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Independent The Taft

August 16 - 22, 2013

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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Publisher@Taftindependent.com

August 16 - 22, 2013 • Volume 8 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”

Meet Taft’s New Planning Commission

3 New Members Signal New Leadership and Planning Priorities for Community Renewal and Growth, Economic Development

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

Taft Planning Commissioners (L-R) Vice Chairman Bob Leikam, Robert Thompson, Chairman Ron Orrin, Shawn Southerland, and Rene Hill •

Residential

•

Commercial

•

Industrial

“DEMAND THE BEST SERVICE AT THE BEST PRICE” Ants Roaches

“CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS OUR GOAL” Spiders

661-345-7350

Rats & Mice

Bees Wasps

EARWIGS SILVERFISH FLEAS & TICKS PANTRY PESTS GOPHER & BIRD CONTROL SQUIRRELS www.demandpestcontrol.com

Bed Bugs

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

August 16 - 22, 2013

Shop Taft

Your Weekly

Passion For Nails

Business Ad Here!

Very Affordable.

Call 765-6550

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style Salon and Boutique

Linda Marie

Back to school specials.

Haircuts, Colors and Weaves. Men, Women and Children all welcomed.

Boutique Summer Clearance Sale!!!

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Taft, Ca. 93268

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor

Announcing our new Stylist Linda Marie Galvin.

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

Monarch Wireless No. 2 1016 6th Street Taft, California Grand Apertura - Grand Opening Sunday, August 4th Noon to 6 p.m.

Free Food Opportunity Drawing for Phones In The Save-a-Lot Shopping Center

F i n e

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

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

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

acme jewelry co.

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

661-745-4894 Downtown Taft

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

Ten Percent Firearms

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

August 16 - 22, 2013

Inside Community Events.........3

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

Taft Calendar...................3 Westside Rec. Report.....5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 News and Reviews........11 Shop Taft........................12

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

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com

County Seeks Heritage Commission Volunteers The County of Kern is accepting applications for the Heritage Commission. The Heritage Commission has ten members, with two members from each supervisorial district. Commission members serve at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors.

The Kern County Heritage Commission shall ring the Liberty Bell on Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, California Admission Day, Veteran’s Day and any event of special significance deemed appropriate by the Board of Supervisors and the Heritage Commission. The Commission shall secure interested organizations to conduct the ceremonies appropriate to the occasions with a member of the Commission or his designate to be present and responsible for ringing the bell.

Meetings of the Commission are quarterly: 1st Wednesday of March, June, September, & December, in each of the supervisorial districts at 5:30 p.m Members shall serve without compensation but necessary expenses for travel shall be allowed and paid.

For more information call (661) 868-3680.

The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers

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.

Feature Writers Interviews Reviews Experience Required.

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

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.

acme jewelry co.

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

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 Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Joan Raymond Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Dr. Harold Pease Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Taft Calendar

by John Swearengin The St. Mary’s Church at 110 E. Woodrow Street is having a Labor Day Community Deep Pit BBQ. Labor Day is Monday September 2nd. You have a choice between Deep Pit or Chicken with all the fixings including Dessert, IceTea or Punch. Sodas, water, and other items will be for sale. The meat will be prepared by “Mr. BBQ” Dave Borrecco and “Mr. Deep Pit” Kal Vaughn. Tickets are only $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. This great food will be served between 2-6pm. There will be several Children activities including a blow up water slide. The entire community is invited to this great event.

Seven Nights a week the Taft Fox shows 3 great movies. Support the Fox! Friday August 16th- Taft Petroleum Club is open for business at 5pm.

Taft Longhorns, 10 and under Baseball Team vs. Bakersfield Boomers at Little League Field # 2 at 6pm.

Saturday August 17th- IDPA August Shoot at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club.

Check in at 8am.

Sunday August 18th- Taft Longhorns vs. Arroyo Grande at Little League Field # 2 at 12pm.

Monday August 19th- First day back to school.

Future Events: August 29th- The weekly Kids Caravan begins at the West Hills Church of the Nazarene at 300 Lassen Street for kids in 1st to 5th Grades. Contact the Nazarene Church for more info September 4th- Industry Night Dinner at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7:30. Tickets only $12.00 September 6th -“Friday Night Lights,” Taft Wildcats Football Team vs.

Coalinga at Home at 7:30pm Cruise Night. Starts at 6pm on Center Street September 23-27th- Taft High Homecoming week.

September 26- Bubba’s Okie Dinner at the Fort October 17th- Taft College Ribeye Dinner October 26th- Taft Chamber Golf Tournament October 18th- West Kern Petroleum Summit 7:45-4:00 at Taft College.

Tickets only $60.00.

October 22nd-25th- The Fort Pumpkin Patch October 26th- Taft Chamber Golf Tournament October 31st- Fort Safe Halloween December 2nd- Taft Christmas Parade December 7th- Kern Trail Riders Horseshoe Tournament at the Taft Petroleum Club Please donate to the Taft Fox Theatre Digital Projection Upgrade.

Whether you went to the Fox as a kid, you go now, or your kids will go down the road, please donate to keep the Fox alive. We have until September 8th to raise the $40,000 down payment. Check out what is going on with their kickstarter program on the Facebook group Taft Fox Theater- Keep Our Legacy Alive! Any donation will help. There are several rewards for donating. There is even one for out of towners. If you donate $100 or more your name or business will be on a permanent display. Please donate and stop by the Fox for a great movie.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Not Your Grandmothers Flashlight Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Tactical Flashlights Watch Batteries Streamlight 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Hell Fighter Uzi Smith and Wesson 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 August 20th, 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.

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT 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 16, 2013 through Thursday, August 22, 2013 The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (PG-13) Wed & Thu: (4:00), 7:00 Planes (PG) Fri & Sat: 5:00, 7:15 Sun: 6:15 PM Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (PG) Fri & Sat: 7:30 PM Sun - Tue: 6:00 PM The Conjuring (R) Fri & Sat: 7:00, 9:15 Sun: 6:00 PM Mon - Thu: 7:30 PM

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.

August 16 - 22, 2013

93268 Changing Times

Things have really changed over the years. I’m not a fan of change but I know sometimes it is good. The other Attack of the Mosquitoes, and the Birds night an unknown suspect stole the new flag from the Veterans Hall. This crime really shocked me. Who would The West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District do that? No matter what your beliefs, race, or political has detected the presence of West Nile Virus. A mosqui- preference this should get under your skin. I do not think to sample taken from the City of Taft has tested positive this would have happened 10 years ago. I know kids do for WNV. In addition, numerous positive samples have dumb things but I could not imagine any kid doing this. been taken from the Maricopa flats area and a farm near Our world has changed so much and I do not believe it is for the better.

Buena Vista Lake. To date, the District has taken 13 My old neighbor and friend had his truck toilet positive WNV mosquito samples from the West Side, papered last weekend. I remember my toilet paper days more than double the annual seasonal average. August and loved them in Jr. High. But here is where things have and September are peak months for mosquito activity, changed. The toilet paper was not the bad part; they and WNV is very prevalent at this time. urinated on the tires and defecated in the truck bed. This is not funny at any age and is just plain sick. The neighbor behind them had their house egged. An egg can take the paint right off a car. Things have changed because back in my day most kid’s toilet papered, some egged but no one would think to defecate in the back of a truck.

I lived by these great neighbors for a few years. I loved them and all my other neighbors but things changed.

Overtime two of our good neighbors passed away. Both of these houses were bought by great people but they let their dysfunctional adult kids live there. I moved out of that neighborhood but continued to talk to most of my old neighbors and I would hear their horror stories about both these houses with the adult kids. One of these houses caught on fire which led to two other houses with great families being burned out of their homes. Things have changed, maybe if these parents do not let these dysfunctional adult kids live for free and harass the other neighbors they would not have been burned out of their homes.

My Dad Graduated in the early 60’s and said he never saw much about drugs until several years later. My parents Individuals are encouraged to minimize the threat of and my grandpa told me my entire life there is a zero tolermosquito bites by following three simple practices. First, ance policy on me doing drugs. They told me that they drain and eliminate all sources of standing water on your cannot watch me all the time, but if I ever did drugs they property. would find out, well you can imagine what would have happened to me then.

Flower pots, old tires, buckets, gutters, pet bowls, From Jr. High to High School a few of my friends got water leaks, and cesspools are common areas where messed up from drugs. After High School a few others mosquitoes may breed. Second, be aware that peak mosgot messed up. Some of these friends had parents that let quito activity occurs during dawn and dusk. them do drugs.

Some recovered and are doing great but If you are outdoors in the early morning or evening most did not.

Back in the day we had D.A.R.E. at school wear proper clothing and repellent. Make sure that doors but with budget cuts and policy changes all of that is and windows have tight fitting screens that are free of gone. Now States are legalizing doing and selling drugs. holes or tears. Avoid leaving doors and windows open In the remaining States where it is illegal to do and sell during morning and evening hours. Finally, apply insect drugs, the punishment keeps getting less severe. Things repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon are definitely changing for the worst. eucalyptus, or IR3535.

Way before my time, Victory Square at the end of Adams Street was a very nice place that most families Birds are also an important factor in the disease transmission cycle. Birds may serve as a host or reservoir that came to Taft after the war lived. Over time things for disease. Female mosquitoes acquire disease by biting changed and it was called Heroin Heights. These days it is called The Village. A friend of mine that has a nice house infected birds. in Ford City had a good neighbor with a nice house. That If a dead bird is found in your area you may call the California Department of Public Health Services WNV neighbor passed away and her drugged out son inherited her nice house. Things have changed and now druggies Bird Hotline at 1-877-968-2473. Dead birds should not come and go and the nice house looks worse every day. be handled, the CDPH will arrange for our District to There is only so much Law Enforcement can do. They pick up the bird and ship it for WNV testing. do not make the laws, they just enforce them. This is not If you find a possible source of mosquito breeding just about Taft. This is going on in every city. So many or have adult mosquitoes around your home please call things going on in this messed up world that I blame on drugs. Drugs are changing our world every day. I hear our office at 661-763-3510. Office hours are 7:00am to all of the time, “People should have to take a urine test to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. get welfare.” I agree and most others do but that has not We also have mosquito fish available for those who changed anything. This article is not intended to offend may have ponds, fountains, or water troughs. Again, anyone; it is just to show we need to make some changes please remember that mosquito activity is at its peak for tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow we can change and have during the months of August and September. In addimore respect for our parents, friends, neighbors, elders, tion, eliminate standing water around your property and law enforcement, etc. Maybe then change can be good for take precautions if conducting outdoor activities. Thank everyone. you!

John Swearengin

August 16 - 22, 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

NIGHT SWIM August 19-29 Monday and Thursday Evenings 7:00-8:15 p.m.

Natatorium Swimming Pool, 821 4th Street, Taft Admission: $1 per person Come cool down with a swim after a long day at work or school! Ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Monthly/season swim passes are no longer valid; all swimmers pay $1 admission.

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

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

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

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

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

Sessions: September 9 – October 14 and October 21 – November 25 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 9 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.

CHEERLEADING Who: Ages 3 – Grade 3 When: Tuesday Afternoons Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Session: September 11 – November 6 Where: TUHS Mirror Room Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 10 Fee: $50 per session (shirt and poms included) Instructors: TUHS Cheerleaders and Cheer Advisors TINY TOT KARATE Who: Ages 3-5 (preschool) When: Tuesday Afternoons Time: 4:45-5:15 p.m.

Sessions: September 10 – October 8 and October 15 – November 12 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $20 per session Instructor: John Dodson

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

TENNIS CLASSES Who: Ages 7-14 When: Monday and Wednesday, beginning September 4 Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: TUHS Tennis Courts Fee: $30 per month 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 at the first practice; parents can speak with the coach prior to purchasing a racquet. Class enrollment is limited and classes will be held in September and October before taking a break until next Spring.

AEROBIC KICKBOXING – KICK LIKE A GIRL! Who: Women, ages 14+ When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Time: 8:00-9:00 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.

TINY TOT PUNT, PASS, KICK & CATCH Who: Ages 3-5 When: Saturday Mornings Time: 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.

Session: October 19 – November 16 Place: ‘A’ Street Park Registration deadline: Thursday, October 3 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.

YOUTH/INSTRUCTIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL Instructional (beginner): Ages 6-8 Youth (advanced): Ages 7-11 Practices: Weekdays Games: Saturdays Session: October 14 – December 14 Place: ‘A’ Street Park or Wrecker Field Registration deadline: Thursday, October3 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.

S.T.O.P. PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS (Strive To Optimize Participation) Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? Children in low income, single parent or multiple participant households are eligible! For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced program fees, give us a call in the District Office at 763-4246.

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.

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 per hour: $10 for the first person, $5 each additional person Shoe rental: included in the hourly rate Fees per game: $3 per adult (15 yrs+) and $2 per child (3-14 yrs) Shoe rental: $2 per person **Hours and availability subject to change to accommodate party reservations and league play.

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! REC CENTER TEEN NIGHTS Friday, September 6 Friday, October 4 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Recreation Center Grades 6-8 $10 per person

JR. HIGH DANCE Friday, October 11 7:30-10:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium Grades 6-8 $5 per person Music and lights by DJ Brandon/ Amazing Sounds

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT

The New Faces of Taft: Planning for the Future

Although the three newest members of Taft’s Planning Commission come from different backgrounds and levels of experience, they’re working together along with the other planning commission members to communicate their vision and excitement for Taft’s future.

In recent conversations, Ron Orrin, Bob Leikam, and Renee Hill shared their passions and reasons for giving back to their city to make a difference for everyone.

Ron Orrin, a twenty year resident of Taft, has served on the commission the last five months. A former general contractor, Orrin is currently a middle school language arts teacher and a real estate investor. His experience of working with the planning departments in both Los Angeles and Kern County gives him a “pretty good understanding of zoning and planning growth”. He has worked with cities that were “built out”. In other words, no vacant land for growth, but by evaluating the lifestyle and needs of the community, he helped change property needs. For example, a lot zoned R-1 (single family residence) might have aging housing on the lots. By converting those lots to R-3 (multi-family homes) apartments could be built, bringing more families and population growth to the area.

“The residential and business districts are paramount at this time,” said Orrin. “Taft must allow businesses to grow and flourish.” He wants to see the city attract more businesses of every nature – a variety of restaurants, more motels and capitalize on the current businesses such as Skydive Taft. He wants the city to be more self-sufficient and continue to provide community services in close proximity.

Bob Leikam, a resident of Taft since 1986, has served on the commission the last three months. Before moving here, he opened Domino’s Pizza restaurants in Texas City, Houston, and St. Louis. After living in big cities, he wanted to move to a small town and began researching prospective places. Taft had a college and a football team so knowing football and pizza go hand-in-hand, he settled in and opened the local Dominos.

“We need to be receptive to business and housing,” said Leikam. “My belief is housing should be first. We have a friendly atmosphere for growth. Another 2000 affordable homes could be built in the city and we’d still be a small town.” He mentioned the new hotel (in the planning stages) and the Oilworker Monument were positive for Taft. He added the importance to ‘Shop Taft First’ and keep business owners local. He also would like to see some new restaurants suggesting “a nice steak house and a premium ice cream shop”.

Renee Hill was raised in Taft, but moved away when she was in the 6th grade. Gone for twenty years, she moved back

OT

Cookhouse & Saloon

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

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

August 16 - 22, 2013

two years ago. A decorator, she owns Old’s Cool Antiques and More with her husband and has served on the commission the last two months. As the only woman, she believes she gives a different perspective. “I have a maternal, nurturing feel for this town. I’m compelled to give and make it better.” While away, she lived in San Diego, giving her a different perception of the changes in Taft during her absence.

Hill’s passion is to see the downtown area saved and protected. “Everyone should want to go downtown. It should be a fabulous destination point. The heritage needs to be Taft Planning Commissioners (L-R) Vice Chairman Bob Leikam, Robert Thompson, Chairman Ron Orrin, Shawn Southerland and Rene Hill preserved.”

Along with discussing their visions for Taft, the new members Sharing their reasons for being a part of the planning commisshared important obstacles needing attention. Ron Orrin said, sion, each member’s passion was clear. Ron said, “We can have “We have limited land and need to get the downtown area reviall the attributes of a large city on a small scale – a Micropolis. talized and stabilized…and have our government be less restricPeople live here because they want to… I’m a stakeholder.” Bob tive.” Bob Leikam reaffirmed the need to keep local residents said he is “…proud to be a part of Taft. I want to do something to shopping in Taft and offering products and services no one else help out.” Renee summed it up by saying, “I’m donating my time does and to “do it better”. He added, “We must upgrade the Fox to the city to see what I can do to promote a better Taft for the Theater before the end of the year.” Renee Hill mentioned the children and grandchildren.” biggest obstacle is personal. “My lack of knowledge and the learnRon Orrin, Bob Leikam, and Renee Hill, three new members ing curve” drives her to learn everything quickly. She also feels of the planning commission sharing their passions and donating people need to keep in mind the “Big Picture” and not lose focus. their talents to the city they value. Together, they bring three new sets of ideas and energy to bring positive change to the community through good planning and beneficial growth.

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August 16 - 22, 2013

Income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals announced

The Kern County Superintendent of Schools office and all of Kern County’s 47 public school districts announce the policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program. Each school or district office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Effective July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014, participants from households with incomes at or below the following levels may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals or free milk.

Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown here are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Children who receive Food Stamp (CalFresh), California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments(KinGAP), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits or are in Foster Care are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing them of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for enrolled children. Applications are also available at the principal’s office in each school. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school for processing. Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used to determine meal eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or program officials.

Requirements for school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits are as follows: For households receiving Food Stamp (CalFresh), CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits – applications need only include the enrolled child(ren)’s name, Food Stamp (CalFresh), CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, and the signature of an adult household member. For households who do not list a Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, the application must include the names of all household members, the amount andsource of the income received by each household member, and the signature and corresponding last 4 digits of the Social Security number of the signing adult household member. If the household member who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must indicate on the application that a Social Security number is not available.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the determining official(s), as designated by the sponsor/agency, shall review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the eligibility ruling may discuss the decisionwith the determining official on an informal basis. Parents may also make a formal request for an appeal hearing of the decision and may do so orally or in writing with the sponsor/agency’s hearing official. Parents or guardians should contact their child(ren)’s school(s) for specific information regarding the name of the determining official and/or hearing official for a specific school, agency, or district.

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

Households that receive Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits may not have to complete an Application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals or Free Milk.

School officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR office that a child is a member of a household currently receiving Food Stamp or FDPIR benefits or an assistanceunit receiving CalWORKs or Kin-GAP benefits. School officials will notify households of their eligibility, but those who do not want their child(ren) to receive free meals must contact the school.

Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, and FDPIR households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the householdshould contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the levels shown above.

Obituary

DANA RUTH MILLER BOLDING 1923 – 2013 Long time Derby Acres resident Dana Ruth (Miller) Bolding passed away in her home on Tuesday, August 6, 2013.

She was born to Cynthia (Meek) and Raymond Miller on November, 4, 1923 in Stanberry, Missouri. She married Alvin Bolding in February of 1952. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Bolding in 1997; her mother, Cynthia (Meek) Smith in 1985; brother, John Raymond Miller in 2001; and father, Raymond Miller. Dana had many hobbies including watching and feeding hummingbirds, reading, crocheting, quilting, fishing and hunting. She also enjoyed playing bingo and bunco. She was a member of the Moose Lodge and Sportsmen’s Club. Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. A graveside funeral service will be held in the West Side District Cemetery on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

Dana is loved by many and will be deeply missed. To express online condolences or sign an online registry please visit www.EricksonAndBrown.com.

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8

Liberty Under Fire “I fear going to college because I don’t want to be indoctrinated”

By Dr. Harold Pease

I was not surprised last spring to hear a mother share with me her son’s fear that he did not wish to attended college because he did not wish to be politically indoctrinated. As the years go

by I hear this more frequently. Two months ago, while purchasing an automobile, I had an all-to-frequent experience when the dealer asked my profession. I told him that I was a college political science professor. His look was, “Oh! Your one of those.” So, the assumption is that professors, especially those in political science, are socialists or worse.

Those who know me as a syndicated columnist or in my lectures realize that I seldom use the words liberal or conservative. I want my students to think for themselves and labels largely end that process, so, I won’t use labels here either. The principle is the same for either ideology or political party. No one should be afraid to go to college because either ideology has effectively placed the other on the endangered species list. College is supposed to be a big tent housing all types of thinking so

TAFT INDEPENDENT

that the student can gravitate to that which he thinks best. The liberal or conservative paradigm suggests that there is only one or the other. Why can’t you be a part of both, or a third, as for example a constitutionalists as am I? Of course most colleges insist that they adhere to the idea of intellectual diversity, but the literature suggest otherwise, that too many colleges and universities are vastly weighted in favor of one ideology and professors to one political party. This is not hidden. Virtually every political science textbook acknowledges that the vast majority of political science professors are of one political party and ideology.

There exists a consensus of what a good education consists.

Students are immersed in race consciousness, feminism, multiculturalism, environmentalism, collectivism, political activism, class warfare, acceptance of sexual deviations as normal, and minimization of the importance of Christianity. The end product, the student, must come to accept the above script. It is also in virtually all textbooks. It’s not that any of these notions are bad in and of themselves but in the nearly universal absence of the opposing view that is most troubling the critics and they do not want the indoctrination. All this reminds me of a 1960’s tune. “Little boxes on the hillside. Little boxes made of tickytacky… And they all look just the same. And the people in the houses, all go to the university… And they all look just the same.”

It’s not fear of political science classes alone in most colleges and universities. Students can escape this indoctrination across the hall in a history or sociology class. Not so! Such bias

August 16 - 22, 2013

permeates most academic areas. An English professor from a large Midwestern university, who did not wish to be identified because of possible retribution, spoke of English classes giving less emphasis on grammar, punctuation, or sentence structure and more on the political correctness. “Everything from Theater to Philosophy to History to English has, in effect, become sociology,” he wrote. “Teaching subject matter has become less important than teaching a very political perspective.” In the end, “They get taught the same thing over and over: a radical critique of the entire American social structure, an indictment of capitalism, anti-Christian propaganda, and collectivism over individuality.”

An extreme example of this was Professor Deandre Poole of Florida Atlantic University who, in his Intercultural Communications class instructed students to write the name “Jesus” on a piece of paper, place it on the floor, than stomp on it. Imagine his having done this to Mohammed. Another is the French Language and Culture class at Penn State University that required students to view the Michael Moore film, Sicko which focused on the inadequacies of the U.S. healthcare system and promoted Obamacare. In a French language class!?!

Of course, additional classes reinforce the “good education” and the result is that if students have not learned to think for themselves, or have some opposing information from home or church to think with, they graduate and carry the message (indoctrination) into every segment of society as gospel. New teachers from kindergarten to the universities will pipe the same, or similar, message.

Age and experience may alter the indoctrination but the twig is already bent in a prescribed direction and the student, like the twig, will give first consideration to returning to the indoctrination when confronted with anything in opposition.

Colleges have so much power over “right” thinking.

The indoctrination begins, critics say, with “incoming freshmen in nearly 100 colleges with orientation where students begin by learning about the evils of ‘white privilege’ in a program called the ‘tunnel of oppression’ and sit through lectures informing them that they are part of a ‘rape culture’.” University of Delaware forced incoming freshmen to participate in a “treatment” program a part of which informed them that the word racism applies only to “all white people.” It also “blamed whites for having created the term racism” in the first place “to deny responsibility for systemic racism.” At Hamilton College in New York, fall 2010, male students were required “to attend a ‘She Fears You’ presentation to make them aware of the ‘rape culture’ of which they were allegedly a part and of the need to change their ‘rape supportive’ beliefs and attitudes” (New American, Aug. 5, 2013, pp. 23-27).

No wonder the young man did not wish to be subjected to what he saw as indoctrination. Because he knows that there exist other views there is hope for him, more especially if he selects professors who attempt to give alternative views of which there are still many, he will be fine. This is especially true at the community college level. It is the students who have no idea that there exists alternative views that are most endangered.

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.

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August 16 - 22, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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“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

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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.

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

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Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

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St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Clergy The Rev. Heather Mueller 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

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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

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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. in 5 annual steps.

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.

Applications, Job Descriptions and Salary Schedule are available at the TUHS Business Office, 1 Wildcat Way, between 7:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. M-F. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27th, 2013. Written test will be given to ALL applicants in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Thursday, August 29th, at 7:00 p.m.

Yard Sale. St. Mary’s Parish Hall. 110 Woodrow St. Sat. Aug 17. 6am - 11am.

HELP WANTED

Yard Sale. Sat. Aug. 17th.215 F Street. 7am - ? Furn., apliances, clothes & lots of misc. items.

Yard Sale. 301 1/2 Adam St. Cloths, Furn. 6am 522 Wilson. Sat. 7am12. boy and girl baby clothes, bassinet, vaccuum, tools, etc.

TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ONE (1) SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER EMPLOYEE TO SPECIFICALLY FILL NEEDS IN THE FOLLOWING AREA: VACANCY

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED VACANCY: Executive Assistant Taft Union High School is accepting applications for the position of Executive Assistant in the Superintendent’s Office. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, DOJ Clearance, Physical and Drug Screen. Vacancy is for a 12-Month position, 8 hours per day, salary $4,427 - $5,392

Substitute–School Bus Driver. The District needs are for a late (evening) school bus driver following athletic practices. Requires a current Class B Drivers License, a valid California school bus certificate with a passenger endorsement, and a medical certificate. Taft Union High School will train if necessary the potential employee to obtain a school bus license.

Pay Range on our Substitute Pay Scale is $17.68 p/hr., Substitute positions are paid hourly based on the substitute position being filled. NO hours are

guaranteed for our substitute positions. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, DOJ Clearance, Physical and Drug Screen.

Applications, and Job Description are available at the TUHS Business Office, 1 Wildcat Way, between 7:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

M-F. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27th, 2013. Written test will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Wednesday, August 28th, at 7:00 p.m.

SUBSTITUTE POSITIONS The substitute bus driver position at Taft Union High School does not guarantee any set hours or job duties. The substitute position does not provide District benefits.

This position is for the purpose of providing transportation to Taft Union High School students.

Attached is a job description that requires a substitute bus driver.

The request for a substitute is not limited to the jobs described.

The current pay for the Substitute Bus Driver Pay Schedule is $17.68 per hour.

If you are interested in working for the Taft Union High School District as a “Substitute

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The Affordable Care Act’s Youth Problem

By Janet Trautwein Young Americans may soon experience “sticker shock” when shopping for health insurance. A new survey of insurers estimates that premiums will almost triple for a hypothetical 27-year-old man next year, once all the federal health reform law’s rules take effect.

That could be problematic for its efforts to cover young people. More than a quarter of the 67 million Americans between the ages of 19 and 34 are uninsured. They may well stay that way if insurance becomes unaffordable.

That doesn’t have to be the case. Lawmakers can make health coverage more affordable by relaxing restrictions on what insurers can charge young adults -- thus allowing them to offer lower premiums.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) regulates the health insurance market in three main ways. First, all Americans -- with a few exceptions -- must secure health coverage.

Second, because everyone must carry coverage, the law requires insurers to sell policies to whomever wants to buy them.

They can’t deny coverage because of health status or history -- a reform called “guaranteed issue.”

Third, in an attempt to control the cost of coverage, the law prevents insurers from charging older individuals more than three times what they charge younger beneficiaries -- a rule called “community rating.”.

The community rating rules were created to ensure that insurance companies don’t exclude sick people or those with pre-existing conditions by only offering them policies with skyhigh premiums. They were also designed to ensure that coverage for older Americans not yet eligible for Medicare would be affordable.

The problem is a matter of facts. It costs six times as much to insure a 64-year-old as it does an 18-year-old. While we might like to think that we can cap a 64-year-old’s costs at three times the level of an 18-year-old’s, the math just doesn’t work. In the end, younger, healthier people will subsidize insurance for those who are older and sicker.

Even with federal subsidies, those higher premiums will be unaffordable for most young Americans, who are more likely to have lower incomes.

According to a five-city survey conducted by the American Action Forum, community rating will contribute to a 190-percent rate increase for younger, healthier people living in Milwaukee. Across all five cities, the average premium hike for young people will reach 169 percent.

To make matters worse, community rating-fueled premium hikes won’t just affect young people - by 2014, small businesses with up to 50 workers will face them, too. And by 2016, the

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hikes will hit all companies with less than 100 workers.

This will represent a dramatic rating shift for small employers in the 42 states where rates are based on a number of factors including broad age differentials.

In 49 states, employers with between 50 and 100 employees don’t have to shop in the small-group market but rather in a mid-market akin to the way larger groups purchase coverage.

That grants them greater choice of health plans and more rate flexibility.

Lumping all these firms together may seem like a good idea because it will increase the size of the health insurance pool.

But it will drive premiums up for everyone by moving more employers into the the mandatory modified community rating structure.

If premiums spiral upward, millions of young people will choose not to buy coverage -- whether on their own or through their employers -- and instead pay fines the law prescribes for being uninsured. If there aren’t enough young people paying into the insurance pool to subsidize coverage for older Americans, premiums will shoot up even further.

This process can repeat itself again and again, resulting in what actuaries call a “death spiral” of higher and higher premiums -- and lower and lower coverage rates.

For evidence, look to the eight states that adopted community rating and guaranteed issue rules in the 1990s. According to a study from Milliman, a consultancy, the insurance markets in all eight experienced death spirals to some degree. Two states ultimately abandoned their reforms.

Three others, however, took a different approach. They chose to relax their community rating rules. And their insurance markets have survived.

Federal lawmakers should learn from these state experiments and relax PPACA’s community-rating requirements, too.

Lawmakers must do everything they can to ensure that the “Affordable Care Act” actually makes insurance more affordable.

Revising the community-rating rules is an effective way to do so.

Janet Trautwein is CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

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Taft College Foundation Fourth Annual Rib-Eye Cookout On Thursday, October 17, 2013, the Taft College Foundation will host its Fourth Annual Alumni and Friends,Cougar Rib-Eye Cookout, on the Taft College Campus, in the Quad area. From 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. there will be a Social Hour, with dinner service beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. and continuing until 8:00 p.m.

The evening will include formal presentation of colors & flag salute, live music by the band “Blackboard Playboys,” from Trout’s of Bakersfield, a couple of surprises, a raffle for all ticket holders to win a $300 gift card from Chevron Valley Credit Union, and of course fabulous rib-eye steaks, prepared by our able caterer, Orchel Krier of the Tumbleweed Café & Bar. The dinner menu includes steaks, salad, beans, bread, and ice cream for dessert. Beverages will be available for sale, including beer & wine, as well as sodas. Water will be complimentary.

As with last year, a special feature of the evening will be a salute to our local veterans, who will be our special guests for the evening. There will be 150 tickets available to veterans and their spouses on a first come first serve basis. And on a very special note Taft College School of Dental Hygiene will celebrate their 20 anniversary. We expect many Dental Hygiene alum to be attending this year!

Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students/ children, and may be obtained by calling 661.763.7700. In addition, you may purchase tickets at the Taft College Student Services Cashier, Administration Office, 29 Emmons Park Drive, Taft, CA. The public is cordially invited to attend! Sponsored by the Cougar Alumni who own and operate TRC For more information, please call Sheri Horn-Bunk, Director Foundation & Development, at 661.763.7936 or shorn-bunk@taftcollege.edu.

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

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

Black Gold

Qik Smog & Tune

Cafe and Deli

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

We Have New FHS Mountain & Road Bikes!

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

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

August 16 - 22, 2013

745-4919

608 Center St.

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

icken Soup ce

ood

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 So Good For Them!

Shaw’s carries a great selection of top brand dog foods that are made with real ingredients that deliver health benefits fro your pet.

Diamond Chicken Soup Superior Nutrition at an Excellent price

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Taste of Wild Grain-Free Natural Premium Holistic

Chicken Soup Made from finest Meats at an Excellent Price

Science Diet Veterinarian’s Choide Healthy Don and Cat Food

All varieties and sizes of dog food are available on our website @ Shawswesternshop.com www.shawswesternshop.com

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

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

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe Reservations Recommended for Dinner

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

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR