California Presidential Primary Election

Independent June 1 - 7, 2012

The Taft

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

June 1 - 7, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 49

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

Laborers of the Harvest Propose Move to Center Street

TUHS Teachers & Scholar Of The Year

Our Wes Morris Breaks Down State Propositions & County Measures Second Issue Of A Sharp Piece Of Awesome Release Party June 9th

MESSENGER AUTOMOTIVE SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

Over 36 Years Experience Combined

Taftindependent.com

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

SENIOR & 531 Center Street MILITARY DISCOUNTS (661)763-1123 Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers

WE SERVICE MOST MAKES AND MODELS

*Must ask for discount

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Shop Taft

Passion For Nails Nail Services:

Preparing America’s Taxes Since 1955

Gel Polish • Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

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

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Graduation Charm Watch Batteries With 18 inch Box Chain Both Silver 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 $28.00 Total

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

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

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

June 1 - 7, 2012

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

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

426 Center Street

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

Corky’s Are Back!

New Arrival of Corky’s & Hide N Sole Womens Flip Flops Coming This Week!

(661)763-5451

Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public We are an Independent Agency With Many Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies To Best Suit Your Needs

Why go to Bakersfield? We’re here!

We Represent You To Give You The Best Service

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates Lic # B-721903

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

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527 Brand Clothing Shoes • Jewelry A Hint of Class Name Accessories & More

Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

SPRING SPECIALS

$5 Off Any Phone $99 or More

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

For Your Grads & Dads Picture Frames • Perfume & Cologne Yankee Candles & More!

Our Friendly Staff

417 1/2 Center Street Taft, Ca 93268 (661)745-4920 Lic. # 0277365 www.edherrerainsurance.com

Ten Percent Firearms

INTERNATIONAL CALLING $1 of credit for new customers

Hablamos Espanol 661-745-4954 610 Center St.

NOW OPEN L CKYLAND Internet Sweepstakes Cafe 522 Center Street 661-745-4980 18 And Over

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

WE HAVE MOVED! Now located at 210 6th Street

FREE

Tire Rotation & Brake Check Plus We will check all fluids & tire pressure *Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

39

Plus Tax

$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Exp. June 30, 2012

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

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

(661)763-4176

Electronics • Prepaid Phones Service • Accessories

WE SHIP!

June 1 - 7, 2012

Inside Community Events.........3

Community Events News Briefs Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

News Briefs......................3

Have a community event that you would like to include?

Email it to us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

Westside Watcher............4 Letter To The Editor......4 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Car & Bike Show Saturday, June 9th The Taft Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual Car & Bike Show Saturday, June 9th at the Rails to Trails near 6th Street and Supply Row. Registration begins at 7am and is $30 the day of the event. Early registration is due by June 6th for $25. For more information and to register contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 765-2165.

2nd Annual Paws In The Park Saturday, June 9th

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

2nd Annual Paws in the Park June 9th 9am-2pm Veterans Park next to City Hall.

Sponsored by Taft Lions Club

Obituary............................9

Beach Bunco Saturday, June 16th

Classified Ads.................10 Westside News...............11

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscription home or businessdelivery of the Taft Independent is available for $6.50 per month or $78.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

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

Pancake Waffle Breakfast There will be a Pancake & Waffle breakfast at the Taft Veterans hall, corner of Taylor and Cedar Street, this Saturday, June 2nd from 7am to 11am sponsored

by Maricopa Chamber Commerce. Cost is $6.00 per person, children 5 & under free with a paying adult. To go plate’s are available. Topping of the month fresh strawberry.

Please invite a neighbor or a guest, we hope to continue this monthly event.

Don’t forget the drawing next month for several prizes including a new flat screen 32” T.V. tickets will be available at the breakfast.

Taft Tigersharks Are Looking For You This Summer Now that Baseball and softball are coming to an end, it’s time to hit the pool.

Looking for something to do during the hot summer? Why not join the Tigersharks Swim Team!

Practices at the Taft Union High School Pool, Monday through Friday beginning at 4:30 (Come to as many practices as you like) Swim meets begin June 2 and continue through July 21. $100 for first child. $75 for each additional child. If interested please contact: Greg Golling at 661-3012125 tafttigersharks@yahoo.com

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

REWARD

Advertising Jessica Skidgel

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

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

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

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

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

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday June 5th, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.

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

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

Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.

623-2506 or 889-2387

Layout & Design Jessica Skidgel

Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Taft Chamber Annual Car Show To Be Held June 9th

Goes by Chessie-lee 16 year old tan, female Chesapeake Bay Retriever, recenly shaved. Went missing on May 23rd from the 700 block of Pierce Street. No collar. She has a bad liver and needs medication.

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

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

Columnists Randy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins, Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Taft Union High School will hold its 100th graduation ceremonies in Martin Memorial Stadium at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 6.

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. “We want this to be a dignified ceremony,” Superintendent-Principal Mark Richardson explained, “so that the focus is on our graduating seniors.”

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.

LOST DOG

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

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost

100th Graduation Ceremony For Taft Union High School

Save The Date

Upcoming Event Dates On The Westside

JUNE

JULY

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

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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

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

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

NOW OPEN

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, June 1, 2012 Through Thursday, June 07, 2012 Snow White and the Huntsman (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:15), 8:10 Sat: (12:45), (3:45), 6:40, 9:30 Sun: (12:45), (3:45), 6:40 Mon - Thu: (5:30), 8:15 Men in Black 3 (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:30), 8:00, 10:15 Sat: (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:45 Sun: (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00 Mon - Thu: (5:45), 8:30 Marvel’s The Avengers (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:45), 9:00 Sat: (11:15 AM), (2:30), 6:00, 9:15 Sun: (11:15 AM), (2:30), 6:00 Mon - Thu: (5:15), 8:30 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (PG) Special Showing Friday, June 8th at 7:00 Only. all seats $5.00. On sale now at boxoffice.

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

Have Your next event at The Club!

Weddings, Receptions, BBQ’s, Parties, Anniversaries And More!

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

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

June 1 - 7, 2012

Maricopa Continues Its Recovery

By June Woods The Grand Jury’s Cities and Joint Powers Committee released its report May 23rd about a visit it made to City of Maricopa officials earlier in the month. The purpose of the visit, which was required under California law, was to find out what progress the city has made in resolving some of its fiscal troubles.

The Grand Jury expressed its hope that the City of Maricopa would “strive to reverse its reputation with positive fiscal responsibility.” The committee reported that it felt Maricopa’s troubles were “self generated by inadequate and inconsistent management.”

“I think we’ve made progress,” said Eric Ziegler, assistant to the city administrator. Ziegler stepped in July 2011 to help the city.

Maricopa has undergone several changes due to its recent fiscal problems. The city no longer handles its own trash collection but has taken the more cost-effective route of hiring a service, it uses county services for things such animal control and its police force has been replaced by the Kern County Sheriff ’s Department, which is also more cost effective.

“It costs $80,000 to $1 million for a city to have a barely adequate police force,” Ziegler said. “That’s two full-time officers, a dispatcher, an office clerk.”

Ziegler said the county is providing the city with an acceptable level of service. “They’re not dedicated deputies; we have the same level of service as you find in the unincorporated areas of Valley Acres, Dustin Acres, Derby Acres…”

The grand jury noted in its report that past practices of the city resulted in a large deficit, but it now operates on a fund accounting system. Ziegler confirmed the grand jury statement that there is now a 60 percent reduction in the deficit and that the new city council was educating itself in proper city management.

“The former administrator got them into a little trouble by not teaching them what they need to know,” Ziegler said. But the council, which will continue holding two meeting a month instead of one until July, has managed to get a handle on some of the more important issues, such as the city sewer system. The grand jury reported the system as inadequate and in need of upgrade.

“We borrowed $125,000 from the refuse fund to be paid back over the next 20 years to take care of the sewer system,” Ziegler said. The city has also taken care of its outstanding debts to the Local Agency Investment Fund (Proposition B), which was $117,000, and Kern County Fire Department, $55,000.

Ziegler said he expects the city to be in good shape in the next three to five years, and he expressed confidence in the five councilmen that are working on the city’s finances. “They’re doing a good,” he said, “but we can’t do it all in a year.”

One thing that he would like the city to do when it can afford to is hire a part time engineer or planner. “Maybe a retired engineer we could call in for a few hours of work when needed.” He doesn’t know how long before the city is able to provide such conveniences for its residents, but he’s optimistic. “We’re coming along slow, but we’re going to make it.”

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

I lived in Taft from 1968 to 1972. I attended Taft College and graduated there in 1970. The teachers at Taft College prepared me well for my eventual transfer to CSUB. I worked for Belridge Oil Company during the summers with Les Clark, Harry Hosking, Bill Woods, and Farris Gill. My father, the late Dr. Charles P. Salvaggio, was senior pastor of the First Baptist Church on North Street. The people of Taft were good to my family. My mother Velma, who is now 88, cried when my father decided to leave Taft to pastor a church in Huntington Park so he could be closer to his aging mother who lived in Long Beach.

The people of Taft and the other wonderful Westside communities have the rare opportunity to elect one of the truly good guys as their next Kern County Supervisor. I am talking about my good friend David Couch. I served with David Couch on the Bakersfield City Council from 1998 until my retirement at the end of 2004. Couch was one of the 21 Councilmembers I served with over my 19 years on the Council. David Couch was the best of all of them.

David Couch has a proven record of public service accomplishments marked by honestly, independence, vision, and plain hard work. He understands the value of a dollar and will be your very best defense against excessive spending and government waste. That’s why he broke ranks with a majority of the Council and voted against raising our local utility tax.

With Couch, what you see is what you get; he calls them as he sees them. It’s little wonder that 13 of the 15 Mayors and Councilmembers in Taft, Maricopa, and Wasco have publicly endorsed him to be your Supervisor.

David Couch will fight to make Kern County a better place to live by supporting measures to make our communities strong and sustaining; that government will work for us, not against us. He is committed to creating economic opportunities, protecting our small town way of life, and retaining local control. David Couch is grounded in our values.

Mark C. Salvaggio

YES ON MEASURE C Next Tuesday, Westside voters will be asked to approve Measure C, a local school bond measure that will provide renovations and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities, and bring new energy efficiency improvements that will provide utility cost savings and free up general fund dollars so that money can stay in the classrooms.

Today, the scope of improvements needed at our schools is far more than the current funding sources available. The per pupil funding which the District receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating children and not the cost of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities.

None of these bond funds will go to Sacramento, and the state can not take them away. The measure will cost each household about $20 per year on average. Measure C is an investment in our schools and our children.

The Taft Independent urges your support and vote for Measure C next Tuesday.

CYCLE KATZ INC. HAS MOVED TO 320 HARRISON ST. 745-4931

PARTS • SALES • SERVICE Locally owned and operated We work on all makes and models Larger showroom and larger mechanic Area Now offering a customer lounge with coffee and donuts Come check out our new location!!!

WWW.CYCLEKATZ.COM cyclekatz@att.net 320 Harrison st. (661) 745- 4931

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

June 1 - 7, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Go Green Forever Stamps Issued

By USPS To Target Motorists With the largest civilian fleet in the world — nearly 214,000 vehicles traveling nearly 1.3 billion miles each year — the U.S. Postal Service knows a lot about vehicles and tire pressure.

Summer driving season is approaching and the Maintain Tire Pressure postage stamp helps remind motorists that proper tire pressure can help improve gas mileage. It’s one of the 16 Go Green Forever stamps issued by USPS. “The Postal Service is building a culture of conservation that benefits our workplace and the communities we serve,” said Thomas G. Day, chief sustainability officer. “We believe the tried and true tips our letter carriers use to conserve fuel when delivering mail can also help motorists during summer driving season, and year round.”

Fuel conservation tips: · Use air to save fuel — Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption by as much as 4 percent and lead to excessive tire wear. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. · Don’t idle — Idling uses at least a half gallon of fuel per hour and releases excess carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. · Drive the speed limit — Speeding is dangerous and, at highway speeds, fuel economy drops for every one mile per hour driven over the speed limit. · Make gradual starts and stops — Quick accelerations consume more fuel than gradual starts.

USPS has been environmentally friendly since 1899 when it tested its first electric vehicle in Buffalo, NY. Today, it operates nearly 41,000 alternative fuel-capable mail delivery vehicles across the country, including ethanol, biodiesel, compressed natural gas and electric. Between 2005 and 2011, USPS has increased its use of alternative fuels 128 percent.

The Postal Service has won numerous environmental honors, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WasteWise Partner of the Year award in 2010 and 2011, the EPA’s National Partnership for Environmental Priorities award in 2011 and the Climate Registry Gold award in 2011.

USPS is the first federal agency to publicly report its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and receive third-party verification of the results. For more information about the Postal Service’s sustainability initiatives and the Go Green Forever stamps, visit usps. com/green and the usps green newsroom.

USPS participates in the International Post Corporation’s Environmental Measurement and Monitoring System, the global postal industry’s program to reduce its carbon footprint 20 percent by 2020 based on an FY 2008 baseline.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

CLASS OF 2012 Graduation Ads $25 Congratulate Your Grad!

Call Today!

765-6550

Taft Union High School Students Of The Month For April 2012

Four students at Taft Union High School have been honored as students of the month for April. The students were selected by the Renaissance program, which promotes academics.

Students of the month for April were: senior Emily Gale, junior Eric Bailey, sophomore Viviana Orozco and freshman Phuc Nguyen.

“Emily was one of those quietly excellent students who got everything turned in and always did a good job,” computer programming teacher Caroline Schoneweis said. “As she’s gotten older, I’ve had a chance to discover her great sense of humor. I have to admit that I think it’s a little strange that she has a crush on Will Ferrell, something I tease her about endlessly, but I do respect her love of ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Fellowship of the Ring.’ She’s very creative and has used her love of fantasy and science fiction literature to create some wonderful webpages and Flash movies for my Basic Html class. She’s a standout person, super nice girl and a very disciplined, hard worker, and I’m glad people have recognized that.”

Retiring government teacher Dave Robertson agreed. “Emily is a quality student who performs at a high level in my class. She is a friendly and caring person who is well liked and respected by her peers. In her quiet way, she has contributed to help make my second period class an interesting and wonderful experience.

Teaching is enjoyable and rewarding when you have students like Emily in class.”

And, journalism teacher Bill Wolfe added, “Emily has been a tremendous addition to the journalism class this year. She is a gifted writer with a strong work ethic. She is one of those rare students who can write very quickly and still produce good results. She is also very sweet and somewhat eccentric; she loves all things ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Star Wars,’ and we love to tease her about that. She is well liked by the rest of the staff. We will miss her next year.”

His teachers described Eric Bailey as mature beyond his years.

“Eric is a great kid,” physics teacher Joy Reynolds said. “He’s taking the harder courses here at TUHS and doing very well. He has a lot of background knowledge that he brings into his courses and thinks further and deeper than the words that are just right in front of him on the page of the book. He also has a filter and knows when it is appropriate to ask deeper questions and when it will just confuse his classmates. He may know where the lecture is going or why you ask a leading question of the class to get them thinking in the right direction, but he doesn’t spoil it for them even though he has often already figured it out or knows the answer. Eric has a sense of humor, too!”

His football coach Steve Sprague praised him as “a three-sport athlete with valedictorian-type grades. Eric was one of my favorite athletes.

He is a quiet leader and earns the respect of his coaches and teammates.”

Spanish teacher Sandra Torres added, “Eric is an amazing, young man. He is so bright, he makes the most challenging work seem easy. He’s kind and pleasant and is always willing to help his classmates if they’re struggling. Although quiet, he has a witty sense of humor that often catches me off guard and makes me smile no matter what else is going on! I’ve truly enjoyed having him in my class.”

Torres also had kind words for Viviana Orozco. “I can always count on Vivi to bring cheer into the classroom. While other students might be complaining about an assignment, Vivi will still have a smile on her face and be pleasantly chatting with whoever

happens to be near her! I have never seen her be even remotely negative or unkind and her remarkable attitude makes her a wonderful asset to Taft High.”

Her Oil-Technology teacher, Ted Pendergrass, expressed a similar sentiment. “She is a bright, happy student — one of Oil Tech’s best! She helped work at the West Kern Oil Museum barbecue, cleaning the kitchen. Not a very fun way to spend a Saturday, but she did it with a smile on her face the whole time.”

“Viviana is a very kind and respectful young lady. She cares about her grade and always gives a 100 percent on every assignment. She’s a role model for other students and a pleasure to teach,” added English teacher Lisa Borrecco.

Like Bailey, Phuc Nguyen is a scholar-athlete. “Phuc is obviously very intelligent. Just look at his grades,” computer teacher Shawn Cummins said. “But my favorite thing about Phuc is his sense of humor. He can be quite humorous and you tell the other good kids like to be around him.”

“Phuc shows a great example of sportsmanship for other tennis players.

He never lets missing a shot affect his game or attitude. After many practices, he is one of the only players who stays and picks up balls on the court,” JV tennis coach Doug Taylor praised.

“Phuc is an extremely hard-working student,” added AVID teacher Debra Popejoy. “He is respectful and understands the value of an education. He is a team player in tutorials and is always willing to help others.”

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) provides instruction to give students a framework to succeed in college.

Photo by Jim Carnal Taft High students of the month for April were: sophomore Viviana Orozco, junior Eric Bailey, senior Emily Gale and freshman Phuc Nguyen.

Second Sharp Piece of Awesome Unveiled Students of the Taft College Literary Magazine Club funneled their efforts to release the first issue of their literary publication A Sharp Piece of Awesome in May of 2011. The collection of imaginative prose and poetry soon found its way to Ben’s Books, The Cougar Corner Bookstore, and Russo’s Books. The studentproduced annual publication generated interest from communities of writers it reached. Now, in the early summer of 2012, the second issue of A Sharp Piece of Awesome is ready to hit bookstores.

Student editors Bethany McWhorter, Susan Vicuna, Kelsey Gaines, and Samantha Nichols worked for the last year distributing a call for submissions, reading nearly two-hundred submissions, ranking each, and selecting only those they deemed the very best for this year’s issue. Now, their tireless efforts have paid off as the gleaming, perfect-bound publication has arrived from the printer and copies have been mailed to contributing authors.

Although the literary publication is edited and produced by Taft College students, anyone can submit work for publication. This year’s issue features not only Taft and Bakersfield locals, but also poets and writers from around America and overseas. Although competition to get published is steep, casting a wider net helps the students get the best submissions possible, resulting in a highquality publication.

The poems and prose in the issue reflect the editors’ tastes. As the poems vary in content and form, some traditional and some experimental, and the few prose pieces range from Aimee Bradshaw’s heartrending non-fiction to intense suspense fiction, there is no baseline of similarities for the work in the issue except this: It is all good writing. There is something for everyone in this collection.

This year’s authors include a few writers who were also selected last year, like Bakersfield poet Larry Etue, author of the collection Memory’s Frosted Payne; Taft locals, like Ashley Suzanne Musick; Taft College alumni now studying at universities, like Daniel Ayora and Aimee Bradshaw; and other writers from far and wide. Of note, Dr. Christopher Chung-Wee of Taft College, whose devoted English students relentlessly praise him and who frequently publishes his prose in print and online, was generous enough to submit a truly gripping short story, “Road Warriors” an account of a pit-stop gone bad.

As the student editors spend summer hours getting their issue to bookstores and planning their release party, they are still looking Continued on Page 11

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Decision 2012: California Primary Tuesday, June 5th

By Wes Morris

It is election time again and so that means a new slate of state ballot propositions and county measures. Here are my recommendations.

PROPOSITION 28. LIMITS ON LEGISLATORS’ TERMS IN OFFICE. I have never really been a fan of term limits. In reality there have always been term limits on politicians; it is called an election. If you don’t like the job your politician is doing, you vote them out of office. If you like the job your politician is doing, you keep voting them in. It seems simple enough.

However, the nanny-state citizens of the 1990s decided they couldn’t hold their politicians accountable through their own attentiveness and action; they had to take power out of their own hands and place it into the hands of the government. Instead of paying attention to how your representative votes and behaves;

The government does not need to increase taxes on the individuals of this state for more cancer research. The state has enough problems paying its bills and it wants to create more government waste? No thank you.

I am not a smoker or any other type of tobacco user, but out of the general principle that these excise taxes are bad for business and your pocket book while only increasing the idea of government waste, I will vote no on Proposition 29.

TAFT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE C The Taft City School District is in desperate need of building upgrades. At an estimated cost of around $2 per month for the average home owner, it is well worth it. I will be voting to help improve the educational facilities that my son will be using in the future.

COUNTY OF KERN MEASURE D By increasing the number of eligible job applicants for county jobs from three to seven, we increase the number of applicants to choose from for civil service positions. This cost no money and improves the selection process for government jobs. I will be voting yes on Measure D. COUNTY OF KERN MEASURE E By increasing the probationary period of certain public employees from six months to twelve months, we can hold employees more accountable. I will be voting yes on Measure E. COUNTY OF KERN MEASURE F Increasing the period a county employee has to appeal a disciplinary action from five days to ten days won’t harm anyone and only gives employees more rights. I will be voting yes on Measure F.

now you can just rest easy that they will be termed out in two to three terms.

Doing a little Internet research I found a 2011 study by the Center for Governmental Studies that claims the effectiveness of the state legislature has decreased and the influence of lobbyists and the executive branch has increased. A 2004 study by the Public Policy Institute of California found that committees screen fewer bills, the legislature is less likely to alter the governor’s budget, the legislature is less fiscally disciplined, and oversight of the executive branch has decreased than they did when there were no term limits.

As much as we might dislike the idea behind career politicians, they did bring an important benefit to the table: experience.

Career politicians have specialties and focus on certain issues.

They could then share that information with other members of the legislature. A 2011 University of Missouri study found that in absence of this experience, politicians then rely on lobbyists for this information. Lobbyists that are not hampered by term limits and don’t leave your state capital since you cannot vote them out.

With this basic research and my general disdain for term limits, I was prepared to vote no on Proposition 28, until I read it. Proposition 28 actually will remove the two term limit for state senators (eight years total) and the three term limit for state assembly members (six years total). Instead no senator or assembly member may serve over 12 years total in either house combined. So a senator could in theory serve three terms or an assembly member could serve six terms. They could serve some combination in both, but grand total no more than 12 years in the state legislature.

Personally, I would rather see term limits removed all together, but if this increases the amount of time an individual member can serve in a single house, it is better than what we have now. I will be voting yes on Proposition 28.

PROPOSITION 29. IMPOSES ADDITIONAL TAX ON CIGARETTES FOR CANCER RESEARCH. Proposition 29 would impose a new tax on tobacco sales in order to fund cancer research and on research to other tobacco related diseases. Granted I am not a cancer researcher, but I think I have something pretty well figured out: if you use tobacco, you increase your risk of getting cancer. If you don’t use tobacco, you reduce your risk of getting cancer.

Yeah, pretty profound and it didn’t cost the taxpayers of California millions of dollars and I didn’t even need to be paid some enormous grant to come to that conclusion.

COUNTY OF KERN MEASURE G I have a serious problem with any ordinance that would prohibit any business from being one mile from a school, daycare center, park, church or their nearest competitor. For that reason alone, I will be voting no on Measure G. This type of prohibition is a slippery slope to declaring other “questionable activities” unsafe for being near “sensitive areas”. I understand the idea behind zoning laws and not wanting to have an industrial plant next to your house. However, there is no value in keeping marijuana dispensaries a mile wide radius from schools, daycare centers, parks, and churches. This is simply a feel good measure that must be defeated.

We are paying a full-time salary to the County Board of Supervisors. They should be handling this and not trying to push it off on the voters.

Wes Morris is a social studies teacher at Taft Union High School, is co-owner of Ten Percent Firearms, and a self-professed Libertarian. You can reach him at wes@taftguns.com.

June 1 - 7, 2012

Animal Control Rabies & Dog License Survey The City Animal Control is mailing out notices to pet owners who need to obtain a rabies vaccination and City dog license. The City of Taft requires all dogs 4 months of age or older to be vaccinated and licensed.

Failure to comply may result in a citation. If you have any questions you may contact the Animal Control Officer at 661-7633101 License Fees: Spayed/Neutered dog - $6.00 for 1 year or $14.00 for 3 years Natural unaltered dog - $25.00 for 1 year or $63.00 for 3 years Dog license can be purchased at City Hall, 209 E. Kern Street or at the Taft Animal Shelter at 1080 Ash Street.

Weeding Things Out Winter rains bring about a pesky problem, but City’s Code Enforcement Division has a few helpful hints: It’s time to dust off the Weed Eater and whack the unsightly brush and thorny weeds from your property. Failure to do so could hit City of Taft property owners where it hurts the most - in the pocketbook.

Taft City’s weed abatement ordinance requires property owner’s to clear weeds from the property, including curbs, gutters, alleys, sidewalks and fence lines which help prevent safety hazards (i.e. breeding places for rodents, hidden trash such as cans and broken glass, etc.)

The Taft Code Enforcement Division is encouraging residents to take steps now to control weeds and grass before it becomes a problem.

To help residents and business owners win the battle against weeds, Code Enforcement Division urge you to follow the following helpful hints from Valley horticulture experts: - Keep grass cut and trimmed in your yard, along buildings and fences.

- Dig out already emerged weeds early before they get out of control.

- Use an herbicide (like Roundup) on large weed areas, but be sure to keep it away from other vegetation.

- Apply pre-emergent weed killers twice a year (fall and late winter before major rains is best.)

- Stay on top of it! A little weeding twice a week will help you avaoid a big job down the road.

June 1 - 7, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Laborers Of The Harvest Propose Move to Center Street

By June Woods

Patrons wait in line for free food distribution at the Laborers of the Harvest Food Bank at their current location on Harrison St. in Ford City. The all volunteer organization wants to move the food bank to the 300 block of Center Street next to the Candy Cafe. Center Street business owners and the Taft Chamber of Commerce oppose the relocation to the downtown retail shopping district.

Laborers of the Harvest presented its plan to move its facility from Harrison Street to Center Street at the Taft Chamber of Commerce Downtown Business Committee on Wednesday. The action would require a change in the zoning ordinance for the downtown area.

“We serve 750 families each month,” said Laborers of the Harvest President Mike Long, “and we have just outgrown our building.”

The new facility on the 300 block of Center Street was donated to the nonprofit. The facility would take up three addresses (315, 315 ½ and 317); its current location is 201 ½ Harrison St. There are hurdles that must be overcome before the move can be made, beginning with a planning commission meeting next week.

The issue was tabled at the last planning commission meeting.

Taft Redevelopment manager Paul Gorte explained that a conditional use permit would have to be signed because the nature of the Laborers of the Harvest activities would be different from the businesses that already occupy the downtown area.

The CUP “lays out the conditions that may impact the use of the property,” Gorte said. “It is restricted to a specific property and it must stay with the property.” The CUP would also apply under change of ownership, he said, and it must be signed before going to the planning commission.

Many business owners had expressed apprehension over the effect a nonprofit, food distribution facility might have on the downtown area. Committee members worried that the sale of new businesses may slow (20 were added to the downtown area last year) and that business owners may see the value of their businesses decline once the food distribution center moved downtown.

“The first thing we’re going to do is renovate,” Long said. “The building is going to look real nice.”

The possibility of litter outside the building was also mentioned, but Long assured committee members that Laborers of the Harvest volunteers police the area daily to make sure no trash, such as disposable cups and food wrappers, were left behind by clients.

“If you’re only open four hours a week,” said one committee member, “won’t that give the illusion of another business that’s not open?”

Long said that, although they only distribute food from 2 to 4

p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there are volunteers going in and out of the building during other hours.

Business owners expressed concern over the possibility that loitering might become a problem. Nearby business owners could feel that their businesses are being “cased.”

“They (clients) don’t hang around now,” Long said. “I can’t say it won’t happen (on Center Street), but I don’t see why that would happen.”

Clients would also have a means on Center Street to get back to their homes more conveniently. “When the transit center comes,” Gorte said, “that’s where the buses will be.”

One business owner pointed out that in Bakersfield’s downtown area, the food banks had to be removed in order to make revitalization work. The food banks were a drain to the revenue because of their nonprofit status.

A business owner at the opposite end of Center Street asked, “Who would want to buy a business near a place like that? A food bank just doesn’t fit into the plans to revitalize the downtown.”

Taft Chamber of Commerce executive director, Dr. Kathy Orrin suggested the old Recreation Center as a possible alternative location. “They’re trying to get rid of it,” she said. “That would be an ideal place for a food bank. Downtown there’s just an incompatibility of use; trade the building (on Center Street) for another.”

Committee members did not take issue with the services provided

by Laborers of the Harvest. “It provides an important service to our working poor,” Orrin said.

“I feel that we’re very much blessing to the community,” said Bill Le Baron, also of the Laborers of the Harvest.

The business owners agreed with Le Baron that Laborers of the Harvest was a blessing, but they continued to express reluctance to accept a food distribution facility in the downtown area. In the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting Wednesday evening, members voted to support the Downtown Committee’s opposition to the text change in the zoning ordinance.

“I’m concerned that the Planning Commission doesn’t understand how far-reaching such an ordinance change is,” said Orrin.

She said that the Chamber of Commerce would be composing a letter affirming its opposition, which it will present during public comment Wednesday when the commission meets again.

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

Shirts $.25 Pants $.50 Store Hours Mon., Tues., Thurs 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Closed Wednesday &

Sunday

We Take Donations!

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

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

Blue Jeans & Bling Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

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

763-9100

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

Dad’s Need A Day Off With Gifts Too...

A nice selection of Knives Watches Flashlights & More!

Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Shop Our Huge Selection of Half Priced Books!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th Thank you for shopping in Taft!

426 Center Street Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts(661)763-5451

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Taft Crude

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries

Coffee House

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Taft Crude Is Closing After 7 Years Join Us Now At Black Gold Cafe & Deli

Thank You Taft!

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street Open Monday - Friday 6am - 8pm Saturday 7:30am - 8pm Sunday 10am - 2pm

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

taftindependent.com

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

8

Liberty Under Fire

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg To Egypt: Don’t Use U. S. Constitution

By Dr. Harold Pease On January 30, 2012, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg surprised many by advising those attempting to create a new constitution in Egypt not to use the U.S. Constitution as its model. “I would not look to the US Constitution, if I were drafting a constitution in the year 2012,” she told the Egyptian people on national television. “I might look at the constitution of South Africa. … It really is, I think, a great piece of work that was done. Much more recent than the U.S. Constitution: Canada has a Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It dates from 1982.

You would almost certainly look at the European Convention on Human Rights. Yes, why not take advantage of what there is elsewhere in the world,” (U. S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg To Egyptians: Look to the Constitutions of South Africa or Canada, Not to the U.S. Constitution, MEMRI TV Al-Hayat, Egypt, Jan. 30, 2012)?

Those who wish to undermine the Constitution infer that our Constitution may not be a good fit for other cultures like Egypt. On this score they would do well to remember that we have assimilated every language, culture, religious and ethnic group on earth and we did so because all humans share the same basic need for freedom from excessive government to fully flourish. The Constitution is the most flexible governing document with respect to diversity ever written, and unless modified by progressives such as Ginsburg, it always will be.

Implied is the assumption that because it is old, it is outdated and therefore irrelevant to the needs of our day. This document will always be relevant because it is designed to harnesses the negative aspects of human nature and is based upon natural law; items that do not change from century to century. Man is still power hungry, and the people need to be protected from such hunger, whether man rides a horse, drives a car, or flies an airplane. Our Constitution minimizes these forces by dividing, restricting, and listing power. Should some overreach their power we have elections and impeachment to remove them. Finally, we have a Bill of Rights that further harnesses excessive government. None of these measures have shown themselves to nolonger be needful. Justice Ginsburg does not seem to understand this.

When confronted with this “horse vs. airplane” nonsense, I ask my students, “What in the Preamble to the Constitution, which is a statement of the needs of man to which government attempts to address, is no longer relevant? Outdated if you will?” Year after year the answer is the same. Nothing! “Were these the same needs of people 600 years ago and will they be the same for those 200 years from now?” Yes!!! “What would you add?” Again, nothing! Then, the basic needs of man do not change and the Preamble must be the most complete summation of those needs ever recorded. It is based upon a long history of human nature that the well-read Founders understood.

But it does not guarantee housing, or medical rights, as does the South African constitution, some might say. Actually it does not distribute wealth or guarantee anything except the freedom to use one’s own talent to do that for himself and in doing so the Constitution created the most energized and therefore the most universally prosperous society in recorded history such that even the lazy have more wealth than those who worked hard in yesteryear. The U. S. Constitution has made this nation the envy of the earth. General Douglas Mac Arthur virtually forced the Japanese to adopt our Constitution and within a single generation they too became a wealthy country even competing economically with our own.

The problem with using a constitution to redistribute wealth, as in the countries cited by Justice Ginsburg, and, as is the socialist dream, is that it kills the incentive to produce of both the productive and the non-productive elements of society.

The productive, because their wealth is by force taken from them and given to another, are disincentivized to work harder as are the less productive because the wealth of the more productive is given to them anyway, so why should they work harder? Ironically, the redistribution of wealth does not help the poor unless wealth actually exists to redistribute, and that does not happen unless incentive to produce exists, no matter what the government says or guarantees.

No, Justice Ginsburg, the U.S. Constitution has proven itself to be the most relevant, flexible, wealth producing, governing document on earth and you, of all people, should have made that case to the Egyptians. Strict adherence to the principles locked into this document would make them a more prosperous nation also. All that you gave them were examples of shared poverty. I fear that your lack of incite, in this most fundamental constitutional matter, may facilitate your helping to bring shared poverty to us as well.

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 weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

A View From Center Street What I Love and HATE about Living in Modern Times

By Jane McCabe I’m not an enthusiast of modern times—the rapidly developing technology has passed me by. I don’t have an I-phone equipped with Siri, the computer concierge who will answer your questions; I neither text nor twitter. My car doesn’t have a GPU (Global Positioning Unit)—I hate all these acronyms that make me scratch my head trying to figure

out their meanings. As technology has increasingly dominated our lives civil things like manners and courtesy seem to have disappeared from society.

When was the last time you received a hand written thank you note, received thanks in ANY form for something you did? As the means of communication have increased dramatically, the irony is that so has isolation and alienation.

The Internet, perhaps the most useful innovation that we have seen in recent years, can be used for good or evil. It has been used as an instrument of torture by youth intent on bullying classmates. At the same time as it is used as the means to raise funds to help the people victimized by last year’s Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

I was surprised when I started drawing up a list of the things I love and HATE about living in modern times that there were more things I love than I first thought.

I love being able to stay in touch with family and friends through e-mail. I love word processing; having to a use an electric typewriter now would seem like torture.

The Internet is a writer’s dream for the ease with which research can be done.

In seconds I am able to find what I am looking for whether it is information or images.

Twenty-five years ago, when I had just arrived in New York City and was standing in the office of a real estate agent on 34th Street, I asked the agent if he knew where I could find Continued on Page 11

June 1 - 7, 2012

From The Mayor Hi Everyone, Where has Spring been ?? Seems like Mother Nature just has not gotten a handle on it and it passed us by. Hot/ cold, hot/cold. Now it is starting to warm up and summer is just around the corner. Where were the wild flowers in the hills ?? No talk of folks going up to the Carrizo to check out the spring bloom. No poppies out on Hwy 138 at the poppy preserve as you drove by. There was just no color this year, even the green in ‘them thar hills’ just didn’t stay very long. I’m just hoping that we have a mild summer, it just isn’t pleasant at all when it gets over 105 degrees.

The time to do your civic duty is next week, when you are asked to exercise your right as a citizen of the United States to take time out and go vote. I’ve mentioned before that I will try to stay away from politics in this column, but I will ask you to support Measure “C” as it really deserves your yes vote to save your schools. They are at the end of their rope and have done everything possible to stretch their resources, but now it is your time to step up and take your share of the burden to preserve one of our most important assets that we have, our schools. I emphasize our schools because we can no longer depend on the state to provide funding. We also have the important race of County Supervisor for the 4th Road District. You need to evaluate the two candidates and look at what they have to offer the Westside not just Taft. More than half of the county taxes come from this side of the I-5; what are we getting in the way of services for our contribution ?? Our main problem is that we don’t have enough political power or votes to bring more our way, but in the past few elections our votes swayed the outcome. Were promises made and kept from any of those candidates that we helped get elected ?? That is for you to determine. One of our gripes is the lack of presence or absence of our 4th District Supervisor in our community on a regular basis. Looking at the two men running, if you are to judge, who comes over here because he wants to and cares and who comes over here because he has to ??

Whoever is elected, we need to let them know what the Westside’s expectations are from our elected representative. Your vote counts, every one of them, so don’t forget. It is your right and privilege to vote, so do it !!

Hope you were able to attend the 4th Annual Relay for Life event on May 19th. It is always an amazing event, how this community really comes together to raise nearly $100,000 to fight the scourge of cancer. Cancer has an effect on all of us in some manner or another. In my own small way, I have had a cancerous polyp removed from my colon and a basil cell carcinoma removed from my cheek and lip. Not life threatening but if I had let them go who knows what may have happened. Ginny has been in remission from breast cancer for the past 17 yrs. Fortunately, for both our families, cancer has not been a hereditary factor, but if we don’t get regular checkups who knows. At the Relay, it is always gratifying to be a part of the silent lap around the track in the early evening when you have nearly 600-800 people walking in silence for the cure. To see all the lit luminaries’ with the names of those that have departed lining the track is at once amazing then at the same time sad, that they are gone because of a lost fight with this dreaded disease. Thanks to all the organizers for once again putting on a great event that truly showcases the real Taft that we all know. Thanks also to the staff and administration at Taft Union High School for providing the best facilities anywhere; you are an excellent example of what a community partner is all about. If I can give you any advice, get a colonoscopy if you are over 50, and check out those little bumps and sores you keep picking at, they can lead to bigger problems.

Here is a question for you. Why do people have to talk so loud when they are on their cell phones ?? Do they talk that loud when they use their land line phones or their phones at work ?? I think not. It really is annoying to be out in public when some jerk forgets where they are at and we have to listen to a one sided conversation that we’d rather not hear. Please folks, tone it down or take yourself and your cell phone to a more remote location to talk. And by the way, how many people do you still see talking on the phone and driving one handed as they are passing you on the highway ?? Yikes. Please don’t take me out when you cause that eventual accident. What is really irritating to me is to see the big rig drivers on their cell phones. I’m probably committing a sin here, but how about it when we see a police officer on their cell phone driving along. I know, I know they have a job to do and they are better trained drivers than the average citizen, but . . . . . . .

Want to give a shout out to the Taft High girl’s softball team who lost their championship game a week ago. They are still champs in our hearts and they put Taft on the map and they really made us proud. Thanks for a great effort and best wishes for next season. By the way, what a great banner flying overhead before the game, someone really cared.

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

June 1 - 7, 2012

Obituary

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

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

GENE FIELDS

Licensed Funeral Directors

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

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557

Graveside funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. in the West Side District Cemetery for Taft native, Gene Fields, 76. Pastor Rodney Wikoff of the West Hills Church of the Nazarene will officiate, Mr. Fields was born to Homer and Cora Fields on July 15, 1935 and he holds the distinction as being the first baby born in the West Side Hospital. He passed away at his Taft residence on May 25, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. He was raised and educated in Taft and graduated from Taft Union High School in 1953. He went to work at the Taft Midway Driller where he worked until 1956 when he accepted the position as a police officer at Taft Police Department. In 1960 he became a California Highway Patrolman and retired in 1991. Mr. Fields was a current member of the West Hills Church of the Nazarene and a former member of the Taft First Baptist Church where he had been a deacon for many years. He enjoyed fishing, RVing, golfing and cruising and traveling with his wife and family. Mr. Fields is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dovie Fields of Taft; his daughter, Katherine Lee and her husband Dan, of Taft; his son, Darren Fields and his wife, Lori, of Bakersfield; his granddaughters, Krista Long and husband, Billy, of Taft and Breanna and Tiffany Fields of Bakersfield; his great granddaughter, Isabella Long of Taft; his sister, Donna Mae Williams of Oklahoma and his longtime friends, Dub Jennings of Bakersfield, Bud Garner and Dick Winslow both of Taft. There are no visitation hours scheduled and the services are under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. To convey condolences or sign an online registry, please visit www.EricksonAndBrown.com.

“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

Advertise

WED.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-2:00

With

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

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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS

FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

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 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

Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

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

Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268

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

Wednesday.

Saturday 7am-? 405 6th Ave. off E St. Bed Frames, household misc.

Fri & Sat. 425 McKinley St. 7 a.m. to Noon. In the alley.

Estate Sale - One Day Only Saturday 6/2/12 200 Suzanne Lane 7am to 5pm. No Children Please- This place is full of breakables.

Garage items, kitchen, household, antiques, collectibles, knick knacks, crafts and more! You have to see it all to believe it!

Sat 6/2 7am -? 506 Church St. Boys bedroom set $500, womans hunting bow $150, tools, clothing and more.

Wide Variety! Sat. 6am - 12 noon 309 Thornton in Maricopa. Little bit of everything! Everything has got to go!

Most items $.25 Sat. 7am-12 noon. 401 Tyler St. Clothes, books, household and more.

NEEDS Center 518 Main Street Saturday June 9th 7am - 12 noon.

Clothes, household goods and stuff!

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

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

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.

Parking lot sale at 10th and B St. Next to Lucky 7 Store Fri, Sat & Sun 8am-? ___________________

Lawn mowing, weed eating and yard clean up. Reasonable prices.

Call Dustin 623-4755.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

Employment HELP WANTED

WEST KERN WATER DISTRICT 2 Temporary Positions for Summer “Office Assistant” “Field Assistant” West Kern Water District is looking for two 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.

Taft PC Services

Deadline for submitting application is Tuesday, June 5, 2012. 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.

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

Midway Elementary School is hiring a first grade teacher. The deadline for applications is June 8th, 2012 at 3pm. 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

Business Services COMPUTER SERVICES

515 Buena Vista St. Sat 8am-3pm. Name brand clothes, purses & more!

Sat. 7am-? 6 Grey Way lawn mower, 2 welders, coffee & end tables, clothes, tools, entertainment center and misc.

YARD SERVICES

Midway Elementary School is hiring a

Business Services Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191 Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Preserving for the Future

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

June 1 - 7, 2012

second grade teacher.

The deadline for applications is June 8th, 2012 at 3pm. 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 BUS DRIVER/ CUSTODIAN/ MAINTENANCE/ GROUNDS/ TEACHER AIDE. The deadline for applications is June 22nd at 3pm. 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 4 hour Teacher Aide/Custodian.

Must have experience in both and qualify as a teacher aide. Deadline for applications is June 22nd at 3pm. 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.

Short order cook and bartender.

Tumbleweed cafe.

Must have experience.

809-4634.

TC Student wanted for part time waitress.

Experience required.

765-6556.

Experienced writer wanted. 765-6550

CHILD CARE SERVICES

For Sale FOR SALE

AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS LOST PETS

Real Estate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

BUSINESS FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

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

Wanted

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

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

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

WANTED

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!

MOBILE HOMES HOMES FOR RENT West Valley

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 418 San Emidio 1/1 $500 420 1/2 San Emidio 2/1 $600 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $700 315 7th Street 1/1 Furnished! $850 302 Jefferson 2/1 $850 304 Calvin 2/1 $900 535 B Street 3/1 $900 116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000 426 D St 3/1 $1,000 27545 Cypress 3/1.5 Horse Property $1,200 302 E San Emidio 3/1.75 Pool $1,300 __________________ 402 Pierce St. 3bd/1ba 1 car garage + shop $889 mo. + dep. 661343-0507 707 Filmore 3bd/1ba $780 mo. + dep. 661343-0507 116 Pierce St. 1bd/1ba house $560 mo. + dep.

661-343-0507 3bd/1 ba. 350 Olive St. in Maricopa $850 mo + $500 dep. Lrg backyard, W&D hookup, garage.

Hablo espanol. 805746-5410.

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

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

West Side Real Estate And Property Management

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

3bd/2ba 715 Buena Vista St. $1,200 mo. + $1,200 dep. 765-4333.

2bd/1ba 143 Crystal St. $800 mo. + $1,000 dep.

765-4333.

3bd/1ba 109 South St. $800 mo. + $1,000 dep.

765-4333.

APART. FOR RENT MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057 Imperial Gardens 424 Woodrow Street 2bd $625 mo. 1bd $550 mo. Stove fridge, dishwasher, pool, private car port. 661623-3699 or 661-7654299.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr. Studio Apt. $450 mo + $450 dep. Water included. Recently remodeled. 661-4966064.

CITY OF TAFT CORRECTIONAL OFFICER $1,323.53 - $1,608.76 Bi-Weekly and SR. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER $1,391.31 - $1,691.14 Bi-Weekly Duties: Under direction, supervises inmates to maintain security and monitor inmate behavior and do related work as required.

Essential Qualifications: Completion of a BOC/STC Certified Correctional Officer Core Course (minimum 116 hours), completion of training pursuant to Section 832 of the Penal Code, possession of a High School Diploma or GED, 20 years of age, valid California Driver’s License, good physical condition, and ability to pass an extensive background investigation.

Application Process: For complete job description and application contact Personnel, 209 East Kern Street, Taft or www.cityoftaft. org. This recruitment will establish and eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of application. Postmarked applications will not be accepted.

June 1 - 7, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Weekly Gas Price Update And Outlook

Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen 3.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.26/g Monday, May 28th. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.65/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, May 28th were 23.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 12.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has decreased 15.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 13.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Summer driving season has officially begun with the national average falling far lower than we expected it earlier this year,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The national average has dropped to a surprising $3.65/gal mark as of today. Had you asked me back in January if the national average would have been that low on Memorial Day, I would likely have chuckled, but it goes to show anything is possible,” DeHaan said. GasBuddy forecast back in January that the national average would peak between $3.75-$4.15/gal. The national average peaked at $3.92/gal on April 5, far sooner than many analysts, including DeHaan, expected it to occur.

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.

Scholar & Teachers Of The Year

Andrew Lund have been honored as scholar of the year and Steve Sprague and Patrick Casey were honored as teachers of the year. The event was the spring Renaissance rally in the football stadium Friday, May 25.

There was a case of mistaken identity for the scholar of the year presentation between two straightA Andrews. Renaissance adviser Greg Goossen announced to the student body that Andrew Jackson was receiving the award and he was honored at the ceremony. After the Memorial Day weekend, Goossen realized the honor was supposed to go to Andrew Lund, who has a 4.5 GPA and is ranked No. 1 among the 216 graduating seniors. Jackson, who was surprised at the announcement, will get to keep a $250 gift certificate. Lund will get a second $250 gift certificate, plus a $1,000 scholarship from Josten’s. Lund plans to study biology at UCLA. Lund said he was “a little surprised” when Goossen announced Andrew, but then followed it with “Jackson” and not “Lund.” “Everyone sitting around me said, ‘You’re going to get it.’ They were all bummed out. (But) Andrew Jackson is a pretty good kid.”

Retiring welding teacher Patrick Casey and Steve Sprague, the varsity football coach the past eight years, each received roughly 100 votes, so for the first time, Renaissance named two teachers as teachers of the year.

Casey who finished the last five years of his teaching career at Taft High praised the school “I’ve worked at three different schools and this is without a doubt the best high school I’ve worked at.

It is such a privilege to work here. This is an outstanding place to work.

As for receiving the honor, “I had no idea. I’m just amazed. What a great way to finish my teaching career.”

Sprague still has a few years to go but he really appreciated the honor after “a roller coaster year. I appreciate it a little more (after this year). I’m surprised and honored because I a surrounded by an outstanding staff.”

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

taftindependent.com

The event celebrated Taft’s 100th anniversary with a carnival theme.

Renaissance is a national program promoting academics.

Activities included: a dunk tank, slip ‘n slide, water balloon slingshot, eight carnival booths, face painting, swimming in the pool, laser tag in the girls’ gym, four-legged races, an egg toss, and balloon animals Renaissance students selected the teacher of the year from among nominees made by the student body. The student scholar of the year was a senior who has achieved higher than a 4.0 grade point average during his high school career by taking honors and Advanced Placement classes.

The rally also honored the Top Cats in all four grades who earned higher than a 4.0 GPA. Honor roll students and other students and staff members with positive attitudes were also acknowledged with T-shirts they wore to the rally.

Photos by Jim Carnal Steve Sprague (red shirt) and Patrick Casey (blue shirt) are Taft High teachers of the year.

Andrew Lund is scholar of the year.

Top Cats achieved higher than a 4.0 grade point average during his high school career by taking honors and Advanced Placement classes.

Modern Times Continued From Page 8 something or other. I don’t remember what I was asking for but I do remember his response. “Well, lady,” he said, “If you can’t find it in New York, you’re safe in assuming it doesn’t exist.”

As it turned out there were things I could not find in New York, but how much more true is that statement concerning the Internet. You can find an ancient Indian recipe for yak butter to the moves made in an international chess match played in 1923.

Contrast this with the way it used to be in the 1990’s before the Internet developed into the tool it is today. I was living in New York City then. I wanted to do a Christmas card using my husband’s cats, dressed in turn-of-century costumes and singing carols in front of a brownstone in a snowstorm To find the costumes I needed I had to take the subway to the library on Fifth Avenue and 40th Street. Then I had to take the escalator to the 2nd floor where the collection was kept. Then I looked for files labeled “Costumes—1890-1920.” Once I removed the files I wanted, I sat, leafed through them and removed those pictures that I wanted to check out. They were checked out for three weeks, I believe, and then I had journey back to the library to return them.

Contrast that with “googling” images and typing in “Costumes—1890-1920.” In seconds pictures of costumes from that time appear. I can save the pictures I want and print them out on my printer.

The process takes minutes.

I don’t know how scientists were able to design search engines that can find anything anyone is looking for. If you type in something like “Hawaiian shirts with surfer patterns” they will deliver exactly that. On the recipe websites you can find recipes for artichoke casserole or for making dandelion wine.

And how indeed can Amazon sell used-but-stillin-good condition books and CD’s for as little as 1 cent (plus $4 for shipping and handling, of course)? Today I bought such a book from Amazon on architecture styles popular in Los Angeles during the 1950’s. Yesterday I researched the cost of long-term parking at the LAX airport (I’m happy to report that it’s only $5 per day.)

Many people now buy and sell on EBay. I recently bought a vintage chenille bathrobe on EBay. I have a friend who makes good money selling oil field signs on the site. Twenty years ago who would have thought that pretty soon it would be possible to sell the treasures stored in grandma’s attic on-line?

Now I’m wondering since we have all these marvelous inventions why aren’t we any happier?

You are welcome to contribute your own list of what you love and HATE about living in modern times to the Independent.

Sharp Piece Continued From Page 5 ahead. The magazine is now accepting submissions for its 2013 issue. To submit, send up to five poems and/or up to 2,250 words of prose to sharppieceofawesome@gmail.com by September 1, 2012.

To purchase this year’s issue, hear some of the authors read in person, find out more about the publication, or simply enjoy a spirited evening, come to this year’s release party and reading at Black Gold Cafe, 508 Center St on Saturday, June 9th at 5:30pm. Dr. Christopher ChungWee, Larry Etue, Diane Funston, Mark Fisher and others will read their contribution to the 2012 issue of A Sharp Piece of Awesome.

12

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

TAFT INDEPENDENT

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

June 1 - 7, 2012

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

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

BMX

Bikes Are Here!

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

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

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

Qik Smog & Tune

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

745-4919

608 Center St.

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

Shaw’s Has Gone

BIRD CRAZY

Cages • Toys • Dishes Vitamists & More!

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Full Grooming Salon LARGE DOGS

Summer Wash & Shed Or Full Coat (hard to handle dogs always welcome)

Kaytee Bird Food We clip bird beaks, nails & wings

SMALL DOGS

Cut To Breed Style

We use flea control and clean grooming practices.

Some Saturday Appointments & Nail Spots Available! www.shawswesternshop.com

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

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

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

Open 7 Days a Week

FULL BAR

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations