Taft Cruse Night

Independent May 3 - 9, 2013

The Taft

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

May 3 - 9, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 42

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

Relay for Life Teams Purple Ribbon the Town

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

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

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

$2 Bud Light Budweiser and Tecate

Catering Available for Meetings. Free Delivery.

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

Mother’s day Sale $10 Off Any Phone

Prepaid Phones, Accessories and Cards

That is $50 or More 610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Taft, Ca. 93268

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

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

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

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

May 3 - 9, 2013

Shop Taft

Ten Percent Firearms

Passion For Nails

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save youFine money on •quality Jewelry Candles jewelry!

• Gifts

Fine Jewelry • Gifts 14K Gold • Sterling Silver 14K • Sterling Silver Black Hills GoldGold • Jewelry Repair • Watch Batteries Candles • And More!

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

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Boutique

Cruise Night Special 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

10% of Sales go to Relay for Life

Shop Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

$10 Off Any Phone

Prepaid Phones, Accessories and Cards

That is $50 or More 610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Taft, Ca. 93268

Spring Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

FREE

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

Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes Children’s Jeans & Shirts Monday - Friday 11am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Host a party 401 Center Street Visit us on Facebook sales@bluejeansandbling.com

763-9100

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

Taft’s Best and Only Bike Shop.

Come on in and see our Inventory.

608 Center St.

745-4919

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

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

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

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

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

Mother’s day Sale

J e w e l r y

*Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

39

Plus Tax

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

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

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

May 3 - 9, 2013

Inside

Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 Opinion and Feature....11 Shop Taft........................12

The Taft Independent

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

Email us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relay for Life Bake Sale There will be a Relay for Life Bake Sale on Saturday, May 4th at the Heritage Park Club House from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Heritage Park is locate at 201 8th Street.

For more information call 293-0033 or 763-3248.

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

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com

Tuesday May 7, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com Locally and Independently owned since 2006

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

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.

Taft Calendar

Events

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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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.

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.

acme jewelry co.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

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

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

F i n e

J e w e l r y

14K Gold • Sterling Silver Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Mother’s Day

Watch Batteries

May 12th 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Order Your Mother’s Day Ring Early

Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

By John Swearengin The Annual Taft Oil Museum Pioneer Days is May 4th from 9-4 with a BBQ luncheon at 11:30. This is an educational and fun family event with great food.

There is always so much to see and they are having a lot more this year. Contact the Oil Museum if you are interested in Volunteering or donating to them.

Every Wednesday is the Taft Chamber’s weekly Sit and Sip. Bring your positive ideas for Taft.

Every Wednesday is Bike Night at Chilled n Grilled.

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

Friday May 3rdTaft Cruise Night on Center Street. Starts at 6pm. Live Music at Olds Cool and Personal Style. Bring a chair, shop, talk, and enjoy the night.

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

Saturday May 4thTaft Oil Museum Pioneer Days from 9-4. BBQ starts at 11:30. Fun for the entire family. Free admission, BBQ $10, $5.00 for kids.

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

Sunday May 5th- Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the 5th Street Plaza.

Wednesday May 8th- Friends of the Taft College Library Luncheon at the Oil Museum from 11:30-1. $5.00 donation.

Monarch Fleet Grand Opening. Hot dogs and snacks will be served starting at 11. Tentative Ribbon Cutting at 12:30.

I was very impressed with how many people donated their time to help clean up Taft last Saturday. In addition to the group working on Wood Street, there were teams at Taft Primary, The Oil Museum, and Taft Community Garden. It takes Volunteers to keep our community looking and running good. No matter what is going on in our State, our local County and City Leaders are doing a great job here. There are so many different ways for each of us to pitch in and do our part. We need to continue shopping locally to keep our tax dollars here, and support our friends with Taft Businesses. If you have time please Volunteer at your Church, Service Clubs, Oil Museum, Little League, The Rec Sports, The Fort, Taft Chamber, and the Taft Petroleum Club. Stay Positive Taft!

West Kern Oil Museum Yard Sale May 31st, June 1st

Museum volunteers also are reminding Westsiders that it’s time to clean out the garage and storage areas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maricopa Tea Room Specials Week of May 6th! Tuesday-Chicken Taco Casserole w/ salad Wednesday-Chicken Taco Casserole w/ salad Thursday-Sweet Chili Chicken over rice Friday-Sweet Chili Chicken over rice Thank you.

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

May 3 - 9, 2013

Letters to the Editor

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

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

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

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, May 03, 2013 through Thursday, May 09, 2013 Iron Man 3 (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:00), 8:00 Sun: (1:00), (4:00), 7:00 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM Oblivion (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:15), 8:15 Sun: (3:00), 6:00 Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM Olympus Has Fallen (R) Fri & Sat: (5:30), 8:30 Sun: (3:15), 6:15 Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM

Shannon Grove Votes to Defend Kern County Drillers Against State “Fracking” Moratorium Assemblywoman Shannon Grove voiced her strong opposition in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee for three bills that would halt hydraulic fracturing in California oil and natural gas wells for the foreseeable future. The three measures were passed out of the Committee by the Democrat Majority, with no Republican support.

“The oil and gas industry is one of the few economic drivers this state has left, and legislative Democrats are ready to regulate it out of existence,” stated Grove of the actions taken by the Committee. “The development of California’s Monterey Shale resources could result in billions of dollars of new revenue for the state and up to half a million new jobs. We have the unique opportunity here to rebuild our once world-class economy, but these bills impose significant and indefensible regulatory roadblocks. Hydraulic fracturing extraction methods have been used safely and in an environmentally responsible fashion for the past sixty years, and shutting down the entire industry now is definitely not the solution. A positive alternative is to work with industry experts to ensure that if any issues arise, they can be quickly addressed and remedied.”

The hydraulic fracturing moratorium proposals considered in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee today were: • Assembly Bill 649, by Asm. Adrin Nazarian (D – Sherman Oaks) - would prohibit hydraulic fracturing, as well as the use of clean freshwater for the purposes of hydraulic fracturing, on any well if that well is located a specific distance from an aquifer, until a report can be completed determining that the activity can be done without risk to the public health, welfare, environment, or economy of the state.

• Assembly Bill 1301, By Asm. Richard Bloom (D – Santa Monica) - would prohibit hydraulic fracturing until the Legislature enacts proposals that determine whether and under what conditions hydraulic fracturing may be conducted while protecting the public health and safety and the natural resources of the state.

• Assembly Bill 1323, by Asm. Holly Mitchell (D - Culver City) – would prohibit hydraulic fracturing until a report is completed by a committee convened by the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency and the Secretary for Environmental Protection and a determination is made that hydraulic fracturing can be conducted without a risk to the public health and welfare, environment, or the economy of the state.

The measures were also opposed by organizations including the California Independent Oil Marketers Association, Western States Petroleum Association, California Independent Petroleum Association, Kern Tax Payers Association, California Chamber of Commerce, California Manufacturers and Technology Association, California Small Business Alliance, Coalition of Energy Users, and the League of California Food Processors.

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Chilled n Grilled to Close?

On Tuesday I heard Chilled n Grilled is closing on May 31st. This is very sad news for Taft. I do not know the reason they are closing. I do not know if they are going to do something else or if they are just ready to relax.

All the owners are great Taft residents and have done so much for Taft. They have been involved or hosted so many events like- Bike Fest, Wednesday Night Bike Night; several benefit Bike Runs, Toys for Taft during Christmas and much more. A lot of the Events in Taft over the last few years either were started, ended, or were created at Chilled n Grilled. All these Events got us Taftians out and about and brought lots of people to Taft. They stayed open 24 hours during Oildorado and Bike Fest so you could always get a bite to eat.

They have had several Live Bands and Dj’s, so it is always a place to hang out. They hosted several Dart and Pool Tournaments and showed UFC Fights in the past. All of the Chilled n Grilled Crew have Big Hearts and I thank you for all you have done for Taft. I hope a business takes over where they left off or something new attempts to fill their shoes.

John Swearengin

Gas Prices Fall 2.8 Percent California, April 29- Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen 2.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.88/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 10,526 gas outlets in California. This compares with the national average that has fallen 1.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.49/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices yesterday were 26.0 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 14.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago.

The national average has decreased 13.3 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 32.2 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“The party at the pump with the seasonally lower prices may be temporarily over,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “We’ve seen situations unfold that have caused a reversal in the downward trend, and those situations are multiplying across portions of the U.S. and Canada. Along the West Coast, supply has grown tight and will lead to likely increases, and in the Great Lakes prices may spike 10-20c/gallon in the next two days in over a half dozen states as a result of a similar situation. Refineries are finishing what was an extensive maintenance season and with plant restarts commencing, problems may develop, putting pressure on prices,” DeHaan said.

May 3 - 9, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

Imagine for a moment that its 6 months from today…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Does Chiropractic Really Work?”

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

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

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

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

“Isn’t Chiropractic Just For Back Pain?”

Do you have any of the following conditions...

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

We can help!

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

“How Much Does Chiropractic Cost?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To take me up on this special offer, you must come in before May 16th.

Phone 661-765-2225 When you call tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Special Chiropractic Evaluation before May 16, 2012.

Our Patients Say It Best…

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

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

- Jane S.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Due to federal law Medicare restrictions apply

Call Today 661-765-2225

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

May 3 - 9, 2013

Westside News Briefs

Houchin Community Blood Bank May is Foster Care Awareness celebrates Volunteer Month!

Month April is Volunteer month and a time to celebrate those individuals who quietly make a difference in our community. Houchin Community Blood Bank celebrates Scott Pearson, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Taft for his commitment to promoting the Taft Community Blood Drives.

Scott has been instrumental in distributing posters and flyers throughout the Taft Community, including his congregation, providing the Taft Independent with the drive dates and follow up information on the drive results. He has been a vital contributor to the success of our Taft Community drives for many years. Houchin Community Blood Bank would like to thank Scott for his efforts and celebrate his service.

His contribution has surely made the difference in each life touched by a single blood donation! Thank you Pastor Scott Pearson!

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

The Kern County Department of Human Services, along with all of our community and professional partners serving the needs of Kern County’s foster children, is celebrating May as National Foster Care Month. Foster Care month gives us the opportunity to celebrate both foster children and the dedicated individuals & professionals who open their hearts and homes to care for the 2,300 children in foster care here in Kern County.

There are many exciting events planned highlighting Foster Care in May. First, the Kern County Board of Supervisors will proclaim May as Foster Care Awareness Month on Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, at 9:00AM. We invite all of our community partners to join us at the Board of Supervisors Chambers for this important event.

Foster Parents and Social Workers will be celebrated on May 2nd at Hodel’s beginning at 5:30 P.M. as the Department of Human Services and the Bakersfield College Foster & Kinship Care Education Program host a dinner and training. The topic of this year’s training is “Working Collaboratively to Foster Lifetime Connections for Success.” This yearly event works to support our current foster families through continued training opportunities, while also providing an opportunity for Social Workers to get to know these foster parents in a learning and interactive environment.

On Thursday, May 15, 2013, Foster Youth will be celebrated at the annual Independent Living Program Graduation being held again this year at Coconut Joe’s starting at 5:00 PM. More than 70 Youth will be graduating! Because of confidentiality issues, we have identified several youth who are willing to share their story with our local media partners. We appreciate your sensitive coverage of this important event. The ILP Graduation Dinner is supported by local businesses, the Department of Human Services, Kern Partnership for Children and Families, and DHS employees.

Kern County Foster Families are valued, respected, supported, and skilled partners and advocates who: - Provide safe loving homes - Commit to the development and success of children and families - Encourage family connections and nurturing relationships - Maintain a lifelong connection to children whenever possible We are always in need of more families willing to open their hearts and their homes to Kern County’s foster children, especially those willing to take care of our teens, sibling groups, and children with special medical needs. If you are interested in becoming a Kern County foster family, your first step is attending an orientation.

(Continued on column 3)

Complete Automotive Service

Come in and check out our new items!!!

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

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

On Tuesday, April 23, the West Side Regional Occupational Program celebrated the successes of two great students. Mary Pezer and Kathya Rodriguez were honored at the annual WSROP Spring Advisory Committee Event. Each of the students was presented a scholarship award to help with future career-technical training.

A check in the amount of $200 will be given to each student.

Funds were provided by the Golden Empire Chapter of California Association of Regional Occupational Programs and Centers (CAROC/P). Presentations were made to the students by WSROP teachers Deborah Cloud (Rodriguez, Careers in Education), Tom White (Pezer, Careers in Law Enforcement).

Friends of Carrizo Plain, NRG Solar Announce Donation The local nonprofit organization Friends of Carrizo Plain and NRG Solar, owners of the California Valley Solar Ranch in the Carrizo Plain, announced today the award of a $5,000 grant to the Friends of Carrizo Plain. “We are very pleased to receive this support from NRG,” said Friends’ President Ray Hatch, “and we look forward to a continuing relationship with the company”. The award was also announced by Mr. Paul Zavesoff, who stated that NRG expects to be an important contributor to the community in California Valley Area for a long time.

Hatch stated that the grant funds would be used on several educational facilities getting underway at the Goodwin Education Center in Carrizo Plain National Monument.

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu

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

West Side ROP Scholarships Awarded

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

Ben’s Books

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

New Shippment of Large Print Books In

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Orientations are provided in English on the Second and Fourth Thursday’s of every month, and in Spanish every Third Thursday, beginning promptly at 5:30PM at the Department of Human Services Partnership Building. Please call 631-6204 to RSVP and for directions to our location.

We hope you chose to help us as we highlight the hard work and dedication of our partners in care of our Kern County foster youth. We are happy to help with special requests for coverage with advance notice. For more information or to arrange to cover any of these events, please call Heidi Carter-Escudero at 661-6337104.

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

New School Hours Mon. & Tues.

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

All Dishes 1/2 Off!

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

May 3 - 9, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Kiwanis, Key Club members PaintUSA Map at Taft Primary Saturday, April 27 Kids help with South Taft Cleanup This group of kids got busy and picked up all the trash in front of their house and front yard lat ast Saturdays South Taft Clean up.

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Barn Dance & BBQ Saturday May 11th

Sign-ups for the Horseshoe Tournament are from 2:00pm-3:00 pm with a $10.00 buy in.

Taft Kiwanis and Key Club members painted a map of the USA on the schoopayground last Saturday.

Thois who participated from the Key Club included Jazmin Lopez, Karina Carrera, Christian Palacios, Maribel Bautista, Jessica Plascencia, Gaby Urzua and Diego Rivera.

Kiwanis members who helped out included Rodney Wikoff, Greg Mudge, Emmanuel Campos, Sharon Hill, Adele Ward, Vicki Scholefield, Glenn Black, Paul Linder and Kathy Orrin.

The club contacted the Elementary School Principals of Taft and asked them for a wish list of items they had for their school.

The Kiwanis have been working on fullfilling their wishes. To date, the Kiwanis have painted a map of the United States on Taft Primary’s playground and gathered board games, color books and crayons, small basketballs, marbles, craft projects and a card table and matching chairs for the school.

More than 50 volunteers turned out last Saturday for a South Taft Clean up project sponsorsed by the city of Taft, Kern County, Taft College and the Taft Chamber iof Commerce. After the clean-up free lunch was provioded to the volunteers.

Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

There will be a full bar hosted by the Exchange Club!

Please bring your tent and camp.

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

Get Your Sweet On

Cruisin Night on Center Street

Now Open

Friday May 3rd - 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday Cruise Special $2.00 Root Beer Floats

Come Join Our Block Tail Gate Party Compliments of Downtown Merchants

NOW SERVING! Hot Fudge Sundaes Banana Splits Root Beer Floats Hours M-F 10am - 6pm Saturdays 9am - 2pm 420 Center Street, Taft (661) 745-4894

Bella Long and Kathy Lee place purple ribbons on trees along the Rails to Trails last Saturday to promote the Taft Relay for Life campaign. Relay for Life weekend will be held on May 18th and 19th

South Taft Cleanup

Tournament starts at 3:00pm.

Teams are chosen by a blind draw BBQ starts at 5:00pm: Top Sirloin and Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Salad, & Bread $12.00.

YesterYear will start playing at 7:00pm

Bakery and Sweet Shop

Relay for Life Ribbon Campaign Begin’s in Taft

Live Music Mama’s Kitchen at Personal Style Ryan Colter and Taylor Unruh at Old’s Cool Bar B Que Hot Rods Friends Music Downtown Cruze Specials

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Liberty Under Fire Do children belong to the community, not to parents or their families?

By Dr. Harold Pease

By now most have heard of MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry’s recorded commercial in which she stated that children do not belong to their parents, but are instead the responsibility of the members of their community. She said, “We have never invested as much in public education as we should have because we’ve always had kind of a private notion of children. Your kid is yours and totally your responsibility.

We haven’t had a very collective notion of these as our children.” Her solution, “we have to break through our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parents, or kids belong to their families, and recognize that kids belong to whole communities.”

She is expressing what is a common underlying belief in the socialist world; government should raise and educate the children. Most who espouse this philosophy seek an expanded role for the central government. When this notion is openly expressed, as she did, a nation is in the advanced stages of socialism.

In 1975 the book, From Under The Rubble, authored by a variety of Soviet dissidents, all but one of whom were still living in the USSR, was published in the West. The participants were fully aware that their commentary on the socialist system, smuggled to the “Free World,” would undoubtedly unleash the wrath of the Soviet Bear and result in imprisonment, torture, and possibly death for them. Nonetheless, they felt that the West could avoid the loss of freedom that they experienced if only it were warned.

Igor Shafarevich, a corresponding member of the Soviet Academy of Sciences and former Laureate of the Lenin Prize, attempted, in his chapter of the book, “Socialism in Our Past and Future,” to tell the West what socialism eventually worked out to be in practice. This is, of course, after any significant means of resistance had been removed by gun control. A tyrannical government cannot tolerate a population that can resist it. They must have a monopoly on force.

Socialism, wrote Shafarevich, resulted in complete control of private property, which was defined as anything that existed including one’s own family and person. This included subordination of the individual to the power of the bureaucracy and state control of everyday life. For the USSR socialism meant the destruction of the family as the basic institution of society and the rearing of children away from their parents in state schools or daycare centers.

The word education, or anything like unto it, is not in the U.S. Constitution and therefore, as per Amendment 10, is a state, county, city, or parental responsibility. The word education is too close to the word propaganda to allow the central government to have any role in it. Even Plato questioned the attributes of a “proper” education. A “proper education” for Richard Nixon would have excluded Watergate; for Bill Clinton that the Branch Davidians set themselves on fire, for George W. Bush, that we invaded Iraq because they were involved in 9 11, and for Barack Obama the exclusion of Benghazi and Fast and Furious fiascos. This is why the Founding Fathers gave the federal government no influence over education. Today Joseph Stalin is the second most famous person in Russia because a “proper” education there excludes any reference to his millions of mass murders. The hand that rocks the cradle, or decides what a “proper” education is, rules the world and in a free society that hand can never be the government.

No, Ms. Harris-Perry, the federal government should have no public investment in education. Johnny’s mother cares more whether he or his friends can read than any bureaucrat in Washington D. C. That is why we place her on the local school board. Families and parents best foster creativity, incentive and love of learning. Certainly many parents fail to provide the model that they should and that is why grandparents and relatives, sometimes friends, step in.

Your endless bureaucratic programs and central planning pale in comparison to what can be achieved at the local level under freedom.

George W. Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” left all children behind as will Barack Obama’s “Race to the Top” program. Socialism has never produced the scientists and great minds that freedom has and never will. Our children are not government property.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

From Taft to Los Angeles

By Jane McCabe On January 19th I moved from Taft, where I had briefly owned and operated the End of Times Gallery and did some writing for the Independent, to Los Angeles. Actually, moving to Los Angeles one day had been a long-held dream of mine even before I moved to Taft. I had been in Taft about 2 ½ years, and though I had found living there to my liking, I yearned for the advantages one has when living in a large metropolitan area and for the opportunities therein for my work as an artist.

Now that I have been here for little over three months I feel substantiated that I made the right decision in coming here. But that is not to say that I don’t miss all you kind souls in Taft and the ease with which I could form friendships and get about town. Now, instead of walking half a block to the post office I have to drive several miles.

There are many similar examples. My dachshund Sadie no longer has a back-yard in which to do her business—I’m happy that she’s adjusted to the move as well as she has but have wrapping paper placed on the floor for her to pee on when necessary….

One of the things I miss most of all about my life in Taft was writing for the Independent because that’s something I cannot easily replace—its informality and the chance for me to spread my wings as a journalistic writer—so when Michael suggested in an e-mail this morning that I write a column about living in Los Angeles, I jumped at the chance.

The apartment I share is quite pleasant—it was built during the 1940’s, judging from its fixtures. It’s located on a hillside in the Highland Park area, a short distance to the northeast of downtown. Its architect took advantage of its location facing another hillside to east by erecting French windows from floor to ceiling and giving the apartment an European feeling. Our view is of tall cypress and palm trees and of other buildings.

I’m happy to report that the air in Los Angeles has been improved considerably since it was the smog capital of the US during the 1960’s through the 1990’s. This is due to today’s cars having catalytic converters that reduce emissions and California’s strict law that every two years a car must undergo a smog inspection. (Now if the state of California would just pass this information on to the Chinese government, where I understand the pollution is so bad in Beijing that residents have to wear gas masks!)

Though LA was and still is a city where most people get around using their cars, the mass transportation system has been improved and will continue to be improved. Though nothing like the subway systems of New York City, London and Paris, using a combination of the Metro and buses one can get just about anywhere one wants to go. The Gold Line passes just in front of our apartment building, and there are several buses at convenient locations that we can take. The other good news—during all but peak hours, the fare for senior citizens is 25 cents!

Which reminds me of another interesting discovery: due to the fact there are many large, Mexico-affiliated groceries stores in La, which import fruits and vegetables from Mexico, the price of food is lower in

May 3 - 9, 2013

Obituary

ALLEN LARRY BROOKSHIRE Allen Larry Brookshire was born in Houston, Texas on November 3, 1950 and passed away in Bakersfield on April 28, 2013. He was raised and educated in Texas and lived there before moving to Los Angeles about 24 years ago. For the last 18 years he made Taft his home. Mr. Brookshire had been employed as a truck driver for over 15 years. He was a member of the Taft Sportsmen’s Club, the IDPA and a lifetime member of the NRA. His survivors include his son and his wife, Allen and Becky Brookshire; his parents, Al and Juanita Brookshire; his grandchildren, Michael and Cora and his brothers, Ralph and Matt all of Taft. There will be a gun salute in honor of Mr. Brookshire on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. followed by a celebration of his life beginning at 1:00 P.M. at his son’s home located at 905 Williams Way, Taft. Friends are invited to pay their respects on Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. To convey condolences or sign an online registry, please visit www.EricksonAndBrown.com

LA than it is in Taft. During the winter I could buy six pounds of very good oranges for one dollar. Services, like haircuts and pedicures, are likewise less expensive in LA than they were in Taft.

There are at least two Los Angeles’s—east and west. East Los Angeles is comprised of downtown, Highland Park (where I live) and the neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights to the east. It’s the more traditional Los Angeles and as such is more laid back. West Los Angeles is the city usually thought of when people think of Los Angeles—Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica—the movie making industry, the homes of the stars. South LA might comprise a third Los Angeles…

The weather here is pleasant. I’m used to it being 107° in Taft, so summer in LA might be an improvement…

The neighborhood with which I’m becoming most acquainted with is the El Pueblo Plaza, where the city was originally founded. Those familiar with the city probably know Olvera Street, where there is a Mexican market place, and where I have the good fortune of having a booth for drawing portraits.

I’m enjoying exploring the area, taking the Metro to various neighborhoods and walking around. There’s a stop on the Gold Line east of downtown called Mariachi Plaza, where, sure enough, there’s quaint plaza, a bandstand and some Mexican restaurants. You can see downtown from there. At the Universal City stop (where I go once a week when I go to my writing group) the station is adorned with mosaics recounting the United States/Mexican war, when in 1847 the United States helped itself to the huge swatch of the western states, including California.

Los Angeles is like cilantro. You either love it or hate it. I’m in the camp of those who love it.

May 3 - 9, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT Black Gold

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

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

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

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

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

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

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

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

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

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

First Baptist Church

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

Gateway Temple

Community Christian Fellowship

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

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

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

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

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

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

Your Church Ad Here!

765-6550

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In The Taft Independent

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Licensed Funeral Directors

Call Today!

765-6550

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

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

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

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

Boxed ads are $5 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 office) a for photo of your home, car, truck motorcycle and lines, $16 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20orlines. we’ll do the rest.

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550 Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax: E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

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

Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 YARD SALES

301 Pierce St. 7am Sat. Practically a moving sale! Come find whatever you’re looking for...

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.

4 Cherry Lane. 7am t0 12. TV’s ect.

Sharon’s Jams and Jellies. (661) 745-4405.

Need Extra Cash?

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

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

CHILD CARE SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Maricopa VFQ & Ladies Auxiliary giant yard sale, raffle and BBQ. Sat. May 4th, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

600 Hazelton St. Tires and rims, dishwasher, BBQ.s, lounge chairs, vacuuum cleaner, lots and lots of misc. items.

Buy raffle tickets at door, drawing at 2 p.m..

Come out and support your veterans and servicemen and women.

Relay For Life Yard Sale!

All proceeds go to Taft Relay For Life! 712 Polk St. Sat. and Sun. Furniture, Clothing, Shoes, Scrapbooking Items, Couch, Desks, Home Decor & Much More!!

143 Crystal St. Sat. May 4, 8 - 4, Sun May. 5, 8 - 1. Moving.

Everything must go.

Clothes, Kitchen Items, motorcycle, paintball gun, and much more.

Estate Sale. Fri., Sat. and Sun. May 3,4,5.

416 Montview Taft. 9727807.

108 Fillmore St. Sat. 7 am - 11 a.m. Lots of stuff.

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

HELP WANTED Part-time Waitress.

Black Gold Brewing Co. Exp. Req. 508 Center Street.

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

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

Visit abm.com to apply.

Call 661.322.3289 if you have any questions.

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

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

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

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469 Taft Property Management 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good areas.

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

3bd. 1ba $750.

520 Shattuck.

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

118 Crystal.

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

ROOMS FOR RENT

Westside Real Estate 765-5000

HOMES FOR SALE

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

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

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

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

155 1/2 North $500 + DEp. Inclds. Garage.

765-5000 License 01914953

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase Can’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short 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

902 Williams Way. 3 bd.

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

Renter pays utilities.

Avail. June 1st. 6234296

MOBILE HOMES

APART. FOR RENT

HOMES FOR RENT

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

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 224 B St #C Studio $475 203 W Ash 2/1.5 $600 400 Woodrow 1/1 $625 522 Center 3/1 $700 400 Woodrow 2/1 $725 523 F St 2/1 $800 302 Calvin St 1/1 condo $850 315 7th St 1/1 furnished! $850 709 Kern St 3/1 $900 512 D St 3/1.75 $900

AUTOMOBILES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

“No Job To Small” Immediate Installation!

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

2 bed - 1 bath home 411 Shattack $575.

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

South Taft Lot. With septic and cess pool.

Power and water on lot. $6,000 or make offer.

(661) 835-3997. 5-5.

G&S CARPET CO Hours: T-F 9-5 Sat. 10-3 Closed Sun./Mon. Eve By Appt.

Preserving for the Future

$700 Mo. Renter pays utilities 3 bd 1 ba. Pet’s ok. Call 745-3211.

LOST PETS

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

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

1999 GMC Sonoma V-6 80,000 miles. $6,000.

763-3878.

PETS SERVICES

For Rent

520 Shattuck

661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

522 F Street. 3 bd.

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

661-765-4016.

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

Homes for Rent 2bed. 1 ba.

411 Shattuck. $585.

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

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

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

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

Be Seen!

May 3 - 9, 2013

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

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

Classified Ads

in the

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

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

Independent

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

$2 per line

765-4191 or 549-1068

Box your ad

for $5 more

Writers Wanted call

At the Taft Independent Experience Required.

Please call 765-6550.

765-6550

Visit Us Online at www.taftindependent.com

Monthly Shots

By Mimi Collins Taft Camera Club Did you see us at Maricopa Gusher Days? Taft Camera Club had a photo booth, where we took pictures of people and printed them on an old photo of the Lakeview Gusher. The gusher shot had been taken

by Esther Livingston’s dad “back in the day.” See Mimi at the Gusher for an example.

Our April club meeting was our bimonthly competition. Tyrone Maddox got a “two-fer,” earning high points in digital competition for Flower and for Other Worlds (moon and Jupiter). My shot of Moonstone Beach earned high points in print competition. Flowers dominated the April competition; we’ve had such a nice spring, it’s been hard to photograph anything else!

Camera Club members are always encouraged to share favorite photos we’ve taken, and the stories that go with those photos. This month, Esther Livingston shared family memories. Water for Los Angeles reminds her of her late husband Clayton, who often talked about his tour of the LA Aqueduct. Gail and Conrad is one of her favorites of her daughter Gail and grandson Conrad, who is now 13 years old.

If you like taking pictures and sharing them with friends, you’ll love Taft Camera Club! One of the oldest camera clubs in the country, we’ve been going nonstop since 1933—the club, that is; none of the members has been around that long! We meet monthly; please feel free to drop in any second Tuesday evening, 6:30 – 8:30, at Chevron Valley Credit Union’s Community Room. You can also see our Web site at www.taftcameraclub.org or email us at taftcameraclub@yahoo. com.

Photos: Mimi at the Gusher, by TCC Flower, by Tyrone Maddox Other Worlds, by Tyrone Maddox Moonstone Beach, by Mimi Collins Gail and Conrad, by Esther Livingston Water for Los Angeles, by Esther Livingston

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

May 3 - 9, 2013

Used to be Paul’s BMX

Bike Shop

Bikes Are Here!

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

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

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

Black Gold

Qik Smog & Tune

Cafe and Deli

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

western shop & PET Wash New Arrivals In Time for Mother’s Day Cool Cotton Tops Size Sm thru 2X Western Purses and Matching Wallets Montana Silver Jewelry

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Full Grooming Salon We Love Cats!

Grooming and Washing

(Include Wash, Cut and Nails)

Dog Nail Trim 12.00 2nd Pet $9.00 Birds - nails and Wings $9.00 with beak $14.00 www.shawswesternshop.com

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

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

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

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

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR