, popular radio personality from KERN radio. The Chamber has asked the Midway Driller and the Taft Independent newspapers each to provide a panel member for the forum. Eric Cooper was selected as the panelist from the community at large.

The evening will begin with a no-host social hour at 6 p.m., and the forum will begin promptly at 7 p.m.

Community members who have questions they wish to include in the Chamber Board’s list of questions may do so by calling the Chamber at 765-2165 or emailing Orrin at Kathy.taftchamber@ gmail.com.

Thank You The Family of Glenn Dolder Black would like to thank everyone who stopped by, sent a card, said a prayer, sent flowers, cooked wonderful food, and sent donations to the Needs Center or the Salvation Army of Taft. Your acts of kindness and support helped us more than you can know.

Our husband and father truly enjoyed and loved each and every member of this community and would have smiled to see our community pulling together. Dolder spent 90 wonderful years on this earth, blessed by friends and family.

Thank You Again

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

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

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

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 Larger showroom and larger mechanic Area Now offering a customer lounge with coffee and donuts Come check out our new location!!!

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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

April 20 - 26, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Taft Union High School Hall of Fame Inductees 2012 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.

William Silcox William Silcox was raised in the 11-C Camp just north of the Historic Fort on Lincoln Street. He worked on Weed Cutter “B” crew for Standard Oil in Taft in the summer and between semesters at UC Berkeley.

He blended military service during WW II with pursuit of his engineering degree which he received from UC-Berkeley in 1947.

He spent his career with Standard Oil developWilliam Silcox ing high volume lifting technology which would permit oil production by drilling from offshore platforms. In 1967 he was placed in charge of all Standard Oil offshore drilling technology development including platform and subsea drilling, undersea pipeline, and arctic offshore facilities.

When he began his career, deep water drilling could reach as deep as a human diver could be safely kept 250 feet below the surface. Bill’s twelve patents, along with his professional leadership in developing tools and technology led directly to undersea drilling being able to reach depths of 2,400 feet. He and his team designed and installed subsea completions, diverless drilling systems and ROV supported completion systems for deep water. His developmental studies on compliant platforms resulted in the tension-leg platform concept.

After retirement Bill continued to consult with companies, and was eventually being hired as Vice-President for Technology at the Wellstream Corporation where he developed a successful high pressure, deep water, flexible pipe essential to underwater oil flows. His design is now used around the world. In 1986, Bill was elected to the United States National Academy of Engineering.

Les Haney While at Taft High Les was A.S.B. President his senior year and was named All Valley in baseball in 1940, 1941, and 1942.

At age 12 Les drew a circle on his garage door and began practicing pitches. Three years later he pitched with the Belridge Oilers in the National Championships in Detroit.

Les Haney For more than 65 years, when one speaks of fastpitch softball in Taft, the first name that surfaces is “Les Haney.”

He had 17 no-hit games in a season and once struck out 43 batters in a 20-inning game. He earned a citation in Ripley’s “Believe it or Not” by striking out all 27 batters he faced (two foul tips) in 1945.

In the summer of 1948, he led the Taft Merchants to the World Softball Championship. Les’s rising fastball was clocked at 115 mph, and he used it along with a drop which curved in two directions to overwhelm batters. Les played for such teams as the Peacock Dairies, Inc., Hanford Kings, and The Long Beach Night Hawks. In one year pitching for Hanford, he averaged 21 strikeouts per game for 43 consecutive games. He was named to the All-American Team by the Softball Congress of America in

1948, 1950, 1951, and 1953. He is a member of the Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted into the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame in 1972.

Curtis Barnes Curtis (Curt) Barnes was born in Taft and completed his B.A. in painting from the University of California at Berkeley in 1964. He then finished a Masters of Fine Arts at Pratt Institute in New York City, where he continues to live and work.

He has exhibited his art at OK Harris in New York and in other galleries and museums in the United States, Europe, South America and at the Whanki Museum in Seoul Korea. He was awarded a residency at the British Academy in Rome, Italy and was guest editor of the College Art Association Art Journal Curtis Barnes issue on “constructed painting.”

Curt was awarded major grants from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1993, and in 2003 by the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation, to assist him as he explores and advances his reach into the relatively uncharted realm of painting on convex surface.

