Taft College Child Care Center

Independent The Taft

July 20 - 26, 2012

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July 20 - 26, 2012 • Volume 7 Issue 4

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

Taft College Child Care Center Taking Care of Kids

Farmers Market Moving to Center Street

Trent Unruh Stops By Comic Con In San Diego

Why Has Oil and Gas Boom Skipped CA? Page 11

Ten Percent Firearms

By June Woods

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

Electronics • Prepaid Phones • Service • Accessories

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

WE SHIP!

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

Shop Taft

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6556

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July 20 - 26 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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

SALE Begins This Friday

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763-9100

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

Ten Percent Firearms

Now located at 210 6th Street

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

(661)763-4176

Electronics • Prepaid Phones Service • Accessories

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July 20 - 26, 2012

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Westside Watcher............4 Westside News.................5

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

July 28th-29th - Derby Acres Tumbleweed Festival August 11th - Westside Community Resource Center Backpack Drive

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

August 20th - School starts

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

August 30th - Taft College 90th Birthday Party 12pm-2pm

TED: Movie Review........8

August 31st - September 3rd, Taft Bike Fest

Taft’s Boot Camp............8 Classified Ads.................10 Westside News...............11

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Advertising Contributing Writers June Woods, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 27th - Last Farmers Market September 29th - Taft College/ TIL Casino Night

Fourth Annual Derby Acres Tumbleweed Festival is Saturday July 28th Mark your calendar. This festival starts at 8 a.m. and promises fun for the entire family—what with water slide, dunk tank, music, horseshoe tournament, car & motorcycle show, decorating contest, raffles and games.

An exciting new event has been to this year’s agenda: EXHIBITION BOXING! Starting a 1 p.m. there will be 15 matches with 30 local young people participating. The winners will receive medals. This event is sponsored by SAL, the Sheriff Activity League.

Live music will provided by Mama’s Kitchen.

Thirty to 40 prizes worth $100 and $200 have been donated by various sponsors to be raffled off during the afternoon. Raffle tickets are $1, six for $5. You must be present to win.

Vendors will be selling arts and crafts, t-shirts and food. There is NO CHARGE for vendor space. You can pick up an entry form at the Chamber of Commerce on 4th Street and Kern and mail your entry form to 915 N. 10th Street, Ste. 9., Taft, CA 93268. For more information, please call Dela St. Clair at 745-4892 or 577-7136.

Taft College Children’s Center Seek PreSchool Applicants The Children’s Center at Taft College is taking applications for the following programs: Half Day State PreSchool program. There are slots still available for the AM Session: 8am to 11am, or PM Session: 12:30pm, Monday to Friday. Four year olds have priority.

This program is designs to expose pre-school children to pre-kindergarten curriculum. Lesson Plans consists of Cognitive development.: Math/Science/Language/Literacy. Fine Motor: puzzles, rich variety of manipulative activities and pre-writing. Gross Motor: movement/tricycles/swings/daily outdoor activities.

Social and Emotional development: Peer interaction, peer conflict resolution, taking turns, adult to child interaction, following instructions and pro-social language.

Full Day Child Development Care: This program is open to all qualified children ages from birth to 6 years of age. The center is open from 5am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. In order for your child to qualify for child care services, the legal parents must have a need. The need includes: employment, college courses, high school, or vocational training and physical incapacitated.

The daily lesson plans are based on age appropriate and Infant/Toddler/PreSchool Learning Foundation Curriculum, which includes: Cognitive development, fine and gross development, and social and emotional development. Both program follow and implement the Department of Education, Child Development Division and state license mandates.

Please call the Taft College Children’s Center for further information at (61) 763-7850.

Farmers Market Moving to Center Street, New Hours 4 pm to 7pm Starting next Thursday, Taft’s weekly Farmer’s Market will be moving from the 5th Street Plaza to the 500 block on Center Street. Also, it will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“We decided to change locations because it’s so hot at our current spot,” said Dr. Kathy Orrin. “We changed the time so people could also visit some of the other shops and places on Center Street before they close.”

Some of the Market’s current items include watermelon, blueberries, squash, peaches and other fruits and vegetables. There is also homemade jewelry, baked goods, jams and nuts. If you are interested in participating in the Farmer’s Market, contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 661-765-2165.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday July 24th, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.

The Second Annual Community Pinewood Derby August 19 The Second Annual Community Pinewood Derby will be on August 19.

Imagination Laboratories, Inc. has partnered with WSRPD and True Value to bring you this year’s event. This year’s derby will be held at the WSRPD Community Center Auditorium. Car kits are available to purchase at the WSRPD main office and at True Value home center. Registration is only $6 for a car kit and event entry. Those with their own cars will be able to register the day of the event for $4. Registration and weigh-ins are from 12:00-1:30pm and racing begins at 2:00pm. . For more information you can call WSRPD at 763-4246 or email ILinc at ggolling@gmail.com.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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.

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

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

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

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

Taft Bike Fest Coming This Labor Day Weekend Taft’s 2nd Annual Bike Fest will be held on Labor Day weekend, Friday - Monday August 31- September 3rd.

Below is the tentative schedule. Some details and timing may change.

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

Week of Friday, July 20, 2012 through Thursday, July 26, 2012 The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri - Sun: (12:00), (3:30), 7:00, 10:30 Mon - Thu: (3:30), 7:00 The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13) Midnight Show; No Passes Allowed Fri: 12:05 AM Ice Age: Continental Drift (PG) No Passes Allowed Fri - Sun: (12:15), (2:30), (5:00), 7:15, 9:30 Mon - Thu: (3:00), (5:15), 7:30 Ted (R) Fri - Sun: (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:00, 9:15 Mon - Thu: (3:15), (5:30), 7:45

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.

Dear Editor, For those of you who believe pit bulls are a misunderstood breed of dogs, this past Friday my wife and I were witness to the true nature of the breed while walking our dog on the walking path in Taft. At about 8:15 in the evening we walked past a group of young people who had 2 blue pit bull puppies and two adults. Without provocation and no control exercised by the owner, one of the adults brutally attacked our Lhasa apso, grasping it by the throat, tying to kill her. We were finally able to separate the pit bull from our dog with the help of two people. We rushed her to the vet hospital in Bakersfield. Besides our dog being completely traumatized, she had to have several stitches in her throat and her ear repaired.

The walking path is a great asset to our community; a place where you can walk with your friends, children, and pets. If owners cannot or will not control their animals they should not be on the path. We wish to thank the young couple that assisted us during this very difficult time and scary time.

Bill Wickwire

Contact information: info@2-wheelproductions.com Dry RV/Tent Camping available $40 for entire weekend in designated area, No charge to attend the event, no charge for watching motorcycle stunt shows & flat track races Friday 4pm-midnight: Event, Food and Craft Vendors, Motorcycles, Beer Garden open

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

Letters to the Editor Uncontrolled Pit Bull Attack on Rails to Trails Pathway is Menace to Pets, People

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

July 20 - 26 2012

Taft Longhorns 10 and Under Travel Baseball Team

6:30pm: Bands perform on the Stage at 6th & Main Street ($5 cover charge: Last Chance Band, Juke Box, & The Aviators Saturday 10am-midnight: Event, Food and Craft Vendors, Motorcycles, Beer Garden open 10:30am-4:30pm: Motorcycle Show (entry fee) 11am-12pm: Pin Up Girl Contest (entry fee) 1pm-5pm: Flat Track Races Motorcycle Stunt shows and burnouts throughout the day 6:30pm: Bands perform on the Stage at 6th & Main Street ($5 cover charge - 1916, Black Water Soul, Zedd) Sunday 10am-10pm: Event, Food and Craft Vendors, Motorcycles, Beer Garden open 9am-10am: Bloody mary contest at the Chilled n Grilled Biker games, motorcycle stunt shows and burnouts throughout the day 6:30-7:30pm: Tattoo contest (entry fee) 6:30pm: Bands perform on the Stage at 6th & Main Street ($5 cover charge - Swift Cats, Last Chance Band) Monday 10am-noon: Tear down event followed by a Motorcycle Ride to Camp Shattuck

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

Saturday, July 21st 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$5.00 Donation For Team Uniforms and Travel Expenses 500 Cascade Pl. Westside Recreation Center Parking Lot

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

July 20 - 26, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Check us out online!

Need more information on programs, classes or facilities?

Visit us on the web: www.wsrpd.com www.facebook.com/wsrpd www.quickscores.com/wsrpd www.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd steph@wsrpd.com

WSYSL – WEST SIDE YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE Division 1: Ages 7-9 (advanced 6-year olds are eligible) Division 2: Ages 10-12 Division 3: Ages 13-15 Season: August 27 – November 17 When: Weekday practices and Saturday games Fee: $50 per player Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 2 The goal of the WSYSL is to create a soccer environment that is fun and conducive to learning for all ages and ability levels. Please note: shin guards are mandatory.

West Side Recreation Report

by Stephanie House HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE Monday, August 6 through Wednesday, August 8 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium 500 Cascade Place, Taft $5 per person (facility fee) With cooperation from the Taft Sportsmen’s Club and volunteer instructors Larry Heptinstall and Kenny Beard, materials and instruction for obtaining a California Hunting license are available approximately every three months (February, May, August and October). Registration begins the first night of class and a minimum of 10 paid students is required or the class will be postponed until October 1-3.

COMMUNITY THEATRE AUDITIONS Next Production: The Wizard of Oz Auditions: Monday, July 23 or Wednesday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Singers and actors of all ages are welcome to audition for fall production, The Wizard of Oz! You only need to show up for one night of auditions. If you are interested, but unable to attend, please contact Stephanie at steph@wsrpd.com or 763-4246. Rehearsals will begin soon and show dates are tentatively scheduled for November 2-4, 2012.

KIDS NIGHT OUT Friday, July 27 6:30-10:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades K-6 $8 per person ** pre-registration required by Wednesday, July 25 Kids need a night away from home every once in a while, so join us for a fun evening of games, movies, crafts, pizza, snacks and more! The more the merrier, so be sure to sign-up with a friend. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.

CANDY BAR BINGO Tuesday, July 31 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades 1-8 FREE! Join us for an hour of Bingo fun with candy bar prizes. Be sure to bring a friend!

WONDERFUL WAFFLES Thursday, August 2 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 6 and up $4 per person ** pre-registration required by Wednesday, August 1 Come learn how to make waffles from scratch! We will make classic waffles, cake batter waffles and chocolate brownie waffles! Space is limited; pre-registration is required.

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION UNDERWAY The West Side Recreation & Park District’s Preschool program is now enrolling students for the upcoming 2012/2013 school year. Classes begin the week of August 27. The program is for children ages 3-5. Fees vary per class. As of now, there are still spots available in the Monday-Thursday and Monday/Wednesday classes. For more information, please phone 763-4246 or send an email to steph@wsrpd.com.

Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Class: 8:30-11:00 a.m.

Monday/Wednesday Class: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday/Thursday Class: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WEST SIDE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT 500 Cascade Place, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-4246 info@wsrpd.com www.wsrpd.com

INSTRUCTIONAL SOCCER Tiny Tot: Ages 2-4 Instructional (formerly called U6): Ages 4-6 When: Practice starts September 10 Games: Saturdays starting September 29 Where: Wrecker Field and/or ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $40 per child Registration deadline: Thursday, August 16 Shin guards are mandatory. Advanced 6-year olds are eligible for WSYSL Division 1.

GYMNASTICS Who: Grades K and older When: Monday Evenings Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Sessions: September 10 – October 15 and October 22 – November 26 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional sibling) Instructor: Suzanne Hale *registration begins August 1, 2012 in the District Office DANCE CLASSES Who: Ages 3 and up When: Mondays or Wednesdays Season: classes begin the week of September 10 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Vicky Waugh *registration begins August 1, 2012 in the District Office Participants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes take place one day per week either on Monday or Wednesday. A full class listing is available in the District Office or on our website.

Class enrollment is limited.

CHEERLEADING When: Tuesday Evenings Ages 3-5, 4:30-5:00 p.m.

Grades K-1, 5:15-5:45 p.m.

Grades 2-3, 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Session: September 18 – November 6 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $30 per person *poms and shirts are available at an additional cost Instructor: Nicole Cleveland *registration begins August 1, 2012 in the District Office COMPETITION CHEERLEADING Who: Grades K-8 (in the 2012/2013 school year) When: Monday and Wednesday Time: 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Where: Community Center Auditorium Term 1: July 2 – August 29 Fee: $100 per person (20% discount for additional siblings) Coaches: Nicole Cleveland and Heather Foss Would you like to be a part of the Fire & Ice Elite Competition Cheerleading Squad? This competition program will operate year-round. There are no try-outs; all children registered will participate.

Squad(s) will compete according to skill level. Cheerleaders must be enrolled prior to the start of Term 2 (September 3) to be a part of the squad. It is recommended that cheerleaders start with Term 1 to maximize their learning, training and fundraising opportunities. Cheerleaders enrolled in Term 1 will receive a $50 credit toward the purchase of their uniform. For a packet with complete program, give us a call or email a request to steph@wsrpd.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

BINGO Thursday Afternoons Games start at 1:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Ages 21 and older Buy-in varies, $10-15 average Cash pots! Pull-tabs also sold.

EAGLE MTN CASINO BUS TRIP Monday, August 6 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bus leaves from the Community Center Ages 21 and older $3 per person Call 763-4246 to reserve your spot!

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Taft College Child Care Center Taking Care of Kids

By June Woods The Taft College Children’s Center, 729 Ash St., is taking applications for its half-day state pre-school program and full-day child development care for the 2012-13 school year.

Because of a reduction in the state budget, 20 percent of the center’s operating cost has been cut and it will be accepting only 32 children in the state program, which comprises two classes of 16 students each. State classes start Aug. 6, but the full-day program is year-round.

“This is the time of year we lose a lot of kids going on to kindergarten,” said Genoveve Curiel-Garcia, Children’s Center program director.

The center has morning and afternoon classes for the state program—8 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Both meet Monday through Friday and 4-year-olds are given priority.

Preschool children in the state program learn basic skills as well as primary social and emotional skills that they will need once they enter kindergarten. Social skills include peer interaction (things like taking turns and using positive social language), conflict resolution, adult to child interaction and following instructions.

The children are also taught fine and gross motor skills.

Fine motor skills are learned as the child puts puzzles together, draws, colors and participates in other pre-writing skills.

Developing gross motor skills involves outdoor activities on the playground such as swinging and riding tricycles.

In the classroom, the children are given a basic understanding of math, science, language and literature. These are taught through activities. “It’s more about having fun,” Curiel-Garcia said. She recalled an activity many of the children were excited about that involved measuring worms. “The best time I have each day is getting to do things with the children. Good teachers always know what excites the children.”

The Children’s Center has 11 teachers. They all participate in workshops and classes to further their education.

“Toward the fall about 96 percent of our preschoolers are ready for kindergarten,” Curiel-Garcia said.”

Parental involvement is important at the Children’s Center.

“The year starts with a parent orientation,” the program director said. “Our parents are phenomenal. They help with so many things.” She said that some parents are only able to assist with small things, like making play dough.

Another activity that takes place as soon as the school year starts is student assessments. Curiel-Garcia said that it’s important to find out where the children are socially and scholastically before curriculums can be developed.

“The curriculum is based on the outcome of these assessments,” Curiel-Garcia said. “The teachers use the assessments to create a curriculum that targets specific areas.” The children are reassessed in the spring to find out if their needs were met.

“There is a lot of accountability,” she said. “In the beginning, we find that a lot of children are at a primary level in social and emotional traits.”

Curiel-Garcia said that many of these traits begin to ease during the first days of school, which are hard on children who are new to the routines of a classroom. “Some are uncertain when their parents drop them off whether they will come back,” she said. “But they start seeing that everyone else is okay and happy, and soon they begin to relax and start to enjoy themselves.”

She said that consistency, respect and individual time on the first days help to acclimate the child to his new environment.

“The second day is better than the first.

Soon it’s all okay.”

July 20 - 26 2012

The full-day program is not as limited as the state program, and applications are being accepted for children from infant to six years old. The full-day program is open to qualified children whose parents have a need. They are employed, attending college, high school or vocational classes and need childcare, or they have a disability. Due to state budget cuts, there are also income restrictions and fees based on earnings.

“I’ve been here for 20 years,” Curiel-Garcia said, “and this is the first year there will be a fee. But the majority of our parents receive our services without charge.”

Curiel-Garcia said that because of the new financial environment, the center’s priority in the full-care program is full-time applicants as opposed to some who may, for example, need service two days a week for two hours a day. “It’s just not fiscally feasible to fill a slot with so few hours,” she said.

Parents who desire to enroll their children in the full-day program will meet first with an eligibility technician. The center will be permitted to take a few children from over-income families, but the state is requiring more this year.

“It’s always been our philosophy to help everyone we can,” Curiel-Garcia said, “that’s going to continue, but with some restrictions.”

The new restrictions come with a lot more documentation, which is why, according to Curiel-Garcia, it is important for parents not to wait until the last week to start the enrollment process. Enrolling a child early also gives the staff at the Children’s Center enough time to arrange for any special needs the child may have.

Genoveve Curiel-Garcia, Children’s Center Program Director.

“We work with Taft City schools to refer children who need extra services,” Curiel-Garcia said. “We often have quite a few children with speech impediments. We have classes here for them.”

Curiel-Garcia does not know if the current restrictions handed down will be the last. “We just hope the crisis at state gets better,” she said.

Seniors! It’s Portrait Time!

Free Clothing Changes, Unlimited package poses & 24 Extra Wallets *offer only available with this coupon limit one coupon per package

Now offering “inspired” portraits, as unique as you are.

CALL NOW 763-5429

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

July 20 - 26, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

BLM Announces Fire Restrictions for Lands Managed by Bakersfield Field Office

“Comic Con Strikes San Diego Again!”

Effective Saturday, July 14, the Bureau of Land Management is implementing fire restrictions on public lands managed by the Bakersfield Field Office in Eastern Kern County, including recreational areas at Lake Isabella and Walker Pass. The fire restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

There is no doubt that comic books have become a well respected and renowned form of art and creativity that has touched the lives of millions. It has grown beyond simple pictures and words on paper. Marvel Studio’s cinematic masterpiece The Avengers, made over a billion dollars worldwide. This proves one thing; people love comic books and their characters. Once a year a major event is held in southern California to carry on this love for comics and to show just how big their impact on society really is.

San Diego Comic-Con International is a multi-genre convention held yearly in San Diego every July. It is a 4 day convention that celebrates comic books and their impact on television, cinema, literature, and other forms of media. Fans of fantasy, sci-fi, superheroes, video games, and horror flood the city of San Diego each year dressed to impress as their favorite characters. The first Comic-Con was founded in 1970 by a group of individuals who shared the love of comic books. The gathering was small and lasted only day. There, fans were invited to come share, sell, and discuss their favorite comic books and graphic novels. The first event drew approximately 300 people.

Since its humble beginnings, Comic-Con has grown exponentially. This year’s convention was held July 12th through the 15th.

No longer is it just meager gathering of folks trading comic books.

It has become a worldwide phenomenon that attracts well over 40,000 attendees per day.

Comic-Con has many different activities that its visitors can partake in. The main thing to do at Comic-Con is walk the convention floor visiting over 500 booths where you can buy comic books, movies, video games, and set props. There you can also get autographs from authors, artists, and celebrities in attendance.

Comic-Con also has scheduled events that take place. There are panels for upcoming feature films and television shows with the directors and cast present to answer questions from the fans. Artists and Authors can have portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies in hopes for making it into the business. Evening events include a Masquerade ball, a costume contest, as well as the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, which showcases shorts and feature length movies that do not have distribution deals.

Some of the most memorable events at Comic-Con 2012 took place in Hall H this year. This room is designed to hold 6,500 people and the most highly anticipated projects in television and cinema preview their work to eager fans each year. This year was no different. Fans were given exclusive previews from upcoming movies and television shows including Iron Man 3, The Man of Steel (Superman), Sons of Anarchy, Quentin Tarantino’s Django

Field Office Manager Tim Smith said the restrictions are needed due to dry fuels and high fire danger throughout Central California. “A wildfire under these conditions could pose a serious threat to the public, resources, and adjacent private lands and communities,” he said.

According to Smith, all wood and charcoal campfires and barbecues are prohibited.

Building, maintaining, attending or using open fires, campfires or stove fires are strictly prohibited. Lanterns and/or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted with a valid campfire permit.

Other restrictions include: Do not operate tools powered by internal combustion engines off established roads or trails.

No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated developed recreation site, or other designated areas.

No motorized vehicles off established roads or trails.

No shooting using incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor piercing ammunition.

No fireworks, including "safe and sane" fireworks.

The BLM advises homeowners to “Take Responsibility” and keep 100 feet of clean, open space around their homes to provide defensible space and improve the chance that their homes and families can be saved in an uncontrolled wildfire.

For further information on the fire restrictions, contact the BLM Bakersfield Field Office at (661) 391-6000.

By Trent Unruh

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only

Unchained, The Hobbit, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim. One of the most memorably moments of the entire convention was when Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark from Iron Man) made his grand entrance into Hall H by dancing through the crowd to Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much”.

Another Comic-Con is over, and it was definitely one for the ages. Comics were read, previews were seen, photos were taken, and celebrities were adored by fans. Planning has already begun already for next year’s convention. Tickets for Comic Con 2013 go on sale early next year. If interested in attending, please visit www.comic-con.org.

Fuller Resolution Recognizes US Navy in California SACRAMENTO – Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 92, which was presented this morning to the U.S. Navy by Sen. Darrell Steinberg and Sen. Fran Pavley.

“I had the pleasure to author a resolution recognizing the U.S. Navy for its contributions to California and declaring this week as Navy Week Sacramento,” said Senator Fuller. “Our country has the world’s finest Navy. I want to thank every veteran and those serving in the Navy today for their work and sacrifice.”

The Navy is the largest component of the nation’s armed forces in California with nine major installations. China Lake Naval Weapons Center is the Navy’s largest single landholder, its 1.1 million acres represent 85 percent of the Navy’s land for research, development, test, and evaluation use and 38 percent of the Navy’s total land holdings worldwide.

Sacramento is one of fifteen U.S. cities designated this year to host Navy Week, which are organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach to educate citizens on the importance of Naval service, understand the investment they make in their Navy and to increase awareness in cities which might not otherwise see the Navy at work on a regular basis.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com HAYDENS HOPE

Used Book Store in Taft

THRIFT STORE

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

Shop Our Huge Selection of Half Priced Books!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

Home of the .50 cent pants and .25 cent shirts

Store Hours Mon., Tues., Thurs 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 2pm Closed Wednesday &

Sunday

We Take Donations!

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

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

8

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Reflections of a NextStep Book Camp Participant

by Carey Carpenter We came in all ages, sexes, shapes and sizes, but were all here for the same purpose. We were at Boot Camp at NextStep Fitness Center to tone up, shape up, lose pounds and inches, and maybe secretly, to see if we could hack it. The class was for one hour a day Monday through Thursday for six weeks. Together the group worked, sweated, strained, groaned and cheered each other on through all the hard work everyone accomplished. It wasn’t easy. And many people dropped out along the way. But at the end, there were 4 pairs of Mother-Daughters left, a married couple and a few other hardworking ladies. (The few young men who signed up dropped out early.)

The first class was spent weighing, measuring body fat, and testing each individual’s ability to perform push-ups, sit-ups, and other tests of flexibility, including the dreaded pull-up, of which no one on the first day was able to perform.

I figured I was close to being the oldest so I had two personal goals: I didn’t want to be the slowest and I didn’t want to do the least of the program requirements. But I was coming off a shoulder and elbow injury, along with chronic pain in my lower back and neck due to car accidents and normal aging. The instructors had experience with alternative activities for those with injuries, but over time, as my body got stronger, I relied less and less on alternatives and adopted the rigorous program the younger and stronger participants followed.

The program was tough. After non-stop sprints, squats, lunges, sit-ups, planks and many, many other maneuvers too hard to describe here, I would wake up the next morning with muscles aching all through my body. Thinking I couldn’t possibly move another muscle that night at boot camp, the instructors brought out another menu of activities, and the class completed them. Many days, I didn’t know if I wanted to continue attending, but the continuous stream of other class dropouts was a motivator for me to keep going. The jump start of intensive workouts left the class feeling stronger, leaner, thinner and more confident. Physical changes were evident in many. Arms and shoulders began showing muscle definition, bellies became flatter and leg muscles became stronger.

We had been given the tools to continue an at-home program. Squats, lunges, pushups and sit-ups are the key core moves that a person can do in his/her own home without the need for expensive equipment. But most importantly, all of us were given the confidence to know we could do it.

The final day of class was similar to the first day: sit-ups, pushups, leaps, and pull-ups. I doubled my number of sit-ups and push-ups, and was able to fashion a semblance of a pull-up. Most other classmates achieved similar results.

But what differed from the first day had to do with the camaraderie formed by the few who finished the entire boot camp. We were no longer competitors; we were now team mates, encouraging each other and cheering for each other’s successes, which ended up being impressive. One woman lost two pant sizes, another lost 9 inches in her waist. Pounds were lost, and a new lifestyle was adopted, thinking more about eating healthy and staying physically active. I enjoyed multiple successes: I showed up every day of boot camp, I was the oldest to attend, I finished feeling stronger, and my skinny twenty-something daughter outgrew some of her clothes, and now they fit me! Many days I awakened with no back pain after years of debilitation.

And in the end, the lesson I got most from this experience had nothing to do with the other people in the group.

It wasn’t about being faster than anyone else, or doing more push-ups or sit-ups than someone else; it was about competing against myself. It was about personal improvement, doing more than I had done the day before. A new boot camp session starts Monday. And many of us will be back.

Carey Carpenter is a free-lance writer, published in The Dallas Morning News and Mineola Monitor in Texas.

Email: careylynn779@yahoo.com.

Carolyn Anderson REALTOR

In Taft: 506 Center Street

In Bakersfield: 3001 Auto Mall Drive

Phone number: (661) 699-9310

DRE #01408418

Buying or Selling a home?

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

Hometown Realty 4800 Easton Drive Suite F

NextStep Fitness has two locations:

Bakersfield, CA 93309 Cell (661)747-8595 Fax (661)215-5364 carolyn@c21home.com www.c21home.com

Each office is independently owned and operated

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

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July 20 - 26 2012

Movie Review

TED

by Jane McCabe When getting a movie made is as difficult and expensive as it is, it always amazes me that so many lousy movies are made—movies with preposterous, ill-resolved story lines, hackneyed clichés, and such tedious development that I’m checking my watch wondering when they will finally end and I can walk back into the sunlight of reality.

TED falls into the category of one of the worst movies I’ve seen in recent years. Perhaps I’m not the best person to review this movie—there are probably plenty of movie goers who will find it amusing, but I lacked the patience for its clumsy contrivances.

Ted is a bear, a teddy bear that belongs to a 35 year old man named John (Mark Wahlberg). Of course, when most men’s childhood teddy bears have been lost, consigned to the attic or given to the grandchildren, why does John still live with his? Well, it’s because something very special happened shortly after the Christmas day when John received him when he was about five years old. John was such an unpopular child that he had no friends— even the kid whom the other kids beat up on rejects John.

So, we are to believe that when John wishes that Ted would come alive so that they can be best friends forever, that’s just what happens. But, then getting one’s wish can sometimes turn into a curse, so here’s John, 30 years later, sitting on his couch with Ted, smoking dope and watching Monday night football. Really! That John’s lovely, long-suffering girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis) has put up with this for four long years is supposed to be a testament of her love for John.

We’re supposed to question the maturity of a man of 35 who still hangs out with his teddy bear and is not man enough to pop the question to the woman he loves. Freud probably wouldn’t touch this one.

As every writer of any duration knows a situation is not a story. If an amusing situation is devised, the problem then becomes how to develop it into a story, and that’s where many movies, including TED fall apart. All kinds of not very original contrivances are employed in an attempt to move this plot forward—Lori’s wealthy boss hitting on her, Ted working bagging groceries, John wrestling with how to tell TED for Lori’s sake that he doesn’t want to live with him anymore, but the worst one of all is the introduction of two creepy people, a creepy man and his even creepier son, who are interested in having Ted come and live with them!

All of this leads to their teddy bear-napping Ted, taking him home, where the sadistic son pulls off one of his ears. Ted tries to escape and calls John to please help. A car chase scene ensues and then Ted is running, pursued by the sadistic father. He climbs a dangerously rickety scaffold followed by the father (the son is too fat for this.) The father pulls Ted apart; he falls to the ground and dies.

Broken-hearted, John and Lori take the pieces of Ted home and sew him back together. It’s night-time now, and Lori, looking at the stars, makes a wish. Now you’ve just going to have to go to this movie to find out whether Ted comes back to life or not.

It’s like, why spend the money to make gadgets that don’t work and fall apart after one use? Why make such dumb movies? It’s all because some people think money can be made from dishing up this mediocre corn. I would give Ted a “D”—go see it at your own risk.

California Gas Prices Static California, July 16- Average retail gasoline prices in California have not moved in the past week, averaging $3.69/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has not moved in the last week to $3.42/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices yesterday were 9.2 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 27.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 11.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 24.7 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Those who stuck around the low gas price party expecting it to last have realized they’re out in the cold,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “Oil prices are well off their recent lows, and we’ll likely continue to see the national average rise in response. Most regions should see prices rising, while the Rockies areas may see any increase take considerably longer to arrive,” DeHaan said.

July 20 - 26, 2012

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111

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

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

FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS

Open 7 Days - 765-6556 508 Center Street • Taft

Check Out Our Website Maricopaquiltcompany.com And Facebook Page

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

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

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

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

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 Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

Advertise With The Taft

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Gateway Temple

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

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

All your detailing needs!

FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

Independent

Call Today!

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 $5 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

July 20 - 26 2012

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

Get It Rented!

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

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

SERVICES OFFERED Alley Entrance yard sale. Sat. 21st. 6am to 10:30am. 423 Church St.

Handyman Mechanic 623-5188

HELP WANTED

631 Philippine Cloths and Misc. 7am -??

Yard Sale. 209 E. Lucard St. Sat. 7-21.

7am a little bit of everything. Can’t miss it.

It’s Gota Go Sale.

Furniture, clothing, spa, treadmill, household items. Sat. 7-21 8 am 706 B Street.

Yard Sale. 450 Quali St. Sat. 21st 7am - 12.

Furniture, glass ware, pictures, mirrors, etc.

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.

OPERATIONS CLERK Engineering Group/ Operations Department West Kern Water District is seeking a highly motivated and detail – oriented individual with multi-tasking skills and computer expertise.

The qualified candidate must have the ability to work independently in a fast paced environment; plan and prioritize workload in order to meet deadlines; conduct research, analyze data and interpret complex information; and have excellent computer program, interpersonal, communication and grammar skills.

Salary range is $2,813 $4,776 per month, plus benefit package upon completion of introductory period.

An application and job description can be obtained at the District office, 800 Kern Street, P.O. Box 1105, Taft, CA 93268. Deadline for submitting application is 4:30 p.m. on July 30, 2012. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District Application.

The successful applicant will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical and background check.

EOE.

AUTOMOBILES FOUND ITEMS FOUND PETS

TAFT CITY SCHOOL DIST. Taft City School District is accepting applications for Substitute Instructional Aides, ASES Activity Leaders, Healthcare Specialists, Food Service and Crossing Guards. Employment process includes written exam, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and physical exam with drug screen.

A written exam for these positions will be given on Wednesday, July 18. Application and Job Description may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Tuesday, July 17 at 4:00 p.m. EOE Cooks, prep. cook. Only serious apply. 661 8059597.

Free Lance Writer. Taft Independent seeks free lance writer. Writing Exp. Req. Feature, news, interviews. Need digital camera. 7656550.

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!

Wanted. To the man who purchase our swamp cooler. Please return our 2 furniture dollys to Haydens Hope.

Please call 745-4963.

For Sale FOR SALE Terrier Pit puppies. $50 each. 3 brindell, 3 blond.

745-4072. 7-27.

Color TV $65. 763-1056.

LOST PETS

Real Estate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

BUSINESS FOR SALE HOMES FOR SALE

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

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 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 __________________

Studio Apt. Recently remodeled. Water Paid. $425. mo. $425. Sec. Dep. 661 496-6064.

7-20.

APART. FOR RENT

With

Very Nice\Newer 2bd/1ba apt. in quiet setting, fenced private treed yard, central AC & heating. Quiet and private rental. $675 mo. + dep. Renter pays utilities. 623-4296.

Independent

Creekside Apartments.

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

765-6550

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.

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

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

The

PERSONALS

Air Conditioning & Heating

Advertise

Room for Rent. $350 per month $300 deposit.

Contact AlinTaft@ yahoo.com or 661-5774060.

Personals

Ken Shugarts

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

Taft Call

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

Today!

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Classified Ads Starting At $2 Per Line!

Yard

Sales and Classified Ads! Cheap.

Call Today!

765-6550 Classified Ads Starting At $2 Per Line!

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.

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, August 3, 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 www.cityoftaft.org or City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, CA.

July 20 - 26, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Why Has Oil and Gas Boom Skipped CA?

As reported in the Wall Street Journal, communities that are benefitting from oil and gas drilling are seeing it as an economic “game changer.”

By Wayne Lusvardi

However, communities in California are faced with:

New extraction technologies are creating an oil and gas boom that is lifting the economics of several states, as reported by the Wall Street Journal’s recent article “Oil and Gas Boom Lifts U.S. Economy.”

* The only active Cap and Trade tax on large industries in the United States.

Median incomes are growing since 2007 in such states as Wyoming, Alaska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas. Conspicuously absent is the State of California, which ironically has the third largest oil reserves in the United States and two-thirds of all the shale oil reserves, according to the U.S. Energy Information Service.

About 158,500 new oil and gas jobs have been created over the last five years across America. But it is the economic multiplier effect that this boom is creating in the wider economy that is spreading the boom beyond the oil patch. Jobs and incomes are growing for truck drivers, manufactured home builders, energy traders and landowners with oil and gas leases. According to independent economist Tim Considine, every oil and gas sector job supports four additional jobs.

But perhaps more importantly, natural gas is providing such cheap energy that manufacturing plants are reportedly returning to the America, or considering a return. Reportedly, Asian-based industries have to pay up to six times as much for natural gas as industries in Texas or Louisiana. To lay the base for reindustrialization, cheap energy may be the key.

The question remains: Why is California suffering from economic lag when other states are lifting their economies out of the recession through oil and gas drilling?

* The only Green Chemistry Law that requires industries to prove at great cost that there chemical products do not have a safer alternative. * A proposed near-zero standard for perchlorate in drinking water with no discernible health benefits, but huge cleanup costs on industries and water and electric utilities. * The highest combined tax rates in the United States. * An environmental impact law that can be gamed worse than Enron ever did to protect monopolies and erect trade barriers.

While California currently seems engrossed with High-Speed Rail projects, renewal of public funding for redundant stem cell research and putting more pro-tax initiatives on the upcoming November ballot, other states are proceeding with a renaissance of the oil and gas industries. This has serious implications for the upcoming presidential and congressional elections outside California in November.

CA’s De-Modernization Model Going all the way back to when the state limited the influence of the monopoly Southern Pacific Railroad, California has embraced counter-modernization and de-industrialization as its economic and political model. This has provided an alternative to the harshness and alienation of the modern world. But the

Median Income Change in Oil & Gas Producing States in Western U.S. States Shale Formation/

Percent Total Median Income 2007 Median Income 2010 Percent Change

Majority

Red/Blue State Legislature

California

Monterey Formation 64.4 Pct.

$62,114

$60,000

-3.4 Pct.

Blue\Democratic

North Dakota

Bakken Formation15 Pct.

$46,905

$48,245

+2.9 Pct.

Red\Republican

Texas

Eagle FordFormation13.9 Pct.

$48,218

$49,600

+0.8 Pct.

Red\Republican

Wyoming

Green River FormationUnk. Pct.

$52,794

$54,700

+3.68 Pct.

Red\Republican

Oklahoma Barnett and Woodford Formatio Unk. Pct.

$42,468

$42,900

+1.0 Pct.

Red\Republican

New Mexico(W. Texas) Avalon-Bone

SpringsFormation6.5 Pct.

$43,603

$43,500

-0.2 Pct.

Blue\Democratic

Red States Booming — Blue States Lagging Perhaps California’s turn to expensive green power is one reason why, thus far, it has not been a part of this new oil and gas boom, or the reindustrialization. But Texas has been as expansive with green power as California.

Perhaps the table below is indicative of why California has not shown a recovery in median incomes since 2007. The table shows the shale oil reserves in several oil and gas producing Western states compared with the change in median incomes since 2007. Also shown is the political majority of the legislature of each state. Red states are booming and Blue states are showing no recovery.

Since 2007, several western states have shown growth in median incomes. Most notable are those states with active oil and gas drilling. Median income have grown since 2007 in Wyoming by 3.68 percent, in North Dakota by 2.9 percent, in Oklahoma by 1 percent and in Texas by 0.8 percent. But the median income in California has dropped by -3.4 percent and in New Mexico by -0.2 percent.

United States is on the verge of near energy self-sufficiency and re-industrialization that may leave California behind.

Conversely, California remains an over-regulated state whose only way to compete is to erect trade barriers and impose taxes wherever possible. This will continue to wreak serious consequences on its state budget and the unsustainability of its government pension funds.

It is unlikely that California will change from de-modernization back to reindustrialization in the near future. As such, California is likely to continue to lag behind other states that are benefitting from the oil and gas boom and the re-industrialization that comes with it.

Reprinted from CalWatchdog, Your Eyes on Californmia Government

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