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Independent The Taft

July 26 - 1, 2013

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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July 26 - 1, 2013 • Volume 8 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”

John Swearengin Asks: What Do Taft People Want?

Former Shell CEO John Hofmeister To Speak At Taft Petroleum Summit

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Has A New Priest Property

by John Swearengin

First Friday Cruise Night, Live Music Next Friday, August 2nd on Center Street

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

July 26 - 1, 2013

Shop Taft

Your Weekly

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

F i n e

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

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

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

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

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

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

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Personal Style

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair WatchWatch Batteries Batteries Replaced Most $4.00 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Some $8.00 Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor

Boutique

Women’s Wear Jewelery Purses Shoes Gift Items

Infant and Toddler Wear and more Shop Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

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

Monarch Wireless No. 2

Cupcakes - Cannoli Root Beer Floates Hot Fudge Sundaes Banana Splits Candy & More!

661-745-4894 Downtown Taft

Hours T-F 10am - 6pm Saturdays 10am - 2pm 420 Center Street, Taft (661) 745-4894

Ten Percent Firearms

1016 6th Street Taft, California

NOW OPEN Save-a-Lot Shopping Center (661) 745-4855 610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Taft, Ca. 93268

Summer Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Blue Jeans & Bling

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

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Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

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

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

Samantha Hagstrom Massage Therapist European and Hot Stone Prenatal Massage

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

763-9100

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

July 26 - 1, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3 News Briefs.......................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Obituary...........................8 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 News and Reviews........11 Shop Taft........................12

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

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.

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

Passport, Basic Employee Safety, Forklift Training Begins August 5 The Resource Center is collaborating with WESTEC to have a 3 week certification program in Taft. The classes will start on August 5 - 23 Monday - Friday, 8 - 4:30. These classes will be FREE but the participants MUST attend ALL classes in order to receive their certifications. Classes will include: Passport, Basic Employee Safety, Forklift Training, First Aid/CPR, Confined Space, Defensive Driving, MSHA-Mine Safety, 40 Hours HAZWOPPER, California Commercial Drivers License Permit Preparation. For information or to reserve your space, please call The Resource Center at 763-4889 as soon as possible. Space will be limited. These certifications will not only make you attractive to oil companies but will be impressive to most prospective employers.

West Side Recreation Seek Auditions for Sound of Music COMMUNITY THEATRE AUDITIONS for “The Sound of Music” are NEXT WEEK! Auditions will be held on Monday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 24 at 6:30pm in the Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. All interested actors (we need all ages) are encouraged to audition. Once auditions have taken place and the show has been cast, rehearsals will begin. Rehearsals generally take place a few times per week in the evenings. Show performances will be held this fall. All cast members are required to register with the District and pay a minimal participation fee, which assists in covering cost of costumes, sets, etc. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or steph@wsrpd.com

West Side Recreation Vendor and Craft Show November 15 and 16, Vendors Sought Westside Recreation District will be hosting a VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW on Friday, November 15 (5:00-8:30 p.m.) and Saturday, November 16 (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.). Vendors and crafters of all types are welcome to participate. Fee is $40 per space (table/chairs included) and all items must fit within an 8’x10’ space. Registration will begin on Tuesday, August 13 at 8:30 a.m. in the District Office. To have more information emailed to you, please leave your email address in the comments below, send us a direct message, or email steph@wsrpd.com.

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.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

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Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long Publisher@taftindependent.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com

F i n e

J e w e l r y

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

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

ACME Has Gone Nuts

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Hammond’s Nuts and

Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Joan Raymond

Peanut Brittle

Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Dr. Harold Pease

Stop By and Check It Out

Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Taft Calendar

by John Swearengin The 5th Annual Derby Acres Tumble Weed Festival is this Saturday. It starts at 8am and goes all day.

They are having a Car Show, horseshoe tournament, deep pit bbq, food, drinks, crafts, dunk tank, live bands, and much more. Derby Acres is only 10 minutes west of Taft. Please go out and enjoy this great event. RV parking is available.

Thursday Nights- Every Thursday from 4-7pm is Farmers Market at the Taft Chamber.

Seven Nights a week the Fox Theatre is open.

July 27th : -The 4th Saturday of the month Car Show in the Chicken of Oz parking lot.

-Kern County Animal Control is having a low cost vaccine clinic at the Ford City Park from 8-11am. They are also doing licensing and micro chipping. For more info call 321-3000.

-JFL sign ups at the Rec inBuilding D from 10-12 (For both football and cheer).

-Girl Scouts Car Wash at the New Hope Temple from 11-2.

-Last race of the Franklin Field Summer Series Arena Cross. Races start at 6pm.

Future Events: August 2nd : 1st Friday of the month Cruise Night on Center Street.

6-10pm.

August 3rd : Taft Fireworks Fundraiser Car Wash at the Taft Chamber parking lot at 8am.

August 7th : Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7:30pm.

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

The Taft Tigersharks finished their season last Saturday. Everyone on the team swam great and had excellent sportsmanship. The coaches and parents kept everything running smooth. The Taft Tigersharks are another thing in Taft we should be proud of. Football, Volleyball, and Cross Country start next month. The Wildcat Football Team has 6 home games. The Friday Night Lights are coming soon!

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com or on Facebook

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

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

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

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

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, July 26, 2013 through Thursday, August 01, 2013 The Smurfs 2 (PG) Wed & Thu: (4:00), 6:15 The Wolverine (PG-13) Fri & Sat: (5:00), 7:30 Sun: (3:00), 6:00 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM R.I.P.D. (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 7:15 PM Sun: (3:30), 5:45 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Turbo (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:30 PM Sun: 4:00 PM Mon & Tue: 6:00 PM

93268

Ignore Oil-Pipeline Alarmism

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 26 - 1, 2013

By Robert L. Bradley, Jr.

What do Taft People want?

I hear Taft Folks talk about what they want in Taft all the time. For years people have wanted more housing, bowling alley, a hospital, better shopping, different kinds of Restaurants, and more things to do. Recently I have noticed people still want those things but they also want a Spray Park, Dog Park, and Roller Rink.

The West Side Recreation and Park District put in a very nice Bowling Alley in their beautiful new building. The Rec also just resurfaced the old Tennis Courts on 4th Street. It is now set up for skating, roller hockey, and roller derby. The old Skate Escape building is beyond repair so Don Koenig and Les Clark decided to put the outside skating rink in.

Taft needs housing but oil rights and the Kit Fox are making it tough. The area off Hillard Street is a perfect spot for new housing. Hope everyone can agree soon and get these houses going up. In the past a housing tract almost went in across from the cemetery but who wants to live across from the cemetery. A small tract was started on the corner of Kern and Hillard Street but things happened and the owner disappeared. I would love to see new Condos go in that area.

The Hospital Board has several things in the works. They recently opened a small nursing home and are taking over the Urgent Care soon. Destruction of the old hospital and new buildings are planned. Taft shopping has improved a lot. With stores like A Hint of Class, Acme Jewelry, Personal Style, Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop, Westside Furniture, Eye Kandi, Shaws, Olds Cool, Jack’s Flower Shop, Ben’s Books, Emmy’s, Blue Jeans n Bling and several others you can do all your shopping in Taft.

Asian Experience is a great different kind of Restaurant.

Black Gold is putting in a real Brewery in the Basement.

Fiorina’s was a great Italian Restaurant but did not make it. I believe they did not make it because of bad parking and the place being too small. I think another great Taft Restaurant “Dee’s Something Different” did not make it for the same reason several years ago. If you do not remember Dee’s it was on 6th Street across from Special Effects, it had great food.

A Spray Park would be very nice but is major money for the City or the Rec. They are very popular in Bakersfield.

If the Spray Park was free it would take people from the Natatorium. Down by the Oil Workers monument would be a great place for a Spray Park. A Dog Park is something that is needed but it is a money problem. To get these kinds of things we need to Shop Taft. We have to keep our tax dollars here. Look how many license plates we see around town that say Bill Wright Toyota instead of Taft Chevrolet. Taft Chevy is getting rid of their 2013 models and are making great deals to bring in the 2014’s. One last thing, please support the Taft Fox or we will lose it next. Stay positive Taft!

John Swearengin

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Several of the country’s most powerful environmental groups have latched on to this spring’s 10,000-barrell Arkansas oil spill to fight against a federal permit for Keystone XL, a proposed transnational pipeline project. New Washington-DC subway ads from SumOf Us.org claim this spill is just a “preview” of what will come by connecting Canadian oil deposits with refineries in the Texas Gulf Coast.

This now standard tactic among green groups-opposing new energy projects by highlighting dissimilar accidents-is obstructionist thinking. Nobody likes oil spills, but the energy industry has proven it can contain pipeline ruptures quickly and safely.

The Mayflower Incident Unified Command Joint Information Center reports swift and diligent remediation efforts following the Arkansas spill. The oil has already been almost completely cleaned up. Families are being compensated by pipeline-owner ExxonMobil. And the local environment has been restored.

The spilled oil did not reach nearby drinking water supplies.

And air quality monitors are detecting no or below-action-level fumes. There were no deaths or injuries either.

Pipelines are careful operations because oil spills are costly to bottom lines and can sully hard-earned reputations. Accidents can pollute water and soil, harm or kill animals, disrupt lives, and far worse. Under state and federal regulations, companies responsible for spillage must work with government authorities to collect the oil, dispose of it properly, and remediate the affected areas.

In recent years, oil companies have made a concerted effort to learn from spills and adopt practices aimed at preventing future accidents. According to a 2009 study by the Environmental Research Consulting, the oil industry has reduced spills by 77 percent since the 1970s.

Pipelines in particular have benefited from a 35 percent reduction in spillage rates, largely thanks to the introduction of new computer, ultrasonic, and electronic technology combined with improved procedures. Smart pigs, which are barrel-shaped devices carrying sensors, travel through pipelines to check the structural integrity of pipeline walls. Flyovers by sensor-equipped airplanes provide early detection of potential weaknesses.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, digging is one of the main causes of pipeline incidents. Industry and government have also work together on a public information campaign that encourages contractors and homeowners to call 8-1-1 before they dig to avoid damaging pipelines.