He has taught at several American campuses, including Fordham University at Lincoln Center. He has lectured at Princeton University, East Carolina University, Hampshire College and Pratt Institute Graduate School. His work focuses on curved, constructed abstract art which intensifies the physicality of painting and its inherent illusionism. He has pieces permanently presented in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

DeAnn Gaither Samply After graduation from Taft High DeAnn attended Bakersfield College. While taking a general education class, a deaf student and the student’s interpreter began to stimulate an interest that led her to the field of American Sign Language and helping deaf students.

Following her graduDeAnn Gaither Samply ation from Cal State Northridge, DeAnn earned a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum Development and began her professional work. During the next 35 years, she established the first American Sign Language (ASL) course at Taft College. In her tenure at Bakersfield College she secured recognition for ASL as a foreign language and developed an ASL Lab which has served thousands of students.

DeAnn is the author of “A Guide to Deaf Ministry” which reveals that serving deaf people involves cross-cultural communication. Those who would minister to the deaf must understand their needs, their language, their world.

In 1993 she co-founded the non-profit organization Children to Love, International (CTL). It serves the needs of abandoned and abused children (often ones with severe special needs) in both Romania and India. DeAnn has spearheaded development of both college and professional teams ministries serving in the seven Romanian orphanages.

She is currently fighting to implement social apartment living for orphans under the guidance of CTL and the Romanian government.

Charles Beard Not long after attending Taft High School, Charles Beard purchased a make- over rig from Chevron Oil Company by way of Lloyds Drilling Company and started his first business. Fortythree years later, he became President and owner of General Production Service, Inc. His company employs nearly 250 people, and its work generates a sigCharles Beard nificant payroll for the Taft community. Even more remarkable than the jobs he provides, Charles Beard has the ability to quietly “make things happen.” One doesn’t need to ask; he sees a public task and responds to it. He has been a core figure in sustaining the Taft Oildarodo Celebration, the Oil Worker’s Monument, Little League Baseball, and the “Bike” Giveaway. He was the one who provided the manpower and equipment for the development of the lake at Camp Condor named after the Westside Children’s Camp Association Inc. business manager Paul Lukens. He was one of the co-founders of Taft National Bank and is one of the co-founders of The West Side Economic Development Co. LLC. Charles has been a quiet partner in supporting dozens of other community projects that he recognized as needing a helping hand and the more one looks, the more clear it becomes how much the soul and character of Taft have benefited from Charles Beard’s commitments. He is an accomplished businessman, a community leader and an investor in the future of Taft youth.

The Place

4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Saturday, April 28th

$10.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT

FISH FRY Dinner Served at 5pm

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

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Annual Taft Rotary Health & Peddler’s Fair

By Nicole Frost This Saturday is the annual Taft Peddler’s Fair, hosted by the Taft Rotary Club. The fair will be held at Buena Vista High School soccer fields. The event begins at 8 a.m. and it will end at 3 p.m.

“For the fair, local vendors come to sell their wares whether it be tools, candles, or insurance,” said Taft Rotary Club President Joe Fuller. “There will also be food vendors.”

This year, there will also be a Health Fair which will be hosted by Taft’s own Dr. Tang. There will be licensed healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical company representatives, and other specialists present to answer your health-related questions free of charge.

Also, blood draws and PSA tests will also be given at discounted prices. The health fair will be located in the quad of the Buena Vista High School campus.

“First 5 will be there and they usually do vaccinations and services for children,” said Fuller. “Rotary is also putting on a bicycle rodeo where kids can learn about bicycle safety. The first 200 kids who complete the safety course will get a free helmet.”

The health fair will start at 8 a.m. and it will end at 12 p.m. The bicycle rodeo will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

TIL Wine Tasting

April 20 - 26, 2012

2nd Annual Taft College Al Baldock Memorial Golf Tournament

Pictured here are John Neumann, Erin and Joyce Baldock, Kanoe Bandy, Cal Vaughn, Billy White, Myisha Cutrona, Sheri Black, Debbi Hegeman, Sheri Horn Bunk, Brock McMurray, Barbara Amerio and Sandi Graham.

The Taft College Transition to Independent Living program and the Historic Fort held their joint fund raising Wine Tasting on Thursday evening. The event featured wine and beer tasting for more that 100 supporters of the Taft College TIL program and the Historic Fort.

The Taft College Foundation held it’s 2nd Annual Golf Tournament on Friday in honor of former Taft football coach Al Baldock.

Baldock was the college’s championship coach during the 1980’s when the team was rated number one nationally.

The college recently renamed the sports gym in his memory, naming the facility the Al Baldock Cougar Sports Center.

Funds from the event go toward college athletic programs.

