Get Ready For Taft's Fourth Annual Relay For Life

Independent The Taft

May 11 - 17, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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May 11 - 17, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 46

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

The PLACE Place THE 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Country Barn Dance Saturday, May 12th

Get Ready For Taft’s Fourth Annual Relay For Life

$12.00

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, Salad, Beans & Bread Family Fun Begins at 2pm with Horseshoe Tournament Dinner Served at 5pm Live Music by Yesteryear at 7pm Full outdoor bar will be provided by the Cuyama Valley Exchange Club

Feel free to spend the night!

Camp or bring your R.V.

Taft College Welcomes New President Dr. Dena Maloney

Taft Relay For Life Saturday & Sunday May 19th & 20th

By Nicole Frost

MESSENGER’S AUTOMOTIVE Meet Cavid Couch, 4th District Supervisor Candidate

SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS *Must ask for discount

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00am - 5:00pm

Over 36 Years Experience Combined

531 Center Street (661)763-1123 Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers WE SERVICE MOST MAKES AND MODELS

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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Choice of Entrees

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Tiki Cat Cuisine: Choice of Entree & Water - $3.95

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

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WE HAVE MOVED!

Bow Wow Bakery Open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 1pm

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

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

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

May 11 - 17, 2012

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May 11 - 17, 2012

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3

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

Email it to us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

Westside Watcher............4 West Side Recreation Report..........5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7

TAFT INDEPENDENT

4-H Club Car Wash Saturday, May 12th Saturday, May 12th from 8:30am to 1pm the 4-H Club will be holding a car wash at the Taft Chamber of Commerce building, located at 400 Kern Street.

Taft Relay For Life Saturday & Sunday, May 19th & 20th

Liberty Under Fire.........8

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

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

Beach Bunco Saturday, June 16th

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

The Taft ARC is holding a Beach Bunco fundraiser on Saturday, June 16th at the Taft ARC, 204 Van Buren St. Tickets are $25 and include Bunco and Dinner. Dinner will be served at 5pm, Bunco to follow. 50/50 drawing at halftime. For tickets and more information call 763-1532 ext 1.

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.

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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

Free Community Carnival Saturday It’s that time of year again! West Hills Church of the Nazarene will be hosting their annual Community Carnival on May 12th, 2012 10am to 2pm. Please join them for some fun! There will be games, prizes, waterslides, hot dogs, cotton candy and more! And it’s all free! Wear your baithing suit, bring a towel and bring a friend! 300 Lassen St. across from the rec.

TUHS Seventh Street Players Will Play Willy Wonka The Taft Union High School Seventh Street Players, under the direction of drama teacher Kelly Morris, will present the play, “Willy Wonka” May 10 to 13.

The play is based on the 1964 children’s book by British author Roald Dahl, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The story follows young Charlie Bucket inside the chocolate factory of the eccentric Willy Wonka.

Matt Maxcy plays Willy Wonka and Whitney Graham plays Charlie Bucket.

Other major characters are: Jordan Romero as Augustus Gloop, Kayla Schuler as Veruca Salt, Ryan Hardy as Mike Teavee, Sara Jewell as Violet Beauregarde, Matt Smith as Grandpa Joe, Courtney Carr as Mrs. Gloop, Val Richardson as Mr. Salt, Ellisha Yeley as Ms. Teavee and Jessica Rofkahr as Mrs. Beauregarde.

The music and lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley and the play was adapted for the stage by Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald.

The play will be performed in the auditorium at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 10-12, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13, (Mother’s Day).

Admission costs $7 for adults; $5 for children and seniors. Children under 3 will be admitted free. For the Sunday Mother’s Day matinee, moms will be admitted for $5.

Taft Chamber Annual Car Show To Be Held June 9th Taft Chamber annual car show to be held in June with Kick off Concert Friday night with Good Question. Pre-register today for the 4th Annual Rails to Trails Classic, Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show hosted by Taft District Chamber of Commerce. On Saturday, June 9, 2012, the highly anticipated car and motorcycle show returns to Taft. Registration begins at 6th Street and Supply Row from 7am to 9am with judging starting at 10am. Each pre-registered vehicle includes a goodie bag with a t-shirt. Early registration is due by June 6 for $25 per entry and registration the day of the event will be $30. T-shirts may be ordered for an additional cost.

There are 20 different entry classifications for Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles, each receiving a dash plaque and a chance for award trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. There will be Craft, Business, and Food vendors along with a large beer garden, bounce houses, and live entertainment all weekend. Registration forms for car show entries and vendors are available at www.taftchamber.com or at 400 Kern Street, Taft.

Friday June 8, a summer kick off concert will be held on the stage at 6th Street and Main Street. The Aviators and Good Question will perform beginning at 6pm. The stage area and beer garden will open at 4pm with a $5 cover charge for the concert. Any questions, please call Shannon at 661-765-2165.

Schedule of events: Friday June 8 4pm-midnight Beer Garden Open 6pm-8pm The Aviators perform Friday 8:30-11:30pm Good Question performs Saturday June 9 7am-9am Car Show Registration 7am-10am Kiwanis Club Breakfast 9am-3pm Vendors Open, Beer Garden Open, Music, Raffles 2pm Car Show Winners Announced

Good Question Benefit Concert For Relay For Life By Nicole Frost Local band Good Question is hosting a concert and dance party at the Petroleum Club on May 12th. All proceeds are going to the American Cancer Society on behalf of Relay for Life.

Music and cocktails start at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. The cover charge is just $5 and the after party will be until 2 a.m.

Want to win a date with one of the Good Question guys? They, along the band manager and a few other guests, will be auctioned off during the night and the highest bidders will be able to go on a date with them. Also, there will be a 50/50 raffle, drink specials, and prizes, including a trip for two to Pismo Beach with a hotel room and dinner.

Come support Good Question and the fight against cancer by enjoying great food, drinks, music, and prizes.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday May 15th, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.

Taft Midway-Sunset Lions Club Relay for Life Raffle The Taft Midway-Sunset Lions Club is having a raffle for Relay for Life.

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Prizes include: Kindle Fire, Avon Spa Pack, Rejuv 10-23 Certificates, Relay Blankets, Antique Purse and more. You can purchase tickets from any Taft Midway-Sunset Lions Club member or call Carol at 7655541. Tickets will be available at the Relay and the drawing will be held at 5 p.m. at the Relay on May 19th. Need not be present to win.

Save The Date

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

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

Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.

Upcoming Event Dates On The Westside

MAY

JUNE

10-12 TUHS Willy Wonka Play 12 West Hills Church of the Nazarene Free Community Carnival 12 Good Question Benefit Concert 19-20 Fourth Annual Relay for Life 24 Kaiser Permanente mobile office grand opening 26 Taft College Children’s Center Fundraiser at Petroleum Club

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

JULY

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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. 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, May 11, 2012 Through Thursday, May 17, 2012 Dark Shadows (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:45), 7:15, 9:45 Sat: (11:45 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:15, 9:45 Sun: (11:45 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:15 Mon - Thu: (5:15), 7:45 Marvel’s The Avengers (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:00), 8:30 Sat: (11:30 AM), (2:45), 6:00, 9:15 Sun: (11:30 AM), (2:45), 6:00 Mon - Thu: (5:00), 8:10 The Pirates! Band of Misfits (PG) Fri: (4:00 PM) Sat & Sun: (11:45 AM), (1:50), (4:00) Mon - Thu: (5:30 PM) Act of Valor (R) Fri - Sun: (5:55), 8:30 Mon - Thu: 7:30 PM

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

Good Question? In Concert for Relay for Life Who wants to see Taft’s own Good Question? They will be playing at the Taft Petroleum Club May 12 at 6pm. There will be an auction for a date with band members and some of their closest friends!

All proceeds go to Relay for Life for cancer research. There will be lots of raffle prizes, free stuff and great music for just a $5 cover charge. So make sure you come and help Good Question give to this wonderful cause.

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

South Taft Sewer Improvements A study was conducted a number of years ago to determine a priority of needs for South Taft. Sewer infrastructure was identified as a fundamental need for the future economic development of the area, as well as serving the needs of existing businesses and residents. Since that time i have been accumulating funds for planning and construction of sewer trunk lines that will be connected to the Ford City-Taft Heights Sanitation District treatment facility. The District is run by the Board of Directors of the County of Kern, and has a contract with the City of Taft for joint operation of a sewer system for both the incorporated and unincorporated areas around the City of Taft.

Before we can access the funding for the project and begin construction, we must determine that a majority of the property owners in the project area still support a swer system and that they are willing to be annexed into the Ford City-Taft Heights Sanitation District. Therefore, we have included with this letter a petition to be signed by affected property owners, indicating whether or not they are willing to have their parcel(s) annexed into the District.

If a majority of property owners object to annexation, the project will be put on hold and the funds will be spent elsewhere in the 4th Supervisorial District.

If a majority of property owners approve the project and agree to annex their parcels into the District, sewer trunk lines will be constructed in the street and lateral lines will be brought to your property line.

You will then have the following options: - If you presently have a septic system, you may use it as long as it is operational and meets the health code. When the septic system is no longer operational, you will be required to abandon it and connect to the sewer. You will incur no costs for sewer service until you connect to the sewer system. once connected to the sewer, you will no longer incur the cost of maintaining or replacing your septic system.

- If you build on a vacant property you will be required to connect to the sewer.

Current costs for sewer services are as follows: - A one-time fee of $715 to pay a portion of the City of Taft treatment plant.

- $247 a year billed on your property tax statement for operation and maintenance of the system.

If you have any questions about the process or details of the project, please call Bob Downs at the Engineering, Surveying and Permit Services Department at 661-862-5043 Sincerely, Ray Watson 4th District Supervisor This text was excerpted from a letter from Supervisor Ray Watson to South Taft propoerty opwners.

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets” Come On In For Mother’s Day Prime Rib and Special Dessert

May 11 - 17, 2012 Fox Theater Not Closing!

Despite city council reports that the Fox Theater might close one of its theaters due to air condition issues, theater operators assure the Independent that the theater will not close, and that the theater is doing very well with excellent attendance at many of its first run movies. Go to the movies this weekend!

Experience Downtown Taft Thursday Night’s

5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit 5th Street Plaze Farmers Market Bike Night All At

Black Gold Cafe and Deli 508 Center Street • 765-6556 Cafe • Deli • Craft Beers

Maricopa Tea Room Specials Tuesday, May 15th: Pinto Beans, cowboy potatoes and cornbread Wednesday, May 16th: Hamburger Stew and cornbread Thursday, May 17th: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy Friday, May 18th: Mashed Potato bowl with Fried Chicken and corn

Telephone: 769-8231 Extension 5 323 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

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.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

May 11 - 17, 2012

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 STAYING FIT AFTER FIFTY When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Fee: $20 per month (classes are ongoing, new students welcome at any time!)

Instructor: Lola Knox CHEERLEADING Who: Ages 5-9 When: Thursday Evenings Time: 5:15-6:00 p.m.

Session: June 21 – July 26 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $25 per person ** registration deadline – June 19 Join instructor Nicole Cleveland for a fun 6-week summer cheer class! There will be no poms or shirts; just learning some fun cheers and preparing for the fall cheer season.

MINI CHEER CAMP Who: Ages 4-12 When: June 27-29, Wednesday though Friday Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: TUHS Mirror Room (north end of the football stadium) Fee: $30 per person T-Shirt Guarantee Registration Deadline: Friday, June 22 Final Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 26 The Taft Union High School Cheer Squads, along with advisors Kelly Morris, Stacy Haiungs, Rosemary Day and Jordan Cordova, will be hosting this fun cheer camp where kids will learn cheers, chants and a dance. A performance for parents will also be held. Registration includes a t-shirt.

GLEE CLUB Who: Ages 4-12 When: Monday Afternoons Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Session: June 18 – July 23 Where: Community Center Activity Building Fee: $30 per person ** registration deadline – June 14 Do you love to sing? In this Show Choir class, we’ll focus on vocal performance and choreography – ranging from songs that are hip to older tunes. Class is open to any skill level. Instructor is Crystal Mitchell Azbill.

JR. THEATRE CLASS Who: Ages 7-11 When: Tuesday Evenings Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Session: June 19 – August 14 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per person ** registration deadline – June 14 Ages 7-11 (grades 2-5 in the 2012/2013 school year) are invited to participate in this fun acting class. You learn how to memorize a script and what it takes to put on a drama performance. We will be studying and performing a fun theatre production. The performance will be held at the end of the session for family and friends. Instructor is Krista Long.

KIDS YOGA Who: Ages 5-8 When: Tuesday and Thursday Mornings Time: 10:00-10:30 a.m.

Classes Begin: June 19 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month ($15 for June) Join us as we act out some of our favorite childhood fables using classic yoga postures. Parents are welcome to join in at no charge. Bring a yoga mat or soft blanket and some water. Classes operate on a monthly basis and new students are welcome at any time. Instructor is Valerie Taylor, R-HYI. S.T.O.P. PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS (Strive To Optimize Participation) Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? Children in low income, single parent or multiple participant households are eligible! For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced program fees, give us a call in the District Office at 763-4246.

NATATORIUM POOL PARTIES Make your reservation now!

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

Call 763-4246 for more information.

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

SUMMER BASKETBALL Who: Ages 7-15 When: Wednesday Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Session: June 13 – July 25 Where: Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Fee: $20 per person Looking to get out of the heat and have fun playing basketball without the serious structure? This program is for you! Players will have limited instruction, play pick-up style games and participate on different assigned teams each week. Officials will be provided.

BASKETBALL CAMP Who: Ages 8-15 When: June 18-22 (Monday-Friday) Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Where: Taft Union High School Mullen Gymnasium Fee: $40 per person Registration deadline: Thursday, June 7 TUHS head varsity basketball coach Jeff Hughes and the TUHS basketball team will instruct on the fundamentals of basketball through drills, exercises and scrimmages. Coach Hughes has invited guest speakers to share their expertise with the participants. Snack bar will be open for snacks and drinks during camp. There will be a free hot dog BBQ meal for each camper on Wednesday.

JR. TENNIS CAMP Who: Ages 6-14 When: Monday - Thursday Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Session: TBA – 10 classes starting at the end of June Where: Taft Union High School Tennis Courts Fee: $40 per person Registration deadline: Thursday, June 21 Taft High Tennis coaches and players will work with participants on developing hand-eye coordination and agility through games and drills. Young athletes will also develop skills such as forehand, backhand and match play. A racquet is included.

B.E.S.T. (British European Soccer Training) SOCCER CAMP Who: Ages 6-16 When: July 23-27 (Monday-Friday) Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where: Wrecker Field and TUHS Soccer Fields Fee: $99 per person Registration deadline: Thursday, July 12 The B.E.S.T. UK/US staff offer cutting edge, modern soccer training. Every B.E.S.T. coach has the ability to capture the imagination of each player. The training is a structured program that encourages players to take their game to the next level. Players need soccer cleats and shin guards.

LAP SWIM Begins June 4, 2012 Monday-Friday, 5:30-7:00 a.m.

Monday – Thursday, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Admission: $30 per session or $3 per visit Lap Swim is a cool way to exercise this summer! Lap Swim is open to ages 16 and older.

There are three sessions during the swim season: June 4-29, July 2-20 and July 23 – August 17.

NATATORIUM NEWS Swim Programs at the Natatorium Pool will be starting soon!

OPEN SWIM: Monday – Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m., June 11 – August 15 NIGHT SWIM: Monday and Thursday, 7:30-8:45 p.m., June 11 – August 14 MORNING LAP SWIM: Monday – Friday, 5:30-7:00 a.m., June 4 – August 17 EVENING LAP SWIM: Monday – Thursday, 6:00-7:30 p.m., June 4 – August 16 SATURDAY SWIM: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., June 16 – August 11 SWIM LESSONS: Sessions begin June 18; Registration begins May 30 in the District Office For more information, please contact the District Office at 763-4246 or visit us online at www.wsrpd.com.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALS Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at the West Side Lanes Bowling Alley inside of the Recreation Center. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday. Rental fees start at $100 for 2-lane rentals.

Rental prices include shoes, balls and use of the party room. Call 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.

BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES Make your reservation now!

Need help planning a birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower? We can help! For one low fee, we will provide a room, plates, napkins, forks, cups, balloons and invitations – all to match your theme or colors. And for a little extra, we can help with activities, too! Package prices start at $110. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call the District Office at 763-4246.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR EAGLE MTN. BUS TRIP Monday, June 4 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bus leaves from Community Center Ages 21 and older $3 per person Call 763-4246 to reserve a spot on the bus!

MOTHER DAUGHTER LUNCHEON Saturday, July 14 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium Girls ages 3+ $30 per couple, $5 each addt’l daughter *registration deadline – July 3

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Taft’s Fourth Annual Relay For Life Saturday and Sunday, May 19th and 20th

By Nicole Frost

cans and some teams have already donated as much as 1400 cans!”

There are only a few rules at Relay for Life: no alcohol, no tobacco and no dogs.

“Dogs will not be allowed at the Relay because the dander from the dogs can affect the treatment of cancer patients,” said Howell.

Whether you’re a part of a team or not, the Relay for Life is a great way for the community to come together for one very important cause: stopping cancer in its tracks.

“The one thing that we want to stress is you don’t need to be in a team or spend money, just come and walk and support in memory or honor of your loved ones with cancer,” explained Howell. “Relay is for everyone.”

Reception For New Taft College President, Dena Maloney

Relay for Life is right around the corner and there will be a few new events this year to raise awareness and money for cancer. The event will be held in the Taft Union High School track starting May 19th at 8:30 a.m. and ending at that time the following Sunday.

The Relay for Life is an event for the American Cancer Society where participants, whether with a team or on their own, walk to help the fight against cancer.

“The goal is to have at least one person from your team or group walking the track at all times,” said Lanell Howell, the Taft Relay for Life Team Development Chair. “This is a 24-hour event.”

As of May 11, there are 54 teams and 502 participants signed up for Relay for Life and $56,689 has already been raised.

The Relay for Life isn’t just for walking; there will be entertainment, food vendors, a kids’ camp, and other special events.

“This year is going to be very fun,” said Howell. “There will be a lot of entertainment, such as local band Good Question, as well as several singers. There will also be the popular ‘Dude looks like a lady’ contest, Locks of Love haircutting, a hula-hoop contest, watermelon-eating contest, and more.”

One of the new events at this year’s Relay is a live auction for which each team donates one item.

“We wanted to add more family-type activities,” explained Howell.

Another large part of Relay for Life is the luminaria ceremony and remembrance lap for those who have lost their lives to cancer.

Also during this ceremony, a slide-show will be played to remember those who are no longer with us because of cancer. Instead of using sand to weigh down the luminaria bags, this year canned goods will be used. After the event is over, these cans will be donated to those in need.

“Something else that I’m really proud of is the canned food donations,” said Howell. “Teams are competing to bring the most

May 11 - 17, 2012

Meet 4th District Candidate David Couch

The coming years will be challenging ones for Kern County. Sacramento continues to raid local governments instead of making the necessary budget cuts.

The economy hasn’t yet fully recovered. Decisions on how to allocate precious local resources will take creativity, discipline, and proven leadership. As a member of the Bakersfield City Council for over 13 years I’ve been through the budget process many times- always resulting in a balanced budget without deficit spending. I will bring that experience and fresh ideas to the Board of Supervisors.

Many issues confront County government. Here are just a few that I will address as your Supervisor. I will: • continue pension reform • confront and address the County’s unfunded liabilities • shrink the size and scope of government • work to expand opportunities in the private sector • work to clean up the County • keep Public Safety a priority • work to bring more water to Kern • “fix” animal control • insist on transparency and accountability of how tax dollars are used These are all serious issues and we need serious people to help solve them. Your vote will help me do just that. 4th District residents need and deserve a Supervisor with extensive private sector and public sector experience. We need and deserve a Supervisor that can hit the ground running. I can and will be that Supervisor.

And I will be open, transparent, and accessible.

I respectfully ask for your vote.

For more detailed information on my private sector and public sector experience and my community service, please visit votecouch.com.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to serving you.

May I have your vote?

Mother Arrested For Taft Toddler’s Death Newly hired Taft College President Dr. Dena Maloney (left) was welcomed to Taft College this week at a reception in the Cougar Room. Taft College Board Chairman Billy White welcomed Dr. Maloney who comes from the College of the Canyons where she served as Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of the Canyon Country Campus. Dr. Maloney also worked in Economic Development on the Colllege of the Canyons Board, and served as the Foundation Vice Chair for Education at SCV Chamber of Commerce.

Taft Crude Coffee House

Taft Crude Is Closing After 7 Years Join Us Now At Black Gold Cafe & Deli 508 Center Street Open 6am to 8pm • Monday to Saturday

Angela Hanna has been charged with second-degree murder, willful cruelty to a child and great bodily injury to a child.

Her daughter, Trinity Hanna, died Jan. 24, after being brought to San Joaquin Community Hospital.

Court documents show Angela Hanna had suspicions her 3-year-old daughter was being abused but she didn’t tell authorities because her then-boyfriend, Eric Foster, had been in trouble with Child Protective Services before.

Angela Hanna is being held on $2 million bail.

Foster’s case, now is eligible for death penalty prosecution. Foster is facing felony charges including first-degree murder.

But it’s unclear if prosecutors will seek the death penalty in his case. He has pleaded not guilty.

Black Gold Cafe and Deli Thank You Taft!

For all your support, we look forward to seeing you at Black Gold

Pastas • Sandwiches • Espresso • Beer • Wine The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

508 Center Street • Taft DIne In Or Pick Up • 661-765-6556

May 11 - 17, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Chevron Pipepline Pumping Unit Taft College Offers Summer Dedicated on Rails To Trails Watercolor Class

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at that elusive form of watercolor painting? This summer may be the time to do so. Art department chairman Sonja Swenson announces that for the first time ever a summer session water color class is being offered at the college.

The class will be taught by Jane McCabe, a fine artist, teacher and previous owner of the End of Times Gallery. It will begin on June 4th, end on August 14th, and meet twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5:15 to 8:15 p.m. Some supplies will be provided by the college and some students will need to purchase for themselves.

The cost of the class is $46. If you are interested in registering, please call Taft College Admissions: 763-7741

The city of Taft recently dedicated an historic oil well pumping device on the Rails to Trails. The unit, a Gaso Series 2000 Worm Drive Duplex Pump was donated

by Chevron Pipe Line Company which operated at the Midway Pumping station from 1940 until it was retired in 1980. It was used to pump crude oil forty miles north from Midway Station to the Belridge Pumping Station. Over its lifetime it pumped Millions of barrels of Crude Oil from the San Joaquin Valley to the San Francisco Bay area Refineries.

The historic Oilfied Pump Dedication (Gaso Duplex) was made possible by generous donations from Chevron Pipe Line Company, Art Council of Kern, and the City of Taft.

Cycle Katz Raises $600 For Children’s Miracle Network

Taft College STEM and Energy Technology Programs Receive $100,000 Chevron Donation The Taft College Foundation is pleased to announce that on Monday, May 7, 2012, the STEM Outreach/Young Innovators and Energy Technology Programs will celebrate receiving a $100,000 check from Chevron to support outreach and curriculum development for the coming year. Chevron is one of the founding Corporate Sponsors of the STEM (Science- Technology-Engineering - Mathematics) Corporate Circle Partnership along with Oxy of Elk Hills, Synagro, Sempra Foundation and Wells Fargo.

The West Kern k-12 STEM Outreach Program, which began three years ago, is a classroom program that started with approximately sixty (60) students and now has over three hundred (300) students enrolled. The Young Innovators Program, which began two years ago, meets bi-weekly during the school year. Initially there were thirty (30) students enrolled and it now has over seventy-five (75) students. This comprehensive and innovative outreach is designed to build a pipeline of students for Kern County’s future Engineering and technical jobs. Some who might enter the Taft College Energy Technology program which is designed to address workforce development, community, and business/industry needs, and allow Taft College to embark on a multi-phase initiative to strengthen its education and training offerings Congratulations to Taft College STEM Outreach and Energy Technology & Chevron for making these educational opportunities available to our local students.

Together we will build our future!

Complimentary Dinner

West Hills Church of the Nazarene Cycle Katz, located at 320 Harrison Street, had a great turn out for their fundraiser last Saturday, May 5th. They raised over $600.00 for childrens miracle network.

TUHS Staff Vs. Seniors Basketball Game The Taft Union High School staff will face off against the seniors in a basketball game at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, in Mullen gym.

The event is free and open to the public.

Eric Newton, the organizer and adviser to the Associated Student Body and a former Taft High basketball star, will lead a staff team that includes: Adeana Furman, Ryan Hickman, Anthony Reed, Don Thornsberry, Brad Van Roekel and Courtney West. The talented senior team includes: Caleb Lopez, Aaron Kolb, Riley Gant and Tyler Johnson.

Staff leads the leads the series: 8-2. Special rules include: each team must have at least one female on the court at all times; and, the last five minutes of each half include long-distance fivepoint shots and 10-point half-court shots.

300 Lassen Street May 15th at 5:30 PM All Welcome!

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

Shirts $.25 Pants $.50

Open Mon., Tues., Thurs 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Closed Wednesday &

Sunday

The PLACE Place THE 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Country Barn Dance Saturday, May 12th

$12.00

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, Salad, Beans & Bread Family Fun Begins at 2pm with Horseshoe Tournament Dinner Served at 5pm Live Music by Yesteryear at 7pm Full outdoor bar will be provided by the Cuyama Valley Exchange Club

Feel free to spend the night!

Camp or bring your R.V.

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

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!

Shop Our Huge Selection of Half Priced Books!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

“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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

8

Liberty Under Fire

TAFT INDEPENDENT

From The Mayor

The Secret Societies of U. S. Presidents

By Dr. Harold Pease Time magazine’s April 23, 2012, edition featured a cover story called “The World’s Most Exclusive Club: The Secret Society of Presidents” by authors Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy. The cover shows a shot of President Barack Obama walking with his hands affectionately on the backs of former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Inside is a photograph of the most recent five presidents from Jimmy Carter to the present, all laughing and enjoying each other’s company as if they had always been fast friends.

The piece was mostly a series of “profiles in cooperation” as incident after incident was cited from Herbert Hoover to the present (excepting Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan about whom nothing was disclosed) on how past presidents had been able to forget their differences and assist new presidents because they alone knew what the current presidents were going through. It was as though there had never been any differences once they left office. The sincerity of their coming together appeared genuine.

The article refers to it as “the President’s Club” complete with a clubhouse, exclusively for only past presidents, conveniently located at 716 Jackson Place, just across the street from the White House on Lafayette Square. Richard Nixon converted the century old house into a clubhouse “mainly to keep LBJ [President Lyndon Baines Johnson] happy when he was in town,” the authors noted. “For reservations, you need to call the White House, and only four men are eligible to check in.” This way the current president always knows when his counterparts are in town and can arrange consultation if wanted. All costs for maintenance, housing, food and etc. are picked up by the taxpayer.

This long-standing comradery may surprise readers but this is not the only “most exclusive club” that each participates in. All presidents from Herbert Hoover on have either been members of, or had a close relationship with, the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City. When a president is not a member himself, his vice president is. Virtually all of our secretaries of state, United Nations ambassadors, and ambassadors to Russia and China have been members of this Wall Street special interest group since the Hoover administration in the late 1920’s. Moreover, CFR members largely fill all presidential cabinets.

This is why there is so little difference in foreign policy between democrats and republican presidents. They get their advisors from the same Wall Street special interest group. They all support extensive foreign aid, policing the world with over 900 military bases in other lands, and continual wars without declaration or pre-established end. Likewise, they all support bank bailouts and their management of the money supply through their own private Federal Reserve Bank.

Obama’s Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, probably admitted more than she was supposed to in her address at the recent dedication of a branch CFR in Washington D. C. when she said that her source of direction was the CFR sub-center down the street. “I am delighted to be at these new headquarters. I have been often to the mother ship in New York City but it is good to have an outpost of the Council right here down the street from the State Department. We get a lot of advice from the Council so this will mean that I won’t have as far to go to be told what we should be doing and how we should think about the future.”

Notable political scientist Lester Milbraith observed in his work Domestic Sources of Foreign Policy, p. 247, that “the influence of the CFR throughout government is so pervasive that it is difficult to distinguish the CFR from government programs.” Prominent political scientist Thomas R. Dye in his textbook Who’s Running America? The Bush Restoration, p. 188, wrote “The history of CFR policy accomplishments is dazzling” then traced in detail their dominating role in foreign policy accomplishment from the 1920’s through the George Bush Administration from their own boasts of success in Council on Foreign Relations Annual Reports.

What is wrong with this “secret society?” In 1954, The Reece Congressional Committee noted that its productions, “are not objective but are directed overwhelmingly at promoting the globalism concept.” How powerful was it by the time Congress first discovered its influence? It had come, they wrote, “to be in essence an agency of the United States government, no doubt carrying its internationalist bias with it”(Pp. 176-177).

Politics appears to be divided between two warring ideologies but because of these two secret societies of comradery, one providing a type of brotherhood, the other the same shared sourced of direction and pool of advisors, it is hard to believe that at the top we are really divided at all. Presidents have far more commonality and bipartisanship than has been portrayed.

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.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Reminders from The Skin Cancer Foundation: How to Prevent Skin Cancer, and Why It’s So Important Skin cancer is a lifestyle disease, affecting young women, older men and everyone in between. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime; 13 million Americans are living with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer and nearly 800,000 Americans are living with a history of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

But there is good news: because skin cancer is chiefly lifestyle disease, it is also highly preventable.

“About 90 percent of nonmela-

noma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun,” says Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Everyone, regardless of skin color, should make staying safe in the sun a priority and incorporate sun protection measures into their daily life.”

Reduce Your Skin Cancer Risk: Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest. An extra rule of thumb is the “shadow rule.” If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s harmful UV radiation is stronger; if your shadow is longer, UV radiation is less intense.

Do not burn. A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any point in life.

Avoid tanning and UV tanning

booths. UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer in humans, and the more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk. Those who make just four visits to a tanning salon per year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11 percent, and their risk for the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, by 15 percent.

Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densely woven and bright-or dark-colored fabrics, which offer the best defense. The more skin you cover, the better, so choose long sleeves and long pants whenever possible.

Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) Continued on Page 11

May 11 - 17, 2012

Hi Everyone, Have you ever thought about your ‘Bucket List’ ?? You know from the movie of the same name about two guys that were dying and wanting to do the things they never got to do before it’s their time to kick the bucket. I’m not that old yet and I’m not dying, but I have started to think about my bucket list and just recently got to accomplish one of them. Its sometimes is about timing and money.

For the past year or two, I have been thinking about one of my main bucket list items, that was to ride over all the bridges on the Florida Keys on the way to Key West on a motorcycle. It wasn’t on my list at this time to ride from Taft all the way to Florida, so rental Harleys in Miami would have to do. It all came true two weeks ago, when my brother Rich and I flew off to Orlando to start the adventure. We met an old Navy Vietnam buddy of mine who took us up to Deland, FL to visit the restoration of a 80’ PT Boat that I had served on. Swapped a lot of stories and took and a bunch of pictures and lots of memories came flooding back. We then toured the Daytona Speedway, very impressive. The next day we were able to go to Cape Canaveral to visit the Kennedy Space Center, which was a sweet addition to the bucket list adventure. Didn’t see a launch, but it is a really amazing place to visit. We went on to visit the Naval UDT/Seal Team Museum in Fort Pierce. The Navy unit I was in, provided all the special boats used by the Seals during the Vietnam War. Rich’s son Ryan was a Navy Seal. More memories came back. Now the weather had been perfect up until we rolled into Miami to find a hotel and find the motorcycle rental place. It poured 2 ½ inches of rain that day and was raining when we drove off the next day. This wasn’t just the usual passing storm, but a front coming in from the east instead of the Gulf. By the time we reached Key Largo at the start of the island hoping ride, we had to stop because the rain was going vertical and thunder and lightning was making us rethink our plans. We decided that we had gone this far and other motorcycles were going by, so off we went.

Didn’t see too much on the next 100 miles through rain drops splattered on the windshield and my goggles but we finally made it. We knew we were on some of the bridges because they are low to the water and the wind played havoc with us. When we did get to see between squalls, the water was just as turquoise and beautiful as I had imagined it to be. The sky cleared up some when we arrived at our motel to let us go to town for a great fish dinner and try to look up Jimmy Buffett at his Margaretville Restaurant. Guess he didn’t get the memo we were coming. On the ride back, the rain let up and it was breaking up until the 7 Mile Bridge, which we really wanted to enjoy, we ran into a squall for the whole time we were on the bridge and then no rain for the rest of the ride. We then took an airboat ride into the Everglades. Of course, the next day when we flew home the Sunshine State was shinning again. The weather didn’t ruin my dream bucket list ride because only sissies ride the Keys on a sunny day. We went on a ride that we will forever remember: wet and soaking through, low visibility, fighting crosswinds, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes. Thankfully, it wasn’t cold. Scratch one off the list for both of us. Thanks Rich for having my back and being there for me.

I ride a Honda Goldwing here at home. I thought maybe I’d like a Harley some day so that is why we rented them on this trip. Normally when you are riding down the road and another motorcycle is coming at you, you extend your left arm out to give a passing wave. It is a motorcyclist thing. I wave at anything on two wheels, even to my friend and dentist Dr. Bryan who rides a Vespa, since I believe we are all brothers of the road, It seems that the Harley riders in Florida don’t wave at anyone even a fellow Harley rider, you just get a stare. As they went by most had grey hair and beards similar to mine, so is it just the old guys ?? In California, I get about half the Harley riders waving at me, as they can tell by my headlights I’m not one of them. So, If I get a Harley some day, would I have to start being more selective who I wave at ?? Might sway my decision.

Another chapter of drama at City Hall has come to a close. We were in the process of defending and going to court in June over a lawsuit brought by former Councilman Thompson. His suit was against three of us council members and former City Manager Bob Gorson, for defamation of character among several charges. His estate has asked that the case be dropped and we have granted their wish. It will save time, money, effort, and in some ways a black eye for the City of Taft as we are just trying to look and move forward.

As I close, I want to give a shout out to my buddy Jerry Peavyhouse, who has been rehabilitating at home from a stroke. The community really misses you and your support, your ideas, energy, time, money and everything that you have done over the years to make Taft a better place to live, work, study, and play. You and Jackie are why we live here and not just reside here. Take care.

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

May 11 - 17, 2012

Weekly Gas Price Update & Outlook Average retail gasoline prices in California have risen 5.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.19/g as of Monday, May 7th. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.77/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, May 7th were 5.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 5.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 13.4 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 15.9 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“I’d probably sound like a broken record at this point if I were to tell folks that crude prices breached and fell under $100 late last week. I’m sure I’ll be flooded with motorists asking why gasoline prices haven’t fallen yet,” chuckled GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “Either way, it’s great news for motorists- but some hot spots may burn motorists before they see any sizable relief. When I mention hot spots, I’m thinking of the West Coast- where supply has dropped considerably, causing tightness and perhaps higher prices.

The rest of the country, however, should see short term relief continue ahead of Memorial Day, easing unfounded fears of the national average hitting $5/gal, or even $4/gal,” DeHaan said.

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

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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli 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 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 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

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

a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Advertise

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.

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

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

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Services 10am 1000 6th St. Weekly Classes Mon - Thurs Please call 765-7472 for info For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

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

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.

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

WIth

License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

The Taft

E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

Gateway Temple

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE

FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

Independent

Call Today!

765-6550

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

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

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

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

Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 office) a for photo of your home, car, truck motorcycle and lines, $16 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20orlines. we’ll do the rest.

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, lines $2 each. or $10 with a photo.

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

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon) Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550

For Rent

426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550 Paul Joyce 805-218-1686 Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

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

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

Wednesday.

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.

Business Services Hospital Yard Sale May 11th & 12th. 7am to 1pm at the Hospital in the East parking lot. Fixtures, cabinets, desks, chairs and more.

3 family Sale Saturday, May 12th 717 Polk St. 8am-4pm.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Saturday 7am-4pm 407 E St. Live plants, fruit trees, gift plants, clothing, jewelry and more.

Saturday 8am-4pm 612 Lincoln. Clothes, glassware, toys and tools.

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

HELP WANTED American Greetings Part Time Position vailable. Merchandising greeting card dept., http:/careeres. americangreetings.com Choose merchandiser application, Territory number 2786. EOE 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

Wanted

WANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

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

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

CLEANING SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES

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

Preserving for the Future

FOR SALE Ice O Matic commercial ice machine, one year old $800 OBO. 6234296.

AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS LOST PETS

Employment

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.

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

MOBILE HOMES

For Sale

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

Advertise

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax: E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

May 11 - 17, 2012

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 $600 408 Philippine 2/1 $650 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $700 315 7th Street 1/1 Furnished! $850 302 Jefferson 2/1 $850 304 Calvin 2/1 $900 116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000 426 D St 3/1 $1,000 535 B Street 3/1 $1,000 27545 Cypress 3/1.5 Horse Property $1,200 404 Hillard 3/1.75 $1,500 __________________ 501 F St. Quality,

With The

smaller 2 bd. 1 ba. $625 + 625 dep. 1 car gar. Lrg shop w\fenced yd. w\RV parking. 763-4373.

402 Pierce St. 3bd/1ba 1 car garage + shop $889 mo. + dep. 661343-0507 707 Filmore 3bd/1ba $780 mo. + dep. 661343-0507 3bd/1ba 513 Fillmore St. $800 mo. + dep. Call for application 661-6197641 or 765-9508.

Avail. 6/1 3bd/2ba 515 Filmore St. 2 car garage, covered carport, $850 mo. + dep. Call for application 661-6197614 or 765-9508

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. Studio Apt. $450 mo + $450 dep. Water included. Recently remodeled. 661-4966064.

Get It Rented!

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line!

Call Today (661)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

Karri Christensen

325 Kern Street

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.

May 11 - 17, 2012

Skin Cancer continued from Page 8 sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/ UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens may be used on babies over the age of six months, but they should also be protected by shade and clothing. Children are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation— just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life.

Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. While self-exams shouldn’t replace the important annual skin exam performed by a physician, they offer the best chance of detecting the early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately.

See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

For more information, please visit The Skin Cancer Foundation’s newly redesigned website, www.SkinCancer.org. Join the skin cancer conversation on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/skincancerfoundation) and Twitter ( @SkinCancerorg).

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

TAFT INDEPENDENT

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

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

Qik Smog & Tune

745-4919

608 Center St.

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445 No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

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

• 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

Mother’s Day Gifts

Full Grooming Salon

Starting At $25

Summer Wash & Shed Or Full Coat

Leather Purses & Wallets NEW Montana

Silver

LARGE DOGS

(hard to handle dogs always welcome)

SMALL DOGS

& Turquoise

NEW Wrangler Jeans Q-Baby & Cash Jeans Wrangler Ladies

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Wall Crosses & Decor

Cut To Breed Style

We use flea control and clean grooming practices.

Some Saturday Appointments & Nail Spots Available! 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

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

SOUTH TAFT SEWER VOTE “YES” MAIL-IN BALLOT BEFORE MAY 14TH

12

TAFT INDEPENDENT

May 11 - 17, 2012

FOR YEARS, SOUTH TAFT RESIDENTS HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE PLAN FOR SOUTH TAFT SEWERS. THE DAY HAS ARRIVED. LESS THAN 40 PROPERTY OWNERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE “YES” TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $500,000 IN COUNTY FUNDS THIS YEAR TO BEGIN SOUTH TAFT SEWERS.

IF THE MONEY IS NOT USED BY SOUTH TAFT THIS YEAR, IT WILL BE USED FOR OTHER COMMUNITIES. LET’S NOT MISS THIS IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO UPGRADE OUR COMMUNITY SERVICES. THIS IS THE FIRST LEG OF THE SOUTH TAFT SEWER. YOUR “YES” VOTE NOW IS THE BEGINNING OF FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR SOUTH TAFT IN THE YEARS TO COME. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO HOOK UP TO THE SEWER WHEN YOUR OLD SEPTIC SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. YOU DO NOT PAY FOR THE HOOK UP FEE UNTIL YOU CONNECT.

THIS RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING SOUTH TAFT MODERN SEWER SERVICES WILL PROTECT OUR HOME VALUES, AND PROVIDE MODERN AND SAFE SEWER SERVICES THAT OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES.

VOTE “YES” FOR SOUTH TAFT SEWER SERVICES BRING IMPROVED PUBLIC SERVICES TO THE SOUTH TAFT AREA MAIL-IN YOUR BALLOT BEFORE MAY 14TH Sponsored by Joyce Properties