Old's Cool To Open On Center Street

Independent The Taft

June 15 - 21, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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June 15 - 21, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 51

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

Old’s Cool 19 Year Old Taft Woman To Compete In X-Games

TUHS Science Teacher, Nathan Usrey, To Participate In Teacher Exchange Program

Black Gold

Antiques and More...

Opening On Center Street

Renee and Greg Hill in front of their new antique store at 515 Center Street Opening Next Thursday

Cafe and Deli

Friday, June 15th 6:00pm

Acoustical Music from Keith Jones, Jason Crawford, Erin Jackson-Johns

508 Center Street 661-765-6556

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

By June Woods

Jacks

FlowerShop

DELIVER FOR DAD!

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th

430 Center Street • (661)765-2442

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

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June 15 - 21 2012

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June 15 - 21, 2012

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Westside Watcher............4 Letter To The Editor......4 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Westside News.................9 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.

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.

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

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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

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

Beach Bunco Saturday, June 16th 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.

Thursday, June 21st Farmers Market Featuring Mama’s Kitchen On Thursday, June 21, the Taft Farmers Market will feature the regular fresh fruits, vegetables, jellies, nuts, and bread, but will also include a musical performance from the band Mama’s Kitchin.

Here is some information about the band: Mama’s Kitchen is an acoustic based rock band that is influenced by everything from blues, bluegrass, country, folk, and rock. We play mostly original music but also perform covers of classic rock songs from bands such as the Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, etc. incorporating a varying arrangement of instrumentation for each song. Mama’s Kitchen has been together for about 3 years but they have just recently begun playing public gigs. Mama’s Kitchen has played at Fish Lips in Bakersfield and are currently playing Sunday afternoons at Sue’s Tavern for the foreseeable future.

Taft Chamber of Commerce & WCMA To Host Fourth of July All-Community Picnic At Rails To Trails You are invited to attend the 2nd Annual WCMA and Taft Chamber of Commerce Rails to Trails Fourth of July Family Picnic. This family fun event is sponsored by the Taft Chamber of Commerce and the Westside Christian Ministers Association. On Wednesday July 4th, from 10AM to 3PM, families can participate in several activities including a children’s bike parade, pie eating contests, watermelon eating contests, and water balloon launching. There is no charge to attend the event and participate in the contests.

Local churches will enter their ice cream in the Best Homemade Ice Cream contest and Praise teams take the stage singing patriotic and contemporary Christian songs. Snow cones, vendors, live music, and free water slides for the kids are a few of the highlights of this year’s event. Good, clean fun is expected at this free event open to the entire community.

If you or your company would like to be involved with the 2012 Fourth of July Community Picnic, we have several vendor spots available. Each vendor space is 12x12 and costs $40. Contact the Chamber at 765-2165 for additional information or stop by at 400 Kern Street for a vendor form.

Fireworks are most commonly associated with the Fourth of July festivities.

Unfortunately, the cost of fireworks is outside of our budget this year. Our community has expressed interest in bringing fireworks back to Taft, but we need your help! The Taft Chamber is putting together a committee to raise money for the 2013 Fourth of July Fireworks Show. This is the time of year everyone thinks about fireworks celebrating our Nation’s Independence. In order to plan for such a large event, we need to start now. If you would like to participate, please contact Shannon at Shannon.taftchamber@gmail.com with your name, phone number, available meeting times, and ideas.

McKittrick School Pool Hours Monday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Tuesday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Thursday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm The pool will be open for the summer starting Monday, June 11th

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

Mckittrick students Free All others $1 Fee

Summer Reading Program Offers Fun At Library Dream big–READ! at the Kern County Library this summer, when the 2012 Summer Reading Program kicks off on Thursday, June 14 at 2:00 p.m. with a performance of “Sleeping Beauty” by The Omnipresent Puppet Theater. Young and old alike will enjoy this free show, which will be held in the Taft College Cougar Room, directly behind the Taft Branch.

The Taft Branch will offer Summer Storytime every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for 3 to 8 year-olds, in addition to the weekly entertainment for all ages on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. All Thursday programs are free and will be held in the Taft College Cougar Room. They are sponsored by the Kern County Friends of the Library, the Westside Friends of the Library, and the Taft College Library:

June 14: Omnipresent Puppet Theater

June 21: Jeff Lee’s Working Wildlife

June 28: The Magic of Christopher Lopez

July 12: CALM Traveling Zoo

July 19: Storyteller Jim Cogan

July 28: Stone Soup Story Theater Kids who read 10 or more books of their choice during June and July will earn rewards, including a free paperback book provided by the Kern County Friends of the Library, a coupon for a free pretzel at Auntie Anne’s, and a ticket for free admission to Legoland (while supplies last). Children who are not yet readers can participate by having stories read to them. Reading Records will be available at the Taft Branch starting June 12, after they have read their first book.

For more information, call 763-3294, checkout the website at www.kerncountylibrary.org or visit the Taft Branch Library at 27 Emmons Park Drive. Hours of opening are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lunchtime Water Workouts With WSRPD Think Its too hot to workout? Think Again! WSRPD is taking the work-outs to the pool. Don’t need to be a strong swimmer, we will be in the shallow end.

Suggested equipment (not mandatory): Water Barbells, Aqua Shoes. Attire: You will be working out in and out of the water, wear something you are comfortable in.

WHO: Ages 14 and up WHEN: July 3-26 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday TIME: 12-1pm WHERE: Walter Glenn Natatorium FEE: $10 per person (daily) or $60 per person (monthly) Registration deadline is June 28th. Late monthly registrations are subject to $5 late fee. Monthly registrations must be paid in advance in either the District Office or Recreation Center. Monthly registrations will not be accepted at the Natatorium. Register at WSRPD, 500 Cascade Place Taft, CA 661-763-4246 or 661-765-6677

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday June 19th, 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.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. 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 6:30am 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 15, 2012 Through Thursday, June 21, 2012 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) No Passes Allowed Fri: (1:00), (3:15), (5:15), 7:20 Sat & Sun: (11:00 AM), (1:10), (3:15), (5:15), 7:20 Mon - Thu: (1:30), (3:50), 6:00, 8:10 Prometheus (R) Fri: (1:30), (4:00), (6:30), 9:00 Sat & Sun: (11:30 AM), (2:15), (4:30), 7:00, 9:15 Mon - Thu: (1:00), (3:20), (5:30), 8:00 Snow White and the Huntsman (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (1:45), (4:15), 6:50, 9:20 Sat & Sun: (11:15 AM), (2:00), (5:00), 7:40 Mon - Thu: (1:45), (4:15), 7:00

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

Girl Scouts Can Do It All! Bakersfield Girl Scout Troop Made a Video to Tell Their Story To Their Peers.

Bakersfield, CA June 6, 2012 ­­– Troop 2718 from Bakersfield let their creative sides out when they made a video about Girl Scouts! Ande, Ryan, Shaina, Sierra and Vanessa from Girl Scout Cadette Troop 2718 thought up the theme, drafted the script, and starred in the short video. The video was part of their MEdia Cadette Journey,* where the girls learn how they can use their own stories to shape media— for themselves, their community and the world.

The idea behind the video was to show other girls their age that you can be in sports, acting, and other activities while also being a Girl Scout. Troop leader Julie Moore stated, “They came up with idea because as they have become older in Girl Scouts, a lot of their friends and peers think that Girl Scouts are nerdy. As we talked about the perceptions of girls in the media and how they feel about them, they decided they wanted to address the perceptions about Girl Scouts and show they can be cool, normal girls in the community.”

The Troop started working on the project last August, and filmed when they could. Richie Velasquez, Digital Media Director, at Woodward West/Woodward U donated his time to help with the filming and editing.

“When I saw the video they put together it brought me to tears. What an amazing message these girls told in the video.

They showed other girls that you can do it all while being a Girl Scout. We couldn’t be more proud of Troop 2718. They truly embody what Girl Scouting is all about,” stated Girl Scouts of Central California South CEO Cathy Ferguson.

Troop 2718 is very active not only in Girl Scouts but also outside of Girl Scouting. Girls from the Troop are involved in their school student body councils, four girls have straight A’s, they are in sports, and two sets of girls in Troop 2718 are working towards their Girl Scout Silver Award. Going for this Award—the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn—gives each girl a chance to show that she is are a leader who is organized, determined, and dedicated to improving her community.

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Central California South is the premier girl organization that produces quality leaders who ensure hope for the future. The goal of Girl Scouting is to assist girls in developing leadership skills by helping them Discover, Connect and Take Action in their communities. Membership registration

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

June 15 - 21 2012 for the 2012-2013 year is currently underway. If you are interested in getting involved with Girl Scouts of Central California South please visit www.girlscoutsccs.org or call (800) 490-8653.

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I think it’s ridiculous that they rejected it. There is hardly any business’s on that block of center st. It wouldn’t really effect anyone. They need more space. They help alot of people, who need food. The people who run and work at Laborer’s would make sure that things were ran properly, as they do now, with like trash, cigarette butts, and the way people would be lined up to get food.

With bigger space, there wouldn’t be so many people hanging outside. Planning commission is just being petty.

Jennifer D Craft

Kern Unemployment Falls to 13.6 Percent in May The unemployment rate in Kern County dropped to 13.6 percent in May, down from a revised 14.5 percent in April.

The figures, released Friday morning by the Employment Development Department, indicate a slowly-recovering local job market. Jobs were added across most sectors, but some jobs were lost in government and manufacturing.

California posted an unadjusted unemployment rate of 10.4 percent, while it was 7.9 percent for the nation during the same period.

The state’s jobless rate had dropped below 11 percent during the first two months of the year, but bounced back up to 11 percent in March.

“A lower rate is always good news, but it just gets us back down where we were in January, February,” said Dennis Meyers, an economist for the state Department of Finance. “I think it’s kind of symptomatic of this kind of low boil we’re on.”

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

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

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 15 - 21, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

TUHS Science Teacher, Nathan Usrey, To Participate in Teacher Exchange Program

TUHS SCLUB & Key Club Raised Over $1,000 For Loose Change to Loosen Chains

Taft High science teacher Nathan Usrey has earned a Fulbright award to be part of the 2012 Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), administered by Fulbright Japan. This is the second year in a row he has earned the honor. He did not attend last summer because of the nuclear radiation disaster in Japan in March of 2011.

This summer, participants will study sustainable energy and return to Nathan Usrey their schools with practical ideas on how to save money by going green, Usrey explained.

Fulbright Japan, also known as the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission, is a bi-national commission of 10 members. It has organized the Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD, which is jointly funded by the government of Japan through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the United States government through the State Department.

The program’s mission is to raise awareness of ESD-oriented programs, enhance ESD-related curricula in both countries and deepen a sense of global interconnectedness and cooperation between 24 teachers in Japan and 24 American teachers. The four areas of focus are: food and sustainable nutrition; the environment; energy and resources; and, international understanding and cooperation.

American teachers participated in a joint conference with Japanese educators in San Francisco April 29 to May 2 and will travel to Japan for the study tour June 19-July 2.

Two dozen grantees were selected from among 300 American applicants for the prestigious award.

By Nicole Frost

Stacy Doty & Family Benefit Ride Saturday, June 16th Please join us on a benefit ride for Stacy Doty and family. Stacy is a 35 year old wife and mother who in March was diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma Cancer. Stacy will undergo radiation and chemo treatments. With these treatments Stacy and her family will have mounting medical bills and daily needs. Please help us raise money for Stacy, her husband Mark and daughters Mariah & Ashlan.

Ride is $30.00 per bike/vehicle & $10.00 per passenger. $5.00 of this fee will pay for your meal after the ride.

When: Saturday, June 16, 2012.

Where: Start at Cycle Katz, 320 Harrison St., ride to The Pub & Reyes Creek Bar & Grill. Ride ends at the Taft Petroleum Club, 450 Petroleum Club Rd. Time: Sign up @ 8:00 AM (Cycle Katz), Kickstands up @ 10:00 AM. Food, raffles, fun @ 2:00 PM (Taft Petroleum Club).

All proceeds will go to the Doty family.

If you will not be able to attend and would like to make a donation to the Doty family, please make donations payable to: Stacy Doty Donation Fund C/O Chevron Valley Credit Union 1092 W. Kern St. Taft, CA 93268 Thank you in advance for your support!!

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

The Taft Union High School SCLUB and Key Club recently has raised over $1,000 in coins and change for the “Loose Change to Loosen Chains” organization.

“Loose Change to Loosen Chains” is a project under the International Justice Mission that focuses to end modern-day slavery worldwide. This movement is primarily student-run and the objective is to collect loose change to raise money for the awareness and abolition of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

“According to Real Simple magazine there is $10.5 billion in loose change lying around American households,” as written on the International Justice Mission website [ijm.org]. “Imagine what you could do if you were to collect even just a fraction of this amount and use it for a good cause!”

The Taft High SCLUB and Key Club began this project in January and finished in May. “We were able to get involved with the Penny Drive, so that change went to our cause,” said SCLUB Advisor Chelle Koernor.

Every year, the SCLUB participates in an international project.

This year’s project was simply inspired by a film.

“One of the girls in the club told me about a film she had watched about sex trafficking,” said Koernor. “I watched the film to make sure it was appropriate, and I decided to show it to the SCLUB during one of our lunch meetings. It’s an independent film called “Fields of Mudan” and it’s fairly short. It’s about a girl who is sold into sex slavery to pay off her mother’s debt. After we all watched it, there were no words. Throughout the movie, you think the setting is a city in China, but you later find out that there is an American flag waving only about 50 feet away from the building they’re in. Even here, people live in slavery.”

From collecting change to buying coffee, there are many ways to find out more about the issue of modern slavery and what can be done about it.

“Origin Coffee and Tea Company, located in Rocklin, CA, is a not-for-profit coffee shop,” Koernor explained. “Every profit dollar they make goes to the International Justice Mission and all of the employees are volunteers. You go in for a cup of coffee or tea and the employees will talk to you about these girls’ stories and what they’re going through. I even started ordering coffee from them for my home.”

For more information about “Loose Change to Loosen Chains,” visit http://www.ijm.org/get-involved/youth. For more information about the Origin Coffee and Tea Company, visit http:// origincoffee.org/.

Weekly Gas Price Update And Outlook Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen in the past week, averaging $4.09/g Monday, June 11th. This compares with the national average that has fallen in the last week to $3.56/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, June 11th were 14.8 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 19.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased during the last month and stands lower than this day one year ago.

“While price decreases have heated up on the West Coast, such decreases are drying up in other areas- such as the Great Lakes,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan.

“While current factors still point to some falling gasoline prices in some areas, mainly the West Coast, oil prices haven’t continued to shed as much value in the past week. Prices in the past few years have bottomed out in June, we could see a similar situation play out this year,” DeHaan said.

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

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

Monday - Friday 6:30am - 8pm Saturday 7:30am - 8pm Sunday 10am - 2pm Sandwiches & Salads

BLTA • Black Gold Club Roast Beef • Ham • Turkey Avocado • Tuna Salad • Egg Salad • Pastrami • Meatball Sandwich • Grilled Cheese Italian Garden Salad • Chef Salad • Polish Dog • Chili Dog • Soup & Salad Pastas Shrimp Scampi • Spaghetti With Meatballs • Raviolis Mozzarella & Baked Chicken Ravioli Spinach & Cheese Raviolis Espresso & Coffee Coffee • Iced Coffee Espresso • Latte • Cappuccino Americano • Vanilla Latte Cafe Mocha • White Mocha Chai Latte • Hot Chocoloate Blended Drinks • Iced Drinks Chocolate Freeze Vanilla Freeze • Iced Tea Fruit Smoothies • Protein Drinks Desserts Cheesecake • Chocolate Pie Key Lime Pie • Pastries

Best IPA Selection

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Bottled Beers!

Beer & Wine Available To Go Monday - Friday 6:30am - 8pm Saturday 7:30am - 8pm Sunday 10am - 2pm 508 Center Street • Taft DIne In Or Pick Up • 661-765-6556

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Old’s Cool To Open On Center Street

By June Woods

For many who were raised on the Westside, Taft has become the quintessential city to come home to, partly because of a downtown district that represents some of their fondest memories.

“I’m a Taft girl. I want Taft to be strong,” said Renee Hill, who co-owns Old’s Cool, 515 Center St., with her husband Greg Hill.

Their antique mall in the downtown district is set to open June 21 with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at 5 p.m.

Renee Hill, the daughter of Dr. John and Harriet Bitzer, left Taft in 1991 and returned last year. She wasn’t sure that her husband, who was born and raised in San Diego, would appreciate small town living. “He’s never lived in a small town,” Renee said, “but he sees how great it is with the whole small town feel.”

“The response that we’ve gotten—the enthusiasm and all the rest—has just been overwhelming,” said Greg Hill. “I grew up in San Diego and we never would have gotten this kind of support there.”

Old’s Cool celebrates the coolness of what is old while also giving a showcase to more avant-garde creations that make rare pieces fit attractively into a modern home.

“We hope that when you come in to our store, you’ll see things that are familiar; but, we try to repurpose things, too,” Renee said.

“We want you to walk in and see something and say to yourself, ‘Oh, that’s how I can use it.’ We want it to be fun.”

With a degree in interior design, Renee is able to show customers through store displays how they can enhance the beauty and uniqueness of their homes to create feelings of comfort and nostalgia.

Greg and Renee have dreamed of opening an antique mall for 20 years, which is how long Greg has been collecting the antique radios that are on display at Old’s Cool. Their retirement afforded them the opportunity to make that dream come true, and it didn’t take long to find the ideal location.

“We looked around town,” Renee said. “Then we found this building and it’s everything we wanted.” But the Old’s Cool owners have another reason for choosing the location. “We want to help get the downtown going again.”

Greg and Renee are excited to have found a roomy location in an area of the downtown where there is a lot of action. “We’re across the street from the Fox Theatre and the Black Gold Café and Deli.” Already a lot of people have discovered the coming antique

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

Friday, June 15th 6:00pm Acoustical Music from Keith Jones, Jason Crawford, Erin Jackson-Johns

508 Center Street • 765-6556

mall. Pedestrians will stop at the large front windows to peer inside at what is being displayed.

In the front window of the mall, people can watch Renee in her workshop designing and crafting some of the collectables being offered, such as the antique window panes decorated with old glass, silver and jewels.

The Hills also plan to include conveniences like taking furniture on a trade-in basis or on consignment. “We already have seven consignors,” Renee said, “and we haven’t even advertised Greg Hill stands in his man cave yet.”

Audry Krugh-Giese, who was born in Taft but retired to San Luis Obispo, has a display in the front of the new mall. She said she’s excited to see a large antique mall in Taft. “It’s mostly artists from the area,” she said, “and it gives people a chance to display their talents.”

Krugh-Giese does a lot of refurbishing of older pieces. “What I do is a mix of antiques and home décor,” she said.

The Hills expect a lot more consignors to come in after they open their doors. “Everybody has been really supportive so far,” said Renee. “We’ve had people come in and help us; it’s really wonderful.”

Greg and Renee do a lot of the furniture refinishing work for their items themselves, but they don’t always focus on putting the pieces back to the original state. “Almost everyone has antiques, but I try to make the pieces a little different…with kind of a new twist,” Renee said.

Some of the antiques and art they are most fond of range from world famous styles of furniture to art that is exclusive to Taft. “We have some beautiful old Victorian furniture,” Renee said, “and we have some of Maggie Blackwell’s art displayed as well as a stained glass display featuring Rena Linder’s work.”

Maggie Blackwell’s art, in chalk pastels, depicts landscapes that are especially appreciated by people on the Westside. The theme of her collection at Old’s Cool, she said, is “It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination.” Scenes include familiar ones, such as those found on Highway 58, the Carrizo Plain and in the Temblors.

Concerning the new antique mall downtown, Blackwell said, “I absolutely love it. It’s breathing fresh air into Center Street.”

High on Greg and Renee Hill’s list of priorities is joining the Taft Chamber of Commerce and helping to make Taft a tourist destination. “We have so many wonderful things to see in Taft,” Renee said, “such as the West Kern Oil Museum and the Oilworker’s Monument, but we also have antique stores that could really attract a lot of tourists.”

Seeing downtown Taft as a place where people will stop on their

June 15 - 21 2012

weekend excursions to the coast, Greg and Renee have planned hours for their business that will accommodate weekend travelers.

The Old’s Cool antique mall will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

“But,” Renee said, “if there’s something going on and it’s busy, we’re probably not going to close the doors.”

19 Year Old Taft Woman Competing In X-Games By Nicole Frost 19-year-old Taftian Nicole Madsen will be making Taft history by competing in the women’s endurocross event at the 2012 X Games.

Madsen qualified for the X Games by placing in the top 5 at the Geico Endurocross competition in Las Vegas. She faced some difficulties, but that didn’t stop her.

“I didn’t have the best race in Vegas,” said Madsen. “I was taken out right from the start and it just went downhill from there. I had one last chance to qualify this last weekend in Sacramento. I ended up placing 5th out of 14 riders which qualified me.”

Madsen has been riding dirt bikes her whole life and she has had type-1 diabetes since the age of 12.

“I am a type one diabetic, which means my pancreas does not produce insulin at all,” Madsen explained. “I wear an insulin pump which makes my life easier and all I have to do is punch in a few buttons and it will deliver the insulin into me. Diabetes can be very dangerous while riding. My blood sugar could drop which will make me fatigued and shaky. It won’t happen, though, if you keep a close eye on your blood sugar which I do.”

To prepare for the X Games, Madsen will have to follow a vigorous workout and training regimen.

“A buddy of mine has an endurocross track in Arvin that I have been riding the past couple of months,” said Madsen. “I work out almost every day. I work on my cardio mostly and I do a little bit of strength training but I’m definitely going to be putting in some intense workouts and getting my cardio to its best these next couple of week leading to the big day.”

This is a tremendous accomplishment for Madsen because she will be the first person from Taft to compete in the X Games.

“This has been a long time dream of mine that now has become Continued on Page 8

June 15 - 21, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

2012 4th Annual Rails To Trails Car Show Winners

Best in Show (L-R): Motorcycle: Randy Griffith: 2002 Harley Street Tracker. Car: Barry Holstone: 1963 Ford Galaxie XL 500.

Truck: Jack Love: 1950 Ford Pickup F-1 Pre 48 Closed Car 1st: Connie Gutierrez, 1935 Chevy 3 Window Coupe 2nd: Gary Rubottom, 1935 Chevy Coupe Master 3rd: Sam & Vickie Gregory, 1940 Ford Sedan Pre 48 Open Car 1st: George Fuson, 1932 Ford Boydster 2nd: Jerry Banks, 1948 Studebaker Champion Convertible 3rd: Jerry Tashjian, 1929 Ford Roadster Pre 48 Truck, SUV 1st: John Dennis, 1940 Ford Pickup 2nd: Bill Heisey, 1937 Dodge Pickup 3rd: Raymadene Holstone, 1948 Chevrolet Delivery Panel Pre 48 Antique 1st: Stan Barrett, 1929 Ford Pickup 2nd: Isy Cooper, 1931 Ford A 3rd: Michael Black, 1931 Ford Model A Pickup Project/Under Construction 1st: Tony Todd, 1937 Willys Sedan 2nd: Kim Hayes, 1948 Ford F-1 3rd: Vic Etchegorry, 1948 Ford 2 Door Sedan Sports Car 1st: Geoff Kimler, 1952 MG TD 2nd: Geoff Kimler, 1969 MG B-GT 48-73 Stock 1st: Barry Holstone, 1963 Ford Galaxie XL 500 2nd: Gene Reeder, 1950 Plymouth Two Door Sedan 3rd: Winfield May, 1955 Buick Special 49-72 Truck, SUV 1st: Jack Love, 1950 Ford Pickup F-1 2nd: Mike Bowling, 1957 Chevy Pickup 3rd: John Floyd, 1955 Chevy Truck 55-57 Chevy 1st: Ben Craig, 1955 Chevy Nomad 2nd: James Bench, 1955 Chevy Belair (Nomad) 3rd: Ann Bell, 1955 Chevy Belair 58-72 Muscle Car 1st: Harley Craig, 1967 Chevy Malibue 2nd: Jerry Schuster, 1963 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible 3rd: Pat Hoffman, 1972 Chevy Chevelle 64-73 Mustang 1st: Christy Durkan, 1969 Ford Mustang 2nd: Larry & Jeanne Coburn, 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible 3rd: Bob Johnson, 1972 Ford Mustang Convertible 67-73 Camaro Continued on Page 9

Summer Safety Tips

During the summer months many children stay home alone and care for themselves while parents work. It is estimated that more than five million children are home alone for some part of the day.

Some children enjoy caring for themselves and happily accept the added responsibility. Others may be lonely, bored, or scared.

For all of them, it is an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss safety and crime prevention.

When deciding whether or not to allow your children to stay home alone, it is important that you make sure your child is mature enough to follow the rules and react properly in unexpected situations. Parents should focus on setting rules and limitations, increasing levels of responsibility, and communicating basic safety information to promote self-care skills. Follow these tips.

Children should: Memorize their full name, address, and phone number.

Always check in with you or a trusted neighbor when leaving the house or arriving home.

Know how to properly use the 9-1-1 emergency system.

Never accept rides or gifts from people they don’t know.

Keep the doors and windows locked when home alone.

Never open the door to a stranger or let a stranger into the home.

Never tell a caller or someone at the door they are home alone.

Always carry a house key.

Know how to get out of the house in case of fire.

Never go into a neighbor’s house without your permission.

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers close to the phone.

Tell you if something happens that makes them fell scared or uncomfortable.

Parents should also set rules and guidelines for Internet usage, and make sure to carefully monitor what sites their child is visiting, and whom their child is talking to on the Internet. Child predators no longer have to cruise parks and playgrounds; they can easily find their victims online.

A Reminder to Do-It-Yourselfers: Recycle Used Motor Oil and Oil Filters Together A recent survey by California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) revealed a serious gap in awareness among drivers who change their own motor oil. While 95 percent of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) oil changers said they recycle their used motor oil, approximately one-third admitted to dumping their used oil filters in the trash, potentially contaminating the environment with hazardous waste.

DIYers who indicated they threw away their used oil filters acknowledged they were not aware filters could be recycled, revealing a critical opportunity to improve oil filter recycling practices across the Golden State.

New efforts to build stronger awareness of the importance of recycling oil filters are rolling out statewide. CalRecycle is using public service announcements, filter exchange events, and other grassroots initiatives to educate the public about the importance of recycling used motor oil and filters together.

“California’s home mechanics are recycling their motor oil, but we need to make sure they finish the job correctly and take in their filters, too,” CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen said. “We are asking news professionals, local businesses, and our local government partners to help us spread the word. Together, we can make big strides to increase oil filter recycling and keep toxic materials out of the environment.”

Each year Californians generate nearly 70 million used automotive filters, which are completely recyclable. After filters are drained, each one still holds about 10 ounces of toxic oil residue and is therefore considered hazardous waste that cannot be thrown in the trash. This trapped motor oil could add up to 2 million gallons of toxic waste going into California’s environment, water systems, or landfills each year if not properly recycled. According to CalRecycle, recycling these filters, which contain about a pound of steel, could produce enough metal to build three large sports stadiums.

Californians can find a list of local Certified Collection Centers on the CalRecyclewebsite. Additional tips and information can be located on the CalRecycle Facebookpage and Twitter.

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

A nice selection of Knives Watches Flashlights & More!

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

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“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

Almost Everything Half Off! 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

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

taftindependent.com

8

Liberty Under Fire

TAFT INDEPENDENT

BLM Mother Lode Office Announces Fire Restrictions

Are the President’s “Kill List” Activities Constitutional?

By Dr. Harold Pease Two things have brought drone warfare to public attention in an amplified way the last few days: our assassination of Abu Yahya al-Libi, Al-Qaida’s second-in-command, and The New York Times release of classified information showing that President Barack Obama, on a weekly basis, reviews a “kill list” and personally authorizes each kill. Is this Constitutional?

The paper revealed a “top secret ‘nominations’ process to designate terrorists for kill or capture” but that there is little interest in capture because of a hidden “take-no-prisoners” policy. In the last three months 20 “presumed terrorists” have been assassinated, 14 in Yemen and 6 in Pakistan. It complicates things when they have to be sent to Guantanamo Bay, thus only one person on the list has been sent to the Island prison. Killing them frees us from those messy practices of “enhanced interrogation” (torture) and “rendition” (exporting torture to foreign nations, called “black sites,” less squeamish about screaming victims), practiced under the George W. Bush administration. Under Obama the dead do not need rendition, military commissions, and indefinite detention, the paper infers (Secret “Kill” List Tests Obama’s Principles, New York Times, May 29, 2012).

Moreover, the Obama Administration also got rid of the messy civilian casualties problem by defining all “military age males in a strike zone as combatants … unless there is explicit intelligence posthumously proving them innocent.” They would not be in the area if they were not also terrorists—guilt by association—they reason. Therefore the Administration can argue, “that not a single noncombatant had been killed in a year of strikes.” One administrative source said, “They count the corpses and they’re not really sure who they are.” Unfortunately for The Administration, The New York Times noted, “Videos of children’s bodies and angry tribesmen holding up American missile parts flooded You Tube, fueling a ferocious backlash that Yemeni officials said bolstered Al Qaeda.” Sometimes our actions create our next wave of enemies.

The case of American citizen Anwar al-Awlaki, an Al Qaeda propagandist hiding in Yemen, presented the President with Fifth Amendment “due process” problems which were quickly swept under the rug. Killed with him, however, was his 16 year-old-son and “Samir Khan, an American citizen who was not on the target list but was traveling with him.”

The President’s reaction to The New York Times disclosure, “First, I’m not going to comment on the details of what are supposed to be classified items… Second, as commander-in-chief, the issues that you’ve mentioned touch on our national security or critical issues of war and peace, and they’re classified for a reason” (Obama ‘Offended’ by Leak Allegations, New York Times, June 8, 2012).

So, are any of these practices Constitutional? Not one!! All military powers are housed under the Legislative branch Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution except for one. These include all power to declare and finance war, “make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces,” and even determine the land that the military can have for training purposes. The only power left to the president is as “Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States… ,” notice this, “when called into actual Service of the United States” which constitutionally can only be done by Congress. The totality of his authority can only follow theirs.

As far as I am able to determine there exists no declaration of war by Congress on Yemen or Pakistan (actually on no country presently) calling into “actual service” the military. Instead, our attacks are acts of war on these states. Imagine drone strikes on our enemies in Russia or China. They, being much stronger countries, would be returning fire. Nor is there a specific two-year funding limitation on this “Drone War” as constitutionally required. Moreover, Congress clearly has been nullified in making the “rules for the government and regulation of land and naval forces” in this no end conflict.

Recent presidents have usurped all of the military powers of Congress unto themselves. It is a dangerous slippery slope and clearly exceeds Constitutional authority regardless of who inhabits the White House, more especially when the kills are American citizens who are executed on the say so of just one man, in the Situation Room, thousands of miles away. Executed without the accused having benefit of judge, jury, trial or any of a series of other constitutional rights.

Whatever happened to the presumption of innocent until proven guilty? Tell Congress that you want them to adhere to the Constitution with respect to all military conflicts.

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.

X-Games, Continued from Page 6 a reality,” said Madsen. “I am just so excited and beside myself. It’s so nice being from a little town, like Taft in this situation, I can definitely feel the support. It also feels good to say I’m the first person in Taft to be invited to X Games. I’m not nervous yet. It still hasn’t quite hit me that I’m going to be attending one of the biggest action sport events of the year. I’m sure it will all hit me while I’m at the gate waiting for it to drop.”

Madsen is among the youngest competitors in the X Games. She is also one of the very few women competing.

“There are a few 19-year-olds in the X Games, but I’ll be one of the youngest in my event,” said Madsen. “There are only 10 women racing in the X games.”

Madsen is currently an office clerk at Randy’s Trucking and she is a student at Taft College who is working towards an Associate of Arts degree. For

the future, she would like to keep improving to be one of the best women endurocross riders in the world.

“It’s hard to make a career out of motocross, especially for women, because it doesn’t pay well at all,” said Madsen. “But I’ll keep doing what I love until I’m too old for it.”

As a piece of advice for younger or aspiring riders, Madsen said, “What you put in is what you will get out.

Never give up. Be sure to surround yourself with good

June 15 - 21 2012

Effective June 11, 2012, the Bureau of Land Management is implementing fire restrictions on all BLM-managed public lands within the Mother Lode Field Office boundary. This includes BLM-managed public lands in Nevada, Yuba, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Sacramento, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Sutter, and Mariposa counties, a total of about 230,000 acres. The fire restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

These restrictions prohibit all open fires on public lands because of extremely dry conditions, according to Gerald Martinez, Fire Management Officer. “With the recent high temperatures, fuels are extremely dry,” he said.

Campers are urged to be familiar with special limitations prior to visiting any public lands in these counties. A valid California campfire permit is required for all fires. Campfire permits are available free of charge at any BLM, Forest Service, or California Department of Forestry Office, but campers need to be aware of restrictions in the area they are visiting.

The following restrictions apply: · No open fires except in designated campgrounds, open fire stoves, except lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel. · No welding or use of any torch with an open flame, except by special permit. · No use of explosives, except by special permit. · No operating internal combustion engines, except on maintained roads. · No firing tracers or incendiary devices capable of starting a fire. · No fireworks.

Violations are punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year in jail. For additional information contact BLM’s Mother Lode Field Office at (916) 941-3101.

people and with a positive outlook.”

Madsen will be competing in the X Games on July 1st. You can watch her live on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. that night.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

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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

Carolyn Anderson REALTOR DRE #01408418

Buying or Selling a home?

Get the right professional advice from Century 21 agent Carolyn Anderson!

Hometown Realty 4800 Easton Drive Suite F Bakersfield, CA 93309 Cell (661)747-8595 Fax (661)215-5364 carolyn@c21home.com www.c21home.com Each office is independently owned and operated

MESSENGER AUTOMOTIVE SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

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June 15 - 21, 2012

Winners, Continued from age 7 1st: Scott Royal, 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 2nd: Paul Linder, 1967 Chevrolet Camaro

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli

74 to Present 1st: James Owens, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban LS 2nd: Bernard E. Krause, 1977 Chevy Pickup C-10 3rd: Robert Mansell, 1975 Chevy K010

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

Corvette 1st: Alan Ward, 1967 Chevy Corvette 2nd: Jerry Schuster, 1957 Chevy Corvette 3rd: Terry Ricker, Chevy Corvette GS Custom 1st: Sam Alldredge, 1964 Chevelle Malibu 2nd: Don Williams, 1965 Chevy Chevelle Malibu 3rd: Dennis Harris, Crossley Open Car HHR/PT Cruiser 1st: Mary Jo Thompson, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2nd: Jim Griepsma, 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 3rd: Wyman Hunt, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Motorcycle – Custom 1st: Shawn Foster, 2002 Harley Heritage Classic 2nd: Rick Jones, 2005 Harley Softail Deuce 3rd: Trent Unruh, 2007 Harley Night Train Motorcycle – Vintage 1st: Jim Buck, 1965 Scooter Cushman Super Silver Eagle 2nd: Randy Griffith, 1957 BSA Gold Star 3rd: Michael Scott, 1975 Suzuki GT 250 Motorcycle – Metric 1st: Larry Disney, 2003 Yahama R-1 2nd: Craig Foust, 2011 Triumph Daytona 675 3rd: Joe Gieger, 1992 Honda Shadow 1100 Motorcycle – Old School 1st: Mike Springstead, 2006 Bober 1450 Custom Springer 2nd: Robert Collins, Rat Bike Motorcycle – Touring 1st: Donnie Schwedetfager, 2005 Harley Road King Custom 2nd: Lewis Martin, 2010 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Motorcycle – Stock 1st: Randy Griffith, 2002 Harley Street Tracker 2nd: Randy Griffith, 1970 Honda 350 K Model 3rd: Mikel Clark, 2009 Harley Fat Bob

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

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

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

“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

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!

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

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.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Preserving for the Future

Moving sale. Everything must go! Sat 6/16 and 6/23 8am til 12ish. 604 Phillippine St.

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.

Business Services

& Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661293-0359 or 661-7656497. We will pick up!

For Sale

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

Fish aquarium with accessories. $20. 661293-0671

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

AUTOMOBILES

Found

FOUND ITEMS

Found mans wedding ring with name inside. call to identify 765-2927.

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS

Employment HELP WANTED

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

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

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries

Can’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you

Wanted

WANTED

MOBILE HOMES HOMES FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 418 San Emidio 1/1 $500 420 1/2 San Emidio 2/1 $600 302 Jefferson 2/1 $850 514 Grant Terrace 2/1 $900 535 B Street 3/1 $900 404 Fillmore 3/1.75 $900 116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000 500 Welch 3/2.5 $1,200 302 E San Emidio 3/1.75 Pool $1,300

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 has cable, utilities included $550 mo. + $500 dep. 6234792.

Personals PERSONALS Older guy looking for company for occasional day trips. Gambling or to the coast, will provide transportation & lunch. Must have own gambling money, able to walk at least a mile.

Prefer single women from early 40’s to early 60’s. Others considered.

Call Jim 763-9717

__________________

LOST PETS BUSINESS SERVICES

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.

FOR SALE

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

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

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

June 15 - 21 2012

707 Filmore 3bd/1ba $750 mo. + dep. 661343-0507 116 Pierce St. 1bd/1ba house $560 mo. + dep.

661-343-0507

Get It Rented!

MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

Taft Property Mgt. 661

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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

Independent

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

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Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street

Karri Christensen

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LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

765-6550

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661-332-6597

Classified Ads Starting At $2 Per Line!

2bd/1ba unfurnished house, pest control and garbage paid. $650 mo + $250 dep. 661-7652704 evenings.

APART. FOR RENT

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

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Call Today (661)765-6550

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.

CITY OF TAFT CORRECTIONAL OFFICER $1,323.53 - $1,608.76 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 15 - 21, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

State to Begin “Phone in Genetically Modified Foods May Get One Hand, Ticket in the Label in California Other” Campaign California voters will soon decide whether to require special labels for California will be one of the first states in the country to receive money to help fight distracted driving.

It’s part of a new national program called “Phone in one hand, ticket in the other.” Our state will receive 1.5 million dollars to help pay for law enforcement salaries and overtime.

They’ll also use the money for media campaigns to raise awareness about cell phone crackdown.

Fuller Releases Statement On Refusal of AB32 Implementation Audit Senator Jean Fuller, R-Bakersfield, issued the following statement on today’s vote to refuse an audit of the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) implementation of AB 32.

“For years now, the Air Resources Board has refused to provide answers to questions about how AB 32 fees set aside for compliance has been spent. I asked the Chair personally at a hearing in April many of the same questions and the lack of information was deafening.

“That’s simply unacceptable. My colleagues agreed with me last month and we initiated the first step in establishing a full independent audit.

“However, the Senate Budget Committee today rejected the request for an audit. Because the AB 32 mandate exacts such an overwhelming cost to businesses of all sizes and our economy continues to struggle, I still believe it’s important we learn exactly how and where this money is spent.”

CARB has failed to adequately disclose how a total of $92 million from two special funds (the Motor Vehicle Fund and the Recycled Beverage Container Fund) during Fiscal Years 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 have been spent in implementing AB 32, the 2006 mandate that will force California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020.

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

Follow her on Twitter @jeanfuller and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jeanlfuller

food made from genetically modified ingredients, in a closely watched test of consumer attitudes about the merits of genetically engineered crops.

Advocates collected more than half a million signatures supporting the stronger labeling requirements, and the secretary of state this week certified the measure for the state’s November ballot.

If it passes, California would be the first state to require labeling of such a wide range of foods containing genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. The proposal would require most processed foods by 2014 to bear a label telling shoppers that they contain ingredients derived from plants whose DNA was altered with genes from other plants, animals, viruses or bacteria.

Many backers of similar labeling legislation in more than a dozen states say the intent is to give consumers more information about what they’re eating, and foster transparency and trust in the food system. Major agricultural groups and the processed food industry oppose stricter labeling, saying it risks sowing fear and confusion among shoppers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says genetically modified foods pose no greater health risks than traditional foods, and opponents of labeling rules say they could prompt packaging costs to rise unnecessarily.

If the measure passes, most raw or processed food made from plants or animals with engineered genetic material would need to be labeled, although certified organic foods and alcohol would be exempted. Meat and dairy products also would not require a label even if the animals are fed with genetically engineered grains, which the initiative’s opponents say amounts to a loophole.

“Consumers have a fundamental right to know what is in their food and make choices, so I think everyone should be working toward this,” said Albert Straus, founder and president of the Straus Family Creamery, an organic dairy in Petaluma. “Our labeling costs do not go through to the consumer.”

Straus already avoids using genetically modified feed for his herd, and became the first creamery in the country to be voluntarily certified as GMO-free in 2010.

Organic farmers say they stand to benefit from better-informed consumers who may reject genetically modified products and instead choose organic food. The Organic Consumers Association has said labeling GMO ingredients in the U.S. would make domestic markets more competitive with markets in Europe, which imposes guidelines on informing consumers about genetically modified food.

Opponents, however, say the measure could spark frivolous lawsuits brought by citizens who believe a product is mislabeled, even if they don’t claim to have been harmed.

“This could become a lawsuit magnet well beyond the borders of California,” said Tom Scott, executive director of the Sacramento-based California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. “You’re just going to see trial lawyers walking up and down grocery store aisles saying this doesn’t meet the labeling requirements.”

The change could also place a new financial burden on farms, said Jamie Johansson, an Oroville farmer who is second vice president of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

“Then, of course, there are the legal concerns about verifying that you are GMO-free,” he said.

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen also certified seven additional initiatives for November, including a proposal to modify California’s strict three-strikes sentencing law by making a life sentence on a third strike possible only when the new conviction is serious or violent.

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

Advertise WIth The Taft Independent Call Today!

765-6550

US States Forecast Highest Tax Revenue In 5 Years U.S. states expect to collect higher tax revenues in the coming budget year that combined would top pre-recession levels, according to a survey released Tuesday. The increase could reduce pressure on states to cut budgets and lay off workers.

A slowly healing job market and modest growth have boosted sales and income taxes, which provide nearly three-quarters of state revenue. Overall corporate income taxes are also growing.

Still, many states continue to struggle with budget shortfalls. And some states, such as California, are seeing greater revenues only after raising taxes to stem deficits.

Total tax revenue is forecast to rise 4.1 percent to $690.3 billion in the 2013 budget year, according to a twice-yearly survey by the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers.

It’s the third straight year of revenue growth and $10 billion more than the budget year that ended June 2008. The recession began in December 2007.

Total state spending would increase only 2.2 percent and remain below pre-recession levels, the report said.

“The thing we’re definitely seeing is stability,” said Scott Pattison, executive director of the budget officers’ group. Only eight states were forced to close unexpected mid-year budget gaps this year, he said, compared to 39 states two years ago.

Arizona, Ohio and Michigan are anticipating some of the biggest increase in tax revenue next year.

Michigan has already benefited from higher revenues. Last year the state had its first surplus in a decade. That enabled state officials in February to cancel plans to require 37,000 state workers to take four days of unpaid leave.

In Ohio, tax revenue is projected to rise to $17.6 billion next year. That’s an 8.6 percent increase from the current budget year. Democrats in the state legislature have responded by pushing for more school funding. GOP Gov. John Kasich has downplayed the improved forecast, saying year-to-date tax receipts are only modestly above estimates.

Others states are seeing less improvement. Iowa, Illinois and Arkansas are among those forecasting small increases.

And even though California is forecasting much higher revenue, much of that is coming from a tax increase. The state is struggling to close a $16 billion budget deficit and is considering cutting programs.

So are many other states. Aid from the federal government is dropping and the demand for health care, education and other services is rising.

About a quarter of the expected gain in revenue comes from proposed tax hikes in 10 states. Fifteen states recommended tax cuts, though not enough to offset the proposed gains.

The gains in revenue are also uneven. Tax receipts in 23 states are projected to remain lower than they were five years ago. The forecasts are based on proposed budgets submitted by governors.

The issue of state and local government job cuts inflamed the presidential campaign last week. President Barack Obama on Friday urged Republicans in Congress to approve legislation he has proposed that would enable more teachers and police officers to keep their jobs.

The president also asserted that the “private sector is doing fine,” which drew quick, derisive criticism from Republicans. Mitt Romney, GOP presidential nominee, charged that Obama was “out of touch.”

Layoffs are slowing at the state level. State governments added an average of 3,000 jobs per month in the past six months, after cutting an average of 5,200 in the preceding six months. Still, the cuts aren’t entirely over: states cut 5,000 jobs in May. The biggest layoffs have been at the local level, particularly in public schools. Local governments rely on property taxes, which are still declining as property values fall in the wake of the housing bust.

Since August 2008, when state and local government employment peaked, local governments have cut 528,000 jobs. State governments have shed 134,000.

Even as tax receipts at the state level have recovered, states are facing greater demand for services. That means budgets will remain tight and hiring isn’t likely to pick up.

Dan Crippen, executive director of the NGA, said high unemployment is forcing millions of people to join or remain on Medicaid, the joint federalstate health care program for the poor. That’s placing big demands on states, which boosted Medicaid spending 20 percent this year.

“We’re not seeing the rolls drop off as much as you might expect,” Crippen said. And states expect to spend more on K-12 education next year, he added.

Medicaid will cover 5.6 million more people this year than in 2008, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal research group. States will also have to educate 350,000 more K-12 students and 1.7 million college and university students, the center estimates.

12

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

TAFT INDEPENDENT

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

June 15 - 21 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 Father’s Day is June 17th Full Grooming Salon Make his day special with a nice selection of

Wrangler Jeans M&F Leather Wallets Belts & Suspenders Short Sleeve Western Shirts

LARGE DOGS

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

Shaw’s Has Gone

BIRD CRAZY

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Cages • Toys • Dishes • Vitamists Kaytee Bird Food & Snacks 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