Erin Baldock announced that she and Acclerated Environmental will donate $3,000 to the tournament.

In a statement released to the Independent, Erin Baldock said: “I am so excited to be playing in this tournament held in my father’s honor! I want to thank all those who have put their time and money toward making this day such a success. I know how much effort it takes into creating a golf tournament – watching my dad do it for so many years, I understand the number of hours and hard work that is involved creating something that is not only fun, but also runs glitch-free, and most importantly, raises money that greatly benefits the college and its students.”

“My dad loved Taft as a community, loved the people, and of course, strove each day to do his best for the college, the future lives of not only its students, but also lived to mentor and be a positive influence in the lives of countless others. This is truly an honor for him to be recognized, and I know that he would be humbly proud of this event. Thank you again for everyone’s support.”

Survivor Social on April 29 Kicks Off Taft Relay for Life Taft Relay for Life, supporting The American Cancer Society is scheduled for May 19-20, 2012 at the TUHS Football Field. Teams are formed and raising money, purple ribbons are hung all around town, and survivors are getting ready to walk their lap. This life-changing event helps communities all over the world celebrate, remember, and fight back – Celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, Remember loved ones lost, and Fight back against the disease.

Survivors, Caregivers, Teams, and Supporters and the community are encouraged to come out for a 24 hour walk at the track at Taft Union High School. There are games, activities, food, fun, and lots of laughs. Registration for the Taft Relay for Life is available online at www.relayforlife.org/taftca. An amazing Luminaria ceremony to Remember those we have lost to cancer, Honor those still fighting, and Celebrate the Survivors is a must see event, which begins at dusk on May 19.

Prior to the large Relay for Life event, there are small fundraisers and events being held all over time. Everyone should participate in at least one of these events that teams have worked hard to put together to raise money for a great cause.

One great event is the Survivor Social. On Sunday April 29, 2012 from 1:00pm-3:00pm, there is a special social event honoring all cancer survivors. This Positive cash flow! event, held at the Historic Fort, features Special Effects a light lunch, chance for all survivors Positive cash flow! Salon & Day Spa to get together, and if they choose, share their own tales of heroism with Are you a beauty professional who’d like to own your own salon? Consider one another. Barbara Duggins, a Hero Special Effects with the positive cash flow making the payments for you and a for Hope, will be the guest speaker. monthly repayment schedule that’s less than a lease! Short on cash? Forming a Survivors will receive their purple shirts cooperative or creating a partnership might be a good way to salon ownership. and can sign up for the Relay for Life With “right of first refusal,” you can insure that you will end up owning the Survivor Lap if they have not already whole salon over time. Understand this salon is cash positive, so your done so. To register as a survivor and/or mortgage payments will be “free,” and the owner is willing to carry paper.

Opportunity knocks! Let’s talk specifics.

RSVP for the Survivor Social, please call Call 623-0532 or 496-1799 Jessica or Shannon at the Taft Chamber 11 styling stations Facial room at 765-2165. For more information 5 manicure stations Massage room about the Relay for Life event, please Reduced $30,000 call Lanelle at 330-5606.

2 tanning rooms Spray-tanning room to $318,5000

FOR SALE

4 Lots on Busy Corner 3,486 sq. ft.

FOR SALE

April 20 - 26, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Your Weekly Gas Price Update & Birthday Parties At The Fox Outlook

The Taft Fox Theater is now offering birthday parties at the theater. Pictured here is birthday boy Mason Stepp, Malynn Stepp, Parents- Kay and Phillip, Sierra Kozloski, Caleb Kozloski, Mother-Karis Sara Kelly, Marissa Kelly, Logan Kelly, Mother-Shannan, Wyatt Crumm, Jaxon CrummMother-Jody, Dalton Brown, Mother- Leslie Dalin Harp, Jayden Harp, Parker Bryant, Drew Bartolomei, Not Picture, Caleb Dickson, Chaz Dickson, Mother-Jennifer. For information conatc theater staff.

Average retail gasoline prices in Bakersfield have fallen 3.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.22/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 1.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.89/g, according to gasoline price website BakersfieldGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Bakersfield during the past week, prices yesterday were 9.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 8.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has increased 9.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 9.3 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“The only thing I remain sure of with gasoline prices is that things will remain quite volatile the next four to six weeks,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “Spot prices, a leading factor in retail gasoline prices, continues to swing wildly from region to region. Last week we saw a refinery fire on the West Coast drive up spot prices nearly instantaneously, an event that could occur in virtually any area. It’s these events, the unforeseeable reaction, that gives me reason to say that prices may continue to swing upward and downward,” DeHaan said.

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

Large Breeds Welcome!

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

By Appointment

26851 Henry Road Fellows, CA

TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM Taft City Council Continued From Page 4 The district will be making limited improvements to its schools with or without the passage of Measure C, such as installation of solar electrical systems, Bryant said.

“You will see huge changes in TCSD if it (Measure C) passes,” he said. “But there will be improvements even if it doesn’t pass. But the time line will be much further out and the improvements will not be as extensive.”

Councilmembers all expressed support for the measure.

“I support this,” said Councilmember Paul Linder. “Without an adequate learning environment, students won’t learn.”

Councilmember Dave Noerr wanted to be sure that there is a “guarantee of all the money going to capital improvements and not to other things. Every cent should go to improvement of the facilities.”

Citizen legislature A November election ballot initiative by Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, calling for the return of a part-time California State Legislature received overwhelming support from the council as Taft became the first city in the state to back Grove’s proposal.

Grove’s representative Javier Reyes Jr. spoke to the council about the measure that would return the state to a part-time citizen-legislature instead of one that has been dominated by career politicians since a full-time legislature was approved in 1966, Reyes said.

Petition signatures to put the measure on the ballot are being gathered, he said.

Reyes noted that the proposal would create a part-time legislature that would serve no more than 90 days in Sacramento instead of nine months each year, reduce legislator salaries from $145,000 a year to $18,000, reduce legislators’ per diem and travel expenses, require a two-year, on-time, balanced budget, and limit political

Family Packages Pick Up & Delivery Service

Grooming & Styling 661-768-4654

661-768-4654

and government appointments or lobbying for five years after a legislator leaves office.

“It is not a partisan issue,” Noerr said. “Some on each side (of the Legislature) are career politicians.”

High-speed rail While councilmembers were enthusiastically in favor of Measure C and a part-time legislature, they were down on the high-speed rail project with its ever-soaring estimated multi-billion-dollar budget.

In November 2008, California voters approved $9.95 billion in bond funding for high-speed, electrified rail service between San Diego and San Francisco, via the San Joaquin Valley.

Today, estimated cost of construction of Phase 1 of the project has soared to between $98.5 and $117 billion – not including maintenance and operating cost projections, it was noted in material presented at the request of Linder.

“I don’t believe in this fairy tale,” said Noerr, an outspoken and longtime critic of the high-speed rail project. “We don’t need the debt.”

Other matters In other matters, the council: * Heard a presentation from Police Chief Ed Whiting on his department’s surveillance camera project that is designed to curb vandalism; * Approved June 8 and 9 street closures for Taft Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth Annual Rails to Trails Car Show and Concert; * Approved a fee-waiver request from the chamber for weekly Farmers Markets on Thursday evenings between May 3 and Sept.

17; * Approved the use of Fifth Street Plaza for the chamber’s Cinch de Mayo celebration on Saturday, May 5.

Blue Jeans & Bling Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA 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 THRIFT STORE

T- Shirts 10 for $1 or $.25 each

Closed April 21st See us at the Peddler’s Fair Open Monday at 428 Center St.

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

WE HAVE MOVED! NOW AT 428 CENTER ST. We Take Donations!

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

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

PROM SPECIAL 10% OFF

Located at 1080 West Kern Street

Minimum Purchase of $15.00 For High School Students Expires: 4/28/12

(661) 763-3111

GEL POLISH • LUXURY MANICURES • LUXURY PEDICURES CULLUX REMOVE • SEA SALT & MASK • AND MORE!

Monday - Friday 9am-7pm • Saturday 9am-6pm

8

Community Voices

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Why Do Nine Justices Have the Right to Void the Will of the Majority?

By Dr. Harold Pease In light of the President’s recent concern, as expressed in the Wall Street Journal, that it would be “an unprecedented, extraordinary step” for the Supreme Court to “overturn a law [i.e., the Affordable Care Act] that was passed by a strong majority of a democratically elected Congress” (“Obama Warns Court” by Laura Meckler and Carol E. Lee.”), let me remind him that the measure barely squeaked by with a majority of seven votes in the democratically controlled House of Representatives (219-212) and in the Senate with a minimum number to avoid a filibuster—hardly a “strong majority.” Nor would such a decision by the Court be “unprecedented” or “extraordinary,” but these arguments need explanation another day.

My concern is with the article’s conclusion: “In his first public comments about the case since the justices first took it up last week, Mr. Obama appeared to be framing the political argument he would make should he have to face voters this fall after a loss at the high court.” If right, that the President’s strategy is to pit the majority against the minority of the population, to further democratize our system of government, then it must be stopped in its tracks. We are a republic, not a democracy!!

Allowing “a mere nine old people” to strike down what a majority want is certainly undemocratic and it does smack of unfairness. Majority rule is the heart of democracy. Nothing is fair in our government and nothing can be made to be fair without the total destruction of our form of government, a republic. Surely, President Barack Obama knows this, but the people are made to believe we are a democracy by the constant long-term use of that word by those holding high office and the media. An artful politician playing the “fairness card” can prey on the ignorance of the people to gain or retain public office. If enough come to believe that we should be a democracy, instead of a republic, they, unfortunately, can “fundamentally change America.” Is this what we have to look forward to in the debates this Fall should the Supreme Court rule against “Obamacare?”

How undemocratic are we? The Senate, initially chosen by the state legislatures—not the people—was created to serve the interests of the states, which is why we have two legislative branches rather than one—two perspectives, the House represented the people and the Senate the states. The president is elected by the Electoral College rather than by popular vote.

Supreme Court members are chosen for life by the Electoral College “selected” president and confirmed only by the “state selected” Senate. Our entire system is undemocratic by design. The House alone is democracy.

Why are we so undemocratic? It is because we are not all equal in experience, wisdom, common sense, understanding of natural law, and knowledge as to how we maintain freedom from government. I ask my students how many months did they spend analyzing the propositions in the last election before they voted? Weeks? Days? Hours? Minutes? None? If only hours or minutes, why should their vote cancel one who took the privilege far more seriously? Why is the democratic notion of “one man one vote” not decidedly unfair to those who spend serious time contemplating the issues.

In a democracy the ignorant rule because they have the same power as the informed and there are more of them. Thomas Jefferson saw the harm in such when he wrote: “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” Alexis de Tocqueville, the famous French philosopher traveling America in the 1840s, foresaw the end of our liberty experiment when he wrote: “The American Republic will endure until the Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the publics money.” That day is today! Both were aware of the demand for “bread and circus” made by those under democracy in Rome that ended freedom.

How did the Founders, who clearly understood the problems of democracy with respect to its failure to endure in both Greece and Rome, protect us from democracy? The answer was a republic that preserved the caring elements of democracy by instilling frequent elections with options in the House of Representatives. All war, taxes and impeachment powers originate with the House. If the House is upset much change can occur in just two years. The Senate and Presidency were less democratic with the Supreme Court the most undemocratic end of our government—totally immune from the erratic whims of the emotion of the masses.

Time-tested principles embedded in the Constitution had to be preserved. Difficult to understand concepts such as separation of powers, federalism, limited government, and all the rights listed in the Bill of Rights had to be protected from the majority because the majority can vote them away. The Founders knew that liberty could be destroyed by democracy, as had happened in the two republics before our own, and gave us our justices to protect us from democracy. So, Mr. President let them.

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

1 Hour Massage $60

30 Min. Massage $40 1 Hour Foot Massage $40

10am - 10pm • 7 Days A Week

$5.00 OFF Any Service With This Ad 661-378-5851

1117 Kern Street #2

Advertise with the Taft Independent Call Today 765-6550

April 20 - 26, 2012

From The Mayor Hi Everyone, Your City Council has made two major decisions this week that will put the City of Taft in the state spotlight arena.

If you have been watching our meetings over the past few months you have heard the council discuss the merits of the High Speed Rail (HSR) proposed for the State of California.

You may have understood that most of the council members oppose the HSR mainly because it is too expensive with the state in a budget deficit. We simply cannot afford this project at this time. The money, if available, could be better spent to upgrade our current roads to support the millions of vehicles that aren’t going away soon, even if they are electric, rather than spend your precious tax payer dollars for a rail thrill ride to nowhere. You council voted unanimously by resolution to oppose the HSR project in its entirety.

Your City Council also voted, unanimously, to support Assemblywoman Shannon Grove’s bill “ The Citizen Legislature Act ” a voter initiative for a part time California state legislature. Councilman Dave Noerr will be taking the lead on this issue for the City of Taft. We have many issues with our State government and how it is being managed. They don’t seem to realize that we are ten billion dollars in the hole and the state can’t print money like the feds do. So you can’t keep passing thousands of bills year after year that does not do anything but continue to drag the credit rating and the friendly business climate we once enjoyed down into the gutter. We can’t vote those legislators out, but we can limit their time in Sacramento and hit them in the pocket book. The City of Taft is the first City in the state to pass a resolution supporting this initiative and we hope it will have a snowball effect on other cities and counties statewide.

While we were at it, we heard a presentation from Ron Bryant, Taft City Schools Superintendent, on the subject of asking our support of Measure ‘C’ on the June 5th ballot. The City Schools are asking you by way of a bond proceed to support the updating of Lincoln and Jefferson schools. Property tax rolls will be assessed less than two dollars a month. Lincoln Junior High has nearly 80-year-old plumbing, heating, and electrical systems that are now posing a safety hazard for our children.

These schools in their entirety use swamp coolers instead of air/heating systems like every other school in Kern County. They have stretched their maintenance to the limit, there is nowhere else to go than to close Lincoln and ask you to demolish and rebuild. The money that is being asked for stays right here in Taft; it can only be used for infrastructure, not admin costs. These are your schools whether you have children in them or not, it is an investment in the future just as you invest and maintain your property. Join us in supporting this worthwhile measure. If you have questions or concerns, contact the schools business office for answers.

We lost another of Taft’s well known citizens this week. Former City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Harris succumbed this past weekend to a bout of brain cancer. He lead the district through some difficult times but he was well respected by all that knew him. Mike was a friend and true citizen of this community. He was a great stand-in Santa Claus for many Christmas’s over the years. He was a member of the Taft Kiwanis Club and always had a hearty laugh, a wry sense of humor, and was our song mister, trying the best he could leading that group in rousing renditions of various patriotic songs before each meeting. He leaves his beloved wife Lisa, son Tom, and daughter Dannie.

We also lost Cliff a couple of weeks ago to an apparent heart attack at his home.

When I say Cliff, I don’t have to give you a last name as you know who I am talking about. There was only one Cliff Thompson. Cliff stormed on to the political arena in 2000 by getting himself elected to the Taft City Council, getting recalled the next year, getting elected again a year later, becoming Mayor two years later, a run for 4th District Supervisor in 2008, and not being re-elected in 2010. What a ride it was. I admire Cliff for his brilliance and dogged determination to learn City codes, procedures, and policies. While the art of compromise wasn’t his best suit, he did make a name for himself. I was friendly with Cliff during our time together on the Council but we did have our difference of opinions that at times came to a head. He and Taft will always be synonymous for a turbulent decade of political intrigue. As for his legacy, I’ll leave it to each one of you to make that determination how history will treat him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his mom Jessie and sister Kay. There are a number of events coming up in the months ahead such as the return of the Farmers Market, the Cinco De Mayo celebration, the annual car show, the Petroleum Club has several events planned, our really well attended and supported ‘Relay for Life’ event to support the research to eliminate the scourge of cancer this May. We are noticing support by you of the Fox Theater. This is really important to the City’s efforts to revitalize the downtown. Plan on a meal at one of our many fine restaurants in town, and then take in a show. We are hearing glowing reports of friendly staff, excellent ticket prices, and a fresh clean theater experience. Why travel out of town when we have it all right here. At least give it a try, you have nothing to lose except for the big gas expense to get you back and forth from B-town.

I hope you enjoy these little tomes that I put out every couple of weeks. If you need a shout out for someone or a subject matter I can expound on, let me know. Thanks for allowing me to serve you as your Mayor, I hope that you are seeing a hard working City Council that is doing the best they can to serve you.

See you around town, Randy Miller Mayor, City of Taft

April 20 - 26, 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.

THE CITY OF TAFT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM The City of Taft First Time Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance Program (FTHB) has been implemented to provide financial assistance to Program-eligible homebuyers. The Program is available only to those who are most in need of assistance with Down Payment, Gap Financing, and Closing Costs.

Eligible homebuyers include residents who have not owned a home during the 36 months prior to receipt of the FTHB application for assistance (time requirements may be waived for displaced homemakers and single parents). Eligible FTHB’s must also conform to the maximum income limitations, set by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

City Assistance: City loan will be secured by a second Trust Deed and payment will be deferred for 30 years.

Eligible Address: Within the City of Taft.

Eligible Properties: Single-family residences, condominiums, manufactured homes and planned unit developments.

Down Payment Required of Buyer: Based on need. Gap financing may be employed.

Bank Loan: First Trust Deed – Interest rate, terms and conditions as required by Bank.

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT 209 E. KERN STREET, TAFT, CA 93268

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

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111 FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

Taft Crude

Coffee House

Gateway Temple

Community Christian Fellowship

604 Main Street • P.O. Box 578 Maricopa, CA 93252 • (661)769-9599

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and Mary A. McWhorter

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

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

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

Rev. Linda Huggard

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

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sunday Services 10am 1000 6th St.

765-5557

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

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

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

Pastor Cindy Brettschneider Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AM Adult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PM Wednesday Night Service 6:00 PM Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft 661 765-4292

Mass Schedule

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

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley

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

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

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

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS Taft- A caring community under Christ We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Emmons Park Drive (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

The Pregnancy crisis center is now open and available for support and assistance.

For information, call 763-4791 If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488.

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

Advertise with the Taft Independent Call Today 765-6550

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH 630 North St.

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

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

Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268

YARD SALES Advertise your yard sale ad. 3 lines for $2, additional lines after that $2 each. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 12 p.m.

Wednesday.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Wanted

WANTED

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

For Sale Sandra’s Striders Relay for Life Yard Sale. Sat. 7 to ? Sunday 8 to ? 100 Loma Vista Ave.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-3790848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

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

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

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

COOLER SERVICES Cooler Service: Motors, pumps, pads, cleaning, installations. New & Old Scott 661-900-0917.

CLEANING SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES

Employment HELP WANTED

Short order cook and bartender.

Tumbleweed cafe.

Must have experience.

809-4634.

TC Student wanted for part time waitress.

Experience required.

765-6556.

Experienced writer wanted. 765-6550

CHILD CARE SERVICES

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

Preserving for the Future

With The

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

Business Services

Business Services

Advertise

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax:

Community

April 20 - 26, 2012

FOR SALE

AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS LOST PETS

Real Estate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good areas.

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

BUSINESS FOR SALE

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.

Get It Rented!

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list or drop by the office. ____________________ Newly remodeled 3bd/2ba house with pool, fenced yard, new everything!

302 Sunset Ln. $103,500 (714)244-8877

MOBILE HOMES

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line!

Call Today (661)765-6550

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

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 418 San Emidio 1/1 $500 420 ½ San Emidio 2/1 $600 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $700 315 7th Street 1/1 Furnished! $850 302 Jefferson 2/1 $850 111 Lexington 2+1 $875 304 Calvin 2/1 $900 116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000 426 D St 3/1 $1,000 535 B Street 3/1 $1,000 302 E San Emidio 3/1.75+ pool! $1,300

1014 6th Street

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

Advertise With The

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

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.

Taft Independent Call Today!

765-6550

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

West Side Real Estate And Property Management

Taft Independent

OPENING SOON

Call

Real Estate Services and Property Management Listings – Sales - Property Management Local Service You Can Depend On

Today!

322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-5000

765-6550

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

Classified

325 Kern Street

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

Ads

661-332-6597

Starting At

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

$2 Per Line!

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April 20 - 26, 2012

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

209 Harrison Street • Taft (661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Used to be Paul’s BMX

Devon’s Body Shop

Bike Shop

Bikes Are Here!

Diagnostic Specialists Service & Repairs • Smog Repairs Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front End Brakes • Fuel Injection

745-4919 Qik Smog & Tune

$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad* *1996 Vehicle or newer

608 Center St.

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6556

(661)763-4445

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

Randy’s Trucking Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping • Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades • • Rear Operator Control Panel •

western shop & PET Wash

New Shipment

Men’s Short Sleeve Shirts Sizes M-4X Two New Styles of Women’s Jeans

Chicks Arriving!

April 25th -

Full Grooming Salon LARGE DOGS

Summer Wash & Shed Or Full Coat (hard to handle dogs always welcome)

Barred Rock Rhode Island Red $3.49

April 18th - Turkey’s

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

www.shawswesternshop.com

SMALL DOGS

Cut To Breed Style We use flea control and clean grooming practices.

Some Saturday Appointments & Nail Spots Available!

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3

419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway We Cater Your Place or Ours Full Bar Available For Your Special Event

Open 7 Days a Week

FULL BAR

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

12

TAFT INDEPENDENT

April 20 - 26, 2012

If You’ve Ever Considered Seeing A Chiropractor You Must Read This Now If you suffer from a health problem and have considered seeing a chiropractor, this could be the most eye-opening article you’ll ever read.

Imagine for a moment that its 6 months from today…

You’re enjoying what you love to do…playing golf, playing with the kids, or maybe just laying on a beach somewhere.

You’re free of the pain and health issues that were holding you back. You have more energy, better health, and absolutely no pain.

There’s an extensive list of health problems chiropractic can help with. For example, here’s what a recent study on chiropractic and high blood pressure found…

“This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination…

And it seems to be adverse-event free. We saw no side effects and no problems” said study leader George Bakris, MD, director of the University of Chicago hypertension center.

Does this sound too good to be true -- to live pain free, like you were in your younger years?

In a minute, I’ll tell you how you can make this a reality. But first you should know a little about me.

My name is Dr. Keith Sparks I chose to start my practice in Taft because I love the town. I’ve used gentle chiropractic treatments to help thousands in our community feel better and live healthier, more productive lives.

“Does Chiropractic Really Work?”

Chiropractic has been around for over a hundred years, and has been used to help everyone from tiny babies to the elderly. Even top sports star and entertainers… like Tiger Woods, Emmitt Smith, Tony Robbins, Joe Montana, Lance Armstrong, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mel Gibson.

In fact, the U.S. government is so convinced chiropractic works they’ve been paying for it through the Medicare system for 30 years.

In addition to that, here’s what some of the top medical researchers had to say about chiropractic…

“Manipulation [chiropractic adjustments], with or without exercise, improved symptoms more than medical care did after both 3 and 12 months.”– British Medical Journal “Chiropractor’s manipulation of the spine was more helpful than any of the following: traction, massage, biofeedback, acupuncture, injection of steroids into the spine and back corsets, and ultrasound.” -- Stanley Bigos, MD, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery Although chiropractic works great for back pain, at our office we’ve helped patients with a wide range of problems.

“Isn’t Chiropractic Just For Back Pain?”

Do you have any of the following conditions...

• Headaches and Migraines • Asthma and Allergies • Numbness in the Arms and Legs • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Athletic Injuries • Car Accidents • Shoulder, Hip And Knee Pain • And much more

We can help!

“Don’t Let Pain Keep You And Your Family From Experiencing A Full Life.”

“How Much Does Chiropractic Cost?”

It’s impossible to know for sure what you’ll need to get rid of your nagging health problem until I’ve examined you. That’s why for 10 days only, $27 will get you all the services I normally charge new patients $250 for!

What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my new patient evaluation. Take a look at what you will receive: • An in-depth consultation about your health where I will listen…really listen.

• A complete nerve, muscle and spinal exam to find the “cause” of your problem.

• A full set of specialized x-rays to look for misalignments, bad posture, and joint degeneration… (Cost $125).

• A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can map out your plan to better health.

I’ll answer your most probing questions about chiropractic and what it can do for you.

The appointment will not take long at all and you won’t be sitting in a waiting room all day either.

To take me up on this special offer, you must come in before May 2nd.

Phone 661-765-2225 When you call tell the receptionist you’d like to come Due to federal law Medicare restrictions apply

Our Patients Say It Best…

At the age of 23 I had back surgery to fix my sciatic nerve in my back. I went through a lot of pain and money and it did not fix my problem. I heard about Dr. Sparks, but I thought if surgery didn’t work then this wouldn’t. I decided to give it a try, after six weeks of care, I felt so good, I seldom ever have any pain.

-Christine M. After experiencing severe migraine headaches for more than nine days, during which time I went to the doctor three times , only receiving traditional migraine prescription medication, I felt no relief. I visited Dr. Sparks ‘s office and by that evening the pain was gone!

- Jane S. in for the Special Chiropractic Evaluation before May 2, 2012.

Call today and we can get started with your consultation, exam and x-rays as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Our office is called Sparks Chiropractic and you can find us at 1107 Kern St. #7, in Taft (next to Chicken Of Oz).

Sincerely, Keith Sparks, D.C. P.S. You’ve got enough people trying to waste your time with risky treatments that you don’t really want or might not need. I’m not one of those people.

What I’m offering here is something quite different. I encourage you to call today and start living a healthier, more joyful life.

P.P.S. Why Suffer With Years Of Misery?

The big myth about health problems is “maybe it will just go away on its own.”

A 1998 study in the British Medical Journal proved this myth false, showing that most back pain sufferers who do nothing will have pain 12 months later.

That’s no way to live, not when there could be an easy solution to your problem.

Call Today 661-765-2225