However, we do live in an imperfect world. People will make mistakes and equipment sometimes fails. So the energy industry cannot promise that spills will never occur.

But claiming that oil pipelines should never be built because there’s a risk of an accident is just silly. Following that reasoning, one could also argue against all highway construction, since it’s impossible to ensure they will be absolutely safe and collision-free.

Of course, no one would buy that logic. Highways are essential to the U.S. economy and our way of life -- just like oil.

What’s more, Keystone XL itself will be one of the safest and most technologically advanced pipelines ever constructed. It’s designed with over 20,000 sensors to detect leaks, along with valves that automatically shut off in the event of a rupture. And a pipeline is a much safer oil transportation medium that barges, railcars, or tankers.

By building the Keystone XL, 830,000 barrels of Canadian oil could flow daily to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries where it would be processed into the fuels required by industry and consumers.

If the Obama Administration rejects Keystone, the Canadian government has stated that the project will turn to building the pipeline to the Pacific Ocean, where its oil would be loaded on tankers and shipped to China. Environmental protections are not nearly as stringent where the oil will be processed in China, the country with the world’s most greenhouse gas emissions.

For a variety of reasons, regulators should no longer appease environmental extremists by holding up Keystone XL. Oil accidents are rare and quickly dealt with, and state-of-the-art pipeline technology promises improving operation in a world that, unfortunately, cannot be accident-free.

Robert L. Bradley Jr. is the CEO & Founder of the Institute for Energy Research and author of Edison to Enron: Energy Markets and Political Strategies (Scrivener Publishing and John Wiley & Sons).

July 26 - 1, 2013

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Has A New Priest

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Hall Ambulance Mascot a Boy’s Best Friend

by Christine Russell

‘Siren the Rescue Dog’ Toy Stays With Boy Through Multiple Brain Surgeries

The Rev. Heather Mueller has been called to serve Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church on 5th and Woodrow Streets in Taft.

She comes to Taft to serve this church after a long experience of ministry in the Diocese of Hawaii.

Rev. Heather served St John’s Episcopal Church on the Island of Maui for 29 years and retired from that ministry in October of 2010. Since that time she has served for a year in Jerusalem at St George’s College and for another year at St Augustine’s Episcopal Church on Hawaii Island.

Heather looks forward to being involved and contributing to the programs and projects in this vibrant and interesting community.

St. Andrew’s Church has been an active presence of worship and education in Taft since 1920 when the sacred liturgy, of the Episcopal Church, was first celebrated here in our town.

The locations for the worship in the old days was a moveable feast...as the altar went to various locations such as the Odd Fellows, The Masonic Hall, The Knights of Pythias, the Boy Scout Meeting place, The music Hall and other places which were available in town.

The altar was on the back of the truck owned by Judge Cassius Noble and the people, on Sunday morning , would wait until he drove by and then follow the altar to the worship place for that week.

Later the Sunday School and the worship services were held in a cook house which had been purchased from Standard Oil in 1926. The church community outgrew the cookhouse and the people of the parish used the clay from the church land to make the adobe bricks which formed the walls of the present church. On May 3, 1936, the present church was dedicated by Bishop Sanford.

There has been a constant stream of prayers, worship and education about the Christian faith every Sunday since those early days and the worship and prayers continue on, in this special church.

Worship, in an Episcopal Church, is a liturgy which includes Music, Scripture, a sermon, prayers and the Holy Eucharist. The Episcopal Church welcomes all people to the worship experience on Sunday Morning.

Marriages, Baptisms, educational classes and Confirmations can be arranged.

If you would like to come and explore a journey in faith and be welcomed into a loving community you are welcome to come and check us out!!!

The Sunday worship, these days, is held regularly in the beautiful sanctuary of St Andrew’s at 10:00 AM. The phone number for the church is 765-2378. You are invited to call if you have any questions or would like more information.

When Jacob Vigil was a 4 year-old-boy, he had a chance meeting with a Hall Ambulance crew who would introduce him to a life long companion; a companion who would be at his side through multiple harrowing brain surgeries.

Jacob’s parents noticed him having problems standing, and sought help at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a tumor on his brain. Hall Ambulance was called in to transport the child to a Los Angeles Hospital for treatment he could not receive locally.

Upon meeting Jacob and his parents at the hospital, the Hall paramedic team presented Jacob with a stuffed animal, Hall Ambulance’s Mascot, Siren the Rescue Dog. Jacob was quick to bond to Siren, and changed his name to Rocky. Rocky would accompany Jacob not only on the trip to LA, but was at his side through his first of many surgeries.

Never leaving his side, Rocky accompanied Jacob and his family on outings to Leggoland, Disneyland, and a Dodger game. During the course of the next few years, Jacob would have three more surgeries, and Rocky would be constantly at his side.

Fast forward to one fateful evening in May, when Jacob would leave Rocky behind while out, and not remember where. Not being able to find Rocky, Jacob was devastated. Jacob’s grandmother called Hall Ambulance Service, explained her situation, and a special reunion was scheduled.

When Hall Ambulance Founder and President, Harvey L. Hall heard about Jacob’s loss, not only was he presented with another Siren stuffed animal, but he received the gift from the actual Hall Ambulance mascot, Siren the Rescue Dog. Hardly able to believe his eyes, Jacob was all smiles being able to spend some time with Siren, and tour the Hall Ambulance that brought his new best friend to him.

Since introducing Siren the Rescue Dog to Kern County in 2004, he has touched the lives of tens of thousands of children at schools and community events.

Several thousand young children who have been transported by Hall Ambulance Service have received a toy Siren the Rescue Dog to help make them feel more comfortable while being cared for.

NEW HOME FOR SALE READY TO MOVE IN Reduced Price $195,000 306 Amber Street

(between 4th & 5th Street off of Front Street)

3 bedroom, 2 baths Granite Counters Stainless Steel Appliances Covered Patio - Fully Landscaped 1678 square feet

For information or private showing Call Colston Construction 661-763-3517

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside Feature

Hofmeister to Speak at Taft College Foundation Petroleum Summit

John Hofmeister, retired President of Shell Oil Company and the Founder of Citizens for Affordable Energy will apeak at the Taft College Petroleum Summit In October.

Hofmeister was named President of Houston-based Shell Oil Company in March 2005, heading the U.S. Country Leadership Team, which included the leaders of all Shell businesses operating in the United States . He became President after serving as Group Human Resource Director of the Shell Group, based in The Hague , The Netherlands.

The one day summit sponsored by the Taft College Foundationwill be held on Friday, October 18, 2013, and billed as the “West Kern Petroleum Summit.”

Featuring energy experts, policy makers, academic and regional leaders, the Summit will discuss current and newly developed petroleum and natural gas technologies and their impact on both local and regional economic development. In addition, the workforce needs of the petroleum industry will be discussed, as oil industry leaders share their view on the future of their businesses regarding technology, partnerships and expansion.

In discussing workforce needs for the petroleum industry, Taft College’s efforts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics as focal points of its educational offerings, demonstrates how the College has worked to meet those needs, especially at the technical levels. Within the last three years, Taft College has developed an Energy Technology Program that includes both a two-year degree program as well as five certificate programs designed to provide skills to assume technical related duties both in the business office and out in the field.

Hands on training, secured through internships, allows these students to practice the very skills they have been taught.

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

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

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

Congressman Kevin McCarthy is also scheduled to speak on Energy Policy.

The Summit will also include local and regional energy industry panel discussions, a presentation from the USC Monterey Shale Development Study and an update on regulation and legislation.

“Considering the vital impact of the petroleum and natural gas sector in the California economy, this conference will provide important information to those who have an interest in the economic vitality of Kern County”, states Dr. Dena Maloney, Superintendent-President of Taft College. “The community colleges are critical to producing an educated workforce for this important industry. This conference will highlight how we are responding to the needs of our industry partners for a trained workforce to sustain economic growth in California.”

As Shell President, Hofmeister launched an extensive outreach program, unprecedented in the energy industry, to discuss critical global energy challenges. The program included an 18-month, 50-city tour across the country during which Hofmeister and other Shell leaders met with more than 15,000 business, community and civic leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss what must be done to ensure affordable, available energy for the future.

A business leader who has observed and participated in the inner workings of general industries for more than 30 years, Hofmeister also has held key positions in General Electric, Nortel and AlliedSignal (now Honeywell International).

Hofmeister serves as the Chairman of the National Urban League and is a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee. He also serves on the boards of the Foreign Policy Association, the United States Energy Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers. Hofmeister is a fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources. He also served as 2007 Chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership.

Hofmeister earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Kansas State University .

Registration will begin at 7:45 a.m., with a continental breakfast reception. A tent will be erected in the Administration Parking Lot which will accommodate 300 people at round tables. There will be monitors strategically located to showcase speakers so that all seats will be “good” seats. The formal program will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude at 3:30 p.m.

Luncheon will be served mid-day. The cost for VIP Sponsorship is $2500 per table and includes seating for 8. Individual tickets can be purchased for $60 each, with open seating.

A Chevron Economic Development Initiative Grant has provided major support for this project. Currently, other sponsors include Occidental of Elk Hills, Aera Energy LLC, Holmes Western, Berry Petroleum, City of Taft, Electrical Systems & Instrumentation (ESI), Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas (formerly PXP).

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

July 26 - 1, 2013

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

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

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

Family and Senior Portraits, Vacation Photo’s Limited Time 16 x 20 Prints $27.00 * w i t h a n y p o r t ra i t pa c k a g e .

Have Camera, Will Travel. Call today for more details and appointment 763-5429.

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

July 26 - 1, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Writing Crime Right, Kern County Prosecutor Proves His Case

Obituary

BESSIE WHITE 1926 – 2013

by Joan Raymond Passionate about crime writing? Don’t be guilty of making it up because readers will see through the faulty details. At a recent Writers of Kern meeting, deputy district attorney David Wolf shared his “Top Ten Most Stupid Crime Writer Blunders” with the group. Wolf, an attorney for over 20 years currently prosecuting homicide and lifer hearings, challenged the writers to aim for realism.

Drawing from the well-known television show “CSI” he set out to prove his case. The misuse of guns was the first blunder. Wolf said, “It is almost impossible to shoot center mass from a distance.”

He led the group in a simple activity using their own finger and a spot on the wall. Demonstrating how most participants’ aims were more than several feet from the actual target, he sustained his point.

Technology also made Wolf ’s “Top Ten” list. Most might think law enforcement officers were equipped with state-of-the-art iPads or other electronic information-retrieving gadgets, with the ability to pull up perpetrators’ bank and phone records instantaneously.

Wolf laughed and said, “Obtaining bank balances takes a search warrant and minimum 30-day wait; more likely 60 days if we’re lucky”.

Packing the conference room at the Clarion hotel, writers of all ages and levels of experience took copious notes and laughed frequently during Wolf ’s energized seminar. Guest, Ali Sikes, a

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Photo by Terry Redmond student from Liberty High School, said she came because she wanted to learn more about writing. Afterwards she shared what caught her attention. “The overlooked lingo…how the television shows don’t capture how they [law enforcement personnel] really speak.” Sikes was referring to the attorney-speak overheard during crime shows. Wolf ’s “Top Ten Blunders” included how most shows talk about ‘armed robbery’ and ‘extortion induced by force’.

The correct lingo would be charging a person with a 211 and 519 (pronounced 2-11 and 5-19). Wolf said he understands most people don’t understand the foreign language of a courtroom. He suggested the attorney characters should speak correctly using the penal code numbers making it more realistic, but have another character translate alowing everyone else to follow the story.

Caroline Reid, a member of Writers of Kern for over 11 years, said, “It was very interesting, not particularly just for crime writers either. Details, details, details and make sure they are accurate.” Reid, a writer of mostly short humorous pieces echoed the thoughts of many of the writers in attendance including Joe Peterson, a non-fiction writer. “What a great way to spend a morning. It was interesting and fun having an insider’s view of the legal system from the time a crime is committed until a verdict is rendered. The “Top Ten Pet Peeves” was hilarious and informative.”

Although most of Wolf ’s presentation was entertaining, he ended on a more serious subject. “Traffic accidents are the #1 killer of our youth. Every 53 minutes (during the time of my talk) someone has been murdered by a drunk driver.” He encouraged writers to use their talents to caution readers, not to glamorize drugs and alcohol. He urged everyone to “write a better world.”

Writers of Kern is the non-profit local chapter of the California Writers Club. They meet the third Saturday of each month at the Clarion Hotel in Bakersfield. Find them on Facebook for more information.

HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

Would you like to REDUCE OR ELIMINATE your STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY? If you own a business in the Taft area you may be eligible for tax credits up to $37,440 per qualified employee.

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

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

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

Store Closing Sale

Fill a Bag for $2.00 All reasonable offers considered Open 10am to 6 pm

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday 7am to 12 Closed Sunday and Wednesday

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

On July 24, 2013 after a wonderful vacation visiting with family and friends, on our way home and stopping in Moriarty, New Mexico, our beloved mother peacefully went home to be with our Lord. Our mother was born on November 27, 1926 in Ursula, Arkansas to William and Minnie Harris. She devoted her lifetime to her husband and family. In 1959 she and her husband, Sam, founded the Cuyama Assembly of God church and they pastored there for 45 years. She continued to worship there until her death. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Rev. Sam White; her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Mike Vinson; brother, Ralph Harris; and sister Lucy Olds. Mrs. White is survived by her children and their spouses, Tom and Charlene White, Becky and Mike Long and Billy and Teri White; seven grandchildren and their spouses; numerous greatgrandchildren; sister and her husband, Dorothy and Bob Tucker; brothers-in-law, Bob Olds and J.D. White and his wife, Pat; sister-in-law, Reba Dalke; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom’s heart was her church, Cuyama Assembly of God; therefore, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to her church. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 29, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God, 314 Asher Street, Taft. Viewing will be on Sunday, July 28, 2013, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the West Side District Cemetery. To sign an online registry please visit www.EricksonAndBrown. com.

Ben’s Books

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft We will be closed July 4 - 8 and July 18 - 29 for vacation.

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

8

Liberty Under Fire Gay against gay marriage

By Harold Pease

Three years ago I published a column that had absolutely nothing to do with the gay issue. Shortly thereafter a reader emailed that she could not attend my upcoming Tea Party address on the U.S. Constitution because of that column which she perceived was negative to her gay interests. I was shocked. Such is the hysteria and emotion that surrounds the issue of gay marriage.

Amidst this hysteria comes a view from one who is gay but opposed to gay marriage. I would not now write about his objections had the media done justice to the gay view that opposes gay marriage. It is totally ignored. Doug Mainwaring sees his gay associates as “selfish adults” who “have systematically dismantled that which is most precious to children as they grow and develop,” the right to a father and a mother.

He is disappointed that the media misses the full and complete discussion of the issue, primarily the part that deals with unintended consequences. Advocates of gay marriage are selfish, he believes, because they exclude this part of the debate. What does this do to the children from these relationships, the definition of a family, even the meaning of marriage? “Natural law, tradition, religion, intellectual curiosity, and free inquiry no longer play a role in deliberations. Same-sex marriage legislation is defended solely on grounds of moral relativism and emotions,” he argues. These exclusions have consequences even if we deny that possibility.

In the past, he maintains, “defenders of marriage found it easy to win the battle” by “appeals to religion and tradition.” But today the institutions that most readily influence public opinion favor the move, as for example, the establishment media, politicians and large corporations. “One only needs to consider media headlines from the last few weeks,” he writes. “We are bombarded with approvals of same-sex marriage. To the casual onlooker, not steeped in this issue, it would seem that conservatism has embraced same-sex marriage. Each day brings fresh news of Republican political elites, Fortune 500 companies, NFL members, and even Dirty Harry himself, Clint Eastwood, throwing their support behind genderless marriage.”

Politicians likewise appear to support it because “they’re concerned about votes. Supporting samesex marriage now looks like a winner for them.”

Giant corporations too have come on board ever “eager to polish their images and create goodwill.”

Without thought to unintended consequences as part of the dialogue, he writes, “genderless marriage now enjoys an aura of equality and fairness,” but it “will not expand rights and freedoms in our nation. It will not redefine marriage. It will undefine it.”

Unintended consequences have already damaged the institution of marriage, he argues, even before the gay marriage issue. “No-fault divorce, instituted all across our country, sounded like a good idea at the time” but “it changed forever

TAFT INDEPENDENT

the definition of marriage from a permanent relationship between spouses to a temporary one. Sadly, children became collateral damage in the selfish pursuits of adults.”

Mainwaring’s most powerful argument is that “same-sex marriage will do the same, depriving children of their right to either a mom or a dad. This is not a small deal. Children are being reduced to chattel-like sources of fulfillment. On one side, their family tree consists not of ancestors, but of a small army of anonymous surrogates, donors, and attorneys who pinch-hit for the absent gender in genderless marriages. Gays and lesbians demand that they have a ‘right’ to have children to complete their sense of personal fulfillment, and in so doing, are trumping the right that children have to both a mother and a father—a right that same-sex marriage tramples over. Same-sex marriage will undefine marriage and unravel it, and in so doing, it will undefine children. It will ultimately lead to undefining humanity. This is neither ‘progressive’ nor ‘conservative’ legislation. It is ‘regressive’ legislation.”

He ends with a plea to seriously consider the unintended consequences before they become consequences. “But for the sake of all children and those yet to be born, we need to slow down and seriously consider the unintended consequences of undefining marriage. Otherwise, we risk treating our progeny as expendable pawns, sacrificed in the name of self-fulfillment. We can do better than that” (I’m gay, and I oppose gay marriage, by Doug Mainwaring, thePublicDiscourse.com, March 27, 2013).

Out of the hysteria and emotion that surrounds the issue of gay marriage and away from the institutions that so influence and manage our thinking comes the voice of reason and it comes from one who is gay. Perhaps it is time to listen, or at the very least, consider the time tested unintended consequences especially for the children who have no voice in the debate. It is rather pious of us to just ignore the possible consequences of this issue.

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.

July 26 - 1, 2013

Obituary

VICTORIA “VICKI” BRUMMETT 1953 – 2013

A private family memorial service will be held for Taft resident Victoria “Vicki” Brummett, 59. Mrs. Brummett was born in Taft on September 15, 1953 and passed away in Bakersfield on July 16, 2013. She was raised and educated in both Maricopa and Taft. Her interests included reading, caring for animals and enjoying the sun in the outdoors. And she loved spending time at the coast. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Kozloski and Shirley Kozloski Patterson and her brother, Richard Charles Kozloski. Mrs. Brummett is survived by her husband of 42 years, Richard Brummett of Taft; her daughters, Jennifer Gee and her husband, Keith of Taft and Jill Brummett of Bakersfield; her sisters and brothers, Gayle Roberts and her husband, Russell, Mary Miller, Jimmie Kozloski and Steven Patterson; and her grandchildren, Julie, Nicole and Ariel Gee. There are no visitation hours scheduled and the arrangements are under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. To sign an online registry please visit www.EricksonAndBrown.com.

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.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

July 26 - 1, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli Serving Since 1939

WE HAVE ALWAYS STAYED CONSISTENT! Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

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

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

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

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

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

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

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

St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft 661 765-4292

Charles V. & Jennifer Landwehr and Angie Milner

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

Gateway Temple

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.

Rev. Linda Huggard

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In

Independent Call Today!

765-6550

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

Parish Hall Available for Rent

Pastor Scott Pearson

631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Taft First Assembly

First Baptist Church

Community Christian Fellowship

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

Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 8:30A.M. English 11:00A.M. Spanish

The Taft

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Unlike other funeral homes we have retained • Our Same Name • Our Same Ownership • Our Same Management • Our Same Licensed Staff

Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive We invite you to join us each week as we worship

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

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

Info call 765-7151

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

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

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

Taft Independent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YARD SALES

SERVICES

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.

Painter looking for work.

Exterior/Interior paint.

Residential/Commercial.

Reliable, reasonable.

25 years experience.

Available now. Please call Richard 661-7427311.

CHILD CARE SERVICES WANTED

Multi-family yard sale322 E. San Emidio St. Sat. 7/27/13 6:30am10:30amClothes, toys and tools, mower and lots of misc.

FOR SALE

AUTOMOBILES

107 Madison (inside home) Sat. & Sun. 6am - ? Copper pipe, etched glass, apt. mailboxes, stove, much more.

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED Midway Elementary School is hiring a first grade teacher for the 2013-14 school year. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street, Fellows, CA 93224.

Part-time Waitress. Black Gold Brewing Co. Exp. Req. 508 Center Street.

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

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

305 “D” St. Charming house. New Kitchen, baths,floors. total remodel. payments cheaper then rent $119,000 Steve 805-570-8760

MOBILE HOMES

Blue electric lift chair.

Excellent cond. $100.

765-2517.

Yard Sale. 102 James Ave. 7am to ? Kids cloths, misc.

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

LOST PETS Lost Female Boston Terrier on July 7th. Her name is Thumbprint.

Please return her to her home we all miss her so very much. Black with white markings. Reward for her safe return. Call 661 706-3445

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

By Appointment Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase Can’t make payments call

HOMES FOR RENT House for rent. 2 bd. 1 ba. Garage, large yard.

Call 763-3075 or 6236992. 8-15.

3bd. 2 ba. $850 mo.

300 1/2 Buchannon St. Taft. Open House July 20th, 12-3 p.m. 661 636-6465.

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 www.BuySellManage. com FOR RENT 315 7th St 1/1 furnished! $750 623 San Emidio 2/1 $750 709 Kern 3/1 $800 340 F 3/1 + Studio $1,200 517 Washington 3/2 $1,375

Westside Real Estate 765-5000 1 to 3 Bedrooms Available $550 to $800 per month Westside Real Estate &

G&S CARPET CO “No Job To Small” Immediate Installation!

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

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

July 26 - 1, 2013

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

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

Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469 Property Management Inc. Pick up a list at 322 Kern St (661)765-5000

per month. Plus Sec. Dep. No Pets Allowed. Call (805) 375-1458 or (661) 7657678.

Advertise In

License 01914953 765-5000

1 bedroom house on quiet street. Ref, wsr/dryer 3bd 1 ba in Dustin Acres hook-ups, new flooring, $800 mo + dep. covered deck, fully fenced, On Taft Hwy in Dustin covered carport very cute.

Acres 3/1 Fenced Yard $550/m avail.Aug 1st.

– Not Acreage $800.00 805-689-4122. $800.00 APART. FOR RENT 2 Bed + Office, 1 bth at 319 San Emidio, 800 Creekside Apartments. mo + Dep. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC 3 Bed, 1 bth, fenced & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 yard in Dustin Acres, Finley Dr. 800 mo + Dep. 119 SouthSt. 4/2 Re- MOVE IN SPECIAL. 108 modeled. Tile floors, 1 Center Street Apartments. car garage $900.00 1 bed room 1 bath.$475

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

The Taft Independent Call Today!

765-6550 Classified Ads

Help Wanted Alignment/Auto Service Technician Prefer 1-3 years Experience, ASE Certified a plus, Track Record of Personal Productivity, Own your own tools a plus, Lift +50lbs, Wrok Flex Hours including weekends, Clean driving record and must pass drug test. Fax resume to 661-745-4880 and apply in person at 217 CVenter Street, Taft. CA.

HELP WANTED TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ONE (1) SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER EMPLOYEE TO SPECIFICALLY FILL NEEDS IN THE FOLLOWING AREA: VACANCY: Substitute–School Bus Driver. The District needs are for a late (evening) school bus driver following athletic practices. Requires a current Class B Drivers License, a valid California school bus certificate with a passenger endorsement, and a medical certificate.

Pay Range on our Substitute Pay Scale is $17.68 p/hr., Substitute positions are paid hourly based on the substitute position being filled. NO hours are guaranteed for our substitute positions. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, DOJ Clearance, Physical and Drug Screen.

Applications, and Job Description are available at the TUHS Business Office, 1 Wildcat Way, between 7:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. M-Thurs. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24th, 2013. Written test will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Thursday, July 25th, at 7:00 p.m.

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

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Living In Multicultural America

Obama’s Green Rut

by Glenn Mollette

By Robert L. Bradley Jr.

I was eating lunch with a high school friend recently at an Atlanta airport restaurant. He has worked in customs for eight years. He noted, “Everyone working in this restaurant is from someplace else.” We were intrigued and started asking those in the busy restaurant their country of origin. Everyone we asked, and there were several, had moved to the United States within the last six years.

Many people could never imagine America changing as much as we have. Freedom allows for change, diversity, new ideas and people with completely different backgrounds. Freedom doesn’t mean that we have to believe what others believe but it does mean we have to respect the liberty of those who believe it.

America is rapidly changing in her appearance. The white race is becoming the minority. African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos will eventually number in the majority. While Christians are still in the majority fewer and fewer people go to church. Christianity is on the verge of being drowned out by other religious movements because they see America as their mission field.

Hindu, Islam, Buddhism and any religion that has funds to survive in America are permeating our nation.

They are changing the landscape of what once was mostly comprised of Catholics and Protestants.

In the center of our changing country we have to remember one relevant fact. This is still the United States of America. We love our freedom.

We love our country. We respect the rights of all our citizens who live and work peacefully in our country to make this their home and a good place.

I do not expect every American to look like me, talk like me, think like me or act like me. How boring would it be if we were all the same? We are all different. As other nations flood our country the change is only going to accelerate.

I’ve had the joyous privilege of working with many different people from different countries.

I have wonderful friends who are black, white, rich and poor. They are from throughout the United States, and around the world.

I would be sad to think that my life relationships would be limited to just a certain cultural group or segment of our population.

America will continue to grow more beautiful and stronger as people come legally and we embrace those who love our country and its opportunities.

Those who come to our country must come legally and abide by the same laws every citizen abides by. As we work together we can continue to be the best place in the world.

Glenn Mollette is an American Columnist, Author of American Issues and nine other books. You can hear him on XM radio each Sunday night at 8EST on XM radio 131. Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette Contact him at gmollette@ aol.com

President Obama’s budget was released last week. Unsurprisingly, it calls for massive new taxes on the oil and gas industry and yet more subsidies for “renewables” like wind, solar, and biofuels.

It rescinds $4 billion in industry deductions and credits annually and takes approximately $8 billion from taxpayers to artificially prop up trendy, “green” energy firms.

It’s long past time for President Obama to rethink his commitment to politically correct, but economically incorrect, energies. The federal budget deficit remains unsustainably high, and energy cronyism is now winning over human-need spending.

My colleague Mary Hutzler recently updated Congress on the surge in federal subsidies for renewable energies that has wasted taxpayer money, shifted jobs from consumer-driven industries, and infested entrepreneurial capitalism with corporate welfare.

For companies that specialize in wind, solar, and biofuels (mainly ethanol for transportation), the 2007-10 period was nothing short of a bank heist. Subsidies to renewable energies nearly tripled during that time, jumping from $5 billion to nearly $15 billion.

Wind energy was by far the biggest taxpayer beneficiary, its subsidies increasing tenfold. Solar subsidies increased six-fold, while assistance for the biofuels industry

jumped from $4 billion to $6.6 billion.

Despite this largess, renewables produced just 11 percent of the nation’s energy in 2010. Fossil fuels, by contrast, provided 77 percent of U.S. energy. It is not hard to fathom which industries would do fine without special government favor, and which industries would contract and disappear.

A good deal of the legalized theft came with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which increased deficits (and outstanding debt) but did not bring recovery. In fact, ARRA stalled recovery by propping up politically dependent businesses at the expense of sustainable market-driven ones.

According to the Heritage Foundation, 34 “green” energy companies that received taxpayer subsidies have either failed or will soon. Solyndra captured the most headlines, but this list includes firms like Abound Solar, Raser Technologies, and Nordic Windpower, all of which have declared bankruptcy after receiving millions of dollars in federal assistance. They’re all a testament to the simple fact that marketplace failures are likely to become taxpayer failures, too.

Such “job-shifting” from successful to failing industries is among the most destructive consequences of these subsidies. An analysis of Spain’s experience with renewable energy subsidies conducted by the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos found that, for every job created by such assistance,” the U.S. should expect a loss of at least 2.2 jobs on average, or about 9 jobs lost for every 4 created.”

Some of this is resources lost to the more efficient private sector. Another part is higher energy costs resulting from inferior technologies.

A constant stream of government assistance -- the kind offered to renewable energy firms -- creates precisely the environment in which crony capitalism thrives, Hutzler told Congress. More subsidies mean more and better lobbyists working hard to direct this money towards whatever client is on retainer -- regardless of whether or not that client has an economically viable idea.

Windpower and solar panels are not infant but mature industries.

And they cannot compete with conventional energies after decades of outsized taxpayer support. In 1983, Congress was told by the Solar Energy Industries Association and the American Wind Energy Association that “improved solar and wind technologies ... will begin to become competitive and self-supporting on a national level by the end of the decade if assisted by tax credits and augmented by federally sponsored R&D.” Thirty years later, with desired subsidies pocketed and more, the mirage continues.

The Obama Administration’s obsession with losers is putting a drag on the energy sector and the general economy, not to mention adding to federal budget deficits.

It is time to stop throwing good money after bad -- and get Washington’s fiscal house in order.

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

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

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

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

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

Black Gold

Qik Smog & Tune

Cafe and Deli

July 26 - 1, 2013

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

We Have New FHS Mountain & Road Bikes!

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

western shop & PET Wash

Aquatics & Reptiles Animals Aquariums Terrariums Heaters Lamps Food

Our on site Staff Technician, Alonzo Soliz, is here to help advise you in purchasing and caring for your pet.

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

www.shawswesternshop.com

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

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

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

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

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR