Cruising Center STreet in Taft Again

Independent The Taft

August 3 - 9, 2012

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

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August 3 - 9, 2012 • Volume 7 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”

Let’s Play: Stephanie House’s Westside Recreation Report

From The Mayor: Randy Talks About Olympics and Trash Scavingers

Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards 610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Now Available HTC EVO Design 4G

Coming Soon!

Internet Corner.

Crusin’ Comes Back to Center Street Tonight!

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

Electronics • Prepaid Phones • Service • Accessories

By June Woods

WE SHIP!

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Shop Taft

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6556

Passion For Nails Nail Services:

Gel Polish • Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

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

Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

SALE Begins This Friday

New Stock of Sacred Threads!

Tops f 30% Of Lic # B-721903

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

Skirts and Tops LA Id ol J $14.99 $44 eans ’s y rk o C

Jewelry

Infant Wear 20% Off!

$25.00

Coming Soon!

Internet Corner.

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

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

Summer Essentials In Stock

Yankee Candles Shoes & Sandals Sunglasses & More!

FREE

Host a party 415 Center Street Visit us on Facebook sales@bluejeansandbling.com

763-9100

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

NOW OPEN L CKYLAND Internet Sweepstakes Cafe 522 Center Street 661-745-4980 18 And Over

Ten Percent Firearms

Now located at 210 6th Street

Tire Rotation & Brake Check Plus We will check all fluids & tire pressure

Monday - Friday 11am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm

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

WE HAVE MOVED!

Hats, Jewelry, Purses & More

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

Leanin Tree Watch Batteries Greeting Cards CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 2 426 for $1.00

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Blue Jeans & Bling Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

J e w e l r y

Glit z

Brand Clothing Shoes • Jewelry A Hint of Class Name Accessories & More Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards 610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Now Available HTC EVO Design 4G

F i n e

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Like Us on Facebook

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

acme jewelry co.

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

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

August 3 - 9 2012

*Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

39

Plus Tax

$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Exp. August 31, 2012

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

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

(661)763-4176

Electronics • Prepaid Phones Service • Accessories

WE SHIP!

August 3 - 9, 2012

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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Community Events News Briefs Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument” Have a community event that you would like to include?

Email it to us at Publisher@Taftindependent.com

August 11th - Westside Community Resource Center Backpack Drive August 9 - Farmer’s Market on Center Street

Westside News.................5 Westside Rec. Report.....6

August 20th - School starts August 16 - Farmer’s Market on Center Street August 23 - Farmer’s Market on Center Street

Westside News.................7 Westside News.................8 Classified Ads.................10

August 30th - Taft College 90th Birthday Party 12pm-2pm August 30 - Farmer’s Market on Center Street August 31st - September 3rd, Taft Bike Fest September 27th - Last Farmers Market

Liberty Under Fire.......11

September 29th - Taft College/ TIL Casino Night

The Taft Independent

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Organizing Now

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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 taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Advertising Contributing Writers June Woods, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease Subscriptions\Delivery Tim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

Walk to End Alzheimer’s™ is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, including here in Kern County, our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

We are recruiting Volunteers for the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. YOU can make a difference. Become a Team Captain. Help us make telephone calls, distribute posters, help us in the office, or volunteer to help out on Walk day. There is always more work to do than hands to do it.

Please contact Lauren Franconi, Lynn McGinn, or Carol Hatton at walk@ continuumseniorcare.com or by calling 661-861-8629 to see how you can help.

The end of Alzheimer’s begins with YOU.

Assemblywoman Grove Field Rep. in Taft August 8th

A Field Representative for Assemblywoman Shannon Grove will hold office hours in Taft on Wednesday, August 8 at the Taft Chamber of Commerce located at 400 Kern Street from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For more information contact Javier Reyes Jr., Field Representative for Assemblywoman Shannon Grove at (661) 395-2995.

Assemblywoman Grove’s Website: http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/32/

The Second Annual Community Pinewood Derby August 19 There is still time to sign up for the Second Annual Community Pinewood Derby. This year’s derby will be held on Sunday, August 19. A great time was had by all participants at last year’s derby and this year it’s moving inside to beat the heat, Imagination Laboratories, Inc. has partnered with WSRPD and True Value to bring you this year’s event. Boy Scout troop 600 and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints have once again generously donated the use of their track. This year’s derby will be held at the WSRPD Community Center Auditorium. There are still some car kits are available to purchase at the WSRPD main office and at True Value home center. Registration is only $6 for a car kit and event entry. Those with their own cars will be able to register the day of the event for $4. Registration and weigh-ins are from 12:00-1:30pm and racing begins at 2:00pm. For more information you can call WSRPD at 763-4246 or email ILinc at ggolling@gmail.com.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Candidate Filing Open for November Taft City Council, Water Board, Local School Board Elections Are you mad as hell and not going to take it anymore? Or do you think you can make a real difference in Taft?

Filing opens Monday, July 16th for several local elected offices including Taft City Council, the West Kern Water District, Taft College and local school boards.

The filing period goes from Monday the 16th and closes on August 10th.

Taft City Councilmen Dave Noerr and Orchel Krier are up for re-election, as well as Billy White and Cal Vaughn at Taft College, and David Wells and Charlie Comfort at the West Kern Water District.

For more information on how to file for office and to pick up nomination papers, contact the Taft City Clerk at 763-1222 or Kern County Elections at 868-3590.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday August 7, 2012 – 7:00 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.

Maricopa VFW Post 11012 Monthly Fund Raising Dinner Saturday, August 4th 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hot Dog or Hamburger Chips and Soda $5.00

600 Hazelton St. - Maricopa Please Come Out and Support The Veterans

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. Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Wed. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

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

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 03, 2012 through Thursday, August 09, 2012 Total Recall (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (5:00), 7:30, 10:00 Sat: (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30, 10:00 Sun: (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30 Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:30 The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13) No Passes Allowed Fri: (4:30), 7:45 Sat: (12:30), (3:45), 7:00, 10:10 Sun: (12:30), (3:45), 7:00 Mon - Thu: (4:30), 7:45 Ice Age: Continental Drift (PG) Fri: (5:15), 7:15, 9:15 Sat: (12:00), (2:00), (4:00), 6:00, 8:00 Sun: (12:00), (2:00), (4:00), 6:00 Mon - Thu: (5:15), 7:15

Taft Petroleum Club 450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 3:30pm to Close

Friday Night Ribeye Steak or Chicken Dinner from 6pm - 8pm

CLOSED JULY 4th Industry Night

July Industry Night will be Wednesday, July 11th due to July 4th being a holiday.

Industry Night for July is sponsored by LDL Services The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversaries Hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

From The Mayor Hi Everyone, The Olympics are finally here and the Americans are doing really well so far. It is truly amazing to watch these gifted athletics compete on the world stage.

What is interesting is the background stories where we get to learn about the trials and tribulations, the sacrifices and struggles that they have to endure to make it all the way to the Olympics.

Just when we get down on the younger generation, sorry but I find myself judging them a bit too harshly sometimes, these young athletics come out seemingly from nowhere to show us all what they are really about. I just can’t imagine the amount of time that they spend in the pool day after day swimming laps or tumbling on mats over and over again. The injuries that they endure in the pool or on the gym floor doesn’t detour them. It takes that dream that I can do it and to persevere. Most will tell you that they found a hero early on that inspired them. I remember when my daughter was in eighth grade and was watching some kids running by and she thought that looked like fun. She went on to join the running club and would come home to tell us they went out and ran 9 miles in the hills for fun. She went on to high school and ran four years as a varsity cross-country runner qualifying every year to attend the state meet. You know looking at me that I wasn’t her inspiration for running, it all came within her. One of the parents of one of the “Fab 5” women’s gymnastics team was interviewed and he told the audience “it has to be their dream, not yours“. A parent’s role is to help them find the opportunity to fulfill their dreams, whatever it may be. We wish them well as they represent all of us. GO USA !!!

Looks like the scroungers are back diving into our trash containers. The other day I was driving down our alley realizing all the lids were up. As I came upon the last one, here was a guy on a bike leaning in rustling around in the contents. I pulled up and told him I was calling the police. I understood his need but I told him that what he was doing was illegal and that what really got to me is that he didn’t even have the courtesy to close the lids after he was done. As he looked back up the alley, he could see all the lids were up; he then apologized and scurried off. I thought maybe I was going to get a lot of gruff, he didn’t, I’m thankful for that. We do have ordinances against dumpster diving, but they are hard to catch. They aren’t simply looking for bottles and cans, but they look for prescriptions bottles, offers from credit card companies, or anything with a person’s name or identifying information on it.

While they may not use the information themselves, they’ll sell the info to someone with a computer that can compromise you.

Just this week someone threw out all my palm tree trimmings to get to a couple of trash sacks that were on the bottom. Nice mess I had to clean up. I thought the trash truck driver missed his truck when it dawned on me it was a dumpster diver. Just to let everyone know, my trash doesn’t have any compromising info in it, nor do I have any recyclables; we save our recycling and we have a shredder.

In addition, when we throw out our prescription bottles, we scrape

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

August 3 - 9 2012

our names and identifying info off them. Be aware of what you throw in your trash, and if you see these jokers rummaging around in your trash container call the PD. It isn’t their right to get into your trash, just because it is there.

We were fortunate to be able to take a cruise to Alaska a couple of weeks ago. It was a great trip, a little boat rocking to start with, but the seas calmed down and the weather held. We took the Inland Passage route from Seattle to Juneau, to Skagway, back to Tracy Arm to see a glacier, then to Ketchican, to Victoria, BC and back to Seattle. We saw a couple of whales spouting off, some bald eagles and some salmon waiting for high tide to start the trek upstream from the sea. No bears. Wherever we stopped, we had three other ships tied up near us. The countryside was beautiful, lots of tall mountains with majestic waterfalls coming down their sides, snow on the tops, and lots of greenery. There are no draught conditions for them, as they get upwards of 150” of rain a year. While in the various ports, we did get sick of seeing so many jewelry stores.

We enjoyed going into the local stores for a bit of shopping and to a few pubs to quench our thirst and to get some good seafood. All in all, we had a good time along with my brother and his wife, and Seattle was a great city to walk around and visit with lots to do.

However, it was nice to get back to “that dusty little town, nestled in the foothills of the San Joaquin Valley” once again. We are up for it again.

If we could just figure out how to get just one of those cruise ships up Sandy Creek and dock them at Sixth Street, it sure would be a boon to our economy. In the meantime, the City and the Chamber are working diligently to recruit developers, businesses, industry, and others who would want to set up in Taft because we are a destination City with a clear vision for the future. You may get tired of hearing this from me but I don’t get tired of saying it, we are “Energized for the future because we offer you a place to come to live, play, learn, and earn in the safest City in Kern County”.

See you around town, Randy Miller Mayor, City of Taft

Thank You From Erica Pommerville Family and Friends Thank you to all the amazing people of the Taft community. We the family and friends of Erica Pommerville want to thank each and everyone of you for your time, effort, donations and prayers.

Everyone of you went far and beyond anything we could have imagined. Erica is now in re-hab for a couple of months and is improving daily.

Sincerely and forever grateful!

From all Erica’s family and friends

CYCLE KATZ INC. HAS MOVED TO 320 HARRISON ST. 745-4931

PARTS • SALES • SERVICE Locally owned and operated We work on all makes and models Larger showroom and larger mechanic Area Now offering a customer lounge with coffee and donuts Come check out our new location!!!

WWW.CYCLEKATZ.COM cyclekatz@att.net 320 Harrison st. (661) 745- 4931

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Open 7 Days

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

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

August 3 - 9, 2012

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

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

Community Center Auditorium 500 Cascade Place, Taft $5 per person (facility fee) With cooperation from the Taft Sportsmen’s Club and volunteer instructors Larry Heptinstall and Kenny Beard, materials and instruction for obtaining a California Hunting license are available approximately every three months (February, May, August and October).

Registration begins the first night of class and a minimum of 10 paid students is required or the class will be postponed until October 1-3.

ICE CREAM & MOVIE SOCIAL Monday, August 6 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades K-8 $3 per person Escape from your couch and bring a friend to eat ice cream and watch the movie “Inspector Gadget.” There will be ice cream and a variety of toppings available for you to make the perfect sundae.

BOARD GAMES & PIZZA Wednesday, August 8 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room 500 Cascade Place, Taft Grades K-8 $3 per person Join us for a few hours of nothing but fun and games! We will play plenty of board games like chess, checkers, Candy Land, Aggravation, Trouble, Yahtzee, Scrabble and more! We will also have pizza and drinks for lunch!

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

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

Sessions: September 10 – October 15 and October 22 – November 26 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional sibling) Instructor: Suzanne Hale

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

DANCE CLASSES Who: Ages 3 and up When: Mondays or Wednesdays Season: classes begin the week of September 10 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Vicky Waugh Participants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes take place one day per week either on Monday or Wednesday. A full class listing is available in the District Office or on our website. Class enrollment is limited.

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

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

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

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

Where: Community Center Auditorium Term 1: July 2 – August 29 Fee: $100 per person (20% discount for additional siblings) Coaches: Nicole Cleveland and Heather Foss Would you like to be a part of the Fire & Ice Elite Competition Cheerleading Squad?

This competition program will operate year-round. There are no try-outs; all children registered will participate. Squad(s) will compete according to skill level. Cheerleaders must be enrolled prior to the start of Term 2 (September 3) to be a part of the squad. It is recommended that cheerleaders start with Term 1 to maximize their learning, training and fundraising opportunities. Cheerleaders enrolled in Term 1 will receive a $50 credit toward the purchase of their uniform. For a packet with complete program, give us a call or email a request to steph@wsrpd.com.

TENNIS CLASSES Who: Ages 9-14 When: Monday and Wednesday, beginning September 5 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.

Classes will operate on a monthly basis.

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.

RECREATION CENTER: 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.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

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

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

EAGLE MTN CASINO BUS TRIP Monday, September 3, 2012 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

August 3 - 9 2012

Appointed City Clerk Position on Ballot, Taft Voters to Decide

By June Woods

Cruisin’ Center Again

By June Woods, Artwork by Maggie Blackwell Taftians who remember the days when they met all their friends after school cruising Center Street can enjoy a nostalgic step back in time Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.

The Taft Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first ever Cruisin’ Center Again and inviting the public to hop in their favorite ride for Cruise Night. Fifth Street will be the hub of activity for the event, planned for the first Friday of every month.

Car clubs and car enthusiasts can park to show off their rides or get a look at some of the other cars or motorcycles.

“Everyone I’ve talked to is excited about the event,” said Taft Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dr. Kathy Orrin. She said the chamber has talked to three groups so far that plan to be there.

“Our plan is to add a new element to the event each month,” Orrin said. “We’ve got a ton of ideas about what we want to do, but it’s going to take time.”

Orrin said that they will have a better idea about how smoothly the monthly event will go after this Friday. “We kind of have to see it in action,” she said. “After all, we’re bringing something back that just happened (spontaneously).”

People who were raised in Taft in the 50s, 60s and 70s remember the ritual of meeting on Center to cruise up and down the street until curfew. “Apparently in the 80s people were dead set against it,” Orrin said. The gas shortage in the 70s also put a damper on this Taft tradi tion. “I’m told there was a law in the 70s that said you couldn’t waste fuel.”

Another reason the activity was stopped is that the “cruisers” were impeding traffic and keeping people from visiting businesses, which caused business owners to complain to authorities. “They (city officials) found an ordinance against impeding traffic and just started using that to stop kids from cruising Center,” Orrin said. She added that she was recently told by the police chief that there actually was no law against cruising Center.

“We’re looking at how to do this without negatively impacting business,” she said, but a lot of business owners see the Friday event as a way to increase revenue. “The restaurants on Center Street are open (at this time of evening) but some of the other businesses are planning to stay open longer, too.”

Although this first Cruisin’ Center Again event will be mostly about the cars, the chamber hopes that later events will include live bands and vendors selling food and other products. “We’d like to eventually have vendors offering tri-tip sandwiches, ribs and things like that.”

Some of the plans the Chamber of Commerce is mulling over require looking into ordinances and permitting needs.

“We would like to find a way to stop cars for onsite (video) interviews about their cars,” Orrin said. “But, we have some things to figure out to make it all happen.”

Folks who would rather look at cars than cruise Center Street can meet at the 5th Street Plaza for the trial run of Cruisin’ Center Again.

There are several restaurants and businesses within walking distances.

Taft City Clerk Louis Hudgens spoke at the Chamber of Commerce Sit & Sip Wednesday about a ballot measure to change the position of city clerk to an appointed position as opposed to an elected position.

“The city council agreed that it would like to have more control over who might be placed in the position,” Hudgens said. State laws only require the city clerk candidate to be 18 years old, a registered voter and resident of the city, and to have never been convicted of crimes such as embezzlement or bribery.

“A lot of general law cities are moving from it being an elected position to an appointed position,” Hudgens said. Voters have the freedom to choose whether their city clerks will be appointed or elected. Taft City Council adopted the resolution in June to have the measure come before voters. Most of California’s 472 cities have already passed measures to make the city clerk position an appointed one. Fewer than 30 cities still have elected city clerks.

The responsibilities of a city clerk differ from city to city, but the position in Taft carries with it a lot of responsibility and a determination by whoever is in the position to meet training challenges.

“Someone unqualified may run for the position and win because they are popular,” Hudgens said, “but they may not really be interested in going through all the training.” She said that clerks usually do not come to the position with all the training they need, and that the council understands that it may take two or three years for a person to become qualified, but it does take work.

Hudgens was elected to the position in 2004, she said, but her predecessor held the position five terms (20 years). “This change (from elected to appointed) has been discussed for three or four years, but the last city manager really pushed for it,” she said.

A city runs more smoothly when the city clerk has a knowledge policies, procedures and ordinances related to city business. That knowledge is partly represented by the number of training points acquired.

“It takes time to build points,” Hudgens said. A clerk gets points for going to conferences, workshops and seminars and going through the training. Hudgens said that for each training session, a clerk may get from one-half point to seven or eight points. She currently has 80 to 100 points and has received her Certified Municipal Clerk, which a clerk cannot be given until he or she has been a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IMC) for two years.

The position of city clerk is also one of accountability. “There is a lot of clerical work related to keeping track of all the records,” Hudgens said, “but there’s also a lot reporting to state and federal agencies, and working with all the departments to make sure they’re following the law.”

She said that though clerks are familiar with municipal laws, ordinances and government codes such as the Brown Act (which she studied at one of her weeklong workshops), most of them are not devoted to memory. “We deal with a lot of government codes,” she said, “and we need to know how to go about finding them.”

Taft voters will decide in the general election on Nov. 6 whether the position of city clerk will be elected or appointed.

Seniors! It’s Portrait Time!

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August 3 - 9, 2012

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

PG&E Business Time-Varying Pricing Starts This November

Local businesses served by PG&E will be going to Time-Varying Pricing rates in November to increase power reliability. The energy company’s representatives Christine Forster, Rick Riddick and Enjoli Black visited with business owners at Taft Chamber of Commerce’s Sit & Sip Wednesday to explain how the plan will impact them. Mike Martin of Staple & Associates, which partners with PG&E, explained his company’s retrofit program and how it will help businesses save even more on their electric bill.

“We’re finding that 70 percent of our customers are going to benefit under the new plan,” Riddick said of the changes that are part of California Public Utilities Commission’s larger energy plan. There are also rebates and incentives to help customers save more on their energy use.

Time-Varying Pricing, which replaces the flat rates businesses now use, has two options