Taft Spring into Gardening

Independent The Taft

April 26 - 2, 2013

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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Publisher@Taftindependent.com

April 26 - 2, 2013 • Volume 7 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”

Planting A Tree for Arbor Day at the Taft Community Garden

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week 4 am to Midnight

330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street 745-4898

Now Serving Breakfast Open 4:30 a.m. - Fast Service To-Go Happy Hour 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$2 Bud Light Budweiser and Tecate

Catering Available for Meetings. Free Delivery.

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

15% OFF SERVICES IN CELEBRATION OF OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN BUSINESS

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

531 Center Street (661)763-1123 MONDAY - FRIDAY Over Different Craft & -Imported Beers 8:00am 5:00pm WE SERVICE MOST50 MAKES AND MODELS *Must ask for discount

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

April 26 - 2, 2013

Shop Taft

Ten Percent Firearms

Passion For Nails

acme jewelry co.

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 Candles • And More!

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair WatchWatch Batteries Batteries Replaced Most $4.00 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Some $8.00

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Boutique

Women’s Wear Jewelery Purses Shoes Gift Items

Infant and Toddler Wear and more Shop Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

Prepaid Phones, Accessories and Cards

Spring Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

FREE

Tire Rotation & Brake Check Plus We will check all fluids & tire pressure

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 401 Center Street Visit us on Facebook sales@bluejeansandbling.com

763-9100

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

Taft’s Best and Only Bike Shop.

Come on in and see our Inventory.

608 Center St.

745-4919

Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899 REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

Blue Jeans & Bling Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

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

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

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

610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Taft, Ca. 93268

J e w e l r y

*Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

39

Plus Tax

$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

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

Elaine Arnold, Owner Pedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing Dee Morgan, Esthetician Facials Waxing and Microdermabrasion Samantha Hagstrom Massage Therapist European and Hot Stone Prenatal Massage 510 6th Street, Ste. A - Taft (661) 765-2335

April 26 - 2, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Miller Time.......................8 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 Opinion and Feature....11 Shop Taft........................12

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.

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument” Have a community event that you would like to include?

Email us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

Taft\Westside Cleanup Day Saturday April 27th On Saturday, April 27, Wood Street, from Highway 33 to Tenth Street will be slated for a Community Cleanup.

The effort is co-sponsored by the City and the County, with a contribution by Westside Waste Management, who will be providing four large dumpsters along Wood Street for people to use, free of charge.

All are invited to volunteer to help with cleanup, beginning 7:30 a.m., and ending at 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided to all volunteer workers.

Wood Street was selected because it is an entrance to the city.

If there are sufficient numbers of volunteers, we also will tackle the Harrison Street entrance to Taft.

West Kern Oil Museum Pioneer Days

The West Kern Oil Museum’s annual Pioneer Days celebration will be held Saturday, May 4 with some new wrinkles.

Key Energy Co. is bringing an oil well servicing rig to demonstrate modernday “well pulling” operations.

The event will feature its traditional antique gas engines, model railroad and a barbecue and plant sale.

Westside area quilters also will be on hand giving demonstrations and displaying and selling their handmade crafts.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. and activities will run until 4 p.m.

The barbecue – prepared by Vintage Production– will be dished up beginning at 11:30 a.m.

A donation from Fred and Barbara Holmes is used to purchase the beef and chicken that will be served along with salad, beans, rolls and desserts made by Museum volunteers.

Admission is free, but the cost for the barbecue is $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 10.

All of the Museum’s buildings and exhibits will be open, and a 50/50 drawing will be held.

Moron Golf Tournament August 10th

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

The Taft Union High School support golf tournament, The Moron Invitational, has been scheduled for August 10, 2013.

We’ve had a great 10 year run with $25,000.00 in direct donation to their golf program. Thanks go out to all our supporters and participants that have made this a fun day in the sun and you can count on plenty of sun!

Thank you for your continued support of our very successful raffle and try to set something aside, it is always greatly appreciated. Invitations will be sent at a later date. Go Wildcats!

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.

acme jewelry co.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save you Fine money on quality Jewelry • Candlesjewelry!

• Gifts

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.

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Acme will be closed 14K Gold • Sterling Silver Wednesday May 1st at 1:30 pm Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair through May 3rd!

Watch Batteries

Grandson will be graduating 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 from Marine Bootcamp!

See you Saturday May 4th!

Thank you - Acme Jewelry Semper Fi

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin The next Center Street Cruise Night is next Friday May 3rd. This Cruise Night has something for everyone. Cruise your car or bring a chair and watch the cars or just simply people watch. There will be two very good Live Bands and a Beer Garden at the 5th Street Plaza. Some of the Stores will be open late for Shopping. Great Center Street Restaurants for food or drinks- Black Gold, Ong’s Café, Asian Experience, Pizza Factory, Mi Casita, and Chilled n Grilled. There are always timeless Hot Rods around Dusty’s, Red’s, or Broden’s Garages. The Fox Theater has great Movies this weekend or check out Taft’s newest coolest store “Olds Cool”.

Every Wednesday is Bike Night at Chilled n Grilled.

Every Thursday is “Last Chance Showing” at the Taft Fox Theatre.

Friday April 26th: Taft Petroleum Club last Friday of the Month Chicken or Steak Dinner. Drink Specials and Music.

Saturday April 27th: Taft Community Clean up. 8am-noon. Meet at Veterans Park (Police Park) at 8am. Gloves, water, and LUNCH provided afterwards.

Taft High Hall of Fame Dinner at Taft High. Tickets $40. Contact Taft High for more info.

Relay for Life Bunco Fundraiser at the Taft Veterans Hall at 218 Taylor Street. $20. Contact Chrissy Rodart @ 577-6833.

The Cuyama Booster Club is teaming up with Pizza Factory and Pizza Factory Alumni from 4-9pm. A percentage of their profit will go to Relay for Life.

Spring into Gardening at the Taft Community Garden, 9am-noon. Pumpkin Planting Kits available for the first 100 kids.

Monday April 29th: The Rad Naz Crew Relay for Life Team will be working at Black Gold Deli from 5-8pm. All their tips will go to Relay for Life. Reservations can be made by calling Black Gold.

Wednesday May 1ndTaft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7:30. Tickets only $12.00.

Friday May 3rdTaft Cruise Night on Center Street. Starts at 6pm.

Taft Moose Lodge Relay for Life Fundraiser Dinner, Auction, and 50/50.

Saturday May 4thTaft Oil Museum Pioneer Days 3rd Annual Petroleum Highway Ride. $20 a vehicle or Bike. The Taft Petroleum club is raising money for the Taft High Oil Academy Scholarships. BBQ from 5-7pm by Fred Holmes at the Taft Petroleum Club.

Taft Oildorado 2015 is only two and a half years away. I have attended seven Oildorados and they all have been great. I’m glad the City of Taft and Kern County are having the Taft Community Clean Up on April 27th. More of these Events will be planned down the road. If you’re like me and are unable to help this Saturday, please start cleaning up your house, rental, lot, or business and make Taft look nice! See you around Taft!

West Kern Oil Museum Yard Sale May 31st, June 1st Museum volunteers also are reminding Westsiders that it’s time to clean out the garage and storage areas.

The Museum’s annual Yard Sale will be May 31 and June 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items for the sale will be accepted Thursday -Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sundays from 1-3 p.m.

Sorting and pricing everything takes time, so the volunteers encourage everyone to bring donations to the Museum as soon as possible.

If you can’t bring your donations, pick-up can be arranged by calling the Museum at 765-6664.

The Yard Sale is one of the Museum’s most successful fundraisers, and it is a great way to make space in your garage. Donated items may be tax deductible.

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

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

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

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, April 26, 2013 through Thursday, May 02, 2013 Iron Man 3 (PG-13) Premiere showing. All seats $7.50; No Passes Allowed Thu: 9:00 PM Oblivion (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:00), 7:45 Sun: (1:15), (4:00), 6:30 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM Scary Movie V (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 7:30 PM Sun: (5:15 PM) Mon - Thu: 8:15 PM The Croods (PG) Fri & Sat: (5:30 PM) Sun: (1:15), (3:15) Mon - Thu: 6:15 PM Olympus Has Fallen (R) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:45), 8:15 Sun: (1:00), (3:30), 6:00 Mon - Wed: 7:15 PM Thu: 6:00 PM

Westside Watcher

April 26 - 2, 2013

Letters to the Editor Be Strong, Mighty Strong

TUHS Honors Night Mitchell Emberson and Chanel Tremain were the big winners at the Taft Union High School Honors Night Monday. To the applause of an auditorium full of their peers, parents and friends, Emberson and Tremain walked off stage with $22,500 and $21,850, respectively, in college scholarships. Both received $12,000 from the Confidence Foundation, originally Whittier Oil. Emberson also received $3,000 from Holmes Western Oil Corp., $1,500 from Berry Petroleum, and $1,000 each from Oildorado Inc., the Mathew Brice Dragoo Memorial and from Chevron. Tremain also received $3,000 each from Holmes Western Oil Corp. and the TUHS class of 1949, $1,500 from Berry Petroleum and $1,000 from Chevron.

Altogether, 76 students received 295 scholarships from 62 donors totaling $209,365. The Taft College Merit Scholarship was the biggest donor, chipping in $41,400.

Other big winners were: — Keana Arnold with $7,350, including $2,000 from Holmes Western, $1,500 from Berry Petroleum and $1,000 each from Oildorado Inc., Exxon Mobil and Chevron.

—Eric Bailey with $6,500, including $2,000 from Holmes Western, $1,500 from the Class of 1950 and $1,000 from Chevron.

—Vaughn Richardson with $6,000, including $2,000 from Holmes Western, $1,500 from Berry Petroleum and $1,000 from Chevron Valley.

—Erika Heredia with $5,600, including $2,500 from Occidental Petroleum and $1,000 each from Holmes Western and Chevron.

—Karina Montoya with $5,500, including $1,500 from Berry Petroleum and $1,000 each from Exxon Mobil, Holmes Western and Chevron.

—Abigail Popejoy Dodson with $5,350, including $2,000 from San Joaquin Refining and $1,000 each from Holmes Western and Chevron.

—Yeraldin Barrera with $4,900, including $1,500 from the Class of 1950 and $1,000 each from Chevron and National Health Services.

—Markie Oglesby with $4,850, including $2,000 each from San Joaquin Refining and Holmes Western.

—Alex LeClair with $4,800, including $2,000 from Holmes Western.

—Jalynn Williams with $4,750, including $2,000 from San Joaquin Refining and $1,000 each from Holmes Western and Chevron Valley.

—Eli Kindred with $4,500, including $2,000 from San Joaquin Refining and $1,000 from Holmes Western.

—Diego Rivera with $4,150, including $1,500 from Berry Petroleum and $1,000 from Chevron.

—Kayla Schuyler with $4,100, including $1,000 each from Chevron and Westside Hospital Auxiliary.

—Cindy Torres with $3,700, including $1,000 each from Kummrich Engineering and Holmes Western.

—Daniela Castro-Urias with $3,550, including $1,000 from the Soroptimists.

—Gloria Hartley with $3,550, including $1,500 from Berry Petroleum and $1,000 from Chevron.

—Kristine Arellano with $3,250, including $1,000 each from Holmes Western and Chevron.

—Mariah Martinez-McCray with $3,250, including $1,500 from Berry Petroleum and $1,000 from Holmes Western.

—Haley Houghton with $3,200, including $1,500 from Berry Petroleum.

