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Independent The Taft

May 15 - 21, 2015

The Taft Independent

www.Taftindependent.com

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Publisher@Taftindependent.com

May 15 - 21 2015 • Volume 9 Issue 45

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

Qik Smog & Tune

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Local Motorcycle Repair

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

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Relay for Life Coming to Taft Saturday

Pub Burger and French Fries Every Day $7.50

N o w S e l l i n g Te c h I n s p e c t e d a n d S m o g g e d Q u a l i t y Us e d C a r s

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Visit Us On Facebook

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886 www.monarchfsa.com

Financing Available - Buy Here-Pay Here Available

The Taft Independent

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Shop Taft

Passion For Nails western shop & PET Wash Fish - Reptile - Supplies Tack - Feed - Livestock Supplies Western Clothing - Boots - Work Apparell Pet Grooming Fred and Cheri Shaw 419 Harrison Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

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

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Salon and Boutique

Think Summer Fashions.

Flip Flops, Purses &Jewelry Think Oildorado.

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class Bakery Pies, Cupcakes, Cookies, Pastries, Cakes & More Baked Goods in the Bakery.

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

Armstrong Locksmithing New Local Locksmith Commercial - Residential - Automotive & More Professional Key Duplication & Code Generation

Bring This Ad for a Free House Key

(661) 348-7884 LOC. # 6214

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

420 Center Street 623-1783

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Coming Soon!

Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

506 Center Street - (661) 745-4918

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery

Next Step Cardio & Fitness

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

May 15 - 21, 2015

Adam Dayton Lic. No. 983535 (661) 809-3919

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

May 15 - 21, 2015

Events Inside

The Taft Independent

Taft Business of the Week Paul’s Bike Shop

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

By Gardener Field

Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3 Westside Recreation......5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10

The Taft Business of the Week: Paul’s Bike Shop at 608 Center Street. Paul’s Bike Shop changed owners 5 years ago and moved but has been in business here in Taft for 40 years. Paul’s sells all styles of bikes- BMX, Beach Cruisers, Mountain Bikes, and more. They also sell skateboards and scooters. They have parts, accessories, and repair bikes. The weather is great for a bike ride so stop by Paul’s Bike Shop today.

Shop Taft........................11 Shop Taft........................12

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

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Tuesday May 19th, 2015 – 6:00 p.m.

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

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We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

Largest Circulation on the

Columnists Randy Miller Dr. Harold Pease

Westside

Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Taft Calendar

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By Andreas Fault The Taft Relay for Life is this Saturday at the Taft High Track. It is from 9am Saturday- 9am Sunday. It is not to late to get involved.

There will be several booths set up around the track. These booths will have arts, crafts, clothes and all kinds of other booths that will be raising money to fight cancer. There will be singing, dancing, special laps, and all kinds of special events throughout the week.

Saturday- Franklin Field Arenacross Summer Series, Races start at 6pm.

Monday- Taft Vegetarian Support Group at 5:45pm at the 7th Day Adventist Church on the corner of Harrison and Date Street. They meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.

Tuesday- Every Tuesday is Bargain Night at the Taft Fox Theatre.

Thursday- Taft Fort 75th Birthday and Fort Baby Reunion. Music by the Taft High Jazz Band. Social at 5pm, Dinner at 6pm. R.S.V.P. at the Fort or call them at 765-7371.

Westside Little League “Senior League,” ages 13-16, register now at the Rec. Save the Date for these Future EventsMay 22nd: Taft College Graduation at 7pm at Martin Memorial Stadium.

May 30th: Taft Chamber’s Rails to Trails Car Show. Registration 7-9pm, Judging at 10am, Awards at 2pm. Live Music and Food Vendors. Call the Taft Chamber for info @ 765-2165.

Maricopa High School 100 Year Celebration in the new Gym at 5pm.

Tickets are $10. Call 769-8231 for information.

June 3rd: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7pm.

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

1st Friday Cruise Night on Center Street at 6pm.

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

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

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

June 19th: Taft Friends of the NRA Banquet and Auction at OT Cookhouse at 5pm.

June 20th: Taft Kiwanis Night at Kern County Raceway. Buy your tickets from Kiwanis Members for $15.

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

October 9th: Wildcats Football at Home at 7:30pm. Posse vs. The Wooden Nickel Gang at Halftime!

October 9th-18th: Oildorado Days- Concerts, 1995 Reunion, Civic Luncheon, and more.

October 16th-18th: Oilstock Music Festival at Franklin Field, some of the music groups are Foghat, Truxton Mile, Junior Brown, Taylor Hicks, and more. Tickets on sale at the Rec. The 2015 Franklin Field Arenacross Summer Series has started. There will be races on the following Saturday nights- May 16th, May 30th, June 13th, June 27th, and July 18th. Gates open at 3:30pm, practice at 4:30pm, Races start at 6pm. Fees: $30.00 1st class, $20.00 2nd class Arena Practice are Thursday nights (before each Summer Series Race.)

Gates open at 3:00 P.M. – $20.00 practice fee.

Maricopa Tea Room Specials

Monday: Chef special Tuesday: Chef special Wednesday: Chef special Thursday: possibly closed Friday: Chef special **this will be our last week open for this school year** **all specials are $6.00 Hrs. M-F 11-1

The Taft Independent

4

Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The

Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

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

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

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

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, May 15, 2015 through Thursday, May 21, 2015 Mad Max: Fury Road (R) Fri & Sat: 6:45, 9:20 Sun: 3:30, 6:30 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:15, 9:10 Sun: 3:15, 6:15 Mon - Thu: 6:15 PM Unfriended (R) Fri & Sat: 6:30, 8:30 Sun: 3:00, 6:30 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

May 15 - 21, 2015

Letters to the Editor Tobacco Shop on Center Street Dear Editor:

Busy Day

I am writing in response to your post about the new Smoke Shop on Center Street. I am all for freedom of speech but for you to post what you did at this point was uncalled for. Not only was your information out dated but feel that it was biased to only one side of the story.

By William R. Taft Before my doors were even open to the public, I was visited by the Chief Of Police, Ed Whiting. He let me know that he didn’t like what I A few Saturdays ago was the West Kern Oil Museum had on my shelves. I was hesitant to put those items in my store initially Annual Pioneer Days. It was a great event but chances are because it was not what I really wanted to sell. I didn’t really even want to sell cigarettes. But, in a small town and trying to figure out what I you missed it. Besides the West Kern Oil Museum being could sell along with Cigars and tobacco pipes to insure I would be the best Oil Museum in the world, they also had a great successful, I decided to add water pipes. Last time I checked, it was engine displays, quilts, yummy food, excellent music, and legal to sell pipes. I had even gone to other stores to see what items they were selling to give me ideas on what I could incorporate in my store... such nice knowledgeable volunteers. Their desserts were they were selling water pipes too, so, I didn’t think it was going to be amazing. They also had the Oildorado Maids of Petroa problem. I did my homework. I made signs that stated that my pipes leum and Taft High Oil Academy helping out. There were were for tobacco use only. As far as I know, that is a State law. It’s also several Bakersfield people that came over for Pioneer Days against the law to call them bongs as you stated in your editorial. I decided after the visit from Taft’s Chief of Police, that this was a direction but not many Taftians.

I didn’t want to go. Not only did I not want a fight but, I didn’t want to Most people had an excuse to miss this great event attract the wrong kind of clientele and it meant everything for the City because there was lots to do that Saturday. There were lots of Taft to welcome my business and to be a positive and upstanding of other events near and far that kept everyone busy. There businessman in Taft. The initial visit from Mr. Whiting happened in the beginning of April. I had already spoke with Ed Whiting and told was the Bakersfield Relay for Life, baseball at the Little him I was pulling all of that stuff. That was at least a month ago. We League Fields, Taft High Softball and several friends and still haven’t opened. My business is in threat and I haven’t even opened the doors yet. I have a lot of time and money invested in this business. family went to the UCLA Softball Game, Women of the Outdoors, Sheriff Stampede Days Rodeo, Summer Series I’m losing money everyday I can’t open.

Let me tell you what my intentions are. I have already legally Arenacross at Franklin Field, Races at Kern County Race- changed the name of my business to appease Mr. Whiting to Hippie way, Races at the Speedway, Night jumps at Skydive Taft, Hollow. I plan on selling all handcrafted and organic items. My own line of shampoo’s, lotions, soaps and tie dyed clothing, along with and then on the TV there was one of the best Basketball incense and handcrafted jewelry. Even handcrafted animal toys Playoff Games ever- Spurs vs. the Clippers, and the biggest candles, and pet beds. I have already purchased items to be a shipping center for most disappointing boxing match in years. Most of these UPS and FedEx. I am also working with the owner of the building to possibly install mail boxes or P.O Boxes. events were within a 45 minute drive.

I have full support from the City Council to move ahead with my There are lots of times that there are to many things gobusiness. When I do open my doors, I would like to personally invite ing on to attend events. Other days we forget about events. you to come and visit my store so you can see for yourself. My wife and Sometimes we just do not know. The National Day of I just want the support of the citizens of Taft and give back once we are Prayer at the Rec last week was poorly attended. It was not in a position to do so. We would appreciate your support. We are not crazy druggy bums.

advertised well other than Facebook. To stay on top of everything I read Andreas Fault’s Taft Calendar every week.

It usually has everything going on in the Taft Area. It usually has accurate information at least 1 week in advance.

The Taft Chamber is the best way to know when to and when not to have an event. That is why it is so important to be a member of the Taft Chamber. If Kathy and Shannon are not planning an event, they will know about it.

There are always Annual Events and then other huge events will pop up. Getting a rough draft of events in advice from the Taft Chamber will benefit your event and the rest of us in Taft. If you’re not a member join today.

Remember the Annual Events that Taft has every year, likeThe Fort Christmas Gift Show and Dinner, Bubba BBQ, Hoedown Dinner, Spaghetti Dinner, Rotary Health Fair and B& G Breakfast, Rec Craft Fair, Taft Chamber Car Show, Fishing Derby, Golf Tournament, ARC BBQ, Taft College Ribeye Cookout and Wine Tasting, Oil Museum Pioneer Days and Boomtown Days, Alpha House BBQ, and many more.

Taft is doing good- Sandy Creek Estates is looking great, the Best Western is coming along, Freedom Homes is building homes along Pilgrim Street, Wood Street Market is open and has a Butcher Shop, A Hint of Class Bakery will get Frozen Yogurt soon, Black Gold Brewery is serving their amazing new menu, Oildorado is just 5 months away, The Bank Sports Lounge now has Landshark on Tap, and the Rec is taking over the Junior Football League.

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

Best Regards, Alan Anderson

Proud to be a Judge at TUHS SSL Diving Championship Dear Editor As a proud Taft High Class of 67 graduate, I had the privilege of being asked to be a diving judge for the SSL Diving Championships this past Thursday, May 7th at our very own Taft High School.

Before the meet started, our Athletic Director, Mr. Chauvin, directed the maintenance people to put yellow caution tape up between the two exit ladders on the opposite side of the diving scoring table and judging area. The reason for the yellow caution tape was to give the parents of the divers participating in the SSL Diving Championships a “visual” so they wouldn’t fall into the pool.

I realize this is a minor issue but the comments from the other coaches, judges and parents was downright embarrassing. This was the SSL Diving Championships and we had yellow caution tape up around the pool because the parents might fall into the pool.

I have been involved in the sport of diving since I was in grade school, as a collegiate diver and a Division 1 head diving coach at a major university.. Never have I seen this happen. Never.

Anyone who is involved in the sports of swimming and diving know how involved the parents are in supporting their children as well as volunteering, judging, timing, organizing, carpooling and sitting around many hours watching their kids perform.

I am more than aware of the safety measures being introduced at our school. It seems to me that our Athletic Director needs to become a little more familiar with the sport of swimming and diving. If he attended some meets he would quickly notice how these meets work and the active role the parents play in the success of the event. This is the Taft way! I might mention that after he asked for the yellow caution tape be put up, he left and went somewhere and did not watch the SSL Diving Championships.

I don’t see caution tape around the court at basketball games to prevent parents from going on the floor and being run over by the players.

No caution tape at football and soccer games to prevent parents from going on the field and getting run over.

It was a sad day to an otherwise beautiful Championship day celebrating the hard work and achievement of our student athletes.

As a side note, I was asked to also judge the SYL Diving Championships that afternoon at Garces. Sad to say but they know how to run a Championship Diving meet. It was great to see all the parents with their deck chairs and popups sitting on the opposite side of the diving pool watching their kids perform with no yellow caution tape in the way.

And yes, no one fell in the pool at either event.

Thank you, Rich Miller, Taft, Ca. Taft High Class of 67

May 15 - 21, 2015

The Taft Independent

Vin Scully Dedicates Baseball Field Named in His Honor

Photo by Andrew Miller

On Saturday, Mayor Randy Miller (top center) presented Dodger announcer Vin Scully with a city resolution at the West Side Recreation and Park District dedication of Scully Field, a replica of Dodger Stadium built by the District. West Side Recreation & Parks District Deputy Director, Les Clark III acted as master of ceremonies.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy, who invited Mr. Scully to Taft for the dedication, introduced Scully to a crowd of more than 500 people. Story on Page 6.

Taft’s Relay For Life This Saturday, May 16 Taft’s Relay For Life will be this Saturday, May 16 starting at 9am. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m. All are invited to come out to Relay and walk a few laps around the TUHS track in memory of someone who has lost their battle with cancer, or in honor those who are survivors. Relay For Life goes for 24 hours and during that time there will be entertainment, games, food, raffles and fun. Temperatures should only be in the 70s so it will be a perfect day to participate in Relay.

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The Taft Independent

Vin Scully Dedicates Taft’s Scully Field Jerry Livingston J.D. Jerry.Taft.Independent@gmail. com “Hi, everybody, and a very pleasant good afternoon to you,” with his usual opening line Vin Scully stepped up to the plate and hit one out of the park.

Scully, who was invited to the dedication of Scully Field, a replica of Dodger stadium built by the West Side Park and Recreation District next to Oil Field its replica of Fenway Park which opened last year, wowed the crowed with stories from his over 65 years in baseball.

Scully, received a key to the city Mayor Randy Miller presented Vin Scully with a city resolution last Saturday at the West Side Recreation and Park District from Mayor Randy Miller and then met with VIP’s in a private dedication of Scully Field, a replica of Dodger Stadium built by reception before joining members the District of the Taft High Softball and Baseball teams for a photo session.

While waiting for Scully to arrive the crowed was entertained by the Taft High School Jazz band.

West Side Recreation & Parks District Deputy Director, Les Clark III acted as master of ceremonies introducing Mayor Randy Miller who presented Scully with a proclamation from the city of Taft acknowledging his long career in broadcasting.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy then introduced Scully.

After sharing a few remarks regarding his baseball career in high school and college (Scully was a two year letterman at Fordham University) Scully shared that he played centerfield but was not a good hitter. One of his stories included his only three hit game which, when he looked for the sports section story on the game, only mentioned his one strike out.

Following a few brief remarks on how he appreciated the cheers and acknowledgements he had received from the attendees Scully threw out the first pitch on the new field to McCarthy again thanked the crowed and left the field.

The dedication of the field was followed by the second annual “McCarthy Cup.”

City Council Adopts New Park Ordinance amends Drug Paraphernalia Ordinance Jerry Livingston J.D. Jerry.Taft.Independent@gmail.com

Responding to complaints regarding the use of the City’s parks the City Council adopted a new ordinance regulating their use.

With citizens complaining about excessive noise, trash and the misuse of the City’s parks and no regulations on the books to address these concerns the Council approved park regulations to give “clear guidance” to police and code enforcement officers.

When the new ordinance takes affect in June it will give the police a new tool for controlling the use of the City’s parks.

The new ordinance will prohibit animals in the parks except for leashed dogs and cats but does not apply to “assistance dogs.”

It limits the riding of among other vehicles, skates, skateboards and bicycles in the park except in designated areas.

No one will be allowed to stay or loiter in any park or facility between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. without permission.

No use of fires except in designated areas.

The ordinance other provisions addressing guns, radio controlled planes and cars, go-carts and the use of golf equipment.

The new law will also seek to address problems associated with vandalism, theft, refuse disposal and camping.

The use of parks for events with twenty-five or more people will require an event permit as well as the use of the parks for commercial activities.

Other activities address in the code will include the use of amplified sound and alcoholic beverages which will only be permitted as specified in the ordinance.

In adopting the ordinance Councilmember Noerr said it was necessary to make sure that our parks were safe for the use of its citizens.

Council Adopts Updated Drug Paraphernalia Ordinance Although the City has had drug paraphernalia ordinance on the books since 1981 the Council was presented with amendments to the ordinance Tuesday night. The goal of the proposed amendments was to clarify the current code to give law enforcement officers a clearer understanding of the City’s display and distribution ordinance.

Clarifications of the code included addressing the definition of ‘drug paraphernalia” by adding new descriptions that have come into existence since the original ordinance was adopted.

A significant change in the ordinance declares that the common approach to the display and sale of drug paraphernalia by vendors that they are for “tobacco use” is not a bar to application of this code.

The original code identified all violations as an infraction to be addressed by a fine of $50 or more depending on the number of violations with the largest fine being $250. The updated ordinance has added a section for misdemeanor violations that could result in both a fine of $1000 and or jail time of up to six months, and has increased the fines for infractions from $100 for a first time offence increasing to $500 for a third infraction or more in the same calendar year.

The amended code also makes it clear that each day the violation continues is a separate violation as well as each item of drug paraphernalia which is distributed.

Along with the amendments to existing portions of the ordinance a section declaring a violation of the ordinance’s provisions is a public nuisance and may be corrected by using the City’s code for abating a public nuisance.

The code maintains one of its original sections allowing the City to vacate the violator’s business license.

May 15 - 21, 2015

The Taft Independent

May 15 - 21, 2015

Kern Residents Warned of Wildfire Fire Dangers

Kern County Probation Hosts 5k Fun Run

Some Kern County residents choose to live in woodland settings, which includes in or near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. These residents are blessed with the natural beauty that comes with living in such a setting.

Unfortunately, they are also faced with the real dangers of wildfire. Wildfires affect Kern County residents and others across the country every year, especially during wildfire season. The homes that are fortunate enough to survive usually do so because their owners are prepared for a large-scale wildfire. To sum it up- If it’s predictable, it’s preventable!

Wildfires often begin unnoticed and spread quickly igniting brush, trees, and homes. Homeowners can reduce the risk by preparing now, before a wildfire strikes. The first step is to meet with your family and create a Family Disaster Plan. Your Family Disaster Plan should outline what to do and where to go if a wildfire threatens your area. Once your family has a plan, follow the steps listed below to provide optimal protection for your family, home, and property.

On May 23, 2015, Bridges Career Development Academy will be hosting its first annual Building Bridges Super 70’s 5K Fun Run. Bridges Academy is a school based collaborative between the Kern County Probation Department and Kern County Superintendent of Schools - Court and Community Schools . The Academy works to provide a structured and supervised school environment in which students ages 16 to 18 years-old receive vocational and educational skills, as well as life skills, while working to complete high school credits. The run will be held at the California Living Museum Zoo (CALM) and will start at 8:00 a.m.

There will be award medals for the top three runners and prizes for the best costume.

All proceeds from the event will go toward the Bridges Academy Cross Country Team for athletic equipment as well as enrichment activities to help our youth succeed in our community. Super 70’s t-shirts will be guaranteed to the first 150 registered runners. Come and join the fun and register before May 21, 2015. You can register online with Facebook @ “Building Bridges Super 70’s 5K Fun Run” or www. Bakersfieldtrackclub.com. For more information, please contact Nora Royer at 661-852-5730.

· Perform Hazard Reduction and create a 100’ safety zone around your home no later than June 15. · Practice wildfire safety · Get involved with your neighbors and create a plan · Build an emergency supply kit · Perform Hazard Reduction and create a 100’ safety zone around your home. · Create a Family Disaster Plan

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For more information on Wildfire Awareness and how to be prepared visit: www.kerncountyfire.org and www.firesafecouncil.org or www. readyforwildfire.org also www.firewise.org

TUHS Choir Presents ‘90’s Pop Concert May 21st The Taft Union High School choirs will present a ’90s Pop Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, in the school auditorium. Admission is free.

The choirs will sing music by Blink-182, Green Day, N Sync, and Destiny’s Child, among many other artists.

Soloists will include: Jordan Romero, Taylor Owen, Ethan Banuelos, Brooklyn Breslin and Karrigan Messenger.

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

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

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Proof #

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Date

4/6

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935 HOURS

Monday thru Friday 8:00am –9:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm 100 E North St. Taft CA

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Liberty Under Fire The Constitution does not need a Constitutional Convention

By Harold Pease, Ph. D The California State Legislature is contemplating joining other states in proposing an Article V Constitutional Convention to change the U.S. Constitution like unto that used by the Founding Father in 1787. Under the authorship of Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, it patterns its proposal after sister states Alaska, Florida, Georgia, and New Hampshire each of whom falsely presume that they can limit a new constitutional convention to only the proposals submitted. This column is directed to state representatives in other states also under the same false assumption. Unfortunately wellmeaning patriots throughout the land, in their desire to “take back their government,” are, in their ignorance of our history, risking the Constitution itself.

Article V reads, “The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution.” Outside the Bill of Rights we have had 17 such changes. But what if Congress itself becomes corrupt and will not initiate change, as is the case now with the federal governments failure to be fiscally responsible? The Founding Fathers gave the people a second avenue through their states to force Congress to enact change. “Or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof.” But Congress, not the states, calls the convention, “as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress.” Notice that, once called, the states have no power to limit change.

The California call for a constitutional convention limits its delegates to just two areas: “support for amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, and which limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government.” (This coming from a state legislature that shows the same fiscal irresponsibility and same tendency to grow its power at the expense of county and city jurisdiction, as does its federal counterpart.) Such a requirement has no force of law once the convention convenes, and if each

The Taft Independent state submits differing proposals dozens of changes are likely. The convention, already convened, will proceed as did its predecessor, the Constitutional Convention, despite their authorization to only revise the Articles of Confederation. They discarded the entire document and began anew. Fortunately the resulting Constitution is a much better document but unfortunately a precedent was established for starting anew, which WILL BE REPEATED with a new Constitutional Convention. There exists no way to prevent a run-away convention.

Yes, proponents of a new convention argue, that the new changes will be returned to the states for three-fourths ratification. This assumes that this requirement was not changed by the new convention. Remember, under the Article of Confederation a unanimous approval of all states was required. The Constitutional Convention changed this to just nine of the thirteen states. Since state delegations are likely to include members of Congress it might be concluded in the new convention that no good reason exists to send it back to the states for ratification. So much for California, or any other state, having any real ability to limit the outcome of a new convention. Moreover, in the last Constitutional Convention new changes were not sent back to the states individually, only the package as a whole. Support or rejection was the only two options allowed. This too will be repeated.

May 15 - 21, 2015 by the Constitution, rather than by political party, and we are successful in every instance. What we lack is not the wordage and authority to bring a wayward government back in line but those who know the Constitution well enough to defend it and use it.

Obviously getting Congress to follow what already exists is the problem. Where is the evidence that they would read, understand, or use a new document, or if we are lucky to get only a few new amendments, any better than the Constitution that under oath Congress has already pledged to defend and obey? The traditional way to use Article V allows plenty of time for debate and there exist no danger of throwing out the baby (the U.S. Constitution) with the bath water.

Dr. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College.

To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.

LibertyUnderFire.org.

New Hampshire law is probably the most restrictive in making their delegates stay within parameters established by its state legislature, even criminalizing their action if they depart. A new convention, sensitive to the fate of those exceeding their instructions, could in the new document simply void any state punishment for delegates having done so.

There exists a much better way “to take back our government”—the way that already works—one amendment at a time beginning with the proposed Balanced Budget Amendment if desired. Returning to California’s two areas of needed constitutional change, actually we do not need an amendment to restore fiscal responsibility. Article I, Section 7 already does this if used. Nor do we need any new amendments “to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government,” Article I, Section 8 and Amendment 10 already do this when followed.

Anyone familiar with the Constitution knows that it is a precious document that reflects the wisdom of the ages and can handle any problems now besetting this nation. In my Contemporary Events political science class students are required to solve problems of today

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