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Independent May 31 - 6, 2013

The Taft

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

May 31 - 6, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 46

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

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

All You Can Eat Saturday June 8th Tri-Tip and Chicken Corn on the Cobb Salad and Bread $12.00 Per Person No To Go’s $1.50 Domestic Drafts 5 p.m. Until Close www.theplacehwy33.com

The Class of 2013

West Kern Oil Museum Annual Yard Sale Saturday & Sunday

Buena Vista Students Visit Senator Fuller at State Capitol

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY Conley School Students, Alumni and Staff Celebrate 100th Year Birthday

SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

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

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

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

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

May 31 - 6, 2013

Shop Taft

Passion For Nails

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

J e w e l r y

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!

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Boutique

Women’s Wear Jewelery Purses Shoes Gift Items

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Get Your Sweet On Bakery and Sweet Shop SODA JERK BIRTHDAY PARTIES Schedule Your Party Now! Now Serving Nachos Fridays and Saturdays

Infant and Toddler Wear and more Shop Taft!

Single and Double Scoop Ice Cream Cones

A Hint of Class

Ten Percent Firearms

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

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

$10 off any Phone

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

Prepaid Phones, Accessories and Cards

Hours M-F 10am - 6pm Saturdays 9am - 2pm 420 Center Street, Taft (661) 745-4894

of $50 or more Value

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

Summer Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Blue Jeans & Bling

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

Elaine Arnold, Owner Pedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing Dee Morgan, Esthetician Facials Waxing and Microdermabrasion

Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes Children’s Jeans & Shirts

Samantha Hagstrom Massage Therapist European and Hot Stone Prenatal Massage

Monday - Friday 11am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Host a party 401 Center Street Visit us on Facebook sales@bluejeansandbling.com

763-9100

510 6th Street, Ste. A - Taft (661) 765-2335

May 31 - 6, 2013

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

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

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.

Taft Chamber Rails to Trails Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show June 7th and 8th, Registration Starts Now The 5th Annual Taft Chamber of Commerce Rails to Trails Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show is scheduled for Friday June 7th and Saturday June 8th.

Friday will feature a Center Street Car Cruise, and live music at 5th Street Plaza featuring the Avaitors and Truxton Mile. Black Gold Brewing Company will have a beer garden throughout the evening at the plaza.

Registration for vendors and car show entries are available at www.taftchamber.com or by visiting the Chamber at 400 Kern Street.

Here is the schedule of events fro Friday and Saturday.

Friday, June 7 at 5th Street Plaza 5pm-11:30pm Beer Garden Open 6pm-10pm Car Cruise on Center Street, Taft 7:30-9:00pm The Aviators perform 9:30-11:30pm Truxton Mile performs Saturday June 9 at Rails to Trails 7am-9am Car Show Registration 9am-3pm Vendors, Beer Garden, Music, Raffles 2pm Car Show Winners Announced For more information, contact the Chamber at 765-2165.

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

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

F i n e

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin This Saturday June 1st is the Kern County Baseballs Best Game. The Best Baseball Players from the area High Schools will play at Taft College. North vs.

South will face off with only a $5.00 admission fee. Several Events throughout the morning and the game will start at noon. Several Professional and College Coaches and Scouts will be present. 4th District Supervisor David Couch will throw the first pitch. There will be food and vendors. Contact Les Clark 3rd for more info.

Coming soon- The Taft Chamber will have a Radio Station on WQLV am 1610.

Thursday Night- “Last Chance Showing” at the Taft Fox Theatre.

Friday May 31st and Saturday June 1st is The Taft Oil Museum Annual Yard Sale from 8am-3pm.

Saturday June 1st- Taft Fireworks Car Wash Fundraiser at the Taft Chamber from 8am-noon.

Arena Cross returns to Franklin Field at 6 p.m.

Future Events: June 6th Farmers Market is every Thursday at the Chamber June 8th Rails to Trails Car Show Shuffleboard Tournament at the Taft Moose Lodge @ 4pm, sign ups at 3:30, June 12th- Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club, sponsored by Owens Fleet Service June 22nd- The Sandlot is playing at the Taft Fox Theatre at 7pm. Tickets only $5.00.

July 3rd Firework Show and Concert with Truxtun Mile and Cadillac Angels July 4th Family Fun Day at Rails to Trails Next Friday Night June 7th is Taft’s monthly Friday Night Cruise Night. Cruise Center from 6-10.

The Beer Garden at the 5th Street Plaza will be open from 5-11:30pm. The Aviators perform at 7:30pm and Truxtun Mile performs at 9:30pm. Please support the Shops and Restaurants that will be open late. Rather you’re cruising, sitting in a lawn chair, enjoying music, or walking around shopping there will be something for everyone. Last month the Hot Dogs at Haydens Hope and the Root Beer Floats at Get your Sweet on were very popular. Remember this is Cruise Night, not the Taft Burnouts. Stay Positive Taft!

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

J e w e l r y

Tuesday June 4th, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

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

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Father’s Day June 16th

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watches NewWatch and Batteries Vintage Tactical Flashlights 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Knives - Spyderco, Kershaw and Others Mechanical 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

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.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. 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

The Thousand Dollar Cheese Cake

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

Fort Executive Director Edith Laurin with Life Member Jim Fiscus and Top Dessert Participant Judy Olson in the recent auction held at the Fort’s Second Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Dessert Auction. For the second year in a row Olson has produced the top winning dessert; this year her “famous” cheese cake sold for $1,000.00. Fiscus, a former Fort Board Member has also served a term as Board President, stated that he “just loved helping the Fort”.

Schedule of events for the Car Cruise and Concert on Friday and Car Show on Friday June 7th and Saturday June 8th Friday, June 7

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, May 31, 2013 through Thursday, June 06, 2013

After Earth (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:00), 7:30 Sun: (1:00), (3:30), 6:00 Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM Fast & Furious 6 (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:15), 8:15 Sun: (1:15), (4:15), 7:15 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM The Hangover Part III (R) No Passes Allowed Fri & Sat: (5:45), 8:30 Sun: (1:30), (4:00), 6:30 Mon - Thu: 7:30 PM

6pm-10pm - Car Cruise on Center Street 8pm-11:30pm - Concert on the Stage at 5th Street Plaza featuring The Aviators and Truxton Mile $5 cover charge into Beer Garden area

May 31 - 6, 2013

Hangover Part III Worth Seeing

By JT Simpson

A little surprised at the turnout, however, you cannot expect much on a Wednesday night at 10pm when most people get up before 5am for work. Was being a night owl for one night worth it to see probably the most anticipated third part of a trilogy this year, the Hangover Part Three?

First off, it was in the main theater which is always a plus since it has the best airflow. And the classic atmosphere that it presents makes you feel as if there could have been a red carpet with Zack Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, and don’t forget Ken Jeong.

The movie fittingly brings you back to where the first Hangover started, Las Vegas! The biggest difference between part 3 and its prequels is that, instead of just pushing the envelope on what you can get away with in a R rated movie these days, Todd Phillips decided to complete an entire storyline that could pose as a stand alone movie. What’s missing? Mike Tyson. But to gain Mike Epps back and get John Goodman was a step up. This movie also has all that a great movie should; action, adventure, of course comedy, and a little romance ( yes, romance!).

You also get a little treat with Heather Graham reprising her role. Most of the story revolves around Alan (Galifianakis) and Chow ( Jeong) which is not a bad thing since they are the backbone of the trilogy’s humor. Of course, Stu (Helms) is always his neurotic self and there is also animal involvement as there was in the previous two parts.

Now the most important question: Should I go see this movie?

If you liked the other two, you will not be disappointed with this one. Well worth being up late.

“The Hangover Part III” Movie Production Brings Estimated $2 Million to Kern County Economy

Saturday, June 8 7-9am Registration for Car Show participants 9am-3pm Food & Craft Vendors Open, Beer Garden, DJ and Live Music from A Stones Throw, Bounce Houses 2pm Winners Announced 2013 Vendors Taft Lion Club, Hot Dog Express, REC Solar, Scentsy by Becky Long, iToyz, Frostbite Shaved Ice, Tornado Potato, ABS Balloons and Face Painting, Ice it Up, Pit Stop BBQ, Gaytan’s Toys & Jewelry Boxes, Ben & Jerry’s, Cookie Lee Jewelry by Peggy Slape, Mision Apostolica, Dirty Saints, West Kern Oil Museum, Maggie Blackwell Fine Art, Eye Kandi Salon & Boutique, Julie Franks State Farm Insurance, Personal Style, Old’s Cool, New York Life, Quality Mud, Southwest Signs Car Show Event Sponsors: Quality Mud Inc, and New York Life Gerald Davis

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.

With the final edition of Warner Bros. Studios “The Hangover” trilogy being released Thursday, May 23, Joanie Haenelt, Film Liaison with the Kern County Board of Trade and Film Commission, announced the first eight days of the 60 day production of “The Hangover Part III” were filmed in several Eastern Kern locations, generating an estimated $2 million revenue boost for Kern’s economy. The estimate is calculated by an industry standard formula provided by the Association of Film Commissioners International.

In mid-September, approximately 160 Warner Bros. production crew and cast members utilized Eastern Kern’s amenities which included hotels, restaurants, car rentals, gas and other services.

Gregory Alpert, the film’s Location Manager, had the initial intention of only filming the wind turbine scenes, then moving on to Arizona. After working with Kern County Film Commission and touring Tehachapi, Mojave and other East Kern locations, the decision was made to stay in Kern County to complete additional scenes.

The Kern County Film Commission reports that multiple agencies coordinated during production and included California Film Commission, California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, Kern County Roads Department, Kern County Fire Department, the Kern Wind Energy Association and the Federal Aviation Administration. The coordination of these services with Warner Bros. Studios included the movie’s “abduction highway” scene in which a portion of Highway 58 needed to be closed.

Alpert commented, “When it comes to scouting new locations, one of the first things I do is contact the film commissions.” Haenelt received recognition for her work on “The Hangover Part III” in a recent edition of movie production magazine, P3 Publication.

Although Eastern Kern residents suspected “The Hangover Part III” was being filmed when stars Zack Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha and Bradley Cooper were seen shopping, eating and enjoying Kern County services, the film commission was sworn to secrecy until the production was completed.

“The Hangover Part III” marks the epic finale in a trilogy that broke ground with its unique style of adventure and comedy. Photos of scenes filmed in Kern County can be seen on Kern County Board of Trade’s Facebook page.

May 31 - 6, 2013

Senator Fuller Welcomes Taft Students to State Capitol Buena Vista High School Seniors Visit Sacramento

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Union High Graduation Wednesday, June 5th 8 p.m.

Taft Union High School will hold its 101st graduation ceremonies in Martin Memorial Stadium at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5.

The ceremony will include a multimedia presentation where the audience may watch graduates projected on two giant screens as they receive their diplomas. The presentation will also include still photos of the graduates.

Families and guests are instructed to leave noisemakers, air horns and balloons at home. “Our goal is for every student to enjoy the moment when they receive their diploma and for everyone in the audience to clearly hear the student’s name as it is read.” Superintendent Blanca Cavazos explained, “We want this to be a dignified ceremony worthy of the work our seniors have dedicated to earning their high school diploma.”

Graduating seniors must be at the south bleachers by the swimming pool by 7 p.m. Main gates for guests will open at 7 p.m.

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

State Senator Jean Fuller with Buena Vista HS students and teachers in her Capitol office.

SACRAMENTO – State Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) today welcomed eight Buena Vista High School students from Taft. The students, all seniors, and two teachers were in Sacramento to meet with Senator Fuller and tour the State Capitol.

Buena Vista High School is a continuation school in the Taft Union High School District. According to the school, the students on the trip have participated in recycling to raise funds, designed and silk screened their own senior sweaters, participated in community events, led a memorial for Sandy Hook Elementary shooting victims and produced their own personalized graduation invitations utilizing their Regional Occupation Program (ROP) resources.

“These students are remarkable in what they’ve been able to achieve so far under challenging circumstances,” said Senator Fuller. “I have every hope that they’ll continue to move forward and accomplish terrific things in their lives.”

State Senator Jean Fuller with Buena Vista HS students and teachers in her Capitol office.

The eight students on the trip included Amber Hale, Allison Arnold, Sarah Melton, Kellie TateHunt, Davina Skowron, Boston Neill, Patrick Lancaster and Jose Ahumado. The students were joined on the trip by teachers Julee Skowron, who teaches classes in Arts and Computer Graphics, and Scott Bennett, who teaches classes in the Sciences.

After lunch with Senator Fuller, the students took a tour of the State Capitol, visited the Senate Floor and spent time in Senator Fuller’s office.

“There was a lot to see on the tour.

But what stood out to me was the architecture of the Capitol and the history around State Senator Jean Fuller with Buena Vista HS students and teachers on the Senate Floor. it,” said Patrick Lancaster.

“The trip gave us the opportunity to spend time with Senator Fuller and learn how the Legislature works,” said Allison Arnold.

“We really appreciate the time that Senator Fuller made for our visit,” said Ms. Skowron. “It shows how much she supports them and the positive changes they’ve made. And the students gained a lot of insight during this experience. I think it’ll broaden what they think they are capable of and that’s a great thing.”

State Senator Fuller represents the 18thSenate District, which includes Bakersfield, Barstow, Big Bear City, Bishop, California City, Exeter, Frazier Mountain, Lone Pine, Mojave, Needles, Porterville, Ridgecrest, Rosamond, Taft, Tehachapi, Twentynine Palms, Tulare, Visalia and other areas in the Kern River Valley and in Inyo and San Bernardino counties.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

New School Hours Mon. & Tues.

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

.25 Cent shirts .50 cent pants

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

May 31 - 6, 2013

Westside Feature

Taft Union High School 20313 Graduating Class

Taft Union High School will hold its 101st graduation ceremonies in Martin Memorial Stadium at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5. The ceremony will include a multimedia presentation where the audience may watch graduates projected on two giant screens as they receive their diplomas. The presentation will also include still photos of the graduates.

Families and guests are instructed to leave noisemakers, air horns and balloons at home. Graduating seniors must be at the south bleachers by the swimming pool by 7 p.m. Main gates for guests will open at 7 p.m.

Abney, Alyssa Adema, Josselyn Ahumada, Lorenzo Alvarez, Angelica Alvarez, Nancy Arellano, Abel Arellano, Diana Arellano, Kristine Arguello, Jessica Arnold, Keana Ayala, Claudia Bailey, Eric Ball, Austin Bamford, Junie Barajas, Ivan Barrera, Yeraldin Bautista-Vega, Maribel Beuhler, Stacia Blakely, Christopher

Bozarth, Katherine Brewer, Travis Brown, Kaitlin Camacho, Viviana Carlson, Bryton Carpenter, Thelma Carr, Ashley Casteel-Adriance, Kendall Castellon, Melony Castro-Urias, Daniela Cavazos, Jennifer Cawelti, Dustin Cazares, Yomira Chamale, Jennifer Chamberlain, Cynthia Cisneros, Giovanni Clark, Meghan Connell, Shandi Cordova, Alixandra

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu Come in and check out our new items!!!

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

Cornejo, Natalie Daniels, Jammie Davis, Mikaela Dixon, Karissa Dyer, Robert Edelen, Travis Edwards, Siddney Eller, Dallas Emberson, Mitchell Estrada-Ruiz, Ana Gabriela Fa’Agau, Mati Fee, Autumn Figueroa, Jesus Aaron Figueroa, Lizbeth Figueroa-Mancillas, Jose Manuel Flud, Levi Fore, Jonathon Forthman, Alec Gähl, Jana

Garcia, Justin Garcia, Santiago Garcia-Tweedy, Stephanie Gaunt, Ryan Gee, Steven Goff, Ashley Gonzalez, Adriana Gonzalez, Aymee Gore, Eric Gore, Melissa Graham, Whitney Gray, Keyonna Guzman Tapia, Jhovanni Hammons, Bryce Harlan, Ethan Harmer, Jeremy Harris, Daniel Hartley, Gloria Heerdink, Lucas Heptinstall, Emilee Heredia, Erika Hernandez, Jeannette Hestand, Rocky Higuera, Eduardo Hill, Brian Hill, Joshua Hodges, Kyle Houghton, Haley House, Casey Huerta, Paola Iakopo, Matuaoaiga Iotamo, Deleila Jackson, Rebecca

Ben’s Books

Jewell, Sara Jimenez Lopez, Paul Jones, Justin Jordan, Nicholas Kelley, Tara Kerr, Tiffany Kindred, Eli Klein, Lindsay Knight, Canon Knudsen, Ditte Kruse, Michael Kunce, Kennedy Labetzke, Paul Laguna, Julia Lara-Lozano, Brenda Larsen, Donald Larsen, Michael LeClair, Alexander Leon-Astorga, Naomi Lewis, Bradley Leyva, Jesus Lloyd, Mallory London, Cameron Lopez, Antonia Lopez, Christopher Lopez, Monica Lopez Magana, Moncerat Lopez Roque, Amelia Lozano, Remi Macias, Eduardo Martin, Blake Martin, Eris Martin, Winter Martinez-McCray, Mariah Mayfield, Zachary McCostlin, Brandon Medel, Edtmer Medina, Brian Medina Lopez, Diana Melendrez Amador, Joel Rodrigo Melton, Sierra Meyer, Kayla Molina, Alondra Montoya, Erica Montoya, Karina Moron, Jose Morrow, Samantha Mounce, Adam Murphy, Christopher Nichols, Aaron Nichols, Zachary Norton, David Oglesby, Markie Orozco, Gilbert Pappas, Cassandra Payne, Makayla Peralta, Tomas Pezer, Mary Phillips, Jacob Pitts, Benjamin Pommerville, Nicholas Popejoy Dodson, Abigail

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

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810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Preskitt, Bobbi Ramirez-Calderon, Juan Ramos, Ashley Randle-Snyder, Tyler Reed, Aleesa Reeves, Matthew Rice, Ashley Student Name Richardson, Vaughn Rivera, Jose Rivera Alvarez, Diego Rodriguez, Kathya Rodriguez, Miguel Rofkahr, Jessica Rolin, Cody Romandia, Bobby Salas, Laura Saldana, Erika Saldana Perez, Fabiola Saltiban, Laura Sandoval, Daniel Sandoval, Stephanie Santiago, Eduardo Schuyler, Kayla Scott, Colby Scovel, Sarah Sevedge, Savannah Silva, David Sivils, Dylan Smith, Matthew Smith, Sarah Solis, Maria Spoonemore, Kayla Spradlin, Mykenna Stark, Jessica Stuck, Julie Taylor, Brandon Taylor, Kristan Taylor, Toby Timberlake, Brooke Tondo, Pier Carlo Torres, Cindy Torres, Sandy Torres-Alvarez, Gisela Tostado, Leslie Tremain, Chanel Tuuamalemalo, Sione Uriarte Rios, Christine Urioste, Paige Vallejo, Christian Van Winkle, Corrine Vasquez, Marcello Villa, Donna Waller, Morgan White, Austin White, Joseph White, Sheldon Williams, Jalynn Wilmer, Kelsey Winfrey, Rachel Wolfe, William Yarbrough, Julianna Zavala, Daniel Zuniga, Julio

Buena Vista High School

Ahumada-Tafolla, Jose Anderson, Meghan Arnold, Allison Barnhart, Makayla Bonsal, Savonna Hale, Amber Lancaster, Patrick Longbine, Tina Melton, Sarah Neill, Boston Orozco, Steven Tate, Kellie

May 31 - 6, 2013

Maricopa Class of 2013 Has 17 Graduates

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Local Motorcycle Riding Club Host Events for Make A Wish Foundation

By Dr. Scott Meier, Superintendent Maricopa High School, Class Of 2013 Maricopa High School, Class of 2013, has a graduating class of 17 students this year.

Although the number of graduates is small, their desire to make a difference in our communities and in the work force is great.

Of these 17 students we are pleased to announce 8 will attend Taft College in various careers, 3 will attend Bakersfield College to study Fire Technology, 2 will attend cosmetology school, and 4 plan to go straight into the work force. Maricopa Unified School District’s Board, administration, teachers, and parents are very proud of our 2013 graduates!

Cannaday, Brandon Carrillo, Esteban Downey, Cortney Erwin, Ashlee Gomez-Rojas, Noemi Hamblin, Karissa Harris, Stephen Houston, Kristofer Miller, Brock Montoya, Kristina Moore, Melissa Owens, Rebecca Phillips, Emily Reed, Jude Rubio, Oralia Schryver, Kaitlyn White, Trevor

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935 HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY NOON TO 9 P.M. SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS 10:00 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

100 E North St. Taft CA

By Trent Unruh On Saturday May 11th 2013, the Dirty Saints Riding Club (DSRC) hosted two Make A Wish Foundation events to help sponsor a local Taft woman’s aspiration come true.

The Dirty Saints Riding Club is a group of local motorcycle enthusiasts whose main focus is charity and assisting others in the community of Taft and in Kern County abroad.

They became involved with the Make A Wish Foundation recently with the hopes of helping a Kern County resident’s wish come true.

Casie Mobley, of Taft, was diagnosed with a terminal case of Ateriovenous Malformations over 17 years ago. She has been on the Make A Wish Foundation list for over 10 years. Casie’s wish is to go to Disneyworld. Each time she was to be granted her aspiration, medical issues would not allow her to participate. The Dirty Saints Riding Club wants to ensure that Casie’s wish comes becomes reality.

The first event, RIDIN’ FOR WISHES, was a Poker Run that took place in Bakersfield. The ride started from Bikersfield Garage and Boutique, on Rosedale and Fairhaven. From there, the stops included Ethel’s Old Corral, Rockwell’s Trout’s Night Club, Bakersfield Harley-Davidson, and Vi’s Cocktails. The ride covered close to 100 miles and included a spinning poker dart tournament at each stop. There were raffles, 50/50 drawing, and other activities to raise money for Casie. There were over sixty participants for the ride including representatives and members of numerous established and well respected motorcycle clubs of Kern County.

The second event, ROCKIN’ FOR WISHES, was a concert held at The Oasis, in Taft that same night. Three bands, X-Static, Last Chance Band, and The Aviators, performed for over six hours.

Over 100 attendees came out to support and have a good time.

In total, both events raised $4,158 for Casie.

Ms. Mobley was present for the ride and the concert. She greatly appreciated all the compassion and generosity from the participants and contributors throughout the day. She looks forward to seeing her wish fulfilled.

The Dirty Saints Riding Club has discussed making the ride/ concert events an annual occasion. With the success from 2013, their hope for next year is more money raised, more miles ridden, and another wish granted.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Conley School 100th Birthday Celebration and Open House

The 100th Birthday (1913-2013) Celebration for Conley School was held on Tuesday, May 28th. The event was held in the cafeteria and attended by many Conley students and their families as well as past students, past staff, and community members. The flag salute was led by 2nd grader, Gabbie Krier and 3rd Grader Brock Mizener. Past Principal Jemima Rowe, now 90 years old, was honored as a special guest.

Students from the ASES After School Program entertained the crowd with songs they had learned on their recorders under the direction of Conley Teacher and ASES Liaison, Twila Hosford. 1st and 2nd grade students performed a Conley cheer. The Conley School Library was dedicated to past Conley School Principal, Lynda Bell Brooks, in her memory. Third grade students read a timeline of important events in the last 100 years for Conley School and for the Taft City School District. Each classroom created items for the time capsule which will not be buried as traditionally done. The Conley time capsule will be on display in the school library until its intended date to be opened in 25 years. Vince Fong from Kevin McCarthy’s office presented the school with a commemorative certificate and flag that had previously flown over the State Capital Building. A beautiful cake donated by Albertson’s was served by staff and family prior to guests touring the classrooms and main building to see current student work and accomplishments and an abundance of antique photos that line the main hall and office walls. Past student and staff had their photos taken on the stairs of Conley, where many class pictures have been traditionally photographed. The current staff and students were photographed on the stairs in front of the school to mark this special event.

Photo: Top row-Randy Miller, Kathy Orrin Middle-Lavonna Callaghan, Dennis Eubanks, Terry Brown, Edith Laurin, Brenda Wehunt Bottom-Richard Wieber, Ester Livingston, Esperanza Alvarado, Christina Adema

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Liberty Under Fire U.S. Senate short-circuits the Constitution on taxes, again.

By Dr. Harold Pease

The Constitution is exceptionally clear on the origin of all taxes.

“All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives,” not the Senate (Article I, Sec. 7). When is the House going to protect its powers from the Senate’s intrusive attempts to steal its power? Recently the Senate passed the “Marketplace Fairness Act” by a vote of 69-27, an Internet sales tax, giving states the authority to require on-line retailers, with no physical presence in those states, to collect sales taxes. Americans will pay more taxes with this bill than without. It is a bill for raising revenue and it did not originate in the House as mandated by the Constitution.

To put the Senate in its constitutional place the House should never take this bill up. Instead, if they feel such legislation is needful, they should originate their own bill after which invite the Senate to take a new bill through the committee process and to the floor once again.

I might also suggest not doing so for a year or two just to make the message stronger. “You are infringing on our constitutional jurisdiction.” If the Senate will not do so, the House should consider the bill non-existent. Under no circumstances should they accept this bill as appropriate action on the part of their sister law-making body. Retailers, on the other hand, should refuse to pay this tax and challenge it in the courts on the constitutional grounds cited above.

Unfortunately, this is becoming a practice on the part of the U.S. Senate. Yet another infringing piece of legislation has also just passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 13-5 vote, the so-called “Gang of Eight” immigration bill, S.744, obviously originating therein.

The Heritage Foundation estimates that this bill will cost taxpayers a net $6.3 trillion above what illegals contribute through taxes over the next 50 years providing benefits for millions now living in the United States. There may be debate over the numbers but what is clear is that the bill did not originate in the House of Representatives as constitutionally required and that Americans will pay more taxes with this bill than without it. Therefore it constitutes an unconstitutional tax.

The worst of all such recent intrusive taxes was “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” known as Obamacare, also originated in the Senate, not in the House as constitutionally required.

Weeks ago I wrote of the extensive efforts on the part of the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, to cover this up following the judicial decree of Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. proclaiming it a tax when the administration had argued otherwise. The establishment media should have been all over this story and was not. Obamacare may be the only revenue-raising bill in American history originated and processed by the Senate alone. Nothing could be more unconstitutional!! So why does this matter, a tax is a tax? For thousands of years governments taxed their citizens with no limits. Rulers lived lavishly off the wealth extracted from their poor subjects with little or no mercy toward them—lavish physical structures and frivolous wars of conquest were too often the norm. The Founders wisely took this power from the rich and gave it to the poor by requiring that the poor, then the majority, had to consent to any taxation over them. The power to tax is the

Miller Time

Hi Everyone, Well, I’d thought I’d seen about everything but this past Tuesday at noon time was a corker. My brother Rich and I were standing near the Roger Miller Insurance office when I glanced a cross Kern Street and spotted this person in shorts with some big white calves, a ball cap, and a heavy shirt. He/she was coming around the back of a Toyota pickup right next to the little triangular planter at the corner of Sixth and Kern of the Country Corner parking lot. When they got to the driver’s side door, they backed up to the planter and dropped their shorts to their shoes and took a squat. Now mind you this was at noon, lots of traffic going by, and they weren’t hiding from anyone. We were stunned by what we saw. Before they could do any of their business, I shouted, “hey you #?*+&$ idiot, what are you doing ??” That caught their attention and puckered them up, because they stood up, glanced over at us, pulled their pants up, and walked around and climbed into the passenger side of the pickup. A short minute or two later, a lanky guy came out of the pharmacy and got in the pickup and they drove off. The truck had what appeared to be Arizona plates. Hopefully that person left a mess in that pickup. So, I guess maybe that is acceptable behavior in Arizona. Truly unbelievable. No shame, no thought that anyone might be offended, I’m sure they thought it wouldn’t matter to anyone. Hopefully that person will be around to read this and will know that they are what I call a ‘scumbag’. I drove by later to see if there was any evidence, there was none, so my shout out saved the owners from a disgusting bit of cleanup.

Of course, this does too often happen around town. In the back of old Bank of America (H2O) building, it was being used as a human toilet, people were backing up to the walls to do their business. Now what is really wrong about this is that less than a hundred feet in the City of Taft’s parking lot is a perfectly functional 24 hr and free to everyone, restroom waiting to be used. What is wrong with people ??

How bad do you really have be to lower your morals and your dignity to not seek out public restrooms all around town. We aren’t a third world country, don’t soil our City. I apologize to anyone who may have heard my yell at that person; I didn’t think and used an expletive that I don’t use out in public; sorry, but it sure got their attention.

Moving on the more pleasant topics, did you know that Conley School turned 100 this past week. I was able to attend their birthday party and was able to sign their banner as I am a proud alumnus, Class only constitutional power exclusively given to the masses. The House of Representatives was the only branch of government designed to actually represent them as it is based upon population. The Senate was to represent the states, the people only indirectly.

As far as I know the United States is the first, possibly the only, country in world history that puts its tax base with the masses who pay the taxes. It is a priceless freedom. If we are over-taxed in the United States we have chosen to be so and one body alone is responsible—The House of Representatives.

No tax can constitutionally originate with the President or the Supreme Court, (even if Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. says that it is okay), not even the Senate, although it can modify as on other bills once originated by the House. The House is also in charge of spending. We must not let this freedom dwindle or allow the line between the two legislative branches to be blurred into oblivion.

By letting “origin” slide in these three matters, the House looses its clear distinction on the origin of taxes and the people their right of first approval of taxation for generations yet unborn and probably forever. If left unchallenged these three offending bills, one already implemented, severely damage Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution. All involved are under oath to preserve the Constitution. There is nothing in the Constitution more clear than this.

Liberty is lost one piece at a time. It is also restored one piece at a time.

Pass this around.

May 31 - 6, 2013 of 1955. I went to second through fourth grade there. I started out at Taft Heights Primary, off Oak Street, where the church is now located behind QuickSmog. It was a two classroom school with a separate classroom on the back of the property. I remember Mrs. Doolittle as my kindergarten and first grade teacher. After Conley, I went to the now new Roosevelt School for fifth and sixth grade and then over to Lincoln for seventh and eighth grades. The old Roosevelt School was still standing but was condemned and waiting to be torn down. I do remember that one room was open for medical checkups and such. I was following the path of my mother and my brother Roger; dad went through Maricopa schools, Rich started at Parkview. Then it was on to TUHS and the rest is history.

What great schools we have in Taft. What great architectural structures we have in Lincoln, Conley, and TUHS; they have certainly stood the test of time. Too bad that many of the kids in town don’t really appreciate what they have when they go through the schools.

I look at many of the new high schools built in the last 20 years in Bakersfield and wonder if any of them will last 100 yrs or more like our schools are doing. Many of them were built with tilt up walls, oh well, we’ll see. Drive by the front of TUHS and slow down and admire the care that has taken place over the years to preserve these historic structures. I’m having my 50th class reunion this year, my how time flies, yikes, and the first thing the classmates want to do is tour the campus, because of the fond memories (Bailey Newlee’s classroom) and to see what is new. They have seen other schools and they now know what they had was special. We are so very fortunate to have these schools; please kids, take care of them for the ones that are following you.

Once again the organizers of the Relay to Life did a magnificent job of putting on another great event that raised over $100,000 to help fight the scourge of cancer. Cancer effects everyone, it seems, because we all know of someone who is putting up a fight through treatments that can be discouraging, life disrupting, and uncomfortable yet when they win the battle, life is good again. We are winning more battles than we are losing, but through funding and the strength of prayer we will win them all. Unfortunately, cancer is an equal opportunity offender; it knows no bounds; it knows no age. Say a prayer when you hear of someone who is affected, it will sure help.

A couple of ditties to leave you with: Sometimes you have to burn a few bridges, to keep a few crazies from following you; if you don’t know what you are doing, it is best to do it quickly; good judgment comes from experience – and experience – well that comes from poor judgment. Summer is around the corner, enjoy yourselves; live in Taft, don’t just reside here.

See you around Town, Randy Miller A Taftian

May 31 - 6, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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“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 Parish Hall Available for Rent

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

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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.

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Advertise In The Taft Independent

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Licensed Funeral Directors

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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:

recruitment, document management, etc. email your resume to:resumes@ duncanfamilyfarms.net

Estate Yard Sale. Home Furn. 27965 Tank Farm Rd. Dustin Acres. Sat. and Sun. 8am.

817 Valley View St. Sat., June 1st 7:30 a.m.

-11 a.m. Lots of Misc. plus boys clothes/toys.

Yard Sale. June 1st 105 Jackson St. 7am - ?

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

Bilingual HR/Payroll Assistant for Cuyama Farm!

A self-starter tech savy administrative role with a growing farm! Strong Microsoft Office skillset, troubleshooter, Entry level to Intermediate HR skillset, educational background, or willingness to learn!

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WEST KERN WATER DISTRICT 3 Temporary Positions for Summer “Office Assistant” 2 - “Field Assistants” West Kern Water District is looking for three motivated individuals, who would like to join our team for temporary full-time employment during the summer.

Apply immediately at 800 Kern Street. Must be 18 years of age.

Deadline for submitting application is Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District application. The successful applicant will be subject to a physical, pre-employment drug screen, and background check. E.O.E. Midway Elementary School is hiring (3) 4 hour Teacher Aides.

Must have A.A. degree and experience plus qualify as a teacher aide. Deadline for applications is June 21st at 2 P.M. Interviews will be scheduled following the deadline. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street, Fellows, CA 93224.

Midway Elementary School is hiring a 7/8

grade combination class teacher. Must have at least 5 years of experience and also be able to teach P.E. to 5th through 8th grade girls. The deadline for applications is June 21st 2013 at 2 P.M. Interviews will be scheduled following the deadline. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street, Fellows, CA 93224.

M & S Security Security Officers Accepting applications for security officers for Taft area. Guard card required. M & S Secureity. (661) 763-4279. Apply at 200 S. 4th Street.

SERVICES Painter looking for work.

Exterior/Interior paint.

Residential/Commercial.

Reliable, reasonable.

25 years experience.

Available now. Please call Richard 661-7427311.

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

South Taft Lot. With septic and cess pool.

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G&S CARPET CO “No Job To Small” Immediate Installation!

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Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 YARD SALES

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AUTOMOBILES

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

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.

For Rent

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661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

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

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Remodeled, great neighborhood. Ref. req. credit check. $985 Mo. PLUS $1000 DEP. 763-1086. $700 Mo. Renter pays utilities 3 bd 1 ba. Pet’s ok. Call 745-3211.

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Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 224 B St #C Studio $475 103 ½ Buchanan 2/1 $600 400 Woodrow 1/1 $625 522 Center 3/1 $700 701 Taylor 2/1 $725 400 Woodrow 2/1 $725 603 Fillmore 3/1 $725 315 7th St 1/1 furnished! $750 623 San Emidio 2/1 $750 617 Buchanan 3/1 $775 103 Buchanan 3/1 $800 709 Kern St 3/1 $800 302 Calvin St 1/1 condo $850 116 Franklin 3/1 $850 410 Buchanan 2/1 $900 340 F 3/1 + Studio $1,200

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!

House for rent. RemodWondering how buying eled 3 bed, one bath a house works? Set an $700 plus dep. 210 atappointment with Karri lor Ave. (951) 818-4662. to watch a FREE video Se habla espanol. on the process.

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Business Services Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191 Westside Real Estate 765-5000

119 South St, 4 bd, 2 bth, tile floors, garage, $900 + Dep 402 Pierce 3 bd 1 bth w/ garage $825 + dep.

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

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Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 per month.

Plus Sec. Dep. No Pets Allowed. Call (805) 3751458 or (661) 765-7678.

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HOMES FOR RENT

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GREAT SERVICE AT A LOW PRICE Fleet and Insurance Work Welcome

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MOBILE HOMES 2 Bed. 1 1/2 bath. 415 Kern Street. Detached garage in back. Large fenced back yard. pets ok. $695. plus $695 dep. Avail June 111th.

Zoned commercial.

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May 31 - 6, 2013

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

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Health and Safety: Kudos to U.S. Oil and Gas

By Robert L. Bradley Jr. You wouldn’t know it from media coverage, but America’s oil and natural gas industry is one of the safest. These businesses have established smart protocols to minimize the dangers to their personnel and prevent catastrophe.

Of course, there are exceptions. But they’re exceedingly rare and not at all indicative of the way average energy projects operate.

Visitors to an offshore drilling rig or production platform receive safety training and are outfitted with steel-toed boots, safety goggles, gloves, hearing protection, and a helmet. Once on the rig, their conduct is carefully monitored. And adherence to safe practices is mandatory.

Accidents do happen. Three incidents -- Santa Barbara (1969), Exxon Valdez (1989), and the Deepwater Horizon (2010) -- illustrate the industry’s challenges. Unanticipated, tragic incidents have resulted in very high private and public costs. But the industry has responded by developing new technologies and improved safety systems.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, a reluctant friend of oil and gas, recently said as much: “People of industry stood up and said, ‘We are going to get it right,’ and we are getting it right.”

Indeed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.3 incidents of injury and illness per 100 oil and gas workers in 2011. That’s compared with 3.5 incidents per 100 for the entire private sector. The U.S. offshore industry experienced an even lower rate.

Also in 2011, precisely zero pipeline workers experienced injuries or illnesses as a result of their jobs. This accomplishment is all the more impressive given trillions of cubic feet of natural gas and billions of gallons of oil traverse U.S. pipelines every year.

Federal data also show improvements in spill rates. A 2012 Interior Department report examined spill records from 1996 through 2010 (the year of the Deepwater Horizon incident). Researchers found offshore spill frequency was “relatively low,” despite the Gulf spill.

Unfortunately, environmental groups ignore this excellent safety and environmental record. Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, recently opined: “We need stronger safeguards and increased oversight to reduce the risk of accidents.” She went on to argue that “we need to prioritize safer forms of energy that don’t threaten the lives of our workers and foul our waters.”

Beinecke is exaggerating and forgetting. The density, scalability, and portability of oil, gas, and coal make them affordable, reliable, and flexible for average consumers. Wind turbines and solar panels are expensive, intermittent, and inflexible -- and have their own set of health and safety issues.

As reported by Paul Chesser of the National Legal and Policy Center, 2,000 pallets of unsold solar panels were recently discovered in Colorado and have been labeled toxic for cadmium. The company that manufactured the panels was Abound Solar, which received $70 million in federal stimulus loan guarantees before going belly-up.

Turns out Abound Solar had been producing 630 pounds of cadmium-compounds waste every month. According to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, some solar waste products are “end-of-life” level hazards.

And wind turbines don’t just kill birds by the thousands. They also present significant safety risks to humans. According to the Caithness Windfarm Information Forum, 162 industry accidents were documented worldwide in 2011. Blade failure was more common than structural failure or fire. Since the 1970s, 133 fatalities have occurred on turbines -- a high figure considering the relatively small size of the wind sector.

You might not know it from the media, but based on what we know, “alternative” energies are hardly cleaner, greener, or safer.

Robert L. Bradley Jr, CEO & Founder of the Institute for Energy Research, is author of seven books on energy history and public policy.

He blogs at www.masterresource.org.

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

May 31 - 6, 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

Fathers Day June 16th Shaw’s has a great selection of gifts for his 20% Off! SPECIAL DAY 20% Off! Jeans

Men’s

Leather Wallets Men’s Western Shirts - Belts and Silver Buckles Free Gift Wrapping

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Dog or Cat need grooming? Call Shaw’s for all your pet needs 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