Paik’s

Thank you for helping bring awareness to CANCER. But now this city is dealing with a new awareness Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I was diganoised with MS six months ago but the doctors believe I have had it for over 4 years. The symptoms that comes with having MS is no laughing matter! There is a saying that goes with having MS, “Be Strong, Be Mighty Strong”, some of the sympthoms of MS is (Fatigue, Muscle Stiffness/Spasms, Problems With Balance, Bowel and/or Bladder Problems, Vision Problems, Memory Loss, Short Attention, Weakness, PAIN, and Depression and/or Mood Swings).

I am not writting this to get pitty or symphaty from any one, all I ask that you help me in PRAYING that we may some day FIND A CURE! Being in PAIN 24/7 is no laughing matter, but with GOD, my family and friends I will be ok!

So please “Be Strong, Be Mighty Strong” and pray that we may find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer!

Robert Allen Swope

4th of July Donation Jar Theft Last week on Friday, a young man walked into the 7-11 and made off with the Taft Chamber’s donation jar for the 2013 Fireworks Show, as well as a donation can for Relay for Life. The following day, he repeated this same heinous act at Jo’s Restaurant, along with stealing cans and tip jars from Tacos Mariscos and China One Express. The suspect has since been apprehended, but there is no way to recover the donations he pilfered.

The Taft Chamber has been working hard since last summer to try to raise funds for the return of our Independence Day Fireworks show, but they can’t do it without your help. There have been several very generous sponsors, including our title sponsor, Westside Waste Management, as well as Huddleston Crane, Hall Ambulance, Oildale Tire N Taft, Fastrip, ABS Balloons, Dr. Tang, Midway Laboratory, Pizza Factory, and Jerry Melton & Sons, who have stepped up to the plate to help deliver the excitement, but there is still a ways to go until the goal has been met to really get this off the ground and into the sky.

Many people may not realize the true cost of putting a show of this magnitude together – it’s roughly $25,000. Donations in any amount truly help with bringing this together and there are many ways the community can unite to help the Chamber out, such as purchasing a Tribute Banner for a service member, sponsoring the show at any level from $500-$2,500, or even just dropping off your pocket change at the Chamber. Anything and everything is appreciated and definitely helps!

For more information, you can contact the lovely ladies at the Chamber at 765-2165 or drop in at the Chamber office at 400 Kern Street to donate today!

Cruisin Night on Center Street Friday May 3rd 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Come Join Our Block Tail Gate Party Compliments of Downtown Merchants Live Music with

Ranch House Restaurant

Mama’s Kitchen at Personal Style

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

and Ryan Colter and Taylor Unruh at Old’s Cool

“Where Everybody Meets” Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Bar B Que Hot Rods Friends Music Downtown Cruze Specials See Your There!

April 26 - 2, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

West Side Recreation Report Check us out online!

Need more information on programs, classes or facilities?

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

by Stephanie House

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE Monday, May 6 through Wednesday, May 8 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium 500 Cascade Place, Taft $5 per person (facility fee) With cooperation from the Taft Sportsmen’s Club and volunteer instructors Larry Heptinstall and Kenny Beard, materials and instruction for obtaining a California Hunting license are available approximately every three months. Registration begins the first night of class and a minimum of 10 paid students is required or the class will be postponed until August. Upcoming classes are scheduled for August 5-7 and October 7-9.

SENIOR REC ROOM Who: Ages 55+ Where: Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Hours: * Monday-Thursday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. * Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 6:00-10:00 p.m. * Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (1st and 3rd week of the month) The Senior Rec Room is located in the Community Center Activity Building and includes televisions with cable programming, computers with internet access and basic Microsoft programs, comfortable furniture, games, magazines and books. The Rec Room is a great place to socialize and spend time with others.

WALKING FOR SENIORS When: Monday – Friday Time: 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Where: Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Fee: $1 daily or $15 monthly (program is ongoing, join us at any time!)

During the cooler weather months, we invite you to walk the track in the Recreation Center Gymnasium. There will be prizes for reaching milestones and we will also help you track your miles and progress.

AEROBIC KICKBOXING Who: Ages 14+ When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Amy Steers This fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense. Classes will be held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.

YOGA & PILATES Who: Ages 14+ Pilates – Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Yoga – Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00-8:45 p.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month ** register prior to attending class Instructor: Valerie Taylor, R-HYI Pay one low monthly fee and have access both classes classes! Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Class space is limited – registration is REQUIRED prior to attending class.

NATATORIUM POOL PARTIES Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for private party rentals at the Natatorium swimming pool. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday between June 7 and August 18. Rental fees start at $165 for 2-hours. Call 763-4246 for more information.

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

ZUMBA FITNESS Who: Ages 17 + When: Wednesday Evenings Time: 6:30-7:25 p.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $20 per month Instructor: Chelsea Dickard This fun fitness class focuses on Latin-inspired dance and dance exercise to Latin music: Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Raggaeton, Hip Hop and Mixed Music. Classes operate on an on-going basis. New students are welcome at any time. Fees must be paid prior to attending class.

DELICIOUS DESSERTS Wednesday, May 1 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Ages 6-10 $6 per person ** pre-registration required by Tuesday, April 30 Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, this cooking workshop is for you! We will make several yummy sweet treats, including cobbler and cookies. Plus, you get the recipes to take home! Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

REC CENTER TEEN NIGHT Friday, May 3 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Recreation Center Grades 6-12 (must show school ID for entry) $10 per person The first Friday of every month is Teen Night at the Recreation Center! Come in and bowl, play basketball or just hang out with your friends in a fun, safe environment.

MOTHER’S DAY CRAFT Wednesday, May 8 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-6 $3 per person Show your mom how much you love and appreciate her by making her a special present (shhh… it’s a surprise!) just in time for Mother’s Day. TENNIS CLASSES Who: Ages 7-14 When: Monday and Wednesday, resuming May 6 Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: TUHS Tennis Courts Fee: $30 per month Instructor: Doug Taylor Students will be introduced to the rules and fundamentals of tennis. Classes will include drills, game play and athletic fitness activities. No previous experience or knowledge is needed; all skill levels are welcome. Racquets will be available for use at the first practice; parents can speak with the coach prior to purchasing a racquet. Class enrollment is limited. Classes operate on a monthly basis from May through October.

FIRE & ICE ELITE COMPETITION CHEER Who: Ages 5-17 (as of 8/1/2013) Registration: April 1 - May 16 Fee: $25 (non-refundable; fee will be applied to Term 1 payment) Evaluations: May 21-23 (Tuesday-Thursday) Time: 5:00-7:00 pm Practices Begin: August 5 Our first year as a competition squad has been great and now it’s time to open up registration for new cheerleaders to join us! Interested cheerleaders must be registered prior to evaluations. Space is limited! An info packet is available in the District and on our website.

TINY TOT KICKBALL Who: Ages 2-4 When: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 5:30-6:15 pm or 6:30-7:15 pm Session: May 14-28 (5 classes) Place: Wrecker Field, Recreation Center Registration deadline: Thursday, May 9 Fee: $25 per player Players will learn the basic rules of kickball - running bases, kicking, stretching and following instructions. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s learning. Kids are asked to please wear shorts and tennis shoes and to bring along a bottle of water.

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News Briefs Taft Volunteer Clean Up Day Saturday April 27th

On Saturday, April 27th from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, Kern County Supervisor David Couch is joining efforts with the City of Taft, the Taft Chamber of Commerce and Taft College to help clean up the Taft community through the Keep Kern Clean Program.

This clean-up day is being organized to improve the image of the Taft community.

A call for volunteers is being made to help clean up trash & litter on various vacant lots and along Wood Street from Hwy 119 to S. 10th Street. Volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at Veterans Park on Kern Street and be dispatched to their cleanup area.

Trash bags, gloves and bottled water will be provided for the volunteers. Volunteers should wear work clothes, closed toed shoes and a desire to “Clean up OUR Community”. To volunteer call Christy Lowe at 763-1222 ext. 34.

A thank you lunch will be provided to volunteers at Veterans Park after the clean-up at 12 noon. Lunch is being sponsored

by Occidental, Vintage Production of California, Albertsons, Fastenal & Dreyer’s.

Westside Waste Management, Inc. will provide several 40 cubic-yard containers for collection and transportation of the trash. The Kern County Waste Management Department will provide a fee waiver for disposal at the Taft Landfill.

Keep Kern Clean is a part of a county-wide program of the Kern County Waste Management Department designed to eradicate illegal dumping in Kern County.

In addition to organizing community clean ups, the program informs residents about materials accepted at landfills, locations and hours of landfills, proper disposal of household hazardous waste and bulky waste materials, recycling centers, code enforcement policies and school education programs.

The Keep Kern Clean program is on-going.

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

Taft Community Gardens “Spring Into Gardening”Event Saturday at 9 a.m.

Taft Community Gardens will hold its “Spring Into Gardening” event on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at the popular community garden on 9th Street.

The public is invited to the free event. The event will provide free pumpkin seed starter kits for kids, a kids petting zoo, and have several information and vendor tables by local sponsors that will provide gardening demonstrations and have free giveaway prizes.

The garden is an all volunteer community project that makes garden boxes available for $40 per year.

For more information, stop by the garden this Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon.

The event is sponsored by Synagro, the FFA, the Taft Independent, True Value Hardware, Taft College STEM Program, the West Kern Water District, the Tumbleweed Cafe, the Tree Foundation of Kern County, the City of Taft Taft, Rotary of Taft, 4H and the Black Gold Brewing Company.

Arbor Day at Taft Community Gardens

Taft celebrated Arbor Day on Wednesday at the Taft Community Gardens by planting a persimmon tree.

Mayor Paul Linder, Garden board members Susan Wells and Kathleen Johnson, Michael Dillenbeck of the Kern County Waste Management Department, Melissa Iger of the Tree Foundation of Kern, program coordinator Alina Megerdom, Assistant City Manager Lon Boyer and the first grade class from Parkview Elementary School watched as city staff member Chris Krejci directed the tree planting with the help of the first grade class. Pizza was donated by Dominos Pizza.

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

Come in and check out our new items!!!

OT Cookhouse can accomodate smaller or larger Private Dining Events Reserve your Banquet today!!!

661.763.1819 Lunch Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-2pm Dinner Hours: Tues-Sat 4-9pm Closed: Sunday and Monday www.otcookhouse.com find us on facebook 205 N. 10th Street 661.763.1819

Synagro Presents Conley School Students with Drawing, Writing Prizes

Lisa Kindred, principal of Conley School speaks to students during a presentation of awards by Synagro to student essay and drawing contest winners. The winners were Marco Lopez, Christin Gonzales and Ann Geier.

Taft Naz Crew Walk for Life Relay for Life Team

“Tips for a Cure” We want to serve you dinner!

Come to Black Gold Cafe Monday April, 29th between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Full menu offered and we’ll work for your tips.

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu

We are also proud to offer our “Chef ’s Personal Creations & Selections” Five Specials Available Daily

April 26 - 2, 2013

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

Ben’s Books

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Closed April 16 to April 24 for Vacation

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

All tips will be given to support our Relay Team Black Gold Cafe - 508 Center Street.

(661) 765-6556

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

New School Hours Mon. & Tues.

9am - 2pm Closed Wednesday Thur. & Fri. 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 2pm Closed Every 2nd Sat. of the Month

All Dishes 1/2 Off!

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

April 26 - 2, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

U.S. Majors Tour Double National April 27 – 28, 2013 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park

USPS News: Postal Service Letter Carriers to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ May 11th

Buttonwillow, CA-April 20, 2013 – The California Sports Car Club will host the 2nd Majors Tour event on the West Coast April 27th and 28th at their Buttonwillow Raceway Park. The U.S. Majors Tour is the pinnacle of championship racing in North America and is where America’s best amateur drivers race. There are 4 Majors in the West, the first was Cal Club’s event at Auto Club Speedway in January, the 2nd is this Cal Club event at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, then on to Pacific Raceway in May and finally at Portland International Raceway in July. The Majors are a direct path to the National Championship, the SCCA Runoffs™ at Road America in September.

Join us at Buttonwillow Raceway Park for the second Majors event for Cal Club. Buttonwillow Raceway will hold an open test day of Friday, April 26. RV hookups and garages are available by contacting the track. There will be two full days of practice, qualifying and racing!!

Spectators are always welcome at the family friendly Buttonwillow Raceway Park. For more information www.calclub.com

SANTA CLARITA. Calif. -- Letter carriers care about the people in the communities they serve, and on the second Saturday in May for the past 20 years they have done a lot more than collect and deliver mail. They have picked up non-perishable food donations left at mailboxes as they visit every home in the nation.

Get Your Sweet On Bakery and Sweet Shop Now Open

Gourmet Cup Cakes and Italian Cannoli Pastry Coming Soon!

Hot Fudge Sundaes Banana Splits Root Beer Floats 420 Center Street, Taft

(661) 745-4894

This year will be the 21st Annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Food Drive — the largest one-day food drive in the USA. The U.S. Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association join NALC as official sponsors in this effort to ‘Stamp Out Hunger.’ Other sponsors include Campbell Soup Company, Feeding America, Valpak, AFL-CIO and United Way of America.

It is a very simple and easy concept: the public is asked to leave non-perishable food in a sturdy bag by their mailbox on Saturday, May 11, 2013. That food will be collected by letter carriers and distributed to local charities that provide it to people who need it — right in the same community.

Hunger and under-nutrition in America are much more serious problems than most people realize. With current economic conditions and high food prices, more families than ever struggle to keep food on the table. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual study measuring food security in the United States, the number of Americans living in food insecure homes is more than 50 million, with approximately one in every three foodinsecure Americans being a child (17.2 million).

Through a lot of hard work, dedication and compassion, and the support of customers in the communities they serve, letter carriers collected over 70 million pounds of food last year -- the ninth consecutive drive surpassing 70 million pounds collected. The total donations received since the drive began in 1993 now stand at nearly 1.2 billion pounds of food. They are counting on the public’s generosity once again to help feed the hungry this year.

McCarthy Announces CDC Action in Local Valley Fever Effort Atlanta, GA – Congressman Kevin McCarthy today announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Thomas Frieden and leading CDC mycotics disease experts have accepted his invitation to come to Bakersfield to meet with public health officials and leading local advocates to increase awareness among clinicians and the community regarding Valley Fever and to initiate a Valley Fever public awareness campaign within the community: “I am proud that our community, from the Valley Fever Americas Foundation to the Kern County Public Health Laboratory, continues to lead the effort to fight Valley Fever, McCarthy said.

“Dr. Frieden’s visit to Bakersfield demonstrates his commitment to prioritizing Valley Fever within the CDC, coordinating with local Valley Fever experts on developing preventative measures, and working with our community to raise public awareness on Valley Fever in the battle against this disease. As residents of the Central Valley, we know the impact Valley Fever can have on family and friends, and that is why I am committed to elevating the importance Valley Fever at the federal level and to working with CDC and local experts. CDC’s public health leadership on Valley Fever is an important first step in this process.”

“I appreciate Rep. McCarthy taking the time to visit CDC to learn about our laboratories and assets that are uniquely capable to deal with leading public health challenges, said Dr. Thomas Frieden of the CDC said. “I am impressed with the commitment he has shown in pursuing a deep understanding of Valley Fever that has been such a serious and costly disease in his district and throughout the southwestern US. His attention to the issue is helping to raise critical awareness of the infection, therefore improving prevention and screening. I look forward to visiting California to further explore how public health interventions can prevent and fight this disease.“

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Liberty Under Fire

Miller Time

Remembering Waco and the Branch Davidian Church twenty years latter.

Some Different Times

By Dr. Harold Pease It is hard to believe that twenty years ago this month, April 19, 1993, virtually everyone in America, and perhaps the world as well, watched a group of religious “nuts” cremated in a fiery furnace. “They deserved it because they were a cult,” it was inferred, had held off the ATF and later the FBI for 51 days, and were guilty of child abuse, polygamy, and gun running. It was also suggested that they set themselves on fire.

Most of the charges proved baseless. Those actually convicted of a crime, although first exonerated by Texas courts, were found guilty under federal law for manslaughter (ten years) and for using a firearm during a crime (30 years). The crime, the Branch Davidians attest, was self-defense. There still exists no evidence that an actual warrant was ever delivered and today each insists that the other fired first. In either case, four ATF officers and six Davidians were killed in the initial shootout on February 28, 1993.

I thought it fitting to review the numerous news broadcasts of the event that I collected and used in the production of The Waco Massacre: We did it for the Children, and tie up the lose ends for those who have already forgotten and for those born since—lest we forget. The most impartial coverage at the time came from Dianne Sawyer from which a number of the quotes in this piece came. The vast majority of the news people simply regurgitated what the FBI said was so.

Reporters were kept five miles away. The FBI briefed newsmen once a day in a special building set aside for that purpose and they “clone like” repeated the government message.

The most thorough investigation is that of the 1997 Academyaward nominee, Waco: The Rules of Engagement, a Congressional investigation, now available on video. It disclosed two key parts to the story: the presence of government incendiary devises on the site casting doubt that the Branch Davidians set themselves on fire as reported, and the effects of CS gas on those inside, especially one little girl whose charred body revealed her heels touching the back of her head.

CS gas causes the muscles to constrict. This is not as serious when the individual is bent forward as the body is made to bend this direction but when the body is ever so slightly bent backward, as with the girl, it breaks bones in the constriction. Presumably CS gas had been banned for military use.

Other videos initially show tanks running over bicycles, cars and boats then later poking holes into the side of the wooden structure.

Any jarring of a wood framed structure seals the doors inside and makes movement difficult even impossible if the door is closed. The Davidians may not have been able to escape the fire. At one point a video shows an Abrams tank being brought in. Dianne Sawyer refers to it as “the heaviest tank in the armies arsenal.” Films also show helicopters flying overhead day and night. Dick DeGuerin, David Keresh’s attorney, who spent at least 30 hours with David, talks on tape about bullet holes in the ceiling presumably from helicopters above and of his having examined a wound to the upper part of the body of Mr. Keresh which he received while he was lying down. Videos exist of other armored vehicles on site as well.

Other reports spoke of the sound of rabbits being slaughtered, loud music blasted all night with speakers aimed at their living quarters.

The most intimidating song played repeatedly was, “These boots are made for walking,” sung by Nancy Sinatra. The lyrics have an ire prophetic feel to them considering what eventually happened. They follow: “These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you. You keep playin’ where you shouldn’t be playin and you keep thinkin’ that you´ll never get burnt. Ha! I just found me a brand new box of matches yeah and what he knows you ain’t had time to learn. These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.” Surely the federal government and the Bill Clinton Administration have much still to explain.

But the toughest images are those of the survivors. One survivor, Ruth Riddle, said later, “I remember sitting in my room watching the tanks go through the building. They kept saying, ‘This is not an assault… But how could it be other wise’.” She also described the last moments. “The fire got so hot. It was coming down the hallway. It was outside the windows. It got so close and got so hot… And so I jumped. When I was looking back. I heard someone say. Where is everybody? Where are the children? What can I say? The building was burning where everybody was.”

Another survivor said, “The wall next to me caught on fire. Then I leaped out the side of the window. Looking back, seeing the place on fire, I saw someone fall out a window, on fire.”

By Randy Miller It is certainly some different times that we are living in. We are somewhat insulated from some of the events that are happening around our beautiful nation but it affects us all none the less. The Boston tragedy, the West, Texas disaster, Newtown, the flooding on the Mississippi, the tornadoes that roar through the heartland of America, the drought we are going through, the stock market going through the roof, the price of gas, the question of what is a marriage, and the craziness that our elected officials are putting us through. We are we heading somewhere but from my perspective I’m glad that I am in my golden years, so that I won’t have to put up with it much longer because it seems to be a downward trend to me and I feel that I can’t do much to stop it..

Who among us would have ever guessed that two young men who came to this country under the guise of political persecution and become citizens and enjoyed all the freedoms and opportunities that this great country has to offer; who would think that they would strap on a couple of back packs and blow up innocent victims because of their twisted take on religious ideology. It is like having a sleeper cell living among us waiting to strike; it scares the crap out of me. Of course, them doing that to us here on the Westside is more than remote; it makes me shiver that our brethren in the larger cities will be their targets. Will terrorism happen again, probably. I just finished watching “Act of Valor” a motion picture about Seal Team missions they take against terrorist groups. The final scene is that of them stopping a group of suicide bombers with suicide vests from crossing our border to strike deep in America. With our open borders, nothing is impossible. It is not just farm workers coming here to make a living but we have gang bangers, terrorists, and medical undesirables wanting to live among us and work to destroy everything this nation is about. It seems that we are paralyzed in some ways to act because everyone has their rights accept those that become the victims and for them it is too late.

The is no legislation that could have stopped Newton. There is no People in their last moments would gather as a family. One family of seven members was gathered where they were all touching each other as they finally fell into a clump. Dianne Sawyer spoke of “thirtyone mothers and all the children huddled shoulder to shoulder in the fierce heat covered with wet blankets.”

One of the most moving films showed a tank poking holes in their home but in the same picture the U.S. flag on a pole in front waved in the breeze. That flag remained waving long after the structure was smoldering rubble on the ground and all eighty in the building, including 21 little children, had been burned alive. In this case the stars and strips did not protect this church, nor its inhabitants of children and families. We must never forget. Another photo, not far from the flag showed the mailbox out front. It read Branch Davidian Church, Box 471B. The Constitution, and flag, should be for all, even the “nuts.”

April 26 - 2, 2013 legislation that could have stopped Aurora, Colorado, or the shooting of the congresswoman in Tucson or the young man with a knife who slashed twenty people . All those communities had laws and gun laws in place. What we couldn’t do was stop the plotting of a deranged individual sitting in their room thinking that the world is so against them that they have to go kill a bunch of people to ease their pain. If not with a pistol, a rifle, or a knife, why not go on the internet and learn how to build a pressure cooker bomb. How do they come up with these horrendous ideas ?? Video games ?? Internet ?? YouTube ?? The media ?? Movies ?? Are they copycats or are they looking for the bigger, better way to create death and destruction ?? How can anyone ever in a million years think that someone would walk into a kindergarten class and slaughter 20 innocent children that had nothing to do with the shooter to get the satisfaction he was looking for ?? Could anyone have perceived that this was coming; maybe going Postal on adults, but 5 yr olds ?? Could legislation have stopped him ?? Taking away all the rights of gun ownership of his mother, would it have stopped him from using some other method to satisfy his madness ?? We’ll never know. I don’t have the answers that you are looking for because it is so far out of the realm of my world, my thinking, my whole being.

I know in my heart that knee jerk reaction is not the answer. Without a calm discourse, we will only divide ourselves and not unite to solve the problems we face. We cannot legislate our way out of all social ills and injustices that come along. Taking away our guns I know is not the answer because there are far too many of them out there. All this knee jerk stuff has sold more guns and ammo in the past four months probably at any time in our history.

There is not enough space here for my words to make any difference to stop this madness. It just stuns me that we are the freest nation in the world, with the most opportunities for you to be anyone you want to be. We don’t care about your creed, race, or religion; we are all created equal under God but we have close to a million people incarcerated that choose to rob, kill, maim, and try to destroy our way of life.

Where as a nation, a state, a county, and city, where did we go wrong ??

It’s a million little things that happen every day, like spitting on the sidewalk, speeding on the highway, letting you kids watch ‘R’ rated movies, the profanity we hear in music, the rush to legalize drugs, the shabby way people dress for special occasions, the rush to judgment on all things. But there are the good things, the nice things that people do, the proper way to act and raise kids, the people who volunteer and give back to their communities, the generous giving when we share in the grief of others as they move to rebuild their lives from natural and manmade disasters. It is just that the worst in us gets the headlines while the best in us doesn’t always. My example of this was an article in a not-our-newspaper that was about the couple who died from the deranged LA killer who was killed in a shootout in Big Bear Lake and they showed the killers picture not theirs. That is what these sickoo’s want in many cases, that people will finally know who they are.

Sorry, but there were some things I needed to say. Taft is still with all our warts a great place to live, work, play, and learn. You never know when events around the world will come here to roost, but we need to be prepared. We had our skirmish with the Taft High shooting, I hope that is close that we will ever get. Say a prayer for your love ones, then say one for the rest of us. It certainly can’t hurt. Peace be with you.

Randy Miller A Proud Taft Resident

April 26 - 2, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

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

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

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

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.

Ice Blended Mocha Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors

Open 7 Days - 765-6556 508 Center Street • Taft TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557

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

St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft 661 765-4292 Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 8:30A.M. English 11:00A.M. Spanish

First Baptist Church

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

Gateway Temple

Community Christian Fellowship

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

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

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

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

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

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

Your Church Ad Here!

765-6550

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

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

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In The Taft Independent

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Licensed Funeral Directors

Call Today!

765-6550

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS If Missed… Call Office at 7635135

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED Construction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/ Hazardous Waste/Tires Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Classified Adsare are$3.00 $2.00per perissue line. for Phone, fax, maillines, or drop off Classified Ads up to three $5 per issue ad for to upthe to Taft 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard your Independent.

Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft your Independent.

Ad photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5.

Boxed ads are $5 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 Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax: E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

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

Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 LOST PETS

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.

CHILD CARE SERVICES

Sat. 11 West Parkway.

Alley entrance.

Everything must go. 8 am - 2 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-379-0848 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.

HELP WANTED Part-time Waitress. Black Gold Brewing Co. Exp. Req. 508 Center Street.

Looking to fill part-time and full-time positions.

Must have clean DMV. Must have a clean background. Must be flexible to work weekends. Must have reliable transportation.

Visit abm.com to apply.

Call 661.322.3289 if you have any questions.

SERVICES Cooler Services. Swap Cooler services and repair. Pumps, motors, etc. (661) 900-0917..

WANTED REWARD: $500 Reward for information leading to tjhe recovery of 29 ft. 1998 Mallard Travel Trailer. Stolen from Golf Course Road.

Call Gene at 661 7684934. No questions asked. 4-26.

FOR SALE Cllose ouit sale on dog accessories and clothes formerly Bow Wow Baker.y 420 Center Street. 745-4894.

South Taft Lot. With septic and cess pool. Power and water on lot. $6,000 or make offer. (661) 835-3997. 5-5.

AUTOMOBILES PETS

$750 month Paul Joyce 805-218-1686 Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

2 bed - 1 bath home 411 Shattack $575.

3 bed 1 1/2 bath home 118 Crystal $775 Call Paul Joyce (805) 218-1686

sale!

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

HOMES FOR RENT

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

ROOMS FOR RENT HOMES FOR SALE Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment 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

AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT MECHANIC New Cuyama/Nipomo, CA farm is seeking a highly motivated individual that is willing to work in a fast paced agricultural environment to maintain, repair and overhaul farm machinery, equipment and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, pumps, tiling equipment, trucks and other mechanized, electrically powered or motor-driven equipment. This individual must possess knowledge of farming equipment, and exp. in fleet service. Bilingual (Spanish/English) & a valid CA drivers license required.

Email resume & salary history to resumesduncanfamilyfarms.net.

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

Be Seen!

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

MOBILE HOMES

$500 Reward. Lost Mini Aussie. Black\grey\white w/tan spot on face. Blue eyes, female. Rexxie.

REWARD. 661-7655862 or 623-0758.

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

Preserving for the Future

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list

Need Extra Cash?

I need: Dust wiped from drywall. 3 walls to be drywalled and taped.

Approx. 10 outlets to be installed. Someone strong to move items from yard and inside house. Call (626) 4857852.

Business Services

For Rent

520 Shattuck

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT (661) 763-1500 224 B St #C Studio $475 119 ½ Madison 1/1 $500 203 W Ash 2/1.5 $600 400 Woodrow 2/1 $625 522 Center 3/1 $700 400 Woodrow 2/1 $725 302 Calvin St 1/1 condo $850 315 7th St 1/1 furnished! $850 709 Kern St 3/1 $900 512 D St 3/1.75 $900 507 Tyler 3/1.75 $1,000 316 E Lucard 3/1.75 $1,300 110 Village Way 3/1.75 pool $1,800 522 F Street. 3 bd.

1 ba. $750 mo. plus $700. Dep. Avail. 4-5.

661-765-4016.

2bd, 1b, furnished Very quiet, private, new appliances, large yard. $600.00, first and last with $300.00 deposit. Call 742-8679 between 7 am and 9 pm. Available by April 20. 4-5.

Homes for Rent 2bed. 1 ba.

411 Shattuck. $585.

3bd. 1ba $750.

520 Shattuck.

3bd. 1 1/2 ba. $775.

118 Crystal.

Call Paul Joyce (805) 218-1686 Joyce Properties (661) 765-6300

April 26 - 2, 2013

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

Classified Ads

for 155 1/2 North can we add “+ dep” 765-5000 License 01914953 902 Williams Way. 3 bd.

1 bath, plus large office or 4th bedroom. Large fenced back yard. Large 2 car garage. Good neighborhood in Taft. $1,100 mo plus dep.

Renter pays utilities.

Avail. June 1st. 6234296

in the Taft Independent $2 per line

APART. FOR RENT 2 bedroom 1 bath Apt. in newer duplex. Central heat and air. Very nice with private fenced front yard. carport. $600. mo. plus dep. Renter pays all utilities. Credit check req. 623-4296. Michael.

Studio 350 inc utilty 866 367 8171 alintaft@ yahoo.com. 4-20

30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

Box your ad

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

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

for $5 more

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674.

420 Finley Dr.

call

Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 to $500 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. No Pets Allowed. Call (805) 375-1458 or (661) 765-7678.

765-6550

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

765-4191 or 549-1068

Advertise With The Taft Independent Call

Writers Wanted

Today!

At the Taft Independent

765-6550

Westside Real Estate 765-5000

Classified

Experience Required.

319 1/2 San Emidio 1bd + office incl. utilities $650 + dep.

402 Pierce 3 bd 1 bth w/ garage $825 + dep.

1 bed. 1 ba. 155 1/2 North St. B. $450.

3bd 1 ba in Dustin Acres $800 mo + dep. Also,

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Energy - Stop Using Foreign Oil

By Glenn Mollette

We have everything we need in America. We have natural gas, oil, coal, solar and wind energy. We should utilize everything at our disposal to end our dependence on foreign oil. It is time to stop flooding the Middle East with money. These people hate us. Why do we buy their oil?

America has enough oil. It is estimated North Dakota has as much as 500 billion gallons of oil that is in the process of being drilled. The Marcellus shale fields of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and West Virginia promises more natural gas than Saudi Arabia has oil.

We can run automobiles and the large trucks of America on natural gas. It’s time to start using it. Automobile companies are converting some of their vehicles to operate on natural gas.

Service stations across the nation must move forward with natural gas pumps.

I like coal. My father was a coal miner for 30 years. He raised five kids on a coal miner’s salary. We must continue to work toward burning coal cleaner, more efficiently and environmentally safer. It is a powerful source of energy and we should use it.

We hear reports that power plants are moving closer to burning cleaner energy. We hear other reports that power plants are moving to natural gas.

We are learning more each year on how to better use solar and wind energy. We should utilize both of these to meet our heating and cooling needs. The windmills are dotting a lot of landscape in the western part of the United States. They are not the complete answer for power but they are a welcome part of the formula.

As long as we are dependent on foreign energy there will be wars in the Middle East. We need to stop the senseless wars that are ongoing over Middle Eastern oil. Once we become an energy independent nation gasoline prices will decrease. Plus we will not be burning our money in fighting senseless wars to protect our oil interests. Thousands of lives will be spared from wars in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

The goal of every American should be to utilize American energy. This will create more jobs and wealth for Americans instead of sending our wealth overseas.

An energy independent America will be a happier America.

Cutting our entanglements with Middle Eastern oil insures a brighter future for America.

Glenn Mollette is the author of American Issues: Every American Has An Opinion. He is the author of other books and hundreds of articles. Email gmollette@aol.com

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765-6550 WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935 HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY NOON TO 9 P.M. SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS 10:30 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

100 E North St. Taft CA

Fire Officials Announce 2013 Fire Season The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Tule River Reservation Fire Department and Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) will announce an “Interagency Declaration for the 2013 Wildland Fire Season” at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2013.

Fire officials, representing all agencies, will make the announcement at the press conference to be held at Olive Drive Fire Training Facility, located at 5642 Victor Street, Bakersfield, CA. The declaration will cover all lands within the following jurisdictions: • Forest lands managed by the Sequoia National Forest located in Fresno, Tulare and Kern counties and will include the Giant Sequoia National Monument; • public lands managed by the BLM Bakersfield Field Office throughout Tulare, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties; • public and private land under the direct protection of the Kern County Fire Department;

• and Land within the boundaries of the Tule River Indian Reservation located in Tulare County.

Fire season officially begins when seasonal firefighting equipment and personnel are in place, prepared, and ready to respond.

Homeowners living in the Wildland Urban Interface are reminded to complete their defensible space by clearing hazardous dry vegetation away from their homes, outbuildings and property. State law requires property owners to clear a minimum of 100 feet from any structure. Property clearance for fuels reduction work must be completed by June 15.

If you plan on visiting the Sequoia National Forest or BLM lands, visitors must have a California campfire permit in their possession for the use of wood fires, charcoal barbecues, and portable gas stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel. These permits are free and can be obtained from any Forest Service, BLM or California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection office.

With the potential for a hot and dry summer ahead, fire officials urge the public to “Please Be Fire Safe,” when visiting our forests and public lands. Communities need to be prepared!!

Wildfires can be damaging. It’s a clear choice, “Be Fire Wise!!!”

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

April 26 - 2, 2013

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

BMX

Bikes Are Here!

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

(661)765-5000 or (661)343-0507

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

Black Gold

Qik Smog & Tune

Cafe and Deli

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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 Pet Tabs are Back!

Full Grooming Salon

We Love Cats!

Grooming and Washing

(Include Wash, Cut and Nails)

Dog Nail Trim 12.00 2nd Pet $9.00

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Stocking Adult, Senior and PuppyVitamins

Birds - nails and Wings $9.00 with beak $14.00 www.shawswesternshop.com

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

Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR