Ti 7 5 13 all

Independent July 5 - 11, 2013

The Taft

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

July 5 - 11, 2013 • Volume 8 Issue 1

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

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa

Pizza Hut Returns to Taft

(661)766-2660

Hawaiian Luau (Birthday Party for Alick)!!

Saturday July 6th

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

Dinner at 5pm $12.00 Per Person BBQ Chicken & Deep Pit Pork W/Rice, Fruit, Salad & Bread Please Bring Your Camper, RV, Tent, or Sleeping Bag!

www.theplacehwy33.com

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

Friends of Carrizo Plain Receive $10,000

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Donation from First Solar

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

July 5 - 11, 2013

Shop Taft

Passion For Nails

acme jewelry co.

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

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

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

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Boutique

Women’s Wear Jewelery Purses Shoes Gift Items

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Get Your Sweet On Bakery and Sweet Shop

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

Infant and Toddler Wear and more Shop Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

Prepaid Phones, Accessories and Cards

Coming Soon!

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

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

Now Serving Edible Bugs Scorpions, Worms and Crickets

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

Iphone 5 Cases 20% Off!

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

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

Ten Percent Firearms

Summer Arrivals!

Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Blue Jeans & Bling

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

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

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

Samantha Hagstrom Massage Therapist European and Hot Stone Prenatal Massage

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

763-9100

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

July 5 - 11, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3 News Briefs......................3 Westside Rec. Report.....5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

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

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

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

Classified Ads.................10 Opinion and Feature....11 Shop Taft........................12

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

The 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

The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers

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 Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

OVER ONE HUNDRED PERCENT THANKS to the brave souls who joined us at the OVER ONE HUNDRED DEGREE WEATHER Car Show last month! You were so wonder-ful to display your cars, trucks, and motorcycles. And to those who made food and beverage available to the people who came down to enjoy the beautiful vehicles and those who offered such wonderful wares and ser-vices to the public—a huge thank you!

Just to set the record straight—the date of the Car Show has been and will continue to be the second Sat-urday of the month of June. Our date is set based up-on the dates of other car shows in our region. Since we are not the biggest or the most established car show, we are careful not to conflict with other car shows to which our Taft folks might attend.

Although it seems as if the Chamber waits for the tem-peratures to climb into Heat Wave status before we present our events, it is not so. We plan many months in advance, and we are at the mercy of the calendar, as well as the weather.

So grab your sunscreen, hats, and fans—the Fireworks are coming July 3rd, and it is going to be HOT . . . again! And again, there is no avoiding the Fireworks being in conjunction with the Fourth of July . . . the (ahem) reason for the Fireworks!

July 4th is the Community Picnic, and it will be HOT! The kids will have wonderful water slides to enjoy, and the watermelon for the contest will be cold. But even the water in the balloons for the balloon launching will probably be hot! Come down and enjoy the good old-fashioned picnic anyway!

To all of those who gave in some way to the Fireworks, let me say thank you!!

Even this week we have had donations ranging from $10 to $500 come into the Cham-ber. Your generosity has been very heart-warming.

We regularly get phone calls asking if we reached our goal, and we are happy to say we have. Having the community demonstrate they want fireworks by com-ing forward to pay for them is the best way to make fireworks happen. Congratulate yourselves on a job well done!

John Swearengin is on vacation. His column will return in two weeks.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Experience Required.

Contact The Taft Independent Send Bio or Resume to Publisher@taftindependent.com

acme jewelry co.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

By Dr. Kathy Orrin, Executive Director Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

Feature Writers Interviews Reviews

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.

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

Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone orders are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Taft Calendar

F i n e

J e w e l r y

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

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

ACME Has Gone Nuts

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

Hammond’s Nuts and Peanut Brittle

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Tuesday July 16th, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER 209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA (661) 763-1222

AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND POSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE www.cityoftaft.org TELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11: Wednesday 8 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com or on Facebook

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial The Taft

Independent

Westside Watcher

July 5 - 11, 2013

Obituary

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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

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

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

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

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, June 28, 2013 through Thursday, July 04, 2013 Despicable Me 2 (PG) Stadium Seating; No Passes Allowed Wed & Thu: (9:30 AM), (11:45 AM), 4:30, 6:45 Monsters University (G) Wed & Thu: (10:00 AM), 5:00 Monsters University (G) Stadium Seating Mon & Tue: 5:15, 7:30 World War Z (PG-13) Stadium Seating Mon - Thu: 7:30 PM Man of Steel (PG-13) Stadium Seating; No Passes Allowed Mon & Tue: 4:45 PM

More new businesses in Taft means increased Shopping Opportunities, Sales Taxes and Jobs for Local Residents Pizza Hut made its return to Taft official this week by opening its new store at the corner of 10th and Kern Street in the old McDonald’s building.

The old Pizza Hut on Center Street closed more than 20 years ago, costing the city jobs and the loss of sales tax revenue, and leaving another empty store front on Center Street.

For some competing pizza stores in town - there are at least 4 of them - it’s no doubt a little unsettling to see another pizza store open in a town with so few potential customers and a sluggish economy.

But competition is good for local residents and the new store will bring yet another choice to Taft residents, who already have too many reasons to otherwise shop in Bakersfield.

The opening of the new Pizza Hut and recently of Popeyes Chicken are good signs that our local economy may be picking up, that investors see Taft as a good market place to open, and is a signal to other companies considering Taft as a place to open a retail store.

A new retail shopping store like Pizza Hut is also good news for local government which depends on sales taxes to meet city expenses and to provide needed services to residents. Residents now have more reasons to shop in Taft, and the city reaps the benefit in increased sales taxes for improved public services.

In another good omen for the local economy, the new 3 story Taft Best Western Plus Hotel will soon be breaking ground on the Rails to Trails bringing first class hotel rooms - and more new jobs - to meet pent up demand that forces most travelers to stay in Bakersfield or Buttonwillow when doing business in Taft.

Taft loses as much as $50,000 or more annually when travelers stay in hotels in Buttonwillow or Bakersfield. The city will recapture these lost transit occupancy tax dollars when the hotel is completed. _ _ _ Just a note that the Taft Independent will miss Charles Patrick Harget who died this past weekend on a visit to see his son in Las Vegas.

We have known Patrick for nearly two years as one of our newspaper delivery men.

Patrick was a really neat human being with a great sense of humor. You might have seen Patrick on the weekends delivering the Independent on his three-wheeled bicycle wearing his gardening hat. Patrick always delivered the paper on time, even as he stopped to talk with the owners of various business he delivered the paper to. He enjoyed talking to people and always had a good story to share. He will be missed by all.

Seven Years of the Taft Independent. And a final note to mention that today, July 5th, 2013 marks the 7th year that the Taft Independent has been in publication. As we begin our 8th year, we would like to thank our readers and advertisers for making our little newspaper the success that it has become. We look forward to many more years of service on the Westside.

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.

Charles Patrick Harget Charles Patrick Harget passed away peacefully on June 29, 2013. The proverbial wandering soul... he has marked his final trip of his journey of life. Patrick was born to Charles Harry and Nora Patricia Harget on September 10, 1947 in Santa Rosa, California. Patrick swam for the Ukiah Dolphins in Ukiah where the family lived during his younger life, and then for the Village Plunge Swim Team after the family relocated to Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California. Patrick was an outgoing young man, attended Montgomery High School and was a competitive swimmer for the Vikings Swim Team.

Patrick graduated high school with a Swimming Scholarship to Brigham Young University, Utah. Patrick returned to Sonoma County where he lived for years, working and starting a family before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. In Las Vegas, when not working, Patrick loved to shoot a game of pool with his friends. In October 2010 he moved to Taft, California.

Patrick loved seeing and spending time with his beloved children, family and friends. He particularly loved sharing a good glass of red wine, a great meal, and talking & laughing about life and good times with everyone. He was always interested in learning… and new experiences.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Harry Harget, his brother, Richard Nathan Harget. He is survived by his son, Austin Travis Harget (Kathy); daughter, Danielle Simone’ Harget-Evans (Frankie); his mother Patricia Harget-MacDonald; his younger sister, Connie Jolene Harget-Redfield (Kenneth); his sister-in-law Portia Liegh Harget; his granddaughter Kaelyn Isabelle Evans; his grand-son Nathaniel Malin Evans; as well as all his beloved nieces and nephews; and extended family.

Services will be held Friday, July 5, 2013, 6:00 p.m., at the Taft Seventh-day Adventist Church, 401 Harrison Street, Taft, California 93268. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Friend of the Taft College Library. Make checks payable to: Taft College and on Memo line put: In Memory of Charles Patrick Harget - Friend of the College Library. Taft College, 29 Emmons Park Drive, Taft, California 93268. Friends and family are welcomed to share their stories and thoughts about Patrick at: atharget@hotmail.com and d.harget@yahoo.com . The family would like to especially thank Ballard Funeral Home, 636 19th St, Cody, Wyoming, for all their assistance and loving care during this difficult time. Patrick was experiencing Wyoming visiting with his son and new daughter-in-law and planning a fishing trip together. He will remain in our hearts forever. God Bless You Patrick. xo

July 5 - 11, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

West Side Recreation Report 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

by Stephanie House

SENIOR REC ROOM Who: Ages 55+ Where: Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Hours: * Monday-Thursday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. * Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 6:00-10:00 p.m. * Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (1st and 3rd week of the month) The Senior Rec Room is located in the Community Center Activity Building and includes televisions with cable programming, computers with internet access and basic Microsoft programs, comfortable furniture, games, magazines and books. The Rec Room is a great place to socialize and spend time with others. **The Rec Room is air conditioned and a great way to stay cool and escape the heat!** SUMMER FUN! Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

June 10 – July 18 Taft College Gym Ages 6 and up FREE! This fun program keeps kids busy with crafts, games, sports and other fun activities. Younger children are welcome to attend with an adult. Kids must have completed a year of kindergarten to attend the program without a parent or guardian.

FABULOUS FINGER FOOD Wednesday, July 10 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 6-12 $6 per person ** registration deadline – Tuesday, July 9 We will make a variety of easy and yummy treats – all of which you can eat with your fingers. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

BBQ LUNCH & MOVIE Friday, July 12 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades K-8 $3 per person Hot dogs! We’ve got hot dogs! Bring your appetite to this fun lunch outing. We will serve barbecued hot dogs, chips, drinks and watch the Disney movie “Sky High.”

SIDEWALK CHALK ART Tuesday, July 16 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Community Center Parking Lot 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 3 and up FREE! All young artists and creative minds are invited to come leave their mark on our sidewalk! Drop-in at any time during the hour.

PLAYDOUGH FACTORY Friday, July 19 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades K-6 $3 per person If you love Play-Doh, then you’ll love this fun workshop where you can make some of your very own to play with and to take home.

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

SUMMER SOCCER CAMP Who: Ages 6-16 When: July 23 – August 1 Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Where: Wrecker Field and TUHS Soccer Fields Fee: $45 per person Registration deadline: Thursday, July 11 Summer Soccer Camp will be led by Taft College coaches and players. This training program is a wellthought out and structured program that permits players to take their game to the next level. They simplify the game of soccer in an environment that is both enjoyable and disciplined. Bring a water bottle, soccer cleats and shin guards. A t-shirt is included.

SUMMER YOUTH BOWLING Who: Ages 5-16 Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Session: June 10 – August 16 Where: West Side Lanes, Recreation Center Fees: $2.50 per game Monday & Wednesday, $3.00 per game Friday (Cosmic Bowl) Looking to have some fun indoors and beat the heat? Then this program is for you! Kids will learn the sport of bowling while having fun with friends. Every 3rd game is free and shoe rental is included.

RECREATION CENTER: SIZZLING SUMMER MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL Monthly Memberships (new or renewal) are just $20 through August 31 Regular price is $30 – you save $10!

Recreation Center Memberships cover use of the gymnasium and weight room for drop-in activities.

For more information, contact the Recreation Center at 765-6677.

ADULT TENNIS LESSONS Who: Ages 18+ Days: Monday and Wednesday When: July 15-31 Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: TUHS Tennis Courts Fee: $25 per session (6 lessons) Instructor: Doug Taylor Students will be introduced to the rules and fundamentals of tennis. Classes will include drills, game play and athletic fitness activities. No previous experience or knowledge is needed; all skill levels are welcome. Racquets will be available for use if you don’t have your own.

SWIM LESSONS Session 3: July 22 – August 1 $20 per session – Parent & Child $30 per session – Preschool, Levels 1-3 All ages are invited to learn to swim or improve their skills by participating in one of our swim lesson classes. Classes follow the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program and include Preschool, Parent & Child and Levels 1-3. Each session is 2-weeks long, with classes taking place Monday through Thursday).

Registration is currently underway in the District Office.

NATATORIUM POOL PARTIES Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for private party rentals at the Natatorium swimming pool.

Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday through August 18. Rental fees start at $165 for 2-hours. Call 763-4246 for more information.

AQUATICS WEEK AT THE NATATORIUM POOL July 15-19, 2013 Join us for special activities and fun during Open Swim from 1:30-5:00 p.m. Admission is FREE for the first 25 swimmers each day this week. Unless otherwise noted, regular admission is $2 per person.

Children ages 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday, July 15 – PACK THE POOL – Everyone gets in for $1.

Tuesday, July 16 – PENNY DIVE – Dive for pennies and prizes.

Wednesday, July 17 – RELAY DAY – Lots of fun and games!

Thursday, July 18 – PIRATE DAY – Walk the plank in our Big Splash Contest.

Friday, July 19 – PACK THE POOL – Everyone gets in for $1.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE August 5-7, 2013 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium All Ages $5 per person facility fee (minimum of 10 paid students required)

COMMUNITY THEATRE AUDITIONS Monday, July 22 Wednesday, July 24 6:30 p.m.

Community Center Activity Building All Ages Fall production – “The Sound of Music”

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside Feature

Friends of Carrizo Plain Receive $10,000 Donation from First Solar

The Friends of Carrizo Plain, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce the receipt of a $10,000 grant from First Solar, builder of the Topaz Solar Farms in the Carrizo Plain. According to FOCP Board President Ray Hatch, the grant monies will be used to develop new information panels at the two major entrances to Carrizo Plain National Monument that will inform visitors about the importance of the Monument, and what it offers in the way of education, enjoyment, and scenic and historical interest.

In the accompanying photo, Friends Board members receive a facsimile check from First Solar project staff. From left to right are: Johnnie Taul, First Solar project manager Ray Hatch, FOCP Board President Dawn Legg, First Solar assistant project manager David Chipping, FOCP Board member Neil Havlik, FOCP Board member Ken Anderson, FOCP Board member Roger Gambs, FOCP Board member, and Carlos Yanez, First Solar assistant compliance manager First Solar project manager Johnnie Taul stated that the donation “is in support of Friends of Carrizo Plain and their efforts to maintain and promote the Carrizo Plain National Monument. First Solar salutes those who have worked to preserve this beautiful national treasure for all to enjoy”.

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

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

Kern County Visitor Spending Hits All Time High $1.279.5 Billion The Kern County Board of Trade, the County’s official tourism bureau, revealed today that Kern County visitor spending hit an all time high in 2011. According to a recently released study from the California Travel and Tourism Commission that was conducted by Dean Runyan Associates, tourism spending in Kern County hit a record high of almost $1.28 billion, eclipsing the prior benchmark of $1.24 set back in 2008, by $37 million and surpassing prior year spending by $95.4 million. Overall, visitor spending continues to be a bright spot for the local economy – posting gains in eight of the past nine years. This is the seventh consecutive year visitor spending in Kern topped the $1 billion mark. Kern County ranked 15th in overall visitor spending in California. Only 18 of California’s 58 counties exceeded the $1 billion mark in visitor spending in 2011.

Most encouraging was the rate of growth. Visitor spending increased by 8.06 percent compared to the previous calendar year.

Statewide, the increase was 7.07 percent. Kern’s jump compared favorably with nearby counties, ranking 5th overall in the nine counties that make-up the San Joaquin Valley Tourism Region. This ranking is up from 6th in 2010. Of the valley counties with more than $1 billion in visitor spending, Kern ranked number one. Fresno County’s rate of growth was 7.67 percent and Sacramento County came in at 6.95 percent.

Kern was second when compared with the increases of all adjacent jurisdictions. The only jurisdiction with a higher growth rate was Ventura County at 8.27. Kern County’s growth rate surpassed all other adjacent jurisdictions, most notably—Los Angeles County—which posted a 7.99 percent increase. Others in the mix included Tulare (7.49 percent), San Luis Obispo (6.05), Santa Barbara (6.17), San Bernardino (5.65 percent), Kings (6.23) and Inyo (6.25) counties The dollars spent by visitors have a dramatic impact on Kern County’s economy; the annual State Report showed that in 2011, Kern’s travel and tourism industry supported 12,990 jobs – about 3.5 percent of the total county workforce -- with a combined annual payroll of $301.2 million. In addition, visitors to Kern County also contributed $76.6 million in state and local taxes, with $16.2 million of that going directly to the county and its incorporated cities. According to Teresa Hitchcock, Acting Executive Director for the Board of Trade, “Tax dollars received from visitors coming from other areas are essential to local governments and help to maintain service levels for local residents. Approximately 10 percent of sales tax revenue is directly attributable to visitor spending.”

Industries seeing the bulk of visitor spending included transportation and fuel ($370 million), food and beverage service ($284 million), retail sales ($195 million), lodging ($189 million), and entertainment and recreation ($142 million). For more information go to visitkern.com.

Black Gold Brewing Company Presents

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

July 5 - 11, 2013

First Friday, July 5th 7 p.m.

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

July 5 - 11, 2013

Pizza Hut Reopens in Taft

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Supervisor Couch Asks City Council To Support Animal Spay and Neuter Program

Obituary LINDA ROSE BROCK 1952 – 2013

After an absence of more than 20 years, Pizza Hut has reopened a brand new store in Taft at the corner of Kern and 10th Streets.

To the delight of many, the new pizza store was thronged by dozens of patrons on Tuesday afternoon as the Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau held a ribbon cutting and free pizza party at the new store.

The store is one of 160 California franchises owned by a Northern California partnership. The owners were urged to open a new store in Taft by Pizza Hut employees in Bakersfield who said Taft would be a good location for the franchise.

Recently, the local Kentucky Fried Chicken was closed as a result of bankruptcy proceedings, which also saw the closure of the popular Taco Bell store.

Popeyes has opened at the former KFC location.

One local realtor told the Independent that Taco Bell may soon make a comeback since it was not effected by the bankruptcy, and was one of the highest volume stores in Kern County.

Pizza Hut is the largest pizza chain in the US, and the largest in the world. The firm has been in business for over 50 years.

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.

Kern County Supervisor David Couch asked the Taft City Council Tuesday evening to support an animal spay and neuter program to help stop a growing animal population.

Couch asked the council to consider donating between $1000 and $2000 to the 4th district wide program that would offer subsidized spay and neutering programs for pets. Taft would join with other 4th district communities in providing funding to the program.

Couch said that the effort would be part of the Kern County nonprofit Critters without Litters program.

The funds would go towards a pilot program that would provide spay and neuter services at a reduced rate.

Current costs to treat an animal can be as high as $120. The program could offer rates as low as $40.

Councilmembers thanked Couch for his efforts and said they would consider the request at a future meeting.

In other council business Tuesday evening, the council passed a first reading of a new ordinance that would ban bicycles from the skate park next to McDonalds on 10th Street.

The skate park, which was built with grant funds at a cost of $400,000 was not designed for bicycles, according to city staff.

City staff said that the bikes are damaging the skate park and that riders can be seriously injured in the limited sized skate board course.

The council will consider final approval of the proposal at its next meeting.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com HAYDENS HOPE THRIFT STORE

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

Store Closing Sale

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

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

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

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Wednesday 2 p.m.

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Linda Rose Brock was born in Bakersfield, CA on August 11, 1952 and went to be with our Lord on July 2, 2013 in Bakersfield. CA. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Ecklund; mother, Olivia Ecklund; brother, Robert Ecklund; and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Brock. She is survived by her husband, Michael Brock; children, Charles Brock and his children, Laura, Sara, Christine and Rachel; Rachael and Leo Flaharty and their children, Kogan, Michael and Nathan; Michael (Micky) and Jennifer Brock and their children, Kody and Anna; Manuel and Veronica Landin and their children, Blaze, Manny, Angel, Kailee, Jose and Olivia; James and Stephanie Brock and their children, Megan and Trace; and son, Robert Brock, her caregiver for many years; her very special niece, Christine and Shane Higgins and their children, Kacie, Jamie and Brady; sisters, Dixie and Delbert Pearson, Jeannie Ecklund, and Edie and Keith Ogborn; and many nieces and nephews.

She also fostered a number of boys. She was employed by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools for 18 years as a teacher’s aide for multi-handicapped children. She had a gift for working with special needs children and loved them very much. Linda loved to draw and won several ribbons at the County Fair for many years. She was very involved with her Corgis. She and her son, Robert, had a blog called County Corgis. She loved her dogs and trained them to do all kinds of tricks. They will miss her. She was a longtime member of Community Christian Fellowship and was a dedicated librarian there. There will be no viewing or visitation.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Community Christian Fellowship, 631 North Street on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served.

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

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

Have some of the causes for revolution listed in the Declaration of Independence returned?

By Dr. Harold Pease Should the patriots once again have ability to rewrite the Declaration of Independence what would they say?

How might it be different? Many have asked, “Is it time to restate the obvious? We have lost much of our liberty, as they had, from their elected government.”

There is no reason to believe that the committee, headed by Thomas Jefferson, would retract the base for the right of revolution from “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”—definitely a higher level than mere man.

Nor is there any reason to believe that they would retract “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Nor the right of revolution when all other means are exhausted, as they had, which is so eloquently stated in the remainder of the second paragraph. So we would expect them to retain the means of making revolution—the right to bear arms. The general theme of the last three paragraphs, that “in every stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for Redress” and “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor,” would be retained as well.

What is, however, perplexing is how many of the listed oppressions—the causes of the American Revolution— have returned in our day. Jefferson targeted the King for the oppressions but Parliament, an elected body, was actually responsible for most of them as is Congress in our

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100 E North St. Taft CA

TAFT INDEPENDENT

day. These include: “He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.” This would be our unelected federal bureaucracy today, 2.8 million strong.

The $50 million for IRS parties and $70 million for IRS bonuses in 2013 come to mind. We have yet to hire the 16,000 new folks to administer our socialized medicine (Obamacare) programs, yet another enormous swarm “to eat out our substance.” These officers live off the wealth produced by others.

“He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.” Bradley tanks were used against the Branch Davidian Church during the Clinton Administration, and FEMA and the federalized National Guard were used in New Orleans during the hurricane Katrina under George W. Bush. The recently passed National Defense Authorization Act legalizes military kidnapping of American citizens thought by the President and military to be “terrorist” and shipped to Guantanamo Bay and detained without trial indefinitely.

Civil power was/is told to be secondary or non-existent in these examples. “He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Act of pretended Legislation:” The United Nations was created by treaty. It’s law, often “foreign to our constitution” is becoming recognized universal law with authority to supersede national law. The Supreme Court often references UN law to establish constitutionality of U.S. law. A pending case is the UN Small Arms Treaty which opponents of gun control fear will be used to nullify our Second Amendment.

“For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent.”

Anytime a president offers money to a foreign country by way of treaty, as did President Jimmy Carter in the Panama Canal Treaty, he is taxing us without our consent.

Only the House of Representatives, which is excluded from treaty making, can raise a bill of revenue. When the Senate, which is supposed to approve all treaties, and the President offer money in a treaty it “imposes taxes on us without our consent.”

Today presidents offer reams of money to foreign countries without a thought to asking the people first, as required by the Constitution.

“For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial

by Jury.”

The National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law on New Years Eve 2011 by President Barack Obama, potentially removes trial by jury altogether for citizens thought by the president to be terrorists. A term never defined. If a trial is held at all it will be out of the country and in a military court—without the benefit of the Bill of Rights.

“For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences.” Once again the NDAA transports us secretly, unbeknown to our friends and family and potentially without notice to civil authorities, to Cuba for indefinite detention. Nothing that the British did to us in 1776 was more drastic than this.

“For…altering fundamentally the Forms of our

July 5 - 11, 2013 Governments.” Our government has been moving from a republic to a democracy and now into socialism for many decades led by both major political parties. At least Barack Obama was hoest with us when he promised to “fundamentally change” our government if elected.

“For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.” Our legislatures have been suspended when five things, now very common, happen: 1) when Congress usurps the powers of state governments to themselves, 2) when Congress allows an unelected bureaucracy to add sometimes thousands, of new regulations to a new law, 3) when the President makes law by exective order, 4) when the President appoints so-called Czars to administer programs and write new law for areas where the Constitution never gave the federal government any jurisdiction, 5) and when the Supreme Court rules in such a way as to create new law as in Obamacare.

I suppose the “tories” in our day would argue, as they did then, “But our elected government gave us all these laws” (oppressions), thus it is okay because “we did it to ourselves.” That argument was made then as well but fortunately it did not keep the rest of us, the patriots, from revolting nonetheless. Let us revolt by our vote to once again remove the returning offending tyranny and oppressions. Please share.

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 5 - 11, 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

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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

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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

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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.

7311.

YARD SALES

CHILD CARE 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.

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

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

FOR SALE 100 Jackson. Yard Sale.

Sat. 6 am - 2 pm.

Clothes $1.

125 Asher Way. Sat. bath and kitchen sink. blue couch, misc.

Blue electric lift chair.

Excellent cond. $100.

765-2517.

AUTOMOBILES LOST PETS

Yard Sale. Sat. 109 harrison 7am-?

428 California. Maricopa.

Sat and Sun 6 and 7 July. 8 am - 1 pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ROOMS FOR RENT HOMES FOR SALE

HELP WANTED 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.

SERVICES Painter looking for work.

Exterior/Interior paint.

Residential/Commercial.

Reliable, reasonable.

25 years experience.

Available now. Please call Richard 661-742-

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

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

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

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list

MOBILE HOMES

HOMES FOR RENT House for rent. 3 bd.

1 and 1/2 half bath.

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

Open House June 20th.

11am to 2 p.m. 3bd 2 ba. $850 mo. Call Betty 661-636-6465.

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 www.BuySellManage. com FOR RENT 400 Woodrow 2/1 $725 603 Fillmore 3/1 $725 315 7th St 1/1 furnished! $750 623 San Emidio 2/1 $750 410 Buchanan 2/1 $900 340 F 3/1 + Studio $1,200 420 B St 3/1.75 + 1/1 $1,300

Westside Real Estate 765-5000

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

On Taft Hwy in Dustin Acres 3/1 Fenced Yard – Not Acreage $800.00 $800.00 707 Fillmore 3/1 Available 6/15. $750.00 $750.00 119 SouthSt. 4/2 Remodeled. Tile floors, 1 car garage $900.00 License 01914953 765-5000 2bd 1 ba. New interior dry wall, kitch cabinets, double lot. $575. plus $800. Mark King

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July 5 - 11, 2013

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

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

Rentals Real Estate Be Seen!

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APART. FOR RENT Creekside Apartments.

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

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

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

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

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

Tim’s Auto Glass

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www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Eco-Warriors - Unsound Logic with Unsightly Landscapes

Free and Fair Trade For A Strong Global Economy

By Steve Russell

By Glenn Mollette

The environmental activist mindset is curiously ironic.

They denigrate our military engagements in the Middle East as smokescreens to grab local oil reserves, then fight tooth-and-nail against any efforts to develop the vast energy resources here at home.

The eco-warriors fail to correlate restricted energy at home with dangerous energy consumption abroad.

The American economy needs energy to run. If eco-warriors cannot stomach domestic oil and natural gas development, then they must reconcile sending our soldiers into harm’s way to secure foreign energy sources.

“Save the planet” types will no doubt argue that, on the contrary, renewables are the solution to America’s energy needs. But this position is implausible.

The Department of Energy has spent billions extending loans to flailing green tech companies. Remember Solyndra, the solar company that declared bankruptcy in September 2011 after receiving over half a billion dollars in government-guaranteed loans? That’s just one of many renewable companies that have taken in massive amounts of American tax dollars and produced little to nothing in return.

An estimated $7.3 billion in federal tax subsidies will flow to renewable energy efforts this year. Despite all this support, solar, geothermal, hydro, wind, and biomass energy combined contribute a piffling 9 percent to American energy production.

We can also thank eco-warriors for the most unsightly landscapes our nation has ever witnessed. Countless acres of American amber waves of grain are now pocked with miles of ugly, twirling contraptions. And for that abysmal eyesore, wind is responsible for just a tiny fraction of America’s energy production.

There is a better way to meet our energy needs. Four years ago, the Canadian energy firm TransCanada initiated development of the Keystone XL pipeline to transport crude from Alberta oil sands to American refineries. Today, the project is mired in regulatory delays.

If completed, Keystone would greatly reduce America’s dependence on oil imported from unstable regimes. It would inject $5.3 billion worth of private investment into the U.S. economy, immediately create 16,000 shovel-ready jobs, and support tens of thousands additional positions over the next several decades.

Four separate government environmental-impact statements have determined the pipeline poses no significant harm to the environment.

Additionally, policymakers need to ease up restrictions on innovative hydraulic fracturing -- or “fracking.” This technology enables energy developers to access previously unreachable oil and natural gas reserves.

In 2012, the Energy Information Administration reported that America saw its largest increase in oil output since the 1800s, in large part thanks to the expanded use of fracking. By 2017, the United States could overtake Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world’s largest oil producer. And natural gas obtained by fracking already accounts for 25 percent of U.S. energy.

As far as environmental concerns go, none other than Lisa Jackson, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, has said that there have been “no proven cases where the fracking process itself has affected water.”

Still, the eco-naysayers call for delays on Keystone approval and fracking moratoriums for federal lands. Their result is enriched, unstable, foreign governments and endangered American soldiers--all in the name of saving the world. And we get the added benefit of those unsightly landscapes.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Steve Russell was involved in the capture of Saddam Hussein and is the author of We Got Him! A Memoir of the Hunt and Capture of Saddam Hussein. A military analyst for Concerned Veterans for America, he served as chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Oklahoma Senate.

The Framers of the Constitution mandated free trade among all the states in the union. The free economic system for the United States was clearly spelled out in Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution.

“No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to the ports of one State over those of another: nor shall vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another.”1 The original concept of free trade is healthy for our country and global economy. However, trade agreements such as NAFTA and WTO have simply cost Americans hundreds of thousands of jobs, moved plants to Mexico and lowered wages for American workers. How has this helped America?

It’s good economy for us to sell to China, India and the rest of the world. It’s good for Americans to have the choice to buy from other countries. This is good competition. It’s not good competition if China does not play by the rules. If China is using slave labor and manipulating their currency so they can sell merchandise cheaper, that is not fair. If they are putting unfair taxes on our products so that they are not competitively priced in China, that must stop.

It’s not good when American corporations ship our jobs

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WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

to Mexico, China and the far corners of the world. Corporations who ship our jobs overseas should continue to pay the current corporate tax if more than 30% of their work force is out of the country. On the other hand if corporations will keep at least 70% of the jobs in the United States then let’s reward them with a 15% tax rate.

Toyota, Honda and Nissan have made the American auto industry stay on their toes. I believe we have great American cars today. I drive a Ford truck and an old Toyota van with over 250,000 miles on the odometer. I do not believe we would have the kind of American cars that we have today without the competition of foreign automakers. As Americans we deserve the right to choose which car we want to drive. Competition gives us better choices.

I do not mind that China and India are making clothes and furniture. I do mind if American corporations are moving all of our work there and hiring people for two dollars an hour and then shipping the products back here to the United States to sell to us for a high price and a high profit.

The Amish are still proving Americans can make the best furniture in the world. We make our products in America better. Our corporations must be given a chance to thrive.

If our corporations are going to thrive we should further do the following: We should lower corporate tax rates.

We must encourage right to work policies.

We must have the opportunity to ship our products to China, India and around the world.

We can compete with the world. We have hard workers and the most creative minds on the planet. Our labor force can compete with anybody.

Other nations impose large fees on our products to restrict their citizens from buying our products and that is unfair. We should not do business with countries that limit our ability to sell in their countries by imposing ridiculous fees and taxes.

It’s also unfair of us to impose tariffs and fees on foreign products to make it difficult for Americans to buy.

It’s good for American companies to have competition and Americans should have the right to decide if they want to buy a foreign product without government penalty or management. American products will only become better and remain financially competitive if there are foreign products to choose from.

Most Americans would prefer to buy American products.

At every opportunity we should buy American made products. Examine the product carefully as it seems to be harder all the time to find items made in the USA. Most all Americans are trying to make their money stretch further. Products that are lower in price are going to have our attention when we shop. When we buy we each have to be responsible for our own money management and try to determine what is good, better and best for our hard earned dollars.

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

July 5 - 11, 2013

Used to be Paul’s BMX

Bike Shop

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

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

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

Black Gold

Qik Smog & Tune

Cafe and Deli

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

western shop & PET Wash

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Call Today For an Appointment 765-2987

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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