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Independent The Taft

June 28 - 4, 2013

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

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June 28 - 4, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 52

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

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Hawaiian Luau (Birthday Party for Alick)!!

Saturday July 6th

Live Music at 7pm Hula Contest Best Dressed Guy Best Dressed Girl Horseshoe Tournament -Sign-ups 2-3pm - $10 Buy-in -Tournament begins at 3pm, teams are chosen by a blind draw.

Dinner at 5pm $12.00 Per Person BBQ Chicken & Deep Pit Pork W/Rice, Fruit, Salad & Bread www.theplacehwy33.com

Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

June 28 - 4, 2013

Shop Taft

Passion For Nails

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

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

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

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Boutique

Women’s Wear Jewelery Purses Shoes Gift Items

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Get Your Sweet On Bakery and Sweet Shop

Root Beer Floats $2.50 Sundaes and Banana Splits Order Your 4th of July Cups Cakes Early

Infant and Toddler Wear and more Shop Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

Prepaid Phones, Accessories and Cards

Coming Soon!

Monarch Wireless No. 2 Save - a - Lot Shopping Center 610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Taft, Ca. 93268

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

Now Serving Edible Bugs Scorpions, Worms and Crickets

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

Iphone 5 Cases 20% Off!

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

Single and Double Scoop Ice Cream Cones Hours M-F 10am - 6pm Saturdays 9am - 2pm 420 Center Street, Taft (661) 745-4894

Ten Percent Firearms

Summer Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Blue Jeans & Bling

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

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

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

Samantha Hagstrom Massage Therapist European and Hot Stone Prenatal Massage

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

763-9100

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

June 28 - 4, 2013

Inside

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

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

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

Moron Golf Tournament August 10th

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

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com or on Facebook The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers Feature Writers Interviews Reviews

acme jewelry co.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

By John Swearengin The 3rd of July Fireworks Show is almost here. I thank all the people and businesses for their donations. The Taft Chamber, Kenny Schuyler, and several others worked hard on this. They have enough money for this year and are already started on getting money for next year. The next step is getting several volunteers to help during the Event. They will need volunteers starting at 4pm until after the event is finished.

Volunteers will be keeping certain areas clear of vehicles and even people. Contact the Chamber if you are able to help with this great event. The City workers, Taft PD, Sheriff Department, and Kern County Fire Department will all be working hard to insure a safe and fun family event. The weather is going to be hot and there will be a Beer Garden but please be smart and do not ruin this Annual Event. Relax and enjoy a cool beverage, great music, and beautiful Fireworks. Enjoy your family and friends and remember why we celebrate the 4th of July. God Bless the USA! Thursday Nights- Every Thursday from 4-7pm is Farmers Market at the Taft Chamber.

Every Thursday if it is the LAST night a movie is playing at The Fox Theatre, all seats are only $4.00 that night. “Last Chance Showing.”

There are now lights on the Rails to Trails Extension, west of Hillard Street. Watch out for critters.

Saturday June 29th is Family Storytime at the Library at 10:30am. Visit kerncountylibrary.org for info.

Summer Series Arenacross at Franklin Field; Races start at 6pm and admission is only $5.00.

Future Events: July 3rd : Firework Show and Concert with Truxtun Mile and Cadillac Angels July 4th : Family Fun Day at Rails to Trails.

July 5th :First Friday of the Month Cruise Night.

July 9th :Ground- breaking Ceremony for the new Motel at 6th and Main Street at 10am.

July 10th :Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7:30. Tickets only $12.00.

July 27th :Tumble Weed Festival in Derby Acres- Car Show, Bounce Houses, Food, Games, etc.

October 18th :West Kern Petroleum Summit at Taft College, Tickets are only $60.00.

The West Side Recreation and Park District has two Ponytail All Star Softball Teams in the All Star Tournament at Franklin Field this Saturday. Both of these Taft teams have some great athletes. The first game is at 9am and second game is at 11am. All games will be an hour and a half. Last week Delano had several more fans than Taft.

Stop by and CHEER for our girls. The snack bar will be open for a cold soda to keep you cool.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

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Taft Calendar

F i n e

J e w e l r y

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Hand Made Greeting Cards By Donna Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries

ACME Has Gone Nuts

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Hammond’s Nuts and Peanut Brittle

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 – 6:00 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.

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 Full Snack Bar Available The pool will be open for the summer starting Monday, June 10th

Mckittrick students Free All others $1 Fee

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

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

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

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, June 28, 2013 through Thursday, July 04, 2013 Monsters University (G) Fri & Sat: (4:15), 6:50 Sun: (1:00), (3:30), 6:00 Mon - Thu: (5:15), 7:30 Monsters University (G) Sensory Friendly Showing! Lights up, sound down, moving around, talking is OK. Sat: (11:00 AM) World War Z (PG-13) Fri - Sun: (4:30), 7:00 Mon - Thu: 7:30 PM Man of Steel (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 9:15 PM Sun: (1:15 PM) Mon - Thu: (4:45 PM)

A Grand 4th of July

By Congressman Kevin McCarthy When President Reagan began his Fourth of July remarks from aboard the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy in 1986, he knew his speech was the only thing standing between a patriotic crowd and a huge fireworks display over New York Harbor. He recalled a saying from his days back in Hollywood about never doing a scene with kids or animals, because they would always steal the scene. “Rest assured,” he said, “I wouldn’t even think about trying to compete with a fireworks display, especially on the Fourth of July.”

As members of our communities in California and Americans across the country look forward to celebrating with family and friends today, I will take a page from President Reagan’s script.

But if one thing ought to be remembered, it is that all of today’s celebrations – from the Central Valley to the Antelope Valley to the Indian Wells Valley and all the way to the East Coast – are connected by the history of this day, July 4. Summoned by Liberty Bell’s ring in 1776, Philadelphians gathered in front of Independence Hall to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Afterwards, shouting, muskets firing in the air, and bells chiming could be heard throughout the city. And as copies of the Declaration spread, the celebration rippled through the nation.

But the days and months leading up to Independence Day were dark ones. It was a time filled with uncertainty and danger. The Founding Fathers risked their lives when they signed the Declaration because they knew, as Thomas Jefferson said, that the principle of freedom itself was not enough - it had to be inherently inscribed within a foundational document. They were brave, and their courage not only inspired the fight for freedom but led our nation through the Revolutionary War. Their courage created the first nation founded on the principle that all people are born with the right to be free.

June 28 - 4, 2013

Our Great Military

By John Swearengin I recently had a conversation with one best guys in Taft, my friend, Ray Smith. Ray is the owner of Acme Jewelry and Gifts. He was also recently named Businessman of the Year by the Taft Chamber.

While talking to Ray it is obvious he is a proud Grandfather of a Marine and he should be proud. Ray’s Grandson Landon Reich joined the Marines earlier this year. Landon is a member of the Taft High Class of 2012.

While speaking with Ray he was not just proud of Landon, he was proud of all of our United States Military. Landon graduated from boot camp earlier this year and most recently from the School of Infantry. Ray and his family all attended the graduation in San Diego.

Ray said after the graduation Landon and the family all went to the San Diego USO where there were several Marines. Some came from the same graduation, some were going to Boot Camp, and others were being shipped to their new assignments. The area where they were waiting had food, games, library, computers, showers, and other things that all were donated to the Marines to make their time more enjoyable before they fly out to their various destinations.

Ray said there was a lady with a shirt that said, “Marine Wife” standing there. A guy came in with a dish and said to all the Marines, “Loosen your Wallets we’ve got someone stranded that needs to go to 29 Palms.” Within minutes the Marines had the dish filled with money from their wallets and the lady was on her way.

Ray said it was so touching to see how fast these Marines helped this lady out. All these Marines have so much going on in their lives and they all jumped up to help. Ray said the entire experience made him very proud of our Military.

Landon is now in Pensacola Florida attending Aviation Mechanic School. Landon’s Grandparents are Ray and Donna Smith, Jerry and Sharon Reich, Mother and Stepfather Maria and Randy Bunch, all of Taft.

Everyone knows how underpaid our Military is. For these Marines to help someone they do not know without thinking twice is a great testament to their character. With 4th of July around the corner, this is a great story about our Military. We need to think about Landon and all other past and present members of the United States Military. Our Military enables us to enjoy the freedoms “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalien- that we often take for granted while we live in the Best Country in the World. Since that horrible day, September 11th, 2001, I have able Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of thought about our great Military, Law Enforcement, and Firemen Happiness.” The guiding principles of our democratic republic, these words also represent hope to billions around the world. From every day. the local veterans I have the honor of meeting on Kern County On May 27th I attended my 3rd Memorial Day Ceremony at the Honor Flight trips to the young students in our communities who Taft Cemetery. It was a beautiful Ceremony. A lady read how choose to attend U.S. Service Academies, it is thanks to all of the many Soldiers have passed from Taft during each of our Wars. It heroic women and men who selflessly fight to defend and protect was very shocking. I immediately thought about all my Grandpa our freedom that America continues to be a beacon of democracy John Potter’s War stories. It made me appreciate the great 21 years I and symbol of hope to the world. had with him and how glad I am he made it through World War II.

There will always be obstacles that test our strength and unity as a nation, and foreign enemies who do not ascribe to our beliefs. It is easy to focus on what makes us different from each other. But the history of this day reminds us that America was not founded on an ethnicity or a religion, but a creed. We believe that every man, woman and child has an equal and God-given right to liberty, to a fair chance at happiness and success. It is our duty to ensure that freedom is protected and preserved for generations to come.

In a letter to his wife, Abigail, from July 3, 1776, John Adams told her that Independence Day ought to be “celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival […] with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” So while we remember the history and honor the sacrifice made for our nation’s independence today, Presidents Adams and Reagan were making an important point: today it is also a day to have fun and celebrate.

Let Freedom Ring

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

On the 4th of July we need to pass on to our children why we are celebrating. We need to tell people about the heartwarming story Ray told me. No matter what people go through it is wonderful to hear about a story that touches your heart. We would not be here if it was not for our great Military. God Bless the USA.

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

June 28 - 4, 2013

The Declaration of Independence

Action of Second Continental Congress,, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.

WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their Operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the Accommodation of large Districts of People, unless those People would relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants only.

He has called together Legislative Bodies at Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the Depository of their public Records, for the sole Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with his Measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People.

He has refused for a long Time, after such Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from without, and Convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither, and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the Amount and Payment of their Salaries.

He has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harrass our People, and eat out their Substance.

He has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the consent of our Legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: For quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops among us: For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our Trade with all Parts of the World: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pre-tended Offences: For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an arbitrary Government and enlarging its Boundaries, so as to render it at once an Example and fit Instrument for introducing the same absolute Rule into these Colonies: For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our Governments: For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People.

He is, at this Time, transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the Works of Death, Desolation, and Tyranny already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, and totally unworthy of the Head of a civilized Nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the Executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic Insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an undistinguished Destruction, of all Ages, Sexes and Conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a free People.

Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to our British Brethren. We have warned them from Time to Time of Attempts by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and Magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our Connections and Correspondence. They too have been deaf to

TAFT INDEPENDENT

The Story of the Fourth of July The Declaration of Independence We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.

But July 4, 1776 wasn’t the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776).

It wasn’t the day we started the American Revolution either (that had happened back in April 1775).

And it wasn’t the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (that was in June 1776). Or the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didn’t happen until November 1776). Or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776).

So what did happen on July 4, 1776?

The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They’d been working on it for a couple of days after the draft was submitted on July 2nd and finally agreed on all of the edits and changes.

July 4,z1776, became the date that was included on the Declaration of Independence, and the fancy handwritten copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.) It’s also the date that was printed on the Dunlap Broadsides, the original printed copies of the Declaration that were circulated throughout the new nation. So when people thought of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 was the date they remembered.

In contrast, we celebrate Constitution Day on September 17th of each year, the anniversary of the date the Constitution was signed, not the anniversary of the date it was approved. If we’d followed this same approach for the Declaration of Independence we’d being celebrating Independence Day on August 2nd of each year, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed!

How did the Fourth of July become a national holiday?

For the first 15 or 20 years after the Declaration was written, people didn’t celebrate it much on any date.

It was too new and too much else was happening in the young nation. By the 1790s, a time of bitter partisan conflicts, the Declaration had become controversial. One party, the Democratic-Republicans, admired Jefferson and the Declaration. But the other party, the Federalists, thought the Declaration was too French and too anti-British, which went against their current policies.

By 1817, John Adams complained in a letter that America seemed uninterested in its past. But that would soon change.

After the War of 1812, the Federalist party began to come apart and the new parties of the 1820s and 1830s all considered themselves inheritors of Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. Printed copies of the Declaration began to circulate again, all with the date July 4, 1776, listed at the top. The deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4, 1826, may even have helped to promote the idea of July 4 as an important date to be celebrated.

Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written, Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas. Further legislation about national holidays, including July 4, was passed in 1939 and 1941. the Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Black Gold Brewing Company Presents

First Friday, July 5th 7 p.m.

Lunatic Fringe 508 Center Street, Taft (661) 765-6550

6

Westside Feature

TAFT INDEPENDENT

June 28 - 4, 2013

4th of July Fireworks Show on 4th of July Fireworks Show Map Wednesday, July 3rd, 9 p.m., Rails to Trails 4th of Picnid, Thursday, First Friday Cruise Night Friday the 5th Next Wednesday, July 3, the Taft Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Westside Waste Management and other area businesses is bringing Fireworks back to Taft to celebrate Independence Day. This event is funded by the community through donations ranging from pennies to $5,000 and being able to offer this event free of charge is a top priority and is possible because of our sponsors and donors. The Chamber staff has answered many questions as to why the Fireworks are being held on the 3rd rather than the 4th and we wanted to clarify our reasons.

First is the cost. This event costs over $25,000 and while we have been able to raise the majority of the money through community events and corporate sponsorships, the amount would be higher on the Fourth since it is a national holiday. Every expense including entertainment and sound equipment, portable fencing and restrooms, police presence, City and Chamber staffing, and the rental of shade structures would be higher. We wanted to be able to provide this event to our community for no entry fee and lessening the fees associated with the event by having it on the Third is one way we chose to do this.

In addition to the cost of the hosting the event, we also wanted to have a concert area complete with a beer garden supplied by the Taft Petroleum Club. Our annual Fourth of July picnic is brought to us by the Westside Christian Ministers Association and we did not want alcohol to be a factor in that event.

By having the Taft Fireworks Show on July 3, you can spend the Fourth of July evening at your homes with fireworks purchased from area stands that benefit our local non-profit organizations.

These organizations use the profits from the fireworks sales to fund their service to the community all year. The fireworks booth open July 1 and there is someone at the booth 24 hours a day until July 4.

They spend numerous hours manning their respective booths and they also need your support.

VIP seating is available to the sponsors of the fireworks show and will include chairs for seating and will be along the bike path at 6th Street and Main Street. Additional VIP wristbands are available at the event for $10. Entry into the concert area is $5 and will be open to all ages. There will be food and craft vendors set up for both the fireworks show and the family picnic.

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

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

We are also proud to offer our “Chef ’s Personal Creations & Selections” Five Specials Available Daily OT Cookhouse can accomodate smaller or larger Private Dining Events Reserve your Banquet today!!!

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

July 3rd Fireworks Show on the Rails to Trails Map. Road closures are as follows: 6th Street between Main Street and Supply Row, Main Street between 6th and 10th Streets including the 7th & 8th Street entrances, Supply Row between 6th and 10th Streets. Fireworks Show begin at 9 p.m. on the Rails to Trails.

We know this event will be a spectacular thing for Taft and we hope you will join us on Wednesday, July 3 for the Taft Fireworks Show and the Fourth of July Family Picnic on Thursday, July 4. Both days of events are being held at the Rails to Trails and a schedule of the events is as follows: Wednesday, July 3 5:00pm-midnight: Beer Garden/Stage area open 7:00pm-7:30pm: Kayla Schuyler 7:30pm-9:00pm: Truxton Mile 9:00pm-9:20pm: Taft Fireworks Spectacular 9:30pm-11:00pm: The Cadillac Angels Thursday, July 4 10:00am-3:00pm: WCMA Fourth of July Family Picnic Watermelon eating contest, Best homemade ice cream contest, Children’s bike parade, Water slides, vendors, and family fun

West Nile Virus Detected on West Side The West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District has detected the presence of West Nile Virus. A mosquito sample taken from the Maricopa area has tested positive for WNV. The positive sample is the first for the West Side in 2013. In addition, the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been detected north of Kern County and is a primary vector for Dengue Fever, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever. The arrival of this mosquito in California should be a reminder of the importance of mosquito control and its impact on public health and safety.

Mosquito activity is very high at this time and the District has been conducting house-to-house inspections in order to detect standing water. If a District employee arrives at your residence please cooperate with them, as many homes have standing water that residents are unaware of. Mosquitoes are very resourceful and sometimes breed in places unseen by the untrained eye.

If you find a yellow tag on your door or gate it simply means the District would like to set up a time to walk through your property to inspect for water. Again, your cooperation is essential to ensure that mosquitoes do not have places where they can breed and spread disease.

Individuals are encouraged to minimize the threat of mosquito bites by following three simple practices. First, drain and eliminate all sources of standing water on your property. Flower pots, old tires, buckets, gutters, pet bowls, water leaks, and cesspools are

Friday, July 5th Center Street First Friday Cruise Night. Everyone welcome to come downtwon and cruise.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors. Without their support, the Taft Chamber would not be able to bring this event to you. The 2013 Taft Fireworks Show sponsors include: Westside Waste Management, Advanced Industrial Services, City of Taft, Huddleston Crane, Occidental of Elk Hills, Aera Energy, LLC, Chevron, Taft Chevrolet-Buick, A Hint of Class, Brown & Reich Petroleum, Jerry Melton & Sons Construction, Hall Ambulance, Oildale Tire n Taft, Fastrip Food Store, Midway Laboratory, Inergy Services, Asian Experience, Randy’s Trucking and West Side Recreation and Park District.

common areas where mosquitoes may breed. Second, be aware that peak mosquito activity occurs during dawn and dusk. If you are outdoors in the early morning or evening wear proper clothing and repellent. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens that are free of holes or tears.

Avoid leaving doors and windows open during morning and evening hours. Finally, apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Following these practices can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites and ensure that everyone enjoys their activities this summer.

Birds are also an important factor in the disease transmission cycle. Birds may serve as a host or reservoir for disease. Female mosquitoes acquire disease by biting infected birds. If a dead bird is found in your area you may call the California Department of Public Health Services WNV Bird Hotline at 1-877-968-2473.

Dead birds should not be handled, the CDPH will arrange for our District to pick up the bird and ship it for WNV testing.

If you find a possible source of mosquito breeding or have adult mosquitoes around your home please call our office at 661-7633510. Office hours are 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.

We also have mosquito fish available for those who may have ponds, fountains, or water troughs. Again, we need everyone’s help this summer to ensure that mosquitoes don’t impact our lives and daily activities. Thank you!

June 28 - 4, 2013

Miller Time Hi Everyone,

We recently had eight of your neighbors apply for three positions that were renewing on the City’s Planning commission, an important part of the planning process for the future of the City of Taft. It was great to see, finally, so many willing to serve and to find that each person had a unique talent that made them a quality person to represent you. The three finalists were Robert Thompson, an incumbent, Shawn Sutherland, an incumbent, and Renne Hill, owner of Old’s Cool on Center Street. All the applicants gave a short presentation on their qualifications and it made it very difficult to choose; several mentioned the need for quality housing and their hopes to ease the process to help the City to allow builders to start building homes so Taft can grow.

That my friend’s is easier said than done. I have been on the council for eleven years now, can you believe that, and the one thing that we have constantly run into in our quest to build homes are the regulators. These are the agencies that have the authority and unbridled power to block and stop any development due to their having oversight authority and scrutiny powers. Mainly what we are dealing with are the lives and habitats of the Leopard Lizard, Kit Fox, Giant Kangaroo Rat, and San Joaquin Squirrel (chipmunk). They all seem to live around our area and mostly convene for conversation, fun, and play just off of Hillard Street where it is the most logical and best place to build homes. Now if we were nearly any other community, they buy up some land nearby, usually farm land, turn over the soil and start building away. Not in Taft. Those weeds and bushes you see out there are not weeds and bushes; they are habitat, as one emotional Fish and Wildlife rep was to say. After all the years of you hunters with 22’s going out into the “fields” to shoot said critters; after all the various pipelines and drilling efforts by various oil companies: after all the new trails cut through said area by motorcyclists; after all that, it is now habitat and if we want to build on this land there can be no critters, especially the Leopard Lizard. We can’t go out and capture those critters as it would traumatize them too much but we can provide a take of offset land 3-4 to one acre, somewhere that will support them for perpetuity. We are talking about one hundred potential development acres. Start doing the math on what available 400 acres of land there is the developer would have to buy and how would that affect the cost of that new home you want to upgrade to ?? It doesn’t pencil out, at the moment, that is the City of Taft’s dilemma. How do we solve this problem ??

In dealing with regulators, their job is to regulate. They tell you what the problem is, they tell you they will fine you if you don’t comply, they give you a deadline to get the problem fixed, and they tell you when they are coming back. What they don’t tell you is how they can help you to solve the problem. You name the regulaWould you like to REDUCE OR ELIMINATE your STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY? If you own a business in the Taft area you may be eligible for tax credits up to $37,440 per qualified employee.

There are many advantages and cost savings for businesses in the Taft Enterprise Zone.

tor: CalTrans, Fish and Wildlife, EPA, BLM, and most any city, state and federal department you can name. They were all set up with mandates to protect the public. They built up their departments, issued regulations, hired enforcement people, auditors, supervisors, field and office staff, and they all grew and grew. If they can keep regulating and fining, they keep their jobs. Why would they want to help those they are regulating to solve their problems when that could put them out of business ?? Government jobs equals lifetime job security, doesn’t it ?? You would think that the government agencies and departments are there to help and work with other agencies to make life better for everyone. Work together to put your resources and brains in motion, why invent the wheel when it is already invented somewhere else. What a concept. By the way, the biggest danger to the critters is the numerous coyotes that are around and the drought we are experiencing.

I was on the Healthcare District board when we had the hospital open; we dealt with several state health department agencies. Each one sent their troops by to inspect, audit, and ding us after white gloving the place. They would tell us what was wrong, but when we asked for suggestions to correct the deficiencies, we were told that was not their job, but they’d be back to see if we were back in compliance. Guess how many trips these folks got to take back down here until we struggled to finally get it right. Job security.

Now multiply this situation by all the other regulators that we have to put up with and you can see how wide spread the problems and frustrations we face. The staff members of these regulators will tell you that they are just doing their jobs but are they really ?? They don’t live here and face the prospects of this city not ever being able to expand and grow, but I bet where they live they don’t have the same problems or they wouldn’t stand for it or live there. Your state and national governments have grown too big and they can’t solve all our problems by throwing more money and people at it.

They are not protecting us in most cases they are protecting their own fiefdoms and their jobs first. Not to worry, we will carry on your behalf and get some new homes going, but it is not for trying and trying and trying.

Good news to report, solar lights are going up on the Rails to Trails extension out to Sandy Ditch (creek). Please, to our young people, please stay off these poles, they are expensive to replace.

On July 2nd at 3:00 pm the Pizza Hut is having a Grand Opening, and on July 9th at 9:00 am we will be having a Ground Breaking ceremony for the new motel at 6th and Main Street. Come on by and join us to welcome these two great new additions to our community.

See you Around Town, Randy Miller Living Here, not Residing Here

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

We will be closed July 4 - 8 and July 18 - 29 for vacation.

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

Call today for more information: 661-763-1222, Ext. 12

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

TAFT INDEPENDENT

New School Hours Mon. & Tues.

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

.25 Cent shirts .50 cent pants

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

Classified Ad Deadline.

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

City Seeks Input Regarding Transit Program Taft residents are invited to share their opinions regarding the City’s public transit service via a community survey currently underway. The survey is available both online (https:// es.surveymonkey.com/s/tafttransitsurvey) as well as a mailer to more than 500 Taft households.

Ridership on the City’s transit service has fluctuated considerably across the past five years. To gain greater insight as to the mobility needs of the Taft community, as well as resident perceptions regarding Taft Transit the City obtained a grant from Caltrans to conduct a Community Mobility Outreach and Improvement Program. The goal of the project is two-fold. First, to determine if the current transit service is structured effectively to meet the mobility needs of the community. Second, to determine the most effective means of promoting the transit service to the community.

In addition to the online and household surveys, project representatives will attend a variety of community events including the Farmers Market on June 27. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.

To round out its market research, the City has also contacted 60 community organizations to solicit input regarding the project.

For further information regarding the project contact Christy Lowe at 763-1350 (ext 34).

TAFT MIDWAY SUNSET LIONS FIREWORKS STAND Open daily, 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. at OT’s Cookhouse JULY 1ST - 4TH Raffle for Flat Screen TV with every $20 purchase Credit Cards Accepted Your donation will help us fund Achedemic Scholarships, Christmas for Seniors, Vision Support, Honor Flight, Longhorns Travel Baseball and other Community Needs.

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Liberty Under Fire Is Government Spying on its own Citizens Constitutional?

By Dr. Harold Pease

Recent revelations on either the National Securities Administration’s seven-year accumulation of your phone calls and email massages, or, the 35 years of FISA court’s special surveillance requests on 34,000 citizens, has caused many to look to the Constitution for protection from their own government. Is government spying on its own citizens constitutional?

In the Constitution the words national security are not used but common defense is mentioned twice, first in the Preamble, which is but a statement of intent and is not generally seen as usable for codification of law. Article I, Section 8 houses the four powers of congress: to tax, to pay the debts, to provide for the general welfare and to provide for the common defense. Sections 2-9 are the qualifiers on what is meant by common defense so as to limit government’s inclination to define everything as common defense, as it now has national security. All the war powers belong to the congress alone. Only after a war is declared does the president have commander and chief responsibilities over the military. Unfortunately for big government advocates, collecting and storing data on its citizens is not cited or even alluded to.

Fortunately for us this behavior is specifically forbidden in the Fourth Amendment which reads: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

the persons or things to be seized.” The amendment was specifically designed to prevent government spying.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated is the strongest possible language conceivable. In their day the British government used what was called “a general search warrant” which allowed their agents to harass the people thought to be doing, or saying, something disapproved by the government. No such flexible interpretation was allowed in our government. In our day, computers are your papers. Simply confiscating them and storing them, perhaps indefinitely, should be no different than the police walking into your home and taking any letters, or messages, that you have received, or are about to send, from you and housing them in police headquarters in case they should need them in a later day. Moreover, unreasonable was not to be decided by the police.

As a first principle your house and papers are off-limits to the government. All searches are unreasonable without probable cause that you are doing something harmful to others. Probable cause must be decided independently from the police unless you are in the act of doing something unlawful and immediate police response is necessary. Elected judges exist for assessing probable cause.

Should they get too cozy with the police there exist other checks to keep them restrained as, for example, their defeat in the next election. As initially interpreted there were to be few federal laws hence few unelected federal justices. This was to be a state, county, or city matter.

Rousted out of a good sleep in the middle of the night, judges were not likely to be too happy having to assess frivolous charges.

There exists no constitutional authority for a blanket extraction of all your electronic data. Judges swear an oath to preserve the Constitution. They are not to perform with a private view outside that document. Notice also the specific restrictive phraseology with respect to this power; they are to particularly describe “the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized”—evidence that something unlawful happened.

There is no authority for a “fishing expedition.” NSA spying on its own citizens without a search warrant is clearly unconstitutional.

So what of the government’s secret FISA court where over the last 35 years special federal (unelected) judges have only turned down 11 spying requests out of 34,000 made. Isn’t that based upon probable cause? Not necessarily! The request is more likely made because they lack probable cause and wish to find it by accessing your private records or conversations. We might think more positively toward the existence of the secret FISA court were it not for three big negatives: judges are not elected and accountable to the people, the court operates behind an impenetrable double-door in a vault-like room in total secrecy, and the rules empowering the spying activities are different than those allowed other judges in other federal courts. In any other court,

June 28 - 4, 2013 for an ordinary surveillance warrant, a judge must find that a suspect “is” involved in a crime. Under FISA the standard is lowered to “may be involved.” An ordinary wiretap runs 90 days. FISA taps can last a year. A suspect under ordinary criminal surveillance “must be told” about it eventually but not under FISA. And finally, if prosecuted, a defendant is never allowed to see the top-secret warrant applications used against him, which is a probable violation of the Six Amendment as well.

Moreover, the FISA court violates the Fifth Amendment in that the accused is, in a very real sense, forced to be a witness against himself—perhaps the only witness.

It is his papers, emails, and phone conversations that convict him.

No federal government! You must tear down your $2 billion NSA Bluffdale, Utah spy facility capable of storing a Yottabyte of our private information against our will. You must do likewise to your Oak Ridge plant that houses the fastest computer in the world designed to analyze our private data for your own purposes; and the latest revelation—to share that information with seven sister agencies. Spying on your own people is a blatant violation of the Constitution. You may argue that you are only protecting us from bad people out there but who protects us from you? Fortunately the Constitution does if only enough will begin to use it in their voting practices and those we elect will honor their pledge to protect it, and us, from you.

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.

June 28 - 4, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

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

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

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

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

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

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

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

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

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

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

First Baptist Church Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In The Taft Independent

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Call Today!

765-6550

Licensed Funeral Directors

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

Gateway Temple

Community Christian Fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

We invite you to join us each week as we worship

Where on Earth Are We? A sermon series on Prophesy Pastor Trent Meadors

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

Info call 765-7151

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for upAds to 5are lines, and $7line. per Phone, issue forfax, up mail to 10orlines.

Classified $2.00 per dropYard off Sale ads arethe free. fax, mail or drop off your ad to the your ad to TaftPhone, Independent.

Taft Independent.

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

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

Photodo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, or $10 with a photo. Email us (or bring to our office) a photo Yard Sale adscar, are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines of your home, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the $2 rest.each.

Classified ads is now Wednesdaysat at 12 2 p.m.

Classified addeadline deadline is Wednesday p.m. (noon) Phone: Phone:765-6550 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

Taft Independent 508byCenter St., Taft, CA 93268 Payment can be made cash, check, or credit card.

Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

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.

Yard Sale. 505 Van Buren. Sat and Sun. 7 am.- Noon. In the Back.

Huge 2 fam yard sale 6/29 6:30am-? 300 Jackson St, Huge Variety of Items starting @ $0.25 311 Van Buren St. 7am - 1pm

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED Midway Elementary School is hiring a 7/8 grade combination class teacher. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street, Fellows, CA 93224.

M & S Security Security Officers Accepting applications for security officers for Taft area. Guard card required. M & S Security.

(661) 763-4279. Apply at 200 S. 4th Street.

Water Service Technician Salary $3,874 - $5,500 per month, plus benefits The West Kern Water District is seeking a highly motivated individual to join their team. Applicants must have the ability to perform manual labor; work independently as well as in a team environment and use customer service skills to deal tactfully and courteously with the public. Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent and two (2) years of experience in water works operations and public relations.

Bilingual ability is a plus.

An application and a complete job description can be obtained at the District office, 800 Kern Street, P.O. Box 1105, Taft, California, 93268.

Application and resume must include three (3) work related references, and must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2013. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District application. The successful applicant will be subject to a background check, preemployment physical and drug screen, and must provide current DMV report. EOE.

SERVICES Painter looking for work.

Exterior/Interior paint.

Residential/Commercial.

Reliable, reasonable.

25 years experience.

Available now. Please call Richard 661-7427311.

CHILD CARE SERVICES WANTED I’m looking to buy a house or apts. Can close quickly, cash, Ok with fixer. Not a realtor.

Greg 805-975-7289. gregetheridge@outlook. com

FOR SALE Blue electric lift chair.

Excellent cond. $100.

765-2517.

AUTOMOBILES LOST PETS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ROOMS FOR RENT HOMES FOR SALE Real Estate eBroker Inc.

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

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

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list

MOBILE HOMES HOMES FOR RENT

G&S CARPET CO Carpet

“No Job To Small” Immediate Installation!

Starting at $7.95 S.F

Hours: T-F 9-5 Sat. 10-3 Closed Sun./Mon. Eve By Appt.

Ceramic Tile

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469 Preserving for the Future

Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469 House for rent. 3 bd.

1 and 1/2 half bath.

Remodeled, great neighborhood. Ref. req. credit check. $985 Mo. PLUS $1000 DEP. 763-1086.

MOVE IN SPECIAL. 108 Center Street Apartments.

1 bed room 1 bath.$475 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. No Pets Allowed. Call (805) 375-1458 or (661) 7657678.

661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

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

Westside Real Estate 765-5000

119 South St, 4 bd, 2 bth, tile floors, garage, $900 + Dep 3bd 1 ba in Dustin Acres $800 mo + dep.

On Taft Hwy in Dustin Open House June 20th. Acres 3/1 Fenced Yard – Not Acreage $800.00 11am to 2 p.m. 3bd 2 $800.00 ba. $850 mo. Call Betty 707 Fillmore 3/1 Avail661-636-6465. able 6/15. $750.00 $750.00 West Valley 119 SouthSt. 4/2 ReReal Estate modeled. Tile floors, 1 (661) 763-1500. car garage $900.00 Lic # 01525550 License 01914953 www.BuySellManage.

765-5000 com FOR RENT 2bd 1 ba. New interior 224 B St #C Studio dry wall, kitch cabinets, $475 double lot. $575. plus 522 Center 3/1 $700 $800. Mark King 701 Taylor 2/1 $725 805-689-4122.

400 Woodrow 2/1 $725 603 Fillmore 3/1 $725 APART. FOR RENT 315 7th St 1/1 furnished! $750 Creekside Apartments.

623 San Emidio 2/1 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC $750 & Appl. 661.765-7674.

410 Buchanan 2/1 420 Finley Dr. $900 340 F 3/1 + Studio $1,200

Be Seen!

Classified Ads in the Taft Independent $2 per line

CITY OF TAFT EXTRA-HELP PART-TIME TRANSIT OPERATOR $1,057.16-$1,284.98 Bi-Weekly Under general supervision operates a transit vehicle up to and including a 20 passenger bus.

The system is a Dial-A-Ride and Fixed Route service. Candidate must be dependable and able to work varied shifts including split-shifts and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications - High School diploma or GED certificate. Must possess or obtain prior to appointment a State of California Class B Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement.

Candidate will be required to obtain a General Public Paratransit Vehicle (GPPV) operator certificate within the training period.

Application Process: Application and job description may be obtained at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, or www.cityoftaft.org. Final Filing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of application. EOE.

Tim’s Auto Glass

Mobile Auto Glass Repair and Replacement

We’ll come to your home or office

“in Stock” Starting at .79 S.F.

June 28 - 4, 2013

GREAT SERVICE AT A LOW PRICE Fleet and Insurance Work Welcome

(661) 332-8467

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.

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Hearing Aids Priced Like Costco!

Save yourself the trip & the hassle & buy in Taft FREE Hearing Evaluation!

For an appointment call

322-8444

Limited Market Release

Wanted 10 participants for Field Trial

30 Days Risk Free – Special Price Incentives

Verso by ReSound

Now offered in 3 budget levels $1000 off per pair (for participants)

ReSound Vea 2

Custom fit - All sizes and styles

333 South 10th Street, Suite 4 * Taft Thursdays (by appointment only)

$799 each 2 for $1550

New T aft

ome H ft a T New

Home

306 Amber Street

Off of Front Street between 5th and 6th

Open House

Sunday June 30 - 12 to 4 p.m.

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath 1672 sq. ft. Home Granite Counters Upgraded Stainless Steel Appliances Fully Landscaped Covered Patio Indoor Laundry 2 Car Garage Ready to Move In! For Information and Viewing Call 763-3517 Colston Construction

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

June 28 - 4, 2013

Used to be Paul’s BMX

Bike Shop

Bikes Are Here!

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

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

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

Black Gold

Qik Smog & Tune

Cafe and Deli

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

western shop & PET Wash

It’s Time For A Summer Hair Cut Professional Grooming and Care for your Dog or Cat Free Flea Dip with Full Groom with this Ad! Self-wash facility available.

Nails $12.00 Second Pet $9.00

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Call Today For an Appointment 765-2987

www.shawswesternshop.com

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

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

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

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

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR