Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Independent May 4 - 10, 2012

The Taft

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May 4 - 10, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 45

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

First Thursday & Farmers Market Kick Off Summer Season In Taft

Former TUHS Graduates, Now CHP Teach Driver Safety

Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration At 5th Street Plaza

By Nicole Frost

Black Gold Meet Harley Pinson, 4th District Supervisor Candidate

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May 4 - 10, 2012

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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

Email it to us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

Westside Watcher............4 Westside News..................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 CASA Corner....................8 Westside News..................9 Classified Ads.................10 Meet Harley Pinson......11 Westside News...............11

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

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

Taft Chamber Cinco De Mayo Celebration Saturday, May 5th Saturday, May 5, join the Taft District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau for the 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Taking place on 5th Street Plaza from 11am to 4pm, this event is sure to be a success. Mariachi Real de Jalisco will be performing, a talent show will occur, and Hercules Jump will have bounce houses for the kids. There will also be a beer garden and live music throughout the day. This

event is free to attend! For more information contact the Chamber at 765-2165.

WKOM Pioneer Days Saturday, May 5th

The West Kern Oil Museum’s annual Pioneer Days celebration will be held May 5.

The event will feature antique gas engines, a barbecue and plant sale. The Museum’s working blacksmith shop will also be up and running. Pioneer Days will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. The barbecue will be dished up beginning at 11:30 a.m. Admission is free, but the cost for the barbecue is $10 for adults, $5 for children under the age of 10. For more information contact the Oil Museum at 765-6664.

Taft Relay For Life Saturday & Sunday, May 19th & 20th Annual Taft Relay for Life is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 19th and 20th at TUHS. To get involved, contact La Nell Howell at 661-330-5606, lhowellrfl@gmail. com or visit online at: relayforlife.org/taftca

Maricopa VFW Annual Yard Sale and Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast This Saturday Maricopa VFW will be selling biscuits and gravy Saturday, May 5th starting at 7am for $5. The Ladies Auxilary will be having their annual yard sale starting at 7am and going til 3pm. There will be lots of good items for sale. Durring lunch time the men of the post will be selling hotdogs or hamburgers including chips and sodas for $6. Won’t you please come out and help us support our military men and women and our veterans.

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TUHS Seventh Street Players Will Play Willy Wonka

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Advertising Jessica Skidgel Layout & Design Jessica Skidgel Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins, Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

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Save The Date

Taft High Band Booster To Host “An Evening of Jazz” TUHS Band Boosters will be hosting “An Evening of Jazz.” The event will feature live jazz music from the Taft High Jazz Band along with dinner and dancing.

Dinner and dessert will be served by students of the Taft High Concert Band.

Proceeds from this event will be used to provide graduating seniors with college scholarships.

The event will be held on Friday, May 4 at the Taft Masonic Lodge, 521 North Street. Doors to the event will open at 5:30pm and dinner will be served at 6pm. The evening’s festivities are expected to last until 8pm. A limited number of tickets will be available. Individual tickets are available for a $25 donation.

Reserved tables for six people are also available for a $150 donation. A special Gold Package is also being offered for a $250 donation. This package includes a reserved table for six and the opportunity for an individual from your table to conduct the jazz band for one song.

The event is open to the public. Band alumni members are encouraged to attend. No alcoholic beverages will be served at the event. Tickets are available at the Taft Chamber of Commerce or from Amanda Posey at TUHS. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Robin Norton at (661)619-5771, Jane White at (661)623-1299, or Amanda Posey at (661)763-2351.

Taft Chamber Plans Cinco De Mayo Celebration on 5th Street Plaza Saturday, May 5, join the Taft District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau for the 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Taking place on 5th Street Plaza from 11am to 4pm, this event is sure to be a success. Mariachi Real de Jalisco will be performing, a talent show will occur, and Hercules Jump will have bounce houses for the kids (wristbands are available for $5 at the event).

Several Mexican food and craft vendors will be on hand as well as informational booths including the Mexican consulate offering information about their services and assisting the community with legal issues. There will be a beer garden and live music throughout the day. This event is free to attend!

Event sponsored by Harley Pinson, Campos Tire Service, Next Step Gym, Edward J Herrera Insurance, and Las Brasas Grill. Find the Taft Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/taft.chamber to stay up to date on all of the activities and events in Taft. Contact the Chamber at 765-2165 or 400 Kern Street for Vendor booths or more information.

Museum Pioneer Days The West Kern Oil Museum’s annual Pioneer Days celebration will be held May 5.

The event will feature antique gas engines, a barbecue and plant sale.

The Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Assoc., Inc. will display and run their unique gas engines.

The Museum’s working blacksmith shop will also be up and running.

Pioneer Days will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 3 p.m.

The barbecue will be dished up beginning at 11:30 a.m.

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

Yard sale June 1-2 It’s time to clean out your garage and storage areas.

The Museum’s annual Yard Sale will be June 1 and 2 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.

Upcoming Event Dates On The Westside

MAY

JUNE

3 Farmers Market Starts 4 TUHS Evening of Jazz 5 Chamber Cinco de Mayo Celebration and West Kern Oil Museum Bailing Out Days & BBQ 19-20 Fourth Annual Relay for Life 24 Kaiser Permanente mobile office grand opening

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

JULY

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

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4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

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

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

Taft Crude Coffee House Coffee House and Deli Monday – Friday 7 am to 4pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pm Sundays 7:30 am to 10 am 1010 6th Street, Taft 763-5156 Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Open Monday to Saturday Lunch served 9am-1pm Dinner served 5pm - 8pm 508 Center Street 765-6550

NOW OPEN

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM

Week of Friday, May 04, 2012 Through Thursday, May 10, 2012 Marvel’s The Avengers (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (2:45), 6:00, 9:15 Sat & Sun: (11:30 AM), (2:45), 6:00, 9:15 Mon - Thu: (5:30), 8:45 Act of Valor (R) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:40), 7:10, 9:45 Sat & Sun: (11:45 AM), (2:05), (4:40), 7:10, 9:45 Mon - Thu: (5:10), 7:45 The Prairie Pirates (NR) Fri: (4:30), 6:45, 8:50 Sat & Sun: (12:00), (2:15), (4:30), 6:45, 8:50 Mon - Thu: (5:45), 8:00

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

Industry Night Sponsored by Harley Pinson for Supervisor Next Wednesday, May 2nd Bar opens at 4:30pm and dinner served at 7:30pm Come out for a great dinner and great drinks, door prizes and 50/50

Good Question? In Concert for Relay for Life Who wants to see Taft’s own Good Question? They will be playing at the Taft Petroleum Club May 12 at 6pm. There will be an auction for a date with band members and some of their closest friends! All proceeds go to Relay for Life for cancer research. There will be lots of raffle prizes, free stuff and great music for just a $5 cover charge. So make sure you come and help Good Question give to this wonderful cause.

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

Taft City Council Update

By Kent Miller Taft City Councilmembers faced an explosive issue at their Tuesday evening meeting, but managed to pull their way out of it.

One-by-one, city staff and the four councilmembers in attendance drew slips out of a basket, determining who would operate four Safe and Sane Fireworks stands in the city limits this year. The winners, in the order in which they were drawn, are: * First Samoan Assembly of God Church; * Taft Lions Club; * Taft Sportsmen’s Club-IDPA; * Midway-Sunset Lions Foundation.

Calvary Temple is the alternate and would operate a booth if one of the four withdrew.

Fox Theater A request from the Taft Fox Theater owners Kent Coke and David Mann for an emergency loan for installing air conditioning in the main theater and lobby was tabled.

Coke had planned to attend the meeting, city staff said, but was unable to for health reasons and the council had questions Mann was unable to answer by phone during the meeting.

City staff reported that the request was a stop-gap measure until the owners would know if they were going to receive a government loan to cover the cost of replacing the air condition unit that served the larger main theater and the lobby. The unit serving the two smaller theaters is operational, the council was told.

But without air conditioning the larger theater would have to be closed during the summer and without all three theaters open, the Taft Fox wouldn’t qualify for first-run movies and would have to close.

Councilmember Dave Noerr pointed out that the business plan presented to the council showed that a new unit would cost $17,000 and didn’t list any labor costs, while the owners were asking for $34,500. The plan also stated that the type of refrigerant to be used with the new unit was not in compliance with standards and would void the warranty on the equipment, Noerr noted.

“I don’t understand the non-complete business plan,” he said. “We have a duty to watch over the people’s money. I would have to deny the request based on the information we have now.”

The owners offered projection equipment valued at $40,000 as collateral and were willing to accept a 26-month loan at 6 percent interest.

Mann told the council that he didn’t have the information at hand Tuesday night to answer their questions.

Councilmember Orchel Krier made a motion to table the matter until questions could be answered and Councilmember Ron Waldrop seconded the motion. Noerr and Councilmember Paul Linder, acting as mayor in the absence of Randy Miller, concurred and the matter will be brought back to the council at its May 15 meeting.

Mann said he understood the council’s concerns.

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant

May 4 - 10, 2012 Other matters In other matters, the council approved: * A resolution determining that former Police Chief Burtus Pumphrey has a work-related disability for the purpose of the Public Employees Retirement Law; * The boundaries of the Targeted Employment Area as related to the Taft Enterprise Zone and submission of an application to the California Housing and Community Development Department for a TEA designation; * A resolution confirming city ownership of the “Railroad” (Rails to Trails) property, as transferred by Taft Community Development Agency in 2011; * Waived the soft costs and minimum fee in connection with the Laborers of the Harvest’s acquisition of three properties at 315317 Center St. to continue food bank activities.

Cal State University Employees Authorize Strike If Talks Fail California State University employees have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a series of two-day strikes if a new contract cannot be reached.

Lillian Taiz, president of the California Faculty Association, which represents 24,000 professors, librarians, coaches and counselors in the 23-campus system, said Wednesday nearly 95 percent of members voted in favor of the strike authorization.

The union has proposed “rolling” strikes in which groups of campuses would go out on strike for two days each, one group following another.

University spokesman Michael Uhlenkamp says talk of a strike is premature as bargaining is ongoing with talks scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

The 400,000-student system is dealing with a $970 million loss in state funding since 2008, raising tuition and slashing staff as a result.

Maricopa Tea Room Specials Wednesday, May 9th: Fettuccini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken, Salad and Bread Thursday, May 10th: Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in Marinara Sauce with Salad and Bread Friday, May 11th: Meatball Sub with Salad and Bread

Telephone: 769-8231 Extension 5 323 CYCLE KATZ INC. HAS MOVED TO 320 HARRISON ST. 745-4931

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200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

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May 4 - 10, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

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

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

Together we will build our future!

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

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

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

Mother’s Day Event Pamper yourself, your mother, your daughter, and your friends with a free facial.

Enter to win a Gift Basket

Estimated value $121 of Mary Kay products Drawing to be held @ 6:30 Where: 500 Cascade Place (preschool room) When: Sunday, May 6th Times: 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, 3:00, 4:30, 6:00 Hosted by: Carla Jones, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant 348-2554 Tisha Ryerson, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant 565-8142

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Taft Residents Have Reason to Worry over Our Bad Air

By Jane McCabe

Black Gold Cafe and Deli Pastas • Sandwiches Espresso • Beer • Wine

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Open Monday-Saturday 6am - 8pm Sandwiches & Salads

What does Bakersfield have in common with Los Angeles, Mexico City and Beijing, China? All are cities that have very bad air quality. The American Lung Association reports that the residents of Bakersfield and Kern County are breathing some of the worst air anywhere. They rate Bakersfield as #1 in the country for bad air.

The reason is simple. The San Joaquin Valley is enormous stretching all the way from Bakersfield north to Sacramento. It is one of the primary bread baskets of the country, supplying much of the country’s oranges, almonds, pistachios, carrots, and grapes. More oil is being drilled here than anywhere else in the country. And yet, besides being a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables and a source of much needed oil, its air accumulates a great number of pollutants—ozone and other fine particles— which are bad for our lungs and deadly for those suffering from breathing difficulties such as asthma and COPD. Think of the San Joaquin Valley as a huge basin that tips to the south. Bakersfield is at its southern tip. All the pollution created by the trucks barreling up and down Interstate 5 and industrial pollution drifts south to Bakersfield. And there it sits because it cannot go over the mountains further south. It’s no wonder that sometimes the hazy smog created is so thick we can’t see the mountains surrounding the valley.

Mexico City and Beijing have the same problem. There is a lot of traffic with vehicles that use fossil fuel and emit gases into the atmosphere. They are basins where the polluted air settles and cannot escape. The last time I flew to Mexico City a cloud of dirty brown air cloaked the entire city. Los Angeles has a similar problem when no air is moving inward from the ocean…

Last winter was mild and dry, all of which increases worry about what kind of summer is ahead. We fear that it may be hotter than usual and water may be more scarce. Air pollution may be worse than ever.

Air pollution is a major threat to human health. It sends people to emergency rooms, shapes how children’s lungs develop and kills through the development of serious respiratory illnesses.

Polluted air contains particulate matter—lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide—all of which can cause problems in people with allergies or asthma. Even if pollution is low, airborne pollen and mold can make a trip outdoors particularly daunting for people with respiratory conditions.

Local weather stations often provide this information on their websites, and radio stations typically give ozone alerts. In addition, many websites can tell us if pollutants, ozone, or pollen counts are high in our area on any given day.

There are no immediate solutions to the problem. People, particularly those whose lungs are most compromised, can do a couple of things. It’s best for them to live in air conditioned houses but who can afford the cost of air conditioning?

Don’t exercise outside when the air is really bad. Use air purifiers.

Grow a lot of plants. Certain plants can help clean your indoor air day and night. Keep your windows closed at night… If you smoke, STOP SMOKING IMMEDIATELY! Teach your children to stay as far away as they can from cigarettes…

I wish there was some upbeat way to conclude this dreary article but I can’t think of any.

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6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration This Saturday

By Nicole Frost

Also coming back are First Thursdays. On the “First Thursday” of the month, several downtown businesses and restaurants will stay open later for your shopping convenience.

“Businesses that are Chamber members will stay open later and offer special deals on “first Thursdays,” commented Chamber director Kathy Orrin.

On Saturday, the Taft District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau will be hosting their 2nd annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. There will be a bounce house provided by Hercules Jump, a Talent Show and a performance by Mariachi Real de Jalisco. The event is free, but wrist bands for the bounce house will be on sale for $5. Also, there will be craft vendors on hand as well as informational booths including the Mexican consulate offering information about their services and assisting the community with legal issues. The event is sponsored by Harley Pinson, Campos Tire Service, Next Step Gym, Edward J Herrera Insurance, and Las Brasas Grill. Come to the 5th street plaza for food, music, and more!

May 4 - 10, 2012

Relay For Life Survivors Social Kicks Off Relay Season In Taft

Good Question Benefit Concert For Relay For Life By Nicole Frost

Summer is just around the corner and that means that the Farmer’s Market and “First Thursdays” are coming back to kick off the season. Also, Taft’s second annual Cinco de Mayo celebration is this Saturday in the 5th Street Plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Farmer’s Market returned to the 5th Street Plaza on May 3 and will be returning every Thursday until September 27. The market takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and cherries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, mixed greens, onions, beets, oranges, and eggplant are just some of the items that will be sold.

The Taft Chamber of Commerce is also accepting any vendors selling snow cones, jewelry, clothing, purses, and other non-farm items. If you have a backyard garden, it is very easy to become a certified produce vendor. Just contact the Chamber at 765-2165 for additional information or to participate. The market will be accepting EBT later in the season.

Blue Jeans & Bling Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

Local band Good Question is hosting a concert and dance party at the Petroleum Club on May 13th. All proceeds are going to the American Cancer Society on behalf of Relay for Life.

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

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

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

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!

Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes Children’s Jeans & Shirts Monday - Friday 11am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Host a party 415 Center Street Visit us on Facebook sales@bluejeansandbling.com

763-9100

Shop Our Huge Selection of Half Priced Books!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Taft Crude Coffee House

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

Jessica Miller, Barbara Duggins, a Hero for Hope, and Shannon Jones

On April 29, cancer survivors and their guests attended the Survivor Social at the Historic Fort. Forty-five survivors received their purple shirts and were inspired by guest speaker Barbara Duggins, a Hero for Hope. Her courageous battle with cancer and support from family and friends as many members of her family battled as well was an inspirational message of Hope and Fight. Thank you to our Midway-Sunset Lions for making the delicious lunch and to the Girl Scout Troup 2155 for decorating for the event.

Taft Relay for Life is coming up on May 19-20 at TUHS. This is the 4th annual event for the Taft Relay for Life and we encourage everyone to come walk a lap or two, participate in the events, and help raise money for a great cause. The event kicks off with Opening Ceremonies and the Survivor Lap at 8:30am, followed by the Caregiver Lap, and the team laps, which continue for 24 hours. To register as a survivor, log on to www.relayforlife.org/taftca.

Survivor Committee Co-Chairs Jessica and Shannon are looking for donations for the survivor area, an area reserved for survivors to relax, grab a bite to eat, and cool off from the heat. Monetary donations to cover the cost of items or donations of items such as muffins, bagels, fruits, yogurts, drinks, snacks, and more will be accepted. To make a donation, please contact them at 765-2165. We look forward to seeing you at the event.

Black Gold Cafe and Deli Thank You Taft!

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

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

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

May 4 - 10, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

CHP Hold Pilot Driver Safety Program For TUHS Students

Two brothers, Taft High graduates now working as CHP officers, know too well what it is like to lose a loved one to a car crash and they brought that firsthand knowledge to Taft High students in a pilot driver safety program Wednesday, May 2.

Officers Lonn and Tye Meeks recalled how their older brother,

Photos by Jim Carnal CHP officers Lonn and Tye Meeks pose by a cruiser behind a FritoLay tractor-trailer rig. The car cannot be seen from the truck’s cab Forrest, died in a two-car accident on Taft Highway east of the canal in March 1997 when he was 23. It was a freak accident. Both cars got too near the center divider and the opposing car sheared off Forrest’s side mirror and sent it crashing into his head, killing him instantly, Lonn said. Forrest was two years older than Lonn and they played sports together and shared a love of the outdoors.

“One single mistake can become a tragedy,” he said. “I was there when my father told my mother. To see the devastation it causes families. It’s not something that goes away,” Lonn said. “It made me go into the traffic division and into traffic safety,” after graduating from Taft High in 1994.

cles, he added. “In most cases, it was preventable.” Of the fatalities from the one-sided crashes, 86 percent are in the smaller vehicles.

Seventytwo Kern County residents died in vehicular accidents in 2011.

Forty-two thousand Americans die annually.

Crashes are the No. 1 cause of death among teens. In Students read information about a fatal accident posted the past on the back of a Frito-Lay semi. four years, the length of time a student is in high school, 67 Kern County 14- to 18-yearolds were killed in traffic accidents, about the same number of students that listened intently to each of the day’s seven presentations. Taft High was chosen in part because highways 119 and 46 are “two of the deadliest highways in California,” Tye said.

Students were allowed to climb up into the Frito-Lay cab to get a trucker’s-eye view. It was more what they didn’t see, than what they did see. The CHP cruiser parked 20 feet behind the semis was entirely blocked by view because of the truck’s sheer size. “Trucks need a space cushion to maneuver and brake,” Tye warned. Junior Rebecca Jackson said, “It made me see things from a different perspective. When you see people passing trucks, (now I know) they can’t (always) see you.”

The brothers concluded their presentation with a truck’s booming air horn blast and the warning: “Don’t let that be the last thing you hear. Driving is a privilege. If you don’t respect it, you could end up in a (“Red Asphalt”) video. Don’t make me tell your parents, ‘Your son or daughter is dead.’ ”

The PLACE Place THE 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Country Barn Dance Saturday, May 12th

$12.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, Salad, Beans & Bread

Family Fun Begins at 2pm with Horseshoe Tournament Dinner Served at 5pm Live Music by Yesteryear at 7pm Full outdoor bar will be provided by the Cuyama Valley Exchange Club

Feel free to spend the night!

Camp or bring your R.V.

SARA FOSTER is now available for your hair care needs by appointment at

Special Effects Salon Please call me at 661-765-5555, ext. 202 or by visiting me at 620 6th Street.

Thank you to all my loyal clients.

I hope to see you soon.

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

Senior Alexis Bierer gets a trucker’s-eye view of things.

The Meeks tried to impress upon hundreds of current Taft High students pulled from their PE classes for one day that one mistake while you are driving can led to catastrophic consequences.

The program, the brainstorm of CHP division commander Dave Wymore, focused on big rig vs. car accidents and included a FritoLay delivery truck and a CHP car outside Mullen gym accompanied by a “Red Asphalt” clip inside the gym. The pilot program was well received by teachers and students and may be expanded to other high schools. Taft High Superintendent/Principal Mark Richardson said, “We are excited to work with our partners in the CHP and Frito-Lay to help promote student safety.”

Officer Tye Meeks, TUHS class of 1996, gave some grim statistics, about crashes between semi tractor-trailer rigs and vehicles.

“It’s the law of physics.” Semis are 20 and 30 times the weight of cars and pickups,” he said. “And, these trucks can haul 80,000 pounds. Your vehicles weigh absolutely nothing compared to these trucks. You are going to lose.” The drivers of the smaller vehicles cause 70 percent of the accidents between semis and smaller vehi-

Shirts $.25 Pants $.50

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

Sunday

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

WE HAVE MOVED! NOW AT 428 CENTER ST. We Take Donations!

Drop Off Or Call For A Pick Up! 745-4963

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

8

Liberty Under Fire

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Is the Constitution Relevant to Local Government?

By Dr. Harold Pease Several years ago, at a public debate for county supervisor in a California community, the public was invited to offer questions in writing. I did so and watched the monitor of the debate, with a puzzled look on his face, sideline my question in preference to others. I presumed it was because it had something to do with the Constitution, which, unfortunately, is considered by many an irrelevant topic at the city, county, or even state level. You are supposed to ask what “goodies” from taxpayer funding can you give to me and, is it more than your opponent. The other evening, at a similar debate, I experienced a more receptive response; at least my question was asked.

So what does the Constitution have to do with local or state issues a friend later asked? Everything!! First, it is the only document that every single elected public servant swore to uphold. So the Founders must have thought it relevant at every level.

Second, candidates at lower levels successfully rise to higher levels because of the name recognition obtained at lower levels and eventually become members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, often without ever having read the Constitution they are specifically under oath to protect. When I worked as a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate some years ago, I was certain at least 50% had never read it. Today I would be surprised if those who had read it exceeded 10%.

But no one asks candidates, even while campaigning at the highest levels, when they last read it.

So tell me again why it matters? Historically, the two enemies of freedom have been, and always will be, 1) it is the nature of all governments to pull decision making power upward to the seat of government and 2) the more apathetic and indifferent the population becomes, the greater the tendency of the people to push decision making power upwards to the seat of government. When these two forces work together, it always leads to the central government eventually having all the power. The Constitution is full of “handcuffs” to keep decision-making power from getting to the top thus maximizing it with the individual. The Founders overriding philosophy of government, if it could be penned into one sentence, was, “never elevate to a higher level that which can be resolved at a lesser level.”

Even a casual look at the Constitution reveals the separation of powers on the federal level into three distinct branches the legislative, executive, and judicial—each with a specific list: for Congress it was a list of the four types of law they could make (Art. I, Sec. 8), for the president it was the types of executive functions he could execute (Art. II, Sec. 2-3), and for the Supreme Court the types of cases it could adjudicate (Art. III, Sec. 2). The lists exist so that they do not have all power in each area. The only type of federal government authorized by the Founders was decidedly a limited one. What is not emphasized, and should be, from the state, county and city perspective is that all other powers not specified belong to the states and the people as per Amendment 10.

When these limitations are not understood, the federal government is constantly tempted to steal authority from the states or counties as per its confiscating environmental, health, and education issues, which are 100%, state issues. States should use the Tenth Amendment to tell the federal government to “butt out.” “You have no Constitutional authority.” When Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the National Defense Authorization Act, December 31, both states and counties should have written Congress. “You do not have the right to void Amendments 4, 5, 6, and 8, of The Bill of Rights and the Writ of Habeas Corpus for our citizens. The military shall not arrest any of our citizens.”

When President Barack Obama issued an executive order March 16 authorizing himself to declare “martial law” without any authorization from any other government, states and counties should in unison have said “not in our areas of jurisdiction without our say so! Sir! The Constitution gives you no such authority.”

City, county, and state leaders, you are our buffer from the federal government taking from you your areas of jurisdiction.

They have done so for many years because you were complacent in it, or, ignorant of the Constitution. You have placed us in the position that your understanding of the document must be known before we place you in power. Our only hope now is to find leaders with Constitutional fire in their bellies to undo the precedents that you have created. All issues on the city and county level are directly or indirectly Constitutional issues. We expect you to know, and abide by, the document that you swore to uphold.

Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

U.S. Rate on 30 Year Mortgage Hits Record Low of 3.84 Percent Average U.S. rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, offering more incentive for Americans to buy or refinance homes.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year loan fell to 3.84 percent, the lowest since long-term mortgages began in the 1950s. That’s below the previous record rate of 3.87 percent reached in February.

The 15-year mortgage, a popular option for refinancing, dropped to 3.07 percent, also a record. The previous record of 3.11 percent was hit three weeks ago.

Cheaper mortgage rates haven’t done much to boost home sales. Rates have been below 4 percent for all but one week since early December. Yet sales of both previously occupied homes and new homes fell in March.

Analysts suspect some of that weakness reflected a warm winter, which pulled sales that would normally occur during the spring buying season into January and February.

Still, many potential buyers can’t qualify for loans or afford higher down payments required by banks.

Home prices in many cities continue to fall, making those that can afford to buy uneasy about entering the market.

And many who can afford to buy or refinance have already taken advantage of lower rates.

Mortgage rates are lower because they tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Mixed news on the U.S. economy and Europe’s debt

crisis have led investors to buy more Treasurys, which are considered safe investments. As demand for Treasurys increases, the yield falls.

To calculate the average rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country on Monday through Wednesday of each week.

The average rage does not include extra fees, known as points, which most borrowers must pay to get the lowest rates. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount.

The average fee for 30-year loans was 0.8 last week, up from 0.7 the previous week. The fee on 15-year loans was 0.7, the same as last week.

The average on one-year adjustable rate loans also dropped to a record low of 2.7 percent last week, down from 2.74 percent last week. The fee on oneyear adjustable rate mortgages was 0.6, unchanged from last week.

May 4 - 10, 2012

CASA Seeks Volunteers

By Jane McCabe CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. The people who become CASA’s volunteer to work with a court-appointed child within the Juvenile Justice System. Once appointed they have access to all information regarding the child. They visit the child once a week (as opposed to social workers, who only see them once a month.) They can take them on outings. They make an 18 month commitment to work with a particular child or until the case is dismissed. They become the extra eyes and ears for the judge and are often instrumental in determining the child’s fate.

“The CASA volunteer is often the only stable person in the child’s life,” says Pamela Spitzer who recently visited with the Taft Chamber of Commerce to talk about CASA and recruit new volunteers. There is a high need for new CASA volunteers in Taft, as it’s hard to find people willing to undertake this responsibility in the outlying areas. There is a desperate need for male volunteers.

A CASA volunteer must be at least 21 years old, undergo 35 hours of training, a background check, and be fingerprinted.

CASA was started in Seattle, Washington, during the 1970’s and has been part of the juvenile system in Kern County for 18 or 19 years.

Colleen McGauley, Executive Director of the Kern County CASA program, says that a new training program will start on May 29th at 2000 24th Street in Bakersfield. The schedule of topics covered each night is below.

She can be reached at cmcauley@kerncasa.org. Her telephone number is 661.631.2272.

That CASAs volunteer is integral to the program: the children have been bounced around from relatives to foster homes, where people are paid to look after them. It leaves an impression on them that there are some who are willing to help without payment for their efforts.

Being or having been a CASA looks good on one’s résumé Ms. McGauley says this is the Child Abuse Hot Line for Kern County: 6316011.

Anyone can call and leave a detailed message, giving such information as locations, addresses, car licenses and the like. If a situation seems really dire, please call 911.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

May 4 - 10, 2012

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

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

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111 Ice Blended Mocha Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors Open 7 Days - 765-6556 508 Center Street • Taft

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

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.

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 9:00A.M. English 11:00A.M. Spanish

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.

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

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

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

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley

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

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

www.nlctaft.org or nlctaft@bak.rr.com

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS

Advertise

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.

WIth The Taft Independent

Call Today!

765-6550

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550

For Rent

426 Shattuck

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

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

Wednesday.

Huge team yard sale realy for life. at qik smog 10th and A st. Saturday 5th 8am-3pm.

312 E Lucard alley entrance Sat., May 5th Furniture and much more. come see!

Preserving for the Future

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

480 Terrace Drive. Sat and Sun. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Storage auction contents. Household items and collectables.

Huge garage sale 7am-? 334 Pine Dr. Alley Entrance.

Halltree, futon, table, tv, appliances, bedding, tons of children and adult clothes.

Rummage Sale Church of God 419 Polk St. Saturday, May 5th 7am to Noon, Clothing, all sizes & seasons, shoes, toys, household and more!

Huge Moving Sale!

Cookbooks (large collection), fine glassware, refrigerators, gas range, furniture, TVs, tools, golf equip., and much more! Friday to Sunday, May 4-6 9am to 3pm 527 Grant Terrace, Taft.

Youth Fund Raiser Yard Sale 704 Vista Via Dr. from 7 to 11 on 5/5 Final estate sale. 334 Parkview Circle. 8a.m. to noon. Sat. New items. Appliances.

Saturday 612 Lincoln 8am to 4pm. Tools, toys, glassware & clothes.

3 FAMILY YARDSALE, FRI & SAT @ 8AM-2PM 202 E. SAN EMIDIO ST

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

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

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.

Are you a widow? Do you wonder what on earth am I here for?

Widows meet twice a month on Tuesday 10 a.m. at the Buena Vista Mobile Home Club House. If interested, call June Selby 763-4845.

Business Services

CHILD CARE SERVICES

Wanted

WANTED

Taft PC Services

___________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS 133 Lexington Ave. Saturday, May 5 7am12pm

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

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

CLEANING SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552 Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts.

Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661-293-0359 or 661-765-6497. We will pick up!

For Sale FOR SALE Items for sale. 211 Adams St. Ice O Matic commercial ice machine, one year old $800 OBO. 6234296.

AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS LOST PETS

Employment HELP WANTED

American Greetings Part Time Possition vailable. Merchandising greeting card dept., http:/careeres. americangreetings.com Choose merchandiser application, Territory number 2786. EOE Short order cook and bartender.

Tumbleweed cafe.

Must have experience.

809-4634.

TC Student wanted for part time waitress.

Experience required.

765-6556.

Experienced writer wanted. 765-6550

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

APART. FOR RENT

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

Community

Business Services

application 661-6197614 or 765-9508

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax:

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

May 4 - 10, 2012

Real Estate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

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

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

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

Imperial Gardens 424 Woodrow Street 2bd $625 mo. 1bd $550 mo. Stove fridge, dishwasher, pool, private car port. 661623-3699 or 661-7654299.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr.

Get It Rented!

MOBILE HOMES

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 418 San Emidio 1/1 $500 420 ½ San Emidio 2/1 $600 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $700 315 7th Street 1/1 Furnished! $850 302 Jefferson 2/1 $850 111 Lexington 2+1 $875 304 Calvin 2/1 $900 116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000 426 D St 3/1 $1,000 535 B Street 3/1 $1,000 302 E San Emidio 3/1.75+ pool! $1,300 501 F St. Quality, smaller 2 bd. 1 ba. $625 + 625 dep. 1 car gar. Lrg shop w\fenced yd. w\RV parking. 763-4373.

402 Pierce St. 3bd/1ba 1 car garage + shop $889 mo. + dep. 661343-0507 707 Filmore 3bd/1ba $780 mo. + dep. 661343-0507 27595 Valley West Rd. 2bd/1 ba, w&d included avail 5/1. $700 mo + dep. 805-712-0354.

3bd/1ba 513 Fillmore St. $800 mo. + dep. Call for application 661-6197641 or 765-9508.

HOMES FOR SALE

Avail. 6/1 3bd/2ba 515 Filmore St. 2 car garage, covered carport, $850 mo. + dep. Call for

Air Conditioning & Heating

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

West Side Real Estate And Property Management

OPENING SOON

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

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

HOMES FOR RENT

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Meet Harley Pinson, 4th District Supervisor Candidate

Harley Pinson, second from left with his wife CIndy and their two children.

I am running for 4th District Board of Supervisor here in Kern County.

My wife Cindy and I have been married for 38 years and have raised both of our children in Kern County. Our family has resided in beautiful Kern County for 30 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Jurist Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific. I enthusiastically support my wife Cindy who currently serves as the President of the Bakersfield Republican Women, Federated. We are members of St. Paul’s Anglican Parish in Bakersfield.

My professional career has been primarily as a strategic and legal counsel, serving on management and project teams in the petroleum industry, for a total of 27 years with Getty Oil Company and Occidental Petroleum Corporation, including 8 ½ years as Occidental’s chief business lawyer at the Elk Hills oilfield southwest of Bakersfield. Since 2007 I have been associated with the Klein, Denatale, Goldner law firm in Bakersfield with a practice in oil and gas transactions and international business. If elected to the Board of Supervisors, I will cease to practice law and will devote 100% of my time to serving the great community of Kern County.

As a steady advocate for business and jobs I am very involved and active in many of Kern County’s civic organizations, including: being a Charter Member of Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary, served as its President in 20022003, and am currently a member of Bakersfield West Rotary. I served on the board of Junior Achievement of Bakersfield and served as its President. I am also the founding chair of the International Business and Trade committee of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce and served on the chamber’s Governmental Review Council. I am a member of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce. I am a board member of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and have served on the board of the Bakersfield Sister City Project. I am a strong supporter of California State University, Bakersfield serving on the board of the CSUB Roadrunner Club; Cindy and I are members of the CSUB’s President’s Associates. I twice chaired the committee for the John Brock Award for Community Service dinner and served for two years as chair of the Executive Advisory Council of the School of Business and Public Administration. I am a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

I am deeply committed to the western communities of Taft, Maricopa, and Frazier Park. I am a member of the Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. I am also a member of the American Petroleum Institute San Joaquin Valley Chapter, Kern County Cattlemen’s Association and the Kern County Farm Bureau. As a member of these boards and associations, I am directly familiar with the issues facing these communities.

I will devote my time and diligence in service to the people of the Fourth District and will honor my constituents daily in voting to improve the unique needs of the vast Fourth District. I’ll provide a steady drum beat from the top that will remain politically uninfluenced because I’m not a political insider; I’m not a longtime officeholder. I will not bend to the power and influence of the public employee unions, nor am I a career politician with ambitions to serve higher office. I am a citizen statesman concerned about making good decisions about the issues at hand and not having to worry about the political consequences in making that tough decision. I will fight for real common sense solutions to the problems of Kern County.

I’ve decided to seek election to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for two main reasons. Number one is jobs – our people need jobs, private sector, non-taxpayer-funded jobs. Number two priority is to re-establish accountability in government by increasing transparency in county government. That starts with increasing private sector job growth and significantly reducing the influence of public employee unions in Kern County.

I am engaged in this community. Kern County is changing and is com-

plex. I am personally familiar with the issues that affect us. We have high unemployment, poor scoring schools, and a burdensome government.

Balancing budgets, cutting cost of government, and gaining accountability will be my mission.

Perhaps it’s time to elect a person who has seen the changes in Kern County from outside of government and is willing to work with community groups and leaders. How about a leader who possesses the expertise to deal with complex issues, compile information, analyze and interpret to make the best choices for Kern County, yet at the same time make it understandable for the everyday citizen. I bring a fresh approach and viewpoint to local government.

If elected, I will insist that county government become more transparent and cost effective and stay closer to the residents of Kern County. As a seasoned attorney, dealing with complex matters pertaining to the law, I am well equipped to handle intricate and at times difficult issues that appear before the board. I will work diligently where possible to earn a consensus. I will not be one to grandstand, I will be able to work with the board, and if necessary stand on my own beliefs and principles; developing efficiency in government and a vision as to how county departments can better work together for effective accountability.

My vision for Kern County includes expanding

our business base beyond the staple industries of agriculture and oil and not at their expense. I believe that an educated workforce is good for all business owners and the community at large.

It is extremely important for the residents of Kern County that private business thrives, thus building an economically secure community. My plan communicates to all stakeholders the value of thinking beyond the current budget cycle; I’ll work together with business owners and community partners to break new ground and find new solutions to ensure Kern County is diverse in its economic base.

I believe that local government is established to empower the residents and not encumber them.

One of my first priorities is getting a handle on the issue of unfunded pension liabilities. Our county must solve this because if too much of the finances continue to be allocated to pension costs that is money and resources that cannot be allocated to roads, streets, parks, education, animal control, and economic growth. Kern County employee retirement costs vaulted from $60 million in 2005, to $206 million for 2012.

A union-backed candidate is surely not the best choice to get our pension mess under control.

We are the “bread basket” for the world. The Central Valley of California produces more than $40 billion annually in agricultural products. It is important to make sure that burdensome regulation like Cap and Trade does not cripple our economy further. I will work tirelessly to achieve a greater water supply flow south to maximize production from all of our farmland. Water is the necessary ingredient in creating a productive agricultural economy. Water will help us continue to provide food for the world, and jobs for Californians.

I am not a career politician, I do not bow to special interests, and I will work very hard for you and your community. I sincerely ask for your vote on Tuesday, June 5.

Meet David Couch next week.

Weekly Gas Price Update & Outlook Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen 2.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.14/g Monday, April 30th. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.81/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, April 30th were 9.2 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 15.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 8.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 10.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Unsurprisingly, the average price for a gallon of regular self-serve continues to drop in a majority of communities across the United States,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The national average now stands nearly 10-cents per gallon lower than the same date a year ago, but will we hear an end to complaining about gasoline prices at the pump? Perhaps the rhetoric will wind down, but with summer around the corner, any sudden increase in price of gasoline will have Americans virtually calling for the heads of politicians in November,” DeHaan said.

Plan de Celebracion del Cinco de Mayo de la Camara Comercial de la Ciudad de Taft La Camera de Comercial de Taft fue contactado por Claudia DelgadoMatus del consulado mexicano. Ella es el Cultural y el Oficial de Laision de asuntos comunitarios. Tendra una cabina en nuestro evento del Cinco de Mayo, Sabado a 11am haste 4pm de le Plaza de calle 5 para dar informacion sobre matriculas y otros documentos legales y transacciones, asi como informacion de sus servicios. Aqui podre escuchar musica de Mariachi Real de Jalisco, participar en nuestro programa de talento, y disfrutar unas platillos authenticos de Mexico.

Los primeros patrocinadores son Harley Pinson, Campos Tire Service, Next Step Gym, Edward J Herrera Insurance y Las Brasas Grill. Llama la Camera de Comercial a 765-2165 o www.taftchamber.com

David Couch Proposes a Citizen Board of Supervisor Today David Couch endorsed the concept of a part-time Board of Supervisor like the part-time City Council that exists in every City in Kern County. This proposal dove tails with Assemblymember Shannon Grove’s Citizen Legislature Initiative which proposes a part-time State Legislature, among other things. This idea has never formally been proposed by a candidate for supervisor in Kern County.

The idea was floated by David Couch at an interview with the Bakersfield Californian editorial board. “For County Government to run more like a business it has to be structured more like a business with a CEO (Chief Executive Officer). That is the council-manager form of government that most cities utilize. If the County were to move in the direction of a strong CAO (County Administrative Officer) it would only make sense for the Supervisor’s compensation to be reduced dramatically,” commented Couch.

Kern County Supervisors have over a $2.5 million budget made up of salaries and office expenses. David Couch’s proposal would cut their budget by over 20% or $500,000. Supervisors now average $117,000 in salaries annually. This proposal would reduce current Supervisor salaries by at least 80%.

David Couch said, “In these hard economic times when businesses have had to reduce their spending and families have had to cut back on their expenses it is only right that County Government look to do the same. I believe we have to lead by example and this is a good start.”

David Couch has been a Bakersfield City Councilman for 14 years.

For more information on David Couch’s Citizen Board of Supervisor visit David’s website at votecouch.com, Facebook @DavidCouchforSupervisor2012 or on Youtube@ VoteCouch. Voters are also urged to sign the Assemblymember Shannon Grove’s Citizen Legislature Initiative by visiting citizenlegislaturenow.com

12

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