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Independent The Taft

August 15 - 21, 2014

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

August 15 - 21 2014 • Volume 9 Issue 6

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

Qik Smog & Tune

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Local Motorcycle Repair

European and Japanese Street Bikes and All Dirt Bikes Safety Inspection Professional Service Dirt and Street BikeTire Mount and Balance Experienced Mechanics Basic Tune-up to Major Overhaul

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria

Election November 2014 With 8 Candidates, Taft Union High School Board Race to Watch Candidates for Taft Union High School - Taft City Council Maricopa City Council - West Kern Water District - West Kern Community College District - Taft City Schools District Maricopa Unified School District - Westside Health Care District

Open 7 Days a Week 7 am to Midnight - 7 Days a Week

Happy Hour 3pm to 7pm Mondays .99 cent Tacos Tuesdays Chicken Frajitas $7.95 330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street 745-4898

N o w S e l l i n g Te c h I n s p e c t e d a n d S m o g g e d Q u a l i t y Us e d C a r s

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive

Alignment - Diagnostics - Brakes - Tires and Wheels TIA Certified ASE O P E N S AT U R D AY S 8 A M T O 4 P M

Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

A/C & BRAKE SPECIALS. ALL TIRES ON SALE. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

Financing Available

August 15 - 21, 2014

2

Shop Taft Passion For Nails western shop & PET Wash Fish - Reptile - Supplies Tack - Feed - Livestock Supplies Western Clothing - Boots - Work Apparell Pet Grooming Fred and Cheri Shaw 419 Harrison Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Salon and Boutique

New Arrivals in Stock Lots of New Fun Summer Wear.

Now Serving Splash Cafe Clam Chowder in a Pyrenees Bread Bowl 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Your Ad Here!

765-6550

Watch for Weekly Sales Lic # B-721903

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

Shop Downtown 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

Summer Time is

Like us on Facebook

Here & So is the

FREE drop off

Cool Clothing...

Packages

Dresses, Skirts,

We buy iphone 4, 4S & 5

Shorts and More!

1016 6th St. Taft 661-745-4855

Next Step Cardio & Fitness

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

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

4th of July Independence Day Special

$16 per month for one year membership when paid in full.

506 Center Street - (661) 745-4918

Grilled Tri-Tip Special Every Thursday $8.95 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

August 15 - 21, 2014

Events Inside Shop Taft..........................2

Taft Business of the Week Bangs and Tangles

Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3

Taft Calendar

3

By John Swearengin jswearengin@bak.rr.com This Saturday is the last night of the Franklin Field Arenacross Summer Series, gates open at 3pm, races start at 6pm. Only $5.00 admission. Food, drinks, and lots of fun for the family. Several of the best racers across the State will be here. Locals Lane Barba, Tyler White, Macayala Wells, and several others will be kicking dirt and taking names! Come out and cheer them on.

Westside Recreation......5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 Shop Taft........................11 Shop Taft........................12

The Best of Times: Robin Williams, who passed away this week, is well remembered by Taftians from when he starred in the film, “The Best of Times” that was filmed in town.. You can see his signature in cement at the corner of 6th and North Street where flowers were placed in his memory by local residents. The “Best of Times” will be played at the Taft Fox Theater twice this weekend for free in memory of the famous actor.

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.

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long Publisher@taftindependent.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Stephanie House, Jerry Livingston Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Joan Raymond, John Swearengin Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Dr. Harold Pease Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

Bangs and Tangles Staff: Pictured, Alicia Bryant, Jessica Rodriguez, Lacey Hazelwood, Tiffany Yaws, Annette McCabe, Christy Durkan. Not shown: Shacee Young, Melisa Butterick and Tish Carey.

The Taft Business of the Week: Bangs & Tangles at 404 Center Street. Bangs & Tangles has been open since April of 2012. They have 8 amazing Hair Stylists, 1 Manicurist, and 1 Massage Therapist. It is owned by great Taft Resident Christy Durkan. Call 765-2800 to schedule an appointment to keep you looking beautiful.

Visit Us Online www. taftindependent. com or on Facebook

The Fox Theatre is showing 2 Free Showings of “The Best of Times” Saturday at 5 and Sunday at 3 in remembrance of Robin Williams. You can make a cash donation to support the Alpha House. You can also bring a non perishable food item that will be donated to a local food bank. The Fox is also showing the Expendables 3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Into the Storm this week. “The Place to Go!” Saturday- Taft IDPA Steel Challenge at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club. Registration at 8am.

Save the Date for these Future EventsAugust 20th: WSRPD movie Matinee “Monsters vs. Aliens” at 2pm at the Fox Theatre.

August 23rd: “Dazed and Bruised” Roller Derby at “The Rec N Yard” at 801 4th Street. $5.00 Admission, Gates open at 5:30, Match starts at 7pm. After party at Black Gold Brewery.

August 29th: Taft High Wildcats Football Home Opener. The Bobcats Kickoff the night at 5pm, followed by the Wildcats. Come out and support our Cats!

September 3rd: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Doors open at 4:30, Dinner at 7:30.

September 4th: Taft Tea Party Meeting at the Taft Veterans Hall at 6pm.

September 5th: 1st Friday Cruise Night on Center Street at 6pm.

September 13th: The Taft Rotary/JFL Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast at Taft High.

September 25th: Bubba’s Good Ole Okie Dinner at the Fort. Starts at 5pm.

October 16th: Taft College Ribeye Cookout.

October 16th-19th: Oktoberfest October 25th: West Kern Oil Museum “Boomtown Days.”

November 1st: 13th Annual Taft Chamber Golf Tournament at Buena Vista Golf Course.

November 15th: Taft Trout Derby at Buena Vista Lake.

December 1st: Taft Christmas Parade Pete Gianopulos 90th Birthday Party is August 23rd at the Fort from 5:308:30pm. Friends and former students are invited for a Cheeseburger Dinner and a great evening of honoring our friend and Historian Pete. RSVP and send your $10 dinner check to Trice Harvey, 1607 Classen Street, Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 and write Pete on the envelope.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday August19th, 2014 – 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.

August 15 - 21, 2014

4 Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The

Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café Asian Experience and Steakhouse Asian Food and Pizza

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

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

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

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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, August 15, 2014 through Thursday, August 21, 2014 The Expendables 3 (PG-13) Stadium Seating Fri: 7:05, 9:30 Sat: 6:00, 7:15 Sun: 6:00, 8:30 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Into the Storm (PG-13) Stadium Seating Fri: 5:20, 9:25 Sat: 5:10, 9:35 Sun: 4:05, 7:15 Mon - Thu: 7:05 PM Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG-13) Stadium Seating Fri: 5:00, 7:15 Sat: 3:00, 7:05 Sun: 2:00, 5:10 Mon - Thu: 5:00 PM The Best of Times (PG-13) Free Showing - Optional donation to local food bank or Alpha House Sat: 5:00 PM Sun: 3:00 PM

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

By Drew Johnson

Back in Style It is odd how so many things what were popular when I was a kid disappeared and now they are back. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was very popular when I was a kid and now they are back. They are smart to bring them back because my daughter wanted to see the movie and so did I. It is playing right now at the Fox Theatre. Roller Derby was popular several years back and now it is back. Roller Derby is going strong at the Rec N Yard next to the Natatorium. Their next match is August 23rd. Yes, sooner or later the Rec N Yard will be open for roller skating for the community to skate. Everyone had lots of good times at the Skate Escape and now it is gone. So the Rec N Yard will be popular.

If you remember Kay’s Frozen Yogurt was packed every night. Later they opened Kay 2 Frozen Yogurt. For some reason all the yogurt shops disappeared but now they are more popular than ever and are everywhere except Taft. My stomach wants a Frozen Yogurt Shop on Center Street. As a kid I loved going to Stockdale 6 Movie Theater and then getting an ice cream after the movie at Baskin Robbins in Bakersfield. It would be nice to get an ice cream or frozen yogurt after seeing a movie at the Fox Theatre. During the day do not forget Get Your Sweet On has amazing ice cream and other sweets.

Keep your eyes open because school starts Monday.

Wildcat Football kicks off August 29th. Nothing better than Friday Night Football at Taft High’s Martin Memorial Stadium. If you have not finished your back to school shopping, do it in Taft. I’m sad to say Carmen’s Boutique recently closed. Luckily we have lots of other great places to school shop at like Blue Jeans and Bling, Eye Kandi, Acme Jewelry, A Hint of Class, Shaws Western, Personal Style, K Mart, Goodwill, and several others. The kids might also need a new skateboard or bike at Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop to get to and from school. Sign your kids up for either football, soccer, cheerleading, karate, gymnastics, dance, travel baseball, or whatever else but kids have to keep busy.

The Westside Health District recently put their new office up by the old Hospital and the old Hospital will soon be torn down to make room for the new Medical Complex.

This is just one of several good things going on in Taft.

Trenching is going well at the Best Western and the Ground Breaking Ceremony kicked off the Sandy Creek Estates.

Sno White is also coming along.

Last Sunday the West Hills Church of the Nazarene hosted “God’s Not Dead” the movie at the Fox Theatre.

Both showings were packed. The movie and the popcorn were both free. I thank the West Hills Church of the Nazarene and the Fox Theatre for making this happen. “God’s Not Dead” is now out on DVD and is a must see. Get it tonight. It is a great reminder that our life on earth is only temporary and we all need God in our hearts. In my life I have attended The Community Christian Fellowship, First Baptist Church, United Methodist Church, and the West Hills Church of the Nazarene and they are all excellent churches. There are several other excellent churches here in Taft as well. Find a church and get involved then see how much your life will improve. I love God, I love my family, I love my friends, I love Taft, and I hope you do too. Stay positive Taft.

Johm Swearengin

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

Our Newspaper and our Website is FREE

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

www.taftindependent.com

765-6915

Alternative Energy Failures Abroad Should Serve as Warning At $3.65 a gallon, gas is already expensive enough. Now imagine paying an additional “carbon tax” every time you fill up.

That’s what a new report from the United Nations has recommended. To combat global climate change, the United Nations has urged governments everywhere to institute a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system to disincentive fossil fuel use.

But Germany went down a similar road almost 15 years ago. And in April, they announced a plan to scrap their green efforts. U.S. lawmakers should take note and reject the UN’s push for energy policies that have already proven economically disastrous abroad.

Back in 2000, the German government implemented an “energy transformation” plan in an effort to speed up the nation’s conversion to green energy. The costs have been astronomical.

Last year alone, private residencies in Germany paid $9.6 billion in additional fees to subsidize renewable energy production. It’s no wonder why 800,000 Germans have had their power cut-off due to missed payments.

For perspective, electricity prices are three times higher in Germany than they are in the United States.

Germany’s industrial sector also shelled out roughly $10 billion in taxes to finance green energy subsidies last year. Because of these unbearable costs the Federation of German Industries is worried that manufacturers will “lose a competitive edge” internationally. This is especially concerning given that manufacturing alone represents a quarter of Germany’s economy.

These problems were all predictable -- wind and solar simply can’t compete with cheaper fuels like oil. So the government has had to offer huge subsidies to these renewables via taxes on energy bills. Since 2010, this green-energy tax has more than tripled. This year alone, the German government expects to spend $33 billion subsidizing renewable energy.

These high costs have left the German government no choice but to amend their energy policy and cut various subsides.

The German case isn’t an anomaly when it comes to the disastrous effects of promoting alternative energy. Spain was forced to abandon a similar renewable-energy initiative after the government lost $41 billion on green subsidies.

The United Kingdom’s efforts aren’t performing much better.

The UK government hopes to generate 15 percent of its energy from renewables by 2020. Unfortunately, this will increase consumer power bills by about $200 each year.

Instead of heeding the warnings of failed green-energy policies abroad, the United States seems hell bent on instituting similar policies at home.

Since 2006, the federal government has awarded nearly $100 billion in taxpayer subsidies to alternative energy producers.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy just announced that it plans to shell out $4 billion in loans to renewables. This would fall under the same program that awarded now-bankrupt solar-panel manufacturer Solyndra $535 million in government funds.

California’s cap-and-trade program has ratcheted up gas prices in the state. Implemented in 2006, the program aims to lower statewide greenhouse gas emissions to their 1990 levels by 2020. To accomplish this, businesses must buy permits if they emit more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon. To make up for this increased permit cost, producers have no choice but to increase prices for consumers.

So California’s gas prices are now 55 cents above the national average, making them the highest in the continental United States. The state’s cap-and-trade program is expected to raise gas prices by another 12 cents per gallon next year. The Boston Consulting Group found that after factoring in the state’s lowcarbon fuel standard, gas prices could jump $1.83 per gallon by 2020.

The UN report is putting more pressure than ever on policymakers to follow in the failed footsteps of Germany and start taxing energy consumption. That’s why policymakers must be smart. Germany’s blunders - along with Spain’s, the UK’s, and our own -- illustrate the consequences of forcing alternative energy sources on the economy without considering market realities.

With gas prices already approaching $4.00 per gallon, consumers cannot afford for U.S. lawmakers to implement policies that have repeatedly proven disastrous. We must reject the UN’s recommendations.

August 15 - 21, 2014

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.westsidesports.org 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. * 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.

SENIOR CASSEROLE DINNER & BUNCO Sunday, August 24 Doors Open – 4:00 p.m.

Dinner – 4:30 p.m.

Bunco – 5:15 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 55+ $5 per person Registration deadline – Thursday August 21 in the District Office Come eat a variety of casseroles, plus salad and dessert. After dinner, we’ll play bunco!

FOX THEATER SUMMER DAY MATINEE Wednesday, August 20 – Monsters vs. Aliens Showtime – 2:00 p.m.

Taft Fox Theater, 514 Center Street, Taft All ages – 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult $5 per person – includes mini popcorn Purchase tickets in advance in the WSRPD District Office or Recreation Center. You can also pay at the door the day of the movie!

GYMNASTICS Who: Grades K and older When: Monday Evenings Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Sessions: September 8 – October 13 and October 20 – November 24 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional sibling) Instructor: Suzanne Hale DANCE CLASSES Who: Ages 3 and up When: Mondays or Wednesdays Season: classes begin the week of September 15 Registration begins: Tuesday, August 5 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Vicky Waugh Participants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes take place one day per week either on Monday or Wednesday. A full class listing is available in the District Office or on our website. Class enrollment is limited.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALS Make your reservation now!

Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at the bowling alley in the new Recreation Center. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday. Rental fees start at $100 for 2-lane rentals. Rental prices include shoes, balls and use of the party room.

Call 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.

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

5

CHEERLEADING Who: Ages 3 – Grade 3 When: Wednesday Afternoons Time: 4:00-4:45 p.m.

Session: September 10 – October 29 Where: TUHS Mirror Room Registration deadline: Thursday, September 4 Fee: $50 per session (shirt and poms included) Instructors: TUHS Cheerleaders and Cheer Advisors TINY TOT FOOTBALL Who: Ages 2-4 When: Saturday Mornings Time: 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.

Session: October 18 – November 15 Place: ‘A’ Street Park Registration deadline: Thursday, October 2 Fee: $25 per person Kids will discover the joys of football without the contact. This program teaches the basics of the game, teamwork and fun. No games are played in Tiny Tot sports.

FLAG FOOTBALL Instructional: Ages 4-6, practices on weekdays, no games Division 1: Ages 7-9, practices on weekdays, games on Saturdays Division 2: Ages 10-12, practices on weekdays, games on Saturdays Session: October 13 – December 13 Place: ‘A’ Street Park or Wrecker Field Registration deadline: Thursday, October 2 Fee: $35 per person This program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork.

AEROBIC KICKBOXING – KICK LIKE A GIRL! Who: Ladies, Ages 14+ When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Amy Steers This fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense.

Classes will be held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.

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.

GYM KID CARE Who: Ages 3+ When: Monday – Thursday Time: 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Where: Recreation Center Preschool Room Fee(s): * $2 per child/per visit, members * $3 per child/per visit, non-members * $15 per month (1-2 children living in same household, $10 each additional child) Let us watch your kids while you work out or enjoy other Rec Center activities! Children must be 3 years of age. Children may stay in Kid Care for a maximum of 90 minutes daily.

Parents must stay onsite (in the Rec Center) while their children are in Kid Care.

OPEN BOWL Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

West Side Lanes, Recreation Center Fees: * Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and all day Sunday: $2 per game/per person, $2 shoe rental OR $15 hourly per lane, $2 per person shoe rental * Monday-Friday, 4:00 p.m. to close and all day Saturday: $15 hourly per lane, $2 per person shoe rental **Hours and availability subject to change to accommodate party reservations and league play.

August 15 - 21, 2014

6

Westside November Elections, Final Candidate List Jerry Livingston, J.D. Jerry.Taft.Independent@gmail.com The filing deadline for local elections to be held on November 4th during the general election passed this Wednesday.

The surprise failure of Councilmember Ron Waldrop to qualify for the ballot leaves only three candidates on the ballot for the Taft City Council, incumbent Randy Miller and first time candidates Josh Bryant and Renee Bitzer Hill.

Waldrop has indicated that he will seek reelection by pursuing the difficult feat of winning an election as a writein candidate.

The Taft Unified School District Governing Board has generated significant interest with two incumbents and six challengers filling for three seats on the board.

Incumbents Les Clark and Michael Mc Cormick will face a challenge from David R. Grant for the one of the two seats on the Taft City School District Board.

In Maricopa no challengers filed to take on incumbent City Councilmembers Virgil Bell and Cynthia Tonkin In an interesting twist there were no filings for the city of Maricopa’s City Treasures office. When contacted for comment current City Treasurer Dorine Beth Horn said she had been out of town during the filing period so was unable to file her papers. “The City Council will need to fill the position by appointment when my term ends this December” stated Horn.

The Maricopa unified School District is shaping up to be a big race as four challengers have lined up to take on two incumbents for the two full term seats on the ballot in November.

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WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

In four instances were incumbents were the only candidates to file there will be no candidates on the ballot. The West Kern Water District, West Kern Community college District (Taft Community College), Westside Health Care District and the Short term Seat for the Maricopa Unified School District. All incumbents will automatically win new terms and will be sworn in this December.

A full list of candidates follows: Cities City of Taft Randy Miller, Incumbent Josh Bryant, Accountant Renee Bitzer Hill, Businesswoman/Designer/Planner City of Maricopa Virgil Bell, Council Member Cynthia Tonkin, Council Member No filing for City Treasurer

Schools West Kern Community College District (Taft Community College) Michael Long, Publisher/Businessman/Trustee Emmanuel Campos, Appointed Incumbent E. Dawn Cole, Incumbent Taft Union High School District Gary J. Morris, Photographer Paul Linder, Retired Public Employee Jeffery Ginn, Process Control Specialist Julie Ortlieb, Registered Dental Hygienist Carl “Rick” Twisselman III, Incumbent Jeremy T. Gregory, Deputy Sheriff Janice Ashley, Nurse Practitioner Ken Anderson, Retired Teacher

Water Wise Dear Water Steward,

I am writing to thank you for your ongoing efforts to conserve water during this historic drought. We are noticing a reduction in water usage and that is appreciated. However, the effects of this drought are worsening and the Governor has directed the State Water Resource Control Board to adopt emergency regulations.

These regulations make additional conservation measures mandatory effective August 1, 2014. As a result, West Kern was mandated to initiate the following water restrictions for the next 270 days: 1.

Hoses must be equipped with shut-off nozzle.

Hosing down driveways, street/parking lot, sidewalks, or buildings is not permitted unless necessary for health or safety.

2.

Avoid excessive watering that runs off onto sidewalks, streets or gutters.

3.

Irrigation of residential and commercial landscape is not allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Consider limiting lawn watering and landscape irrigation run time should be adjusted to avoid runoff.

4.

Washing of motor vehicles, trailers, boats and other types of equipment shall only be done using a bucket and/or a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle, high pressure/low volume wash system, or at a commercial site that recirculates water on-site. Avoid washing during hot conditions when additional water is required due to evaporation.

Taft City School District Mike Mc Cormick, Incumbent Les Clark, Incumbent David R. Grant, Financial Manager Maricopa Unified School District Robert F. Teel, Sr., Retired (Short Term Seat) Ted Destrampe, Appointed Incumbent Michelle Dunham, Bus Driver/Custodian Barry Lindaman, Incumbent Stephanie Renee Coontz, Homemaker Kristin Janae Blanco, Homemaker Darwin Ellis, Maintenance Supervisor Special Districts

5.

Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.

6.

Offer guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments the option of not laundering towels and linens daily.

7.

Pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds should be recirculating and leak proof. Draining and refilling is only permitted for health, maintenance or structural reasons.

West Side Health Care District Raymond L. Hatch, Appointed Incumbent Ginny Miller, Incumbent Eric Cooper, Incumbent Adele Ward, Chief Business Official (Short Term, 2 Years)

8.

Repair all leaks within twenty-four (24) hours of notification by the District unless other arrangements are made with the General Manager.

West Kern Water District Barry M. Jameson, Incumbent Scott Niblett, Incumbent

We thank you in advance for your additional efforts to conserve and pledge to offer our assistance to help you conserve water for future Westside generations.

9.

Penalties will apply to repeat infractions.

Sincerely,

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

Harry O. Starkey General Manager

Our Newspaper and our Website is FREE Advertise in the The Taft Independent 765-6550

7

August 15 - 21, 2014

Unsecured Property Tax Deadline September 2 Kern County Treasurer and Tax Collector, Jackie Denney announces that the deadline for payment of unsecured property taxes is September 2, 2014. Unsecured (personal) property tax bills are for items such as business equipment, farm equipment, aircraft, boats, and similar assets that are not attached to real estate. Unsecured tax bills were mailed on 7/14/2014 to all unsecured property owners whose addresses are known to the County Assessor-Recorder and who had ownership of the personal property as of January 1, 2014.

Taxpayers may inquire or make payments on their property taxes in person, by mail, or via the Internet. Various methods of payment are available: 1) Via mail to: KCTTC PO Box 541004, Los Angeles, CA 90054-1004 2) In person at the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office located at 1115 Truxtun Avenue - 2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

3) Via the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website at: www. kcttc.co.kern.ca.us Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover Cards and electronic checks can be used for payments made over the Internet. Please access our website for additional information.

To avoid a 10% penalty, payments must be made on or before September 2, 2014. If you have not received your tax bill, you may request a replacement tax bill or you may obtain the amount of taxes due by calling (661) 868-3490 or by emailing the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 2servu@co.kern. ca.us. Property tax, parcel and payment information are also available on the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website at: www.kcttc.co.kern.ca.us

Pete Gianopulos’ 90th Birthday Party Celebration August 23 at The Fort Come and join us for a wonderful day and socialize with some of the people we grew up with from a community second to none. Oh, and have some cake too!

Please send $10.00 to: Trice Harvey: 1607 Classen Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 If you can’t make it, you can send a card to Trice C/O Pete at the above address.

Special thanks to Linda Williams Hanawalt for all her efforts in putting this together.

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery

Now Serving Splash Cafe Clam Chowder in a Pyrenees Bread Bowl 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Taft Councilman Ron Waldrop fails to Qualify for Reelection Candidate Falls 2 signatures short for nomination

Taft City Councilman Ron Waldrop, who is up for reelection this November has fallen 2 nomination signatures short of the 20 signatures required to qualify for the ballot.

According to Taft City Clerk Alina Megerdom, Waldrop filed his nomination papers last Friday, the deadline for incumbent filing, but failed to submit the required 20 signatures necessary to qualify.

A check with Kern County election officials confirmed that as an incumbent, Waldrop had until Friday to submit the 20 signatures to be eligible for the November ballot.

Waldrop told the Independent that he had fallen two signatures short of the requirement, and that he had missed his filing deadline.

Waldrop said that he was disappointed but that he would mount a write-in campaign.

So far, three other candidates have taken out nomination papers, incumbent Randy Miller, businesswoman Renee Bitzer-Hill, and business executive Josh Bryant.

Taft Mayor Paul Linder did not seek reelection to the council, instead filing for the Taft Union High School board.

Under California election law, if an incumbent does not file by the deadline, the deadline is extended 3 business days for non-incumbents. This provision does not allow Waldrop to refile under the extension.

The election will be held November 4th, 2014.

Kern County Farm Bureau Urges Long Term Solutions in the California Water Bond On behalf of Kern County’s agricultural community and its 1,400 members, we want to express our appreciation to those members of our legislature who are hard at work addressing California’s difficult water bond solution. In the Central Valley, we realize firsthand the need for a successful water storage system in California. As drought continues to cycle through central California years at a time, the agricultural community is left struggling year after year looking for water to keep their crops from dying. This year alone, we have seen record numbers of acreage that has had to be fallowed due to the lack of water.

We need real, long-term solutions. While we agree that a $2.5 billion water bond is a considerable start, we strongly encourage those decision makers in Sacramento to highly consider keeping the water bond that includes $3 billion with continuous appropriate funding. However, most important is that we all come to a conclusion that a water bond be included on the November ballot after considering every long-term option. New above-ground water storage in California is imperative. The opportunity comes around once a generation to make real changes for our future’s wellbeing and water storage is considered the greatest long-term infrastructure needed.

Agriculture is what drives the economy in Kern County.

Without a reliable water supply for years to come, jobs and food are at a great risk. Water is the bloodline that drives the economy in the Central Valley and California. Our need for a successful water storage infrastructure should be at the utmost priority for our law makers, keeping California’s economy thriving.

Sandy Creek Estates Begins Housing Construction

Housing builder Bob Colston announced on Wednesday the official start of the construction of Sandy Creek Estates, a 350 housing developement on Hilliard Street.

Colston said that 25 of the first 32 homes had been reserved by buyers, but that seven more were still availbale in the first phase of development.

Coston said that all permits had been secured and that up to 350 homes will be built on the Hilliard Street property over the next few years.

This highly anticipated housing project had been in the works since 2003 according to Colston.

After 11 years of preparation, deliberation, and last minute assistance from Assembly Member Shannon Grove, Colston said the the much needed housing project would begin this week.

The development is located on the West side of Hillard Street, between Highway 33 and A Street in Taft.

Colston said that homebuyers could reserve a lot by contacting him at 661-201-2087.

For more information, visit www.sandycreekestates.com for site location, design and floor plans, and home features.

Student Housing Now

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Ben’s Books

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

Cosed for vacation Fri-Sat, 8/15-8/16 810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

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(805) 689-4122

August 15 - 21, 2014

8

Liberty Under Fire Miller Time Prayer in Congress invoked every morning. This time by one of our own Harold Pease, Ph. D Many may not realize that Congress had prayer today before they deliberated. In a typical workweek, Monday through Friday, prayer is said every morning in the U. S. Senate and in the U. S. House of Representatives. Each House invites and pays a Christian minister to pray each day for a week that they are in session. Ministers apply for this privilege and they come from every sector of the country. This has been so since the 1st Congress in 1789 some 225 years ago and will continue as long as we are a Christian nation. Such affirms our nation’s faith in God as Sovereign Lord of this nation. This honors the historic separation of Church and State as outlined in the 1st Amendment, but not the separation of God and State, which the Founders strongly opposed.

The prayer giver this past week was Rev. Roger Spradlin, pastor of Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield, California, representing a congregation of more than 8,000 followers. Prayers are similar requesting wisdom and courage. Spradlin prayed, “We acknowledge that our country is facing serious challenges, and that our world is in crisis. Give this body the courage that is necessary to lead” (Bakersfield Californian, August 1, 2014, p. 5).

The tradition of prayer in government assemblies is long standing. The first recorded national prayer was given by Reverend Jacob Duche,’ Rector of Christ Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the First Continental Congress Sept. 7, 1774, even before the creation of the Articles of Confederation our first constitution and government. Notice the intensity of his appeal to God to help them obtain their freedom from British rule.

“O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle!

“Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior.

Amen.”

Even during the Constitutional Convention, prayer was referenced as a solution to the tension in the room

Hi Everyone, It has been awhile since I last wrote a column but I have an excuse. I have been under the weather, recouping from surgery to remove a portion of my colon due to attacks of diverticulitis that created scar tissue and inflammation.

The onset of an attack is quite painful and is treated with heavy doses of antibiotics, not to cure the condition but to bring the colon back to rest. It is the ravages of age and some heredity that causes pockets to form in the lining of the colon which in the worst case scenario can burst into the intestinal cavity and cause much greater problems. Many of you have this condition and not even know it. Those that have had these attacks understand what I have been going through. Instead of winding up in an emergency room, I choose to have elective surgery to correct the condition; my doctor, my hospital, on my schedule. Unfortunately, I spent five days in the hospital recovering and that was a whole new experience for me, as this was my first overnight stay. I have visited plenty of people over the years at their bedside, wondering when would it be my time and what part of me would fail. Now I know.

I was treated with the best of care at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. The staff that hovered over me were great.

I had laparoscopic surgery instead of the old time tested procedure by way of a large single incision. In recovery, the noise and being awaked every couple of hours wasn’t too bad; it was not being able to get one or two hours of complete restful sleep that drug the days on and on. After five days I was exhausted. The pain from surgery wasn’t that bad as I went off pain meds after 3 days. The pain meds were giving me the weirdest dreams to where it was easier to tough through the pain than having these YouTube video’s going through my head over and over. The other thing I disliked was that the TV programming to wile away the time was really bad and had limited channels after being used to 500+ channels at home; I had maybe twenty there. Boring. The process now calls for me to take it easy for awhile more, as the plumbing is readjusting and resetting itself after being shut down. All in all, I’m glad I went through this experience as I know that my quality of life will be a lot better in the future. The one really good thing out of all this, no signs of cancer.

I want to give a shout out to all the incumbents and new folks that are seeking positions on the Council and the various boards around the community. It is a big commitment

on June 28,1787, when the patriarch of that assembly, Benjamin Franklin, stood and said, addressing the Chair: “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?

“We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel . . . I therefore beg leave to move—that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service.”

Both House and Senate prayers are recorded daily in the Congressional Record. Some prayers give council and particulars, most are fairly generic and short. All ask for the assistance of Heaven.

So Congress asked God for help in their deliberations, this time through the prayer of Reverend Roger Spradin. Good!

May we never forget to do so!! It is the essence of our strength!!

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.

to make and you should be commended for offering your services to serve the taxpayers and ratepayers. Having been on various boards and committees over the years one thing stands out above all else. If you have an axe to grind, if your are wanting to get even for some wrong you received, if you want the benefits, then maybe you’re in it for all the wrong reasons. Serving on these boards are a huge responsibility and many important decisions have to be made that can affect the finances and the viability of the various institutions that you want to serve It is all about working with and trusting the staff, understanding the basic concepts of finance, using good old common sense, and being aware that you are representing the people and not yourselves. Good luck to all and see you in November.

It has come to my attention that the State of California does not have an in-state tuition program for veterans that are returning from serving their country after 15 years of war. If a veteran returns to California after their discharge but was recruited in another state, then the veteran would have to pay out-of state tuition or sit out a year to finally receive the in-state benefits that our California students enjoy. Several community colleges in California are starting to treat these veterans with the respect and admiration due them by changing the tuition process to help these vets’s to assimilate quicker in to the work force with a quality education. Hopefully Taft College could take a look at this situation and see if something can’t be done.

Our world is getting smaller and smaller and meaner. Shooting down an airliner and not even apologizing nor stepping forward to take responsibility and or financial responsibility.

Kidnapping and selling young girls. Beheading captured combatants. Using deadly gas to oppress dissent. Now news of people being buried alive. Young women taken out of villages to serve the needs of the invading soldiers. The fear that the invading hordes in Iraq are contemplating blowing up a dam that will kill un-tolled thousands and disrupt the power grid for millions in the name of their religion. What kind of country will you have that is run by these people; who in their right mind would want to live there after being pounded back into the Stone Age. It is a terrible situation that we are in with no easy or right answers. God Bless America, still the land of the free.

Finally we’ll be shoveling dirt this week for the beginning of the new housing project on Hillard. No matter what you think, new housing is a big deal for Taft, and will contribute to a better quality of life for all of us. Thanks to all that has brought this process to where we are today.

See you around Town, Randy Miller

Our Newspaper and our Website is FREE Advertise in the The Taft Independent 765-6550

August 15 - 21, 2014

9

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Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

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

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

Gateway Temple

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557

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

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

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 4279722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

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.

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Parish Hall Available for Rent

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

First Baptist Church

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

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

West Kern Christian Center Join us this Sunday at 6pm at our new location, 1000 6th Street in Taft.

Pastor Randy Bunch

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

WE HAVE ALWAYS STAYED CONSISTENT!

Midweek services start Wednesday, March 5 at 7pm. For more information: Email, info@wkcc-taft.org Phone, (661) 623-5001 Website: www.wkcc-taft.org 623-5001 1000 6th Street, Taft.

Community Christian Fellowship 631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m. www.standrewstaft.org The Rev. Heather Mueller 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

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

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

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

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August 15 - 21, 2014

Classifieds

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines,Ads andare $7 per issue forline. up toPhone, 10 lines.fax, Yardmail Sale or adsdrop are free.

Classified $2.00 per off Phone, drop off your ad to the Taft Independent. your adfax, tomail the or Taft Independent.

Boxed\outlined\bolded adsyour start company at $12.00 for 8 lines, Ad your photograph classified for $5. Ad logo for $16 $5. for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

Boxed ads are $5 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for car, sale truck ads areor$5motorcycle per week, orand $10 we’ll the rest. with ado photo.

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

Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon) Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

YARD SALES Advertise your yard sale ad. 3 lines for $2, additional lines after that $2 each. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 12 p.m.

Wednesday.

316 Buchanan St. Sat. Aug. 9 7am - 1pm.

Indoor/outdoor furn., work bench, tool chest, clothes.

107 Madison. Sat. 16th 6am-2 pm. wet suit, floor tile, curio ba. stamps, jewelry and more. inside house.

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED Security Officers for Taft area.

Guard card required.

661 763-4279 or 3979616. Apply at M & S Secity, 200 S. 4th Street. Taft.

Maricopa Unified School District Instructional Aide 3.5 hours per day Weekdays, Regular School Year High School Diploma or GED Must have 45 college semester units, AA Degree or better or pass approved state test.

Those interested call 769-8231 ext 204 West Side ROP is accepting applications for a 5 hr Instructional Aide for the Maricopa Tea Room. HS diploma, clean DMV history, and ability to pass DOJ background required. Job description and applications

available at 515 9th St, Taft. 763-2390. Open until filled. First screening Friday, Aug 15.!

Meter Reader $3,193 - $5,015 per month Plus Benefits The West Kern Water District is seeking a highly motivated individual to join their team. Applicants must have the ability to read water meters with a high degree of accuracy; the ability to use a hand held computer; perform manual labor; work independently as well as in a team environment and use customer service skills to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.

Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent and must possess a valid Grade 2 Water Distribution Certificate, or the ability to obtain the same upon employment.

An application and a complete job description can be obtained at the District office, 800 Kern Street, P.O. Box 1105, Taft, California, 93268. Application and resume must include three (3) work related references, and must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2014. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District application.

The successful applicant will be subject to a pre-employment physical, drug screen, background check and must provide current DMV report. EOE.

TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYEES to work in Custodial, Food Service, Clerical, Instr.

Asst., and others classifications as needed.

Substitute Pay range is $14.00 p/hr. Substitute positions are paid hourly. NO hours are guaranteed. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, Background Clearance, DOJ Clearance, Physical, and Drug Screen.

Applications, Job Descriptions and Salary Schedule are available at the TUHS Business Office, 701 Wildcat Way, between 7:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.

M-Thurs. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2014 . Written test will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application. Test will be given in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Monday, August 4th at 7:00 p.m.

Midway Elementary School District is looking for classified personnel to substitute in the office, as a classroom aide and also for janitorial duties. Must have an A.A. Degree for classroom aide position. Applications are available @ Midway School District, 259 F Street,

Making a world of difference.

1277 Kern St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6752 (661) 765-9355 nbjsharp@yahoo.com

Preserving for the Future

Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469 Fellows, CA. Or call 768-4344 for more information Looking for male & female to run youth group, pass out flyers and misc. jobs.

Starting pay $8 per hour. 661 745-3211

DAYCARE Daycare has room.

Monday thru Friday.Do pre-school program.

License 153908713.

763-1607.

FOR SALE AUTOMOBILES PETS Found three goats in the vicinity of Naylor ave and south st. Call to identify. 661-2930166

HOMES FOR SALE For sale by owner.

204 Warren St. Completed remodel.

Move in ready. 3 bed, 2 bath.Approx. 1,200 Sq. ft. $99,000. Call or text (714) 2448877.

2,297 Sq. Ft. 3 bd. home with library study, 2 full baths, fully landscapes, pan ceilings, upgraded premier lighting thouthout, tile roof, 3,000 sq ft. grass back yard, full large covered patio part of house, 3 car garage.

Reduced to $295,000.

102 Sage St. (661) 747-4199.

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

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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 West Valley Real Estate www.BuySellManage. com (661) 763-1500 BRE Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 205 W Ash #A 2/1.5 $600 501 ½ Jackson 2/1 $700 315 7th St 1/1 $750 607 Taylor 2/1 $750 617 Buchanan 3/1 $775 302 Calvin 1/1 $850 710 Buchanan 3/1 $850 110 E San Emidio 2/1 $975 116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000 104 Village Way 4/2 $1,800 100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 518 Center St Retail Space $500 Americana Real Estate 322 Kern St. (661) 765-5000 Lic # 00447658 & 01942324 For Rent - 27993 Hwy 119 Dustin Acres, 2 bd 1 bth, new wood laminate flooring & paint , animal pen/ small barn, on one acre, $725 Mo. + $725 Dep. Available after Aug 31st - 116 Pierce St (Do not disturb tenants), front house, 1 bd 1 bth, all wood laminate flooring, 1 car garage, $550 Mo. + $550 Dep. Looking to buy?

Pick up a list of all

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

Home For Rent 2 bedroom 1 ba. 411 Shattuck St. $600 mo.

(1 year lease) $750 deposit. Pick up application at 318 North St. (661) 769-6469. Joyce Properties.

APART. FOR RENT Private and quiet, modern 2 bd.1 bath Apt. in duplex. Alley entrance. Incl. wash and dryer, refrig, stove, small patio, central ac and heat. 407 Lucard. $600 mo. $600 dep. no smoking, no pets. App. taken. looking for long term tenant. fenced front yard, w/carport parking. 623-4296.

Air Conditioning & Heating

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

549-1068

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit. No Application Fee. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. Call (661) 846-6403 or (661) 765-7678.

STUDENT HOUSING Fully furnished rooms in comfortable home environment. All utilities with cable (HB0), wi-fi internet, washer/dryer, fully stocked kitchen.

Starting $675/m.

Light housekeeping provided weekly. Call Mark at 805-689-4122

APART. FOR RENT 1 bd. Apt. $625. mo. plus util. plus utilities.

Hardwwod flrs., new tile in kitchen, new refer., stove and over.

New front door with security. All new paint. very nice. 765-5414 for info. No Smoking, no pets.

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit. No Application Fee. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed

G&S CARPET CO Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile 661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

Ken Shugarts

3Bd. 1 ba. house. 3 car garage. $900 mo. plus sec. dep. Taking applications now unitl the 1st of the month.

Avail 9-1-14. 661-7659508.

“No Job To Small” Immediate Installation!

J & D Recycling

Neil & Becky Sharp

homes currently for sale in Taft at 322 Kern St or call (661) 7655000.

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

room 1 bath.$475 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. Call (661) 846-6403 or (661) 765-7678.

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765-6550

August 15 - 21, 2014

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

Senior Portraits Class of 2014 Fun and Easy

Free clothing change, multiple pose packages, yearbook photo Starting at $99 + Tax. Book now to purchase 16x 20 print for $27.00 with any package. Offer ends August 24th.

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

Taft Veterinary Hospital We are here to help all of your animals and give them a healthy life. We are here for your convenience in keeping your animals protected from any diseases.

We have vouchers for $70.00 off for canines wanting to be spayed and neutered for anyone living in the 93268 area code. Also we vaccinate felines and canines and treat any animal in need. Call and make an appointment today! We appreciate your business.

George G. Ross, Jr. D.V.M & Staff 661-763-1581 627 Harrison St. Taft 93268

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

Black Gold Brewing Company

Ben’s Books

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Hours Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm

An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Real Estate Services and Property Management Laura Vega DRE 01942324

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

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Plumbing & Pool Supplies, Inc. Residential Plumbing

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116 1/2 Harrision Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6171 Serving Taft Since 1964

Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813 BBQ Ribs Special Every Friday $9.95 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Your Business Ad Here!

www.BuyKernCounty.com Thought of buying a house Not sure how it works

FREE VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS IT ALL Real Estate eBroker Inc. 432 Kern St., Taft, CA 93268 Karri Christensen 661-332-6597 call or text today!

CalBRE# 01333971

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Home For Sale 305 Irene Street, Taft. $199,500

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

Visit Us Online

Sandy Creek Estates 5 Models to Choose From 15 Elevations Call 661-201-2087

To Advertise Today!

30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Home for Sale. Great location with Pool and gated RV Parking. 2 Car Garage. Fenced backyard. Owner financing.

Lot’s of upgrades. (805) 835-5709.

Visit our website www.Sandycreekestates.com

Call 765-6550

New Homes for Sale in Taft

Join Us for our Groundbreaking Ceremony Wednesday, August 13th 10 a.m.

August 15 - 21, 2014

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery

Try Our Locally Hand Crafted Beers Tool Pusher IPA

Midway-Sunset Citrus Pale Ale The Other Woman Blonde Ale

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

25 Hill Lite Ale

Old’s Cool

Black Gold Brewing Company

Irish Red

Petroleum Highway 33 Porter Coming Soon!

Strawberry Blonde Ale

An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Vanilla Porter

Sandy Creek Pale Ale BBQ Ribs Special Every Friday $9.95 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

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 •

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Growlers and Growler ReFills Support Taft & Your Local Craft Brewery 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

Used to be Paul’s Qik Smog New Bikes, Boards & Scooters are Here!

We Repair & Service Too! 608 Center St.

Bike Shop

& Tune

(661)763-4445 No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

745-4919

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

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 Reservations Recommended

24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR