downtown taft

Independent The Taft

June 29 - 5, 2012

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

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June 29 - 5, 2012 • Volume 7 Issue 1

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

Support Your Local Girls Scouts Today!

Movie Review: Brave Now Playing At Taft Fox Theater

Bow Wow Bakery Gourment Treats For Dogs 420 Center Street 661-745-4894

Downtown Businesses Are

By June Woods The Heart Of Taft

WE HAVE MOVED! Now located at 210 6th Street (661)763-4176

Electronics • Prepaid Phones • Service • Accessories

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WE SHIP!

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

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Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6556

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June 29 - 5 2012

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

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

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June 29 - 5, 2012

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Westside Watcher............4

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

Email it to us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

Westside News.................5

July 4th - Westside Christian Ministries Association and Chamber 4th of July Family Picnic at the Rails to Trails

Westside News.................6

July 18th - Brighthouse Mixer at the Taft Chamber at 5:30pm

Westside News.................7

July 28th-29th - Derby Acres Tumbleweed Festival

Liberty Under Fire.........8 Movie Review...................8 Obituary............................9 Classified Ads.................10

August 11th - Westside Community Resource Center Backpack Drive August 20th - School starts August 30th - Taft College 90th Birthday Party 12pm-2pm August 31st - September 3rd, Taft Bike Fest September 27th - Last Farmers Market

Westside News...............11

September 29th - Taft College/ TIL Casino Night

The Taft Independent

Summer Reading Program Offers Fun At Taft Branch Library

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.

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Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Advertising Jessica Skidgel Graphic Design Jessica Skidgel Contributing Writers June Woods, 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

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

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:

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.

San Joaquin Community Hospital Will Be Offering FREE Childhood Immunizations San Joaquin Community Hospital will be offering FREE Childhood Immunizations for children against vaccine preventable diseases at the following sites for the month of July 2012: Taft City School District – Thursday, July 19th 820 6th Street, (parking lot), Taft from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm All immunizations are FREE of charge to children. No appointment necessary, but immunization cards are required. We may stop registration 30 minutes before closing time. We also offer the Hemoglobin test FREE of charge and require a WIC, school or doctor referral. Please be aware, children under 5 years of age and their siblings will be given priority due to First 5 Kern funding. For more information call (661) 869-6740.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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.

Fourth of July Community Picnic Schedule Event

Time 8am 10am 10:15 - 11am 11am 11:15am - 12pm 12pm 12:30pm 1pm 1 - 2pm 2pm 2:15 - 3pm 3pm

Set Up Flag Ceremony Praise Team Parade Praise Team or Karakoe Watermelon Eating Contest Pie Eating Contest Water Balloon Launching Water Balloon Toss Praise Team or Karaoke Ice Cream Contest Praise Team or Karaoke Clean-Up

Location General Area Sixth & Supply Row Stage R/T Stage Stage Stage Designated Area Stage Chamber Booth Stage General Area

Car Wash Fundraiser Sunday, July 1st 8am

Lucky 7

10th St. & A St. All donations go to Taft Bike Fest Stunt Show

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TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, June 29, 2012 Through Thursday, July 05, 2012 The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Tue - Thu: (2:30), (5:30), 8:15 The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13) Midnight Show; No Passes Allowed Tue: 12:01 AM Ted (R) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:00), 7:15, 9:30 Sat: (2:45), (5:00), 7:15, 9:30 Sun: (1:45), (4:00), 6:15, 8:30 Mon - Thu: (4:00), 6:15, 8:30 Brave (PG) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:30), 6:30, 8:30 Sat: (2:20), (4:30), 6:30, 8:30 Sun: (1:30), (3:40), (5:45), 7:50 Mon - Thu: (3:40), (5:45), 7:50 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) Fri: (4:15), 6:15, 8:15 Sat: (2:00), (4:15), 6:15, 8:15 Sun: (1:15), (3:20), (5:30), 7:30 Mon: (3:20), (5:30), 7:30

Taft Petroleum Club 450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 3:30pm to Close

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

CLOSED JULY 4th Industry Night

July Industry Night will be Wednesday, July 11th due to July 4th being a holiday.

Industry Night for July is sponsored by LDL Services The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversaries Hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

Onward to repeal Obamacare Restore freedom and limit government intrusion

By Rep. Michele Bachmann Thursday, June 28, 2012 The Supreme Court ruling on the president’s health care plan resulted in a sad day for freedom, liberty and the American people. In an activist decision, the court rewrote the foundation of the Affordable Care Act and then ruled it constitutional. But the effect on the American people will be the same: We will lose our own personal choice in health care and see greater intrusion by an already out-of-control federal government into the lives of individual citizens.

This decision will be remembered as one of the most detrimental in the history of the court and our country. While the American people lost in this case, they will prevail in November when the people have the final say on the president’s unpopular bill at the ballot box. Now, the only way to save the country from Obamacare’s budget-busting government takeover of health care is to completely repeal it. I will work tirelessly to ensure that we elect a new president, a Republican Senate and a Republican House of Representatives to ensure that goal.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority, “It is not our job to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices.” While I may disagree with the outcome of the ruling, Justice Roberts is correct and the court’s ruling should serve as a rallying cry for every American who opposes this law to show their will through the political choices they make this fall. Those choices will be clear.

The American people can choose a party that believes that government knows what is best for your health care, comes between you and your doctor and raises your taxes to make those choices for you. Or the American people can choose a party that believes in the free market and will repeal this massive intrusion on the freedom of Americans and allow us to make our own health care decisions and buy the kind of insurance we want.

Every day, I am reminded of the important connection we have to the principles of freedom and justice by a painting, Howard Chandler Christy’s depiction of the “Signing of the Constitution of the United States,” which hangs in the East Grand Stairway of the United States Capitol.

But never was the painting’s reminder more moving than on the evening of March 21, 2010, the day the president’s health care plan was passed. Ben Franklin stares out from the painting in a consistent reminder of the fragility of the republic given to us

by Franklin and the rest of the founders. That day served as the inspiration for me to fight for the repeal of Obamacare, because I believed firmly that what we had done in passing it endangered our nation. I believed that it was my obligation to ensure that President Obama’s program of socialized medicine was stopped before it became fully implemented.

The court’s decision has affirmed my belief. This is not the path the founders envisioned. This decision and Ben Franklin’s image will motivate me every day. We can return our republic to

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

June 29 - 5 2012 the path where Americans have the right to live their lives as they so choose, where they have the opportunity for a good job and a bright economic future, and where they and their children aren’t saddled with an enormous debt from a government that’s too big and spends too much.

Obamacare represented the largest expansion of entitlement spending and playground of left-wing social engineering in our country’s history. The president’s health care plan was a power grab by big-government liberals who do not understand that the answer to rising health care costs is not more bureaucracy and higher taxes.

At a moment when he should have been focused on jobs and the economy, Mr. Obama instead chose to force on the American people a law and tax they did not want and could not afford.

Worse, that law was an affront to the very principles on which this country was founded.

Much remains to be done. We must never forget that millions of Americans wake up every morning without health care and we must move forward with market-based solutions to lower the cost of health insurance and health care so they can afford both. We must ensure that the government never again loosely interprets the Commerce Clause as an excuse for abusing its power at the expense of the freedom of the American people or that it passes laws that are veiled, massive tax increases on the American people.

We must replace Obamacare with a system that allows portability, allows individuals to purchase health care across state lines, allows individuals to purchase the plan of their choice and includes tort reform. Real health care reform is about bringing down the cost of health care through free-market competition. Real health care reform is about giving families more choices, not less. It is not about empowering big government in which doctors and patients have little to say about the quality of care they receive.

Every American should have the opportunity to provide health care for themselves and their family and the freedom to choose the plan that’s best for them. Health care reform should ensure families and doctors make health care decisions - not Washington bureaucrats and politicians. Millions of Americans are still without access to affordable health care. The Supreme Court’s decision didn’t change that. Americans deserve real market-based reforms, not big government, to increase access to the greatest health care system in the world.

Rep. Michele Bachmann is a Minnesota Republican and former 2012 GOP presidential candidate.

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 29 - 5, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Oil and Gas: Giving Due Thanks

$266 billion in new capital spending, $176 billion in paid wages, and $35 billion in stock dividends.

By Robert L. Bradley, Jr.

Politicians in Washington continue to pick favorites when it comes to energy.

At the bottom as least favorite are oil and natural gas companies, which have again come under fire by the Obama Administration after their release of quarterly earnings. Policymakers see profits and think tax increases -- not a good thing in a free economy.

At the top as most favorite are the politically correct renewables solar and wind. They draw generous praise from green-minded politicians and receive lavish taxpayer subsidies.

But as the Solyndra bankruptcy demonstrated, renewables have seriously failed to live up to the hype. "Green" tech companies have taken in tens of billions in taxpayer support -- and generated little in the way of jobs, sustainable economic activity, or consumer benefits.

Meanwhile, America's oil and natural gas industry continues to make an outsized contribution to our economy. It's time to check that list of favorites and rethink this preferential treatment.

The country's largest gas and oil companies just released the year's first-quarter earnings. Just as expected, the left was quick to launch its familiar attack on the industry, condemning it for its apparent excess.

This quarter Chevron generated $6.5 billion. Shell's earnings rose to an impressive 16 percent to $7.3 billion. ExxonMobil, the leading U.S. oil company, posted a whopping $9.45 billion. The numbers are certainly eye-popping, but they are far from excessive.

Just consider what those profits mean for the economy.

1. What's excessive about creating jobs?

The oil and natural gas industry supports approximately 9 million American jobs. Major new projects can create steady employment for entire communities. The Barnett shale, for instance, supports 100,000 jobs in northern Texas alone. Natural gas production in the Marcellus contributes double that to the Pennsylvania economy.

And job growth in oil and gas has a profound multiplier effect in other industries from manufacturing to transportation to accounting. In fact, one analysis from PricewaterhouseCoopers found that each oil and gas job indirectly supports three other positions in the rest of the economy.

The Labor Department estimates that total American oil and gas jobs jumped by half in the past decade, making this industry one of the few to keep adding positions despite the recession.

2. What's so excessive about investing in America?

In 2010 -- the most recent year of complete data -- the oil and natural gas industry accounted for almost a half trillion dollars in benefits to the American economy. This estimate is comprised of

Girl Scout Troop 2155

3. What's so excessive about generating tax revenue?

Taxes paid in the United States by many of the biggest oil and natural gas companies actually exceed their domestic earnings. For example, over the past five years, ExxonMobil has paid three times more in U.S taxes ($60 billion) than its U.S. earnings ($19 billion).

State and municipal governments across the country are staring down massive budget shortfalls. The federal government has racked up $14 trillion in debt.

Strong tax generation from oil and gas firms provides some much-need relief on the public balance sheet.

4. What's excessive about improving returns on retirement investments?

When oil and gas stocks thrive, the benefits aren't confined to a cadre of industry elites. Nearly 50 percent of industry shares are held in public and private retirement plans. Individual investors own another 20 percent.

As a result, when this industry grows, the retirement savings for millions of average Americans get stronger. After the devastation wrought on 401(k)s and IRAs during the recession, this boost has been vital.

5. What's excessive about plentiful energy?

Remember in the 1970s when Americans had to wait in long lines to buy rationed fuel? In addition to driving uncertainly, people worried about having enough home heating oil through the cold of winter. In some parts of the world, petroleum products are still very scarce and a luxury.

But here in America, energy is easily accessible at competitive prices. That's due to the ability of the oil and gas sector to find, develop, produce, and market a product that remains vitally important in American life. It's time to give thanks where thanks are due.

Robert L. Bradley Jr. is the CEO & Founder of the Institute for Energy Research and author of seven books on energy history and public policy. He blogs at www.masterresource.org.

Donations Needed For West Side Community Resource Center Back To School Connection The West Side Community Resource Center and First Assembly of God are accepting donations for “Back -2-school connection” Event Supplies needed are: Notebook paper, spiral notebooks, pencil boxes, backpacks, crayons, colored pencils, binders, book covers, pencils, ink pens, rulers, pencil top erasers, new and gently used clothing. Donations will be accepted until Aug. 7, 2012. For more info call 765-7281.

Host an Exchange Student Today !

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!

(for 3, 5 or 10 months) Make a lifelong friend from abroad.

Camilla from Italy, 16 yrs.

Come support our local Girl Scout Troop 2155 in our first adventure selling fireworks!

312 N. Lincoln, the old 11-C Market.

Come put your name in our raffle

by July 4th at noon.

Enjoys dancing, playing the piano and swimming. Camilla looks forward to cooking with her American host family.

Enrich your family with another culture. Now you can host a high school exchange student (girl or boy) from France, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Italy or other countries. Single Daniel from Denmark, 17 yrs. parents, as well as couples Loves skiing, playing soccer and with or without children, watching American movies. Daniel may host. Contact us ASAP hopes to learn to play football and for more information or to live as a real American. select your student.

Amy at 1-800-733-2773 (Toll Free) www.assehosts.com or email info@asse.com.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Founded in 1976 ASSE International Student Exchange Program is a Public Benefit, Non-Profit Organization.

For privacy reasons, photos above are not photos of actual students INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

ASSE 4x4 color space 0512.indd 1

6/21/12 10:51 AM

Beer & Wine Available To Go Monday - Friday 6:30am - 8pm Saturday 7:30am - 8pm Sunday 10am - 2pm CALL NOW 763-5429 427 Center Center Street • Since June 1986 508 Street • Taft www.kcphotographyandframing.com DIne In Or Pick Up • 661-765-6556

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Downtown Businesses Are The Heart Of Taft

By June Woods

Although the economic slump is not over, there have been visible signs of improvement for businesses in the downtown corridor. The secret to the success of a downtown area, according to Taft Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dr. Kathy Orrin, is a solid primary and secondary market area.

“When you cluster them together, they’re all more successful,” Orrin said. “I may be on my way to buy a frame at KC Photography and then see a blouse that I can’t live without in the window of another store nearby.” Orrin said that this is one way businesses are benefited by being in a mall-like environment.

Many business owners in the district invested in the downtown area because the traffic is better than in other areas of Taft, and it is improving as more businesses move in. Sigi Cruz, who owns Monarch Wireless with his wife Maria, said that there has been an increase in traffic during the year they have been in the building at 610 Center St. “It’s a street that a lot of people drive by on,” he said.

Personal Style owner Vickie Gregory has had a business in Taft for 34 years, but she has only been at 423 Center St. for seven of those years. “I feel very fortunate. We’ve done very well the past seven years,” she said. “I love Center Street. It’s been better for me.”

DeeDee Sparks, owner of Bow Wow Bakery at 420 Center St., said she also chose the downtown area for her business because she felt she’d get more traffic. But, she admitted, “It is hard sometimes because of the economy.” Sparks said she’s optimistic about building a larger clientele in her Center Street location.

Asian Experience owner Dennis Schertz said his restaurant on the 200 block of Center Street is doing well despite the turndown in business they expect every summer.

“I see much more vitality in the downtown corridor,” Orrin said. “I talk to people in the area and they’re encouraged. They are making their rent and they have a profit. To say that our downtown is not thriving is wrong.”

New businesses moving to the downtown—there have been about 20 in the past year—have had a positive impact on morale also. “There has been a lot of excitement,” Orrin said. “It’s invigorating for people who have been around for a while to see the new businesses.”

Some of the people who have owned businesses on Center Street for a long time have found ways to augment their profits so that economic fluctuations don’t have as big an impact.

Linda Friend of Friendly Antiques said success and failure does have a lot to do with the economy, but innovation helps. “I have made more this year, but I sell a lot on ebay,” she said.

Friend has been at 712 Center Street for 39 years and has seen a lot of changes in the downtown area and in the economy.

“The economy was much better when I first came here,” she said. “There were a lot of people and they had more money.”

She said the antique business has also improved lately because of the popularity of television shows about buying, trading and hunting for antiques. “I’ve had things that sat in the store for years then

suddenly sold because of something on an antique program,” she said.

Owners of the newest antique store on Center Street, Old’s Cool at 511 Center St., said they couldn’t be happier about the response they have gotten. “We’ve been hopping,” said Renee Hill.

“I’m so thrilled. We probably had 85 people here our first day. And over the weekend, we had a lot of people from Bakersfield and Cayucos.” She said that antique dealers in both cities were giving out Old’s Cool business cards.

“We had them (customers) all bouncing between the three antique stores on Center Street,” she said. “This is helping all of us. When you get a new business, it helps all of the downtown businesses.”

Blue Jeans & Bling owner Windi Portenga has had a lively business. “It’s been wonderful,” she said of her business at 415 Center St. “Of course, we slow down in the summer because we’re a jean store.”

Portenga said that one thing which would improve business in the downtown is if Taft people would shop Taft. “If they would come here before they went to Bakersfield, they would find that we carry a lot of the same things and our prices are absolutely better than you’d find in Bakersfield.”

Business owners in the downtown corridor also look forward to city events as times when revenue improves.

“We need to continue promoting and to keep having events,” Cruz said. He said he is content with the aesthetic appeal of Center Street, but he sees continued activities as a way to ensure future vitality.

“We try to have one event per month,” Orrin said, “especially May through December.” She said they will most often not plan a February event.

Hill said that she and her husband, Old’s Cool co-owner Greg Hill, have been talking about a cruise night event. “This was a great street to cruise down when we were kids,” she said. But she also wants to improve some of the aesthetic appeal of the street in her area, especially in front of vacant buildings.

There are things business owners themselves can do to improve their success on Center Street. “To do business in Taft,” Gregory said, “you have to be open when you say you’re going to be open.”

She said that this is the biggest complaint she hears from would-be Taft shoppers, but there is also a parking problem.

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“Business owners and staff also need to stop taking up the parking spaces in front of their businesses,” Gregory said. “They need to leave those for their customers and use the parking lots.”

Friend feels that improvement in the business environment is possible only if the city becomes more business-friendly. “I’ve had friends who have opened businesses and had to go through a bunch of baloney. A recession is no time to make it more difficult to open a business.”

City Manager Craig Jones has already implemented a system to do just that, and there have been improvements in the city’s openness toward business.

“Our city is really good about meeting with people and explaining what they need to do,” Orrin said. But she does worry about the impact a zoning ordinance text change may have on business.

“A zoning ordinance is a covenant with the people,” she said.

“When you change the ordinance, you are breaking that covenant with the people who invested.”

An ordinance change is being discussed at a hearing before the Taft City Council on July 10. The Laborers of the Harvest wanted the ordinance change to permit the operation of a food bank in the 300 block of Center Street. The city’s planning commission rejected the request for an ordinance change for the downtown district, but it recommended a change in the mixed-use district to allow a food bank.

Among other options, the Taft City Council could accept the planning commission’s recommendation to leave the downtown zoning ordinance as it is and change only the mixed-use ordinance, or it can reject the recommendation and allow the food bank to operate downtown.

Redevelopment Manager and Acting Community Development Director Paul Gorte said that it is not unheard of for a city council to disapprove a resolution from one of its commissions.

“They make their own choice according to what they see as best for the city,” he said.

Gorte said that on the night of the first reading of the ordinance on July 10 there will be a public hearing, and on the second reading it will be an item on the consent agenda. “The council has the options of approving, disapproving or modifying,” he said. “If they approve, it takes 30 days (for the new ordinance) to go in

June 29 - 5, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

effect.” Approval of the planning commission recommendation would prohibit the Laborers of the Harvest from operating a food bank in the downtown commercial district.

If the council disagrees with its planning commission or votes to modify the ordinance, Gorte said, it would have to make its own findings. It would have to determine, as the planning commission did, whether the text change is consistent with the goals of the city’s general plan and the intent of the zoning ordinance, and whether it adversely affects the public or the environment.

If it does change the downtown zoning ordinance to allow a food bank downtown, the lack of continuity in primary and secondary retail is expected to impact business in that area and break them off from sharing the benefits and profits available in areas of Center Street where continuity is preserved.

“I don’t think that would be a real great idea,” Sparks said of such a zoning ordinance change. “I’m not against a food bank, but down here?”

Sparks’ Bow Wow Bakery is in a section of Center Street where the number of businesses that would draw traffic past her business start to wane, virtually ending some of the traffic. “Most of the business people I’ve spoken to are against (zoning for a food bank),” she said.

Gregory lauds the work done by food banks but does not feel downtown is the right place for one, especially if zoning has to be changed. “A food bank should not be permitted in the downtown retail district,” she said. “How are we going to better downtown?

We need retail. I love Taft, and I do have a vision for Taft.”

Portenga, who relies on customers looking specifically for jeans, isn’t as concerned. “We don’t feel like it’s going to affect us,” she said.

Schertz, whose restaurant is a block from the proposed site of the food bank, said he’s doubtful it would impact his business, but he doesn’t want it there. “I talked to Charlie Comfort (of the Laborers of the Harvest), and I understand his position, but I just can’t support it,” Schertz said. “I’d rather have businesses there.”

Business owners further away from the proposed location for the food bank are also not as concerned. Friend said she really doesn’t have an opinion about the Laborers of the Harvest wanting to open a food bank at the other end of downtown.

“I have the WIC (Women, Infants and Children food and nutrition service) program right across the street,” Friend said.

“There are a lot of mixed feelings about the food bank,” Cruz said.

He referred to talk going around about littering and loitering, but not about the alleged illogical land use pattern or its impact on business.

“I’m not sure that I have an opinion about it,” he said, adding that if it did come in and create a nuisance, his opinion would be to get rid of it. “This is America; we have rights,” he said.

According to Orrin, it is business owners like Sparks and others on that end of Center Street who should really be concerned. “I’m not

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going to walk 500 feet before going back to my car,” Orrin said.

She contends that the isolation of one business by an incongruent pattern weakens the commerce of the entire district.

“We already have businesses in place (on Center Street) that are not primary or secondary retail, but those were there before we established our current plan. The bottom line is we have a vision.

Business is willing to come to Taft.”

Taft City Councilman Ron Waldrop is one of five men who will have to weigh both sides of the issue and make a decision. “I understand everybody’s problems,” he said. “I know the uptown people aren’t happy, and I know Center Street has been down for a long time.”

He said that he doesn’t want to commit one way or the other on the zoning ordinance text change until after the hearing is held in city council. “I say there’s a way for everything to be worked out,” he said. “I want to make everybody happy.”

Redevelopment Manager and Acting Community Development Director said that it is not unheard of for a city council to disapprove a resolution from one of its commissions. “They make their own choice according to what they see as best for the city,” he said.

Gorte said that on the night of the first reading of the ordinance on July 10 there will be a public hearing, and on the second reading it will be an item on the consent agenda. “The council has the options of approving, disapproving or modifying,” he said. “If they approve, it takes 30 days (for the new ordinance) to go in effect.”

Approval of the planning commission recommendation would prohibit the Laborers of the Harvest from operating a food bank in the downtown commercial district.

If the council disagrees with its planning commission, Gorte said, it would have to make its own findings. It would have to determine, as the planning commission did, whether the text change is consistent with the goals of the city’s general plan and the intent of the zoning ordinance, and whether it adversely affects the public or the environment.

Fourth of July Fireworks Show Planned For 2013

By Nicole Frost Next Wednesday is the second annual “Fourth of July” picnic at the Rails to Trails and, although there won’t be a firework show this year, the Taft Chamber of Commerce is planning for a show in 2013!

The Chamber held a meeting last Tuesday to discuss upcoming Fourth of July events. Seven people attended and there will be a committee specifically for the 2013 firework show.

“Everyone who attended was excited to bring fireworks back to Taft,” said Shannon Jones. “These shows are very expensive and a lot of people don’t know what it takes to run one.”

The approximate cost for a firework show is $1,000 per minute.

This means that it would cost at least $25,000 to have a show in Taft.

“We need to determine the actual cost of having the show as well as a deadline for the funds,” said Jones. “Also, we need to make sure the venue is approved by the Fire Department in addition to getting permits, bathrooms, and other supplies.”

Everyone who would like to help bring back the Taft firework show is welcome. If you are interested in participating, fundraising or donating contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 662-7652165.

The “Fourth of July” picnic will take place at the Rails to Trails from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a children’s (non-motorized) bike parade, pie-eating contests, a water balloon-launch contest, a homemade ice-cream contest, water slides, snow cones and more!

The Fourth of July Column

By Congressman Kevin McCarthy

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Each year on the Fourth of July, Americans across the country get together with friends and family to commemorate the anniversary of our nation’s freedom. Before the cook-outs start and the fireworks flare, let’s reflect on the reasons July 4th is a day for both celebration and gratitude.

On this day 266 years ago, our Founding Fathers declared as a self-evident truth that “all men are created equal.” Elegantly simple, yet astoundingly forward-thinking, our fledgling nation united behind this common dream of freedom and liberty – a dream that we vigorously and vigilantly continue to aspire to today.

But the rights of humankind to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” as proclaimed in our Declaration of Independence do not come without a price. As we celebrate the birthday of our democracy today, let us also remember and thank the brave men and women in our Armed Forces who risk – and too frequently make – the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may live free.

From the patriots who fought for independence in the Revolutionary War to our service members currently serving at home and abroad, these courageous Americans tirelessly fight to defend and preserve our everyday liberties. Recently, I was able to meet some of our American heroes when a local group of World War II veterans visited Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight. Like the generations before them and those who would come after, these great Americans personify why the United States remains a beacon of freedom for the world.

At Edwards Air Force Base on July 4, 1982, Ronald Reagan so eloquently identified that the greatness of America rests in the spirit of our citizens. “Through our history, we’ve never shrunk before a challenge,” he said. “The pioneer spirit still flourishes in America. In the future, as in the past, our freedom, independence, and national well-being will be tied to new achievements, new discoveries, and pushing back new frontiers.”

We will always face tough challenges as a nation. But the greatness of America rests in the strength, courage, and determination in all of us. Every year, the Fourth of July will reinvigorate our conviction that even in the face of great adversity, our common belief in freedom unites us, strengthens our hearts, and continues to make America the greatest democracy on earth.

8

Liberty Under Fire

TAFT INDEPENDENT

The “Little Miracle” of The Declaration of Independence

By Dr. Harold Pease The Second Continental Congress, having been convened for six months, had been engaged in the wrestle for or against independence, the vast majority of delegates being decidedly against such drastic action most of this time. Surely there should be a way of reconciling their differences with Great Britain instead.

This was so even after the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker (Breeds) Hill and the British occupation of Boston. We were at war. King George III had already rejected the Colonists Declaration of Rights, arguing the violation of their rights under British law, and the pacifist Olive Branch Petition, which reaffirmed colonial loyalty to the king and blamed their problems upon Parliament alone. Moreover, he had declared the Colonists in open rebellion. A full six months prior to the signing a declaration of independence, Parliament had removed the colonies from the protection of the British military, ended all British trade with them, and authorized the confiscation of any American vessel on the seas. Still, delegates could not bring themselves to separate from the British Empire.

On July 1, 1776, the Patriots finally risked “putting the question” to a tentative count but were numbingly shocked by the result. Four colonies New York, South Carolina, Delaware and Pennsylvania did not support declaring independence from Great Britain. The Patriots needed to show solidarity. A vote of only nine colonies would show disunity.

This is where the brilliance of John Adams, from Massachusetts, and Richard Henry Lee, from Virginia, came into play.

They got Edward Rutledge to use his influence to persuade South Carolina, for the sake of unity, to join those supporting independence, if Pennsylvania and Delaware could be persuaded to do likewise. Convinced that that could never happen, Rutledge agreed. Next, Adams and Lee worked on Delaware which had three representatives, one for and another against independence and a third, Caesar Rodney, who was pro declaration, was recuperating from health problems at his farm 80 miles away and probably would not be able to be there to vote the next day. Apparently he had skin cancer and a sore on his face the “size of a large apple.” The Delaware delegate favoring independence sent a messenger to Rodney to try to get him to the Convention for the vote. This necessitate an 80-mile all night ride by the sick delegate.

Now to change the vote of Pennsylvania with seven delegates, four against independence. Amazingly Adams and Lee convinced two of these to be absent for voting the next day. This would place Pennsylvania in the camp of the Patriots.

New York, without instructions to vote for independence, remained neutral refusing to vote at all. Decidedly too many ifs, and would everyone keep their promise? They needed a “little miracle,” perhaps three.

Sometime after lunch the next day July 2, 1776, Caesar Rodney, “caked with mud from head to foot,” having ridden though a severe thunderstorm and torrential rain “entered the assembly room, and when his name was called for Delaware he rose with difficulty but in a clear voice stated: ‘As I believe the voice of my constituents and of all sensible and honest men is in favor of Independence and my own judgment concurs with them, I vote for Independence’ ” (Declaration of Independence: The Keepsake Album of its Creation, by Joseph P. Cullen, American History Illustrated p. 34).

This little miracle made Delaware the 10th colony for a declaration that these colonies were free and independent states.

The two lesser “miracles” followed. Pennsylvania followed as planned when the two con-delegates did not show to vote as promised, leaving a simple majority for independence, and Rutledge kept his word and persuaded South Carolina to become the 12th colony for the sake of unity. With New York abstaining the Patriots could announce to the world that the vote had carried without an opposing vote. All this happened within 26 hours, when the day before, at 10:00 a. m., only nine colonies supported independence.

A draft of The Declaration of Independence had been written, reviewed by committee, and tabled on June 28, until after an affirmative vote for independence. This achieved, its finalization by the whole house followed on July 4, 1776, passing 12 to 0, again with New York abstaining. But could all this be vindicated on the battlefield, that seemed just as improbable perhaps needing additional “little miracles,” or would these men merit only the gallows, but that is a story for another day?

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.

Assemblywoman Shannon Grove Responds to passage of State Budget Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) released the following statement on the state budget signed by Governor Brown late Wednesday night, exposing the harmful impact the budget will have on the average taxpayer, schools, and public safety, while also criticizing the lack of openness and transparency by the majority party throughout the budget process.

“With this new budget, the majority party Democrats continue down the road of overspending and misusing the tax dollars of hardworking Californians. Instead of a fiscally responsible plan that prioritizes educating our children and keeping our communities safe, this budget increases spending by more than $10 billion with generous welfare benefits and handouts for special interests like public employee unions.

“The increased spending depends upon the lofty projection that already overtaxed Californians will vote to raise their own taxes on the ballot this November by $47 billion – largely due to the threat of $5.9 billion in cuts to education if voters do not comply. This is a lazy and despicable political scare tactic, and I am confident the people of California will not be bullied.

“On top of this, the majority party passed an empty shell bill on the budget deadline two weeks ago in order to continue receiving their own paychecks. Only now was the substance added and voted upon. Republicans in the legislature, not to mention the taxpayers of this state, have largely been kept in the dark throughout this budget process – with less than 24 hours to read and analyze many of the bills. The taxpayers of California are rightly fed up and deserve an open and transparent process from their fulltime, ‘professional’ legislature – not one of gimmicks and games that results in a budget that grossly misuses the peoples’ hard-earned tax dollars.”

Assemblywoman Grove, R-Bakersfield, proudly serves the 32nd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Taft, Frazier Park/Lebec, and the Kern River Valley.

Brave—movie review

June 29 - 5 2012

By Jane McCabe My, how things have changed. The formula for fairy tales containing a young princess used to be that there would be a variety of young princes, sometimes disguised as poor peasants, competing for her hand, and the most worthy of them would win. Not so with Brave, the recently-opened animation film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures now showing at Taft’s Fox Theater. In Brave the primary bond is between Princess Merida and her mother Queen Elinor. Merida is a free-spirited and adventurous teenager who likes nothing better than to ride her horse and shoot the bow and arrow her father has given her. So, when her mother announced the king’s and her intention to wed Merida to one of the sons of his allies, Merida objects strongly and flees into the forest where she encounters the cave of a witch.

She persuades the witch to give her a spell that will cause her mother to change her mind about marrying her off. The witch gives her a cake than contain magic ingredients. But, alas, when her mother consumes a bite of it, she is transformed into a BEAR! Merida is very sorry about what she has caused, but breaking the spell (which will allow her mother to resume her human form) takes the rest of the film’s story and involves a struggle between the bear-mother and the demon bear Mor’du.

There has been a rise in animated films in recent times probably because the technology has been vastly improved. Careful choice goes into the actors chosen for the voice-overs. In Brave I am unfamiliar with Kelly Macdonald, the actress whose voice animates Merida, but the always delightful Emma Thompsen animates Queen Elinor in excellent fashion.

Brave is a film with enough sophistication and ingenuity that it can be enjoyed by “kids” of all ages.

California Weekly Gas Price Update and Outlook Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen 13.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.82/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 7.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.45/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices yesterday were unchanged compared to the same day one year ago and are 45.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 21.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 14.0 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“The national average has now dropped to its lowest level since February 4,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “Gasoline can be found as cheap as $2.73 per gallon today in Taylors, SC. While this certainly isn’t going to be the price of every station, a majority of gasoline outlets are featuring prices that have come down significantly in the last month, similar to that of the sentiment of Chicago Cubs fans,” DeHaan said.

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June 29 - 5, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

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TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

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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

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

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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

Call Today!

765-6550

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550

For Rent

426 Shattuck

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

Preserving for the Future

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.

Business Services COMPUTER SERVICES YARD SERVICES COOLER SERVICES

Saturday 7am 10:30am BV Mobile Home Park Sp. # 104.

Lots of misc, tools.

Yard Sale. Fri. and Sat. 6-29 and 30. 7 am to 1 pm 123 North St. Sp. 80.

Saturday 7am -? 524 D. Street. Furniture, books, toys, clothes, W&D.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

Employment HELP WANTED

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.

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Welding Skills a Plus Transmission & Distribution Group - Operations If you are looking for a career, come and check out what we have in store for you! West Kern Water District is looking for a motivated individual to join our team in the construction and maintenance of water lines. Welding skills are a plus. Apply immediately at 800 Kern Street, P.O. Box 1105, Taft, CA 93268.

Deadline for submitting application is Monday, July 9, 2012. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District application. The successful applicant will be subject to a pre-employment physical and drug screen. E.O.E. Cooks, prep. cook. Only serious apply. 661 8059597.

Newspaper Graphic design and Layout. Exp.

with Indesign, Adobe, related software. Parttime. Taft Independent 765-6550.

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

Wanted

WANTED

Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661335-2370 or 661-6541014. We will pick up!

For Sale FOR SALE alun. fishing boat call 8697297

AUTOMOBILES

Found

FOUND ITEMS

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS LOST PETS

Real Estate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Taft Property Management

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

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

BUSINESS FOR SALE HOMES FOR SALE

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

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

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

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

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 420 ½ San Emidio 2/1 $600 302 Jefferson 2/1 $850 514 Grant Terrace 2/1 $900 306 Taylor 3/2 $900 535 B Street 3/1 $900 404 Fillmore 3/1.75 $900 108 E Calvin 3/1 $950 116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000 500 Welch 3/2.5 $1,200 302 E San Emidio 3/1.75 Pool $1,300 __________________ 707 Filmore 3bd/1ba $750 mo. + dep. 661343-0507 116 Pierce St. 1bd/1ba house $560 mo. + dep.

661-343-0507 501 Klipstein Maricopa.

2bd/1ba fenced yard, den. $650 mo. + $900 dep. Application call 805-929-3185.

2bd/1ba unfurnished house in Valley Acres,

pest control and garbage paid. $650 mo + $250 dep. 661-7652704 evenings.

APART. FOR RENT Room for Rent. $350 per month $300 deposit.

Contact AlinTaft@ yahoo.com or 661-5774060.

2bd/1ba apt. in quiet duplex, fenced yard, newer w/ central AC & heating. All amenities included. $675 mo. + dep. Renter pays utilities. 623-4296.

1 and 2 bedroom triplex. granite counter top, oak cabinets, newly remodeled $650 & $800 mo. + dep. Call 805550-0565.

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

Taft Independent Call Today!

765-6550

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street

Karri Christensen

Classified Ads

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Line!

PERSONALS

OPENING SOON

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

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

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

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. Call Jim 763-9717.

West Side Real Estate And Property Management

The

Starting At

Personals

Air Conditioning & Heating

We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Advertise

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

Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057

Creekside Apartments.

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

Ken Shugarts

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

With

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

June 29 - 5 2012

661-332-6597

$2 Per

CITY OF TAFT MAINTENANCE WORKER $1,252.79-$1,522.77 Bi-Weekly Under direction maintains streets, sidewalks, sewers, water systems, and other public facilities. Work includes but is not limited to maintenance and repair of public facilities, minor construction work, maintenance and repair of sidewalks, patching and repair of asphalt surface streets, maintenance of park facilities. Ability to work safely and efficiently. Applications will be reviewed and the most qualified individuals will be invited to participate in the testing process.

Min. Qualifications: High School diploma or GED; one year of experience in the construction or maintenance of streets, sewers, water systems, and the operation of automotive equipment associated with construction and maintenance.

Get It Rented!

Special Requirements: Must possess a Valid State of California Class B Driver’s license, or ability to obtain one.

A complete City of Taft application must be received by the Personnel Department no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 13, 2012. EOE. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of application and postmarked applications will not be accepted. Application and job description may be obtained at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, CA. www.citoftaft.org

June 29 - 5, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Bureau of Land Management Extends Immigrants Are the Lifeblood of U.S. Startups Public Comment Period for

By Yuri Vanetik Proposed Hydraulic Fracturing Rule In a rare moment of genuinely bipartisan lawmaking, the president recently signed the JOBS Act into law. Short for “Jumpstart In order to facilitate greater input from the public and key stakeholders, including industry and public health groups, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today that it is extending the public comment period for a proposed rule to require companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations on federal and Indian lands. Notice of the 60-day extension, which resets the comment deadline for Sept. 10, 2012, will be published in tomorrow’s Federal Register (Tuesday, June 26).

Currently, there is no specific requirement for operators to disclose these chemicals on federal and Indian lands, where approximately 90 percent of the wells drilled use hydraulic fracturing to greatly increase the volume of oil and gas available for production.

On May 11, 2012, the BLM published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would require public disclosure of chemicals used during hydraulic fracturing after fracturing operations have been completed. As of June 25, 2012, the BLM had received more than 170 comments on the proposed rule.

Acting BLM Director Mike Pool said the decision to extend the public comment period would allow for greater public participation. “As the Obama administration continues to offer millions of acres of America’s public lands for oil and gas development, it is critical that the public have full confidence that the right safety and environmental protections are in place. We’ve been asked to allow more time for comment on the proposed rule and the BLM has determined that additional time was warranted so that all parties had an opportunity to participate,” he said.

As technology has advanced in the last decade, the combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques has provided opportunities to develop oil and gas resources that were previously uneconomic to produce. With domestic oil and natural gas production expanding through these cutting edge technologies, it is critical that the public have full confidence that the right safety and environmental protections are in place.

The BLM crafted a proposed rule that addresses the preliminary input received during public listening sessions and tribal consultation efforts. The BLM proposes to modernize its management of well stimulation activities, including hydraulic fracturing, to improve public confidence in hydraulic fracturing and ensure that oil and gas development on America’s public lands proceeds safely and responsibly. The proposed rule would provide disclosure to the public of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, strengthen regulations related to well-bore integrity, and address issues related to flowback fluid management. The proposed rule seeks to maximize flexibility, minimize duplication and complement ongoing efforts in some states to regulate fracturing activities by providing a consistent standard across all federal and Indian lands and making reported information easily accessible to the public.

The BLM encourages the public to remain actively engaged in the rulemaking process by submitting comments on the proposed rule during the extended public comment period. Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to the BLM on or before Sept. 10, 2012, using: · Mail: U.S. Department of the Interior, Director (630), Bureau of Land Management, Mail Stop 2134 LM, 1849 C St. NW., Washington, DC 20240, Attention: 1004-AE26. · Personal or messenger delivery: Bureau of Land Management, 20 M Street SE, Room 2134 LM, Attention: Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20003. · Online at the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations. gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments at this website.

Our Business Startups,” JOBS will roll back some of the regulatory barriers that small and mid-sized entrepreneurial ventures face in their efforts to grow and go public.

This is a great victory for the American start-up community. Now, policymakers need to turn their attention to the hurdles in the way of talent acquisition.

No talent channel is more bogged down with needless and costly rules than the visa system for highly skilled immigrants. Every year, thousands of foreign citizens with advanced degrees in science and engineering apply to become permanent residents in the United States. They want to work and contribute and have valuable ideas for new businesses.

Despite these undeniable facts, many educated and motivated foreigners are turned away or granted only temporary permission to live and work here. This bureaucratic quagmire is robbing American start-ups of talent, which is severely undercutting economic growth.

A December study from the National Foundation for American Policy found that almost half of the top 50 venture-funded firms in America were founded or co-founded by an immigrant. Out of these firms, 37 had at least one immigrant in a high-level management position.

Silicon Valley is filled with hot startups founded by foreigners.

The textbook-rental service Chegg was created by Indian Aayush Phumbhra and Briton Osman Rashid. Etsy -- the incredibly successful online craft marketplace -- is the brainchild of Swiss entrepreneur Haim Schoppik. The giant web publisher Glam Media was founded by Indians Samir Arora and Raj Narayan.

The idea that these immigrants are “stealing” jobs from Americans is pure nonsense. The opposite is true. That same study found that top 50 immigrant-started companies created an average of 150 new jobs per company.

Likewise, researchers from the American Enterprise Institute found that between 2000 and 2007, for every additional 100 foreign workers coming into this country with an advanced “STEM” degree -- science, technology, engineering, or math -- an average of 262 new jobs were created for native-born U.S. citizens.

It’s no surprise that talented immigrants play such a vital role in the creation and expansion of American companies and the culture of entrepreneurialism that battens start-ups. They have a fresh perspective. They’re well positioned to find new ways to solve economic problems and create value.

But America is choking off the spigot of immigrant talent. The channel for them to enter this country legally is over-regulated, overly expensive, unpredictable, and deeply time-consuming.

H-1B visas, the type designated for highly skilled workers, expire after just three years. They’re only renewable once. The total number of H-1Bs allowed every year is capped at 66,000 (with very limited exemptions for foreigners who received a degree from an American graduate program). Moreover, the H-1B fee was recently raised by over 600 percent -- from $320 to $2,000.

Visa restrictions are leading to reverse brain drain. Smart, ambitions foreigners come and study at America’s world-class institutions of higher education. After they graduate, they’re eager to work in this country, but they can’t get a permanent residence or a worker visa. Eventually, they give up and go elsewhere, taking their talents, training, ideas, and education with them.

Cristobal Conde is a Chile-born entrepreneur and former CEO of SunGard, a Fortune 500 software company. He’s said, “If I were to try to come to America today, the likelihood is I would be turned away.”

We need visa reform for highly skilled workers -- and fast. Republican Representative Jeff Flake just reintroduced the STAPLE Act, (H.R. 399), which would exempt foreign students with an American Ph.D. degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and a job offer in the United States from visa quotas. Passing this legislation is smart policy.

Policymakers should also strengthen and expand the H-1B program; create a special “Startup Visa” for immigrants looking to create new companies in the United States, and increase the number of green cards for workers with advanced degrees.

Policymakers should also extend the EB-5 Visa program (currently set to expire in September) which provides green cards to foreign nationals who invest significant money in the United States. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) has taken the lead on this important bipartisan initiative.

The JOBS Act will boost the American start-up sector. However, it’s just the first step. Now, lawmakers need to fix the country’s talent retention problem. That process starts by reforming the immigration system for highly skilled foreigners.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Yuri Vanetik is a private investor and philanthropist. He is the principal of Vanetik International, LLC and a national board member of Gen Next (www.gen-next.org).

12

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

TAFT INDEPENDENT

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

June 29 - 5 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

SUMMER

SALE

Full Grooming Salon LARGE DOGS

Wash & Shed Or Full Cut

(hard to handle dogs always welcome)

SMALL DOGS

ALL Women’s Shirts & Tees 30% - 50% OFF

Select Men’s S/S Shirts 25% OFF

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Men’s Western Boots Sale Priced As Marked

Cut To Breed Style

Flea & Tick Products Available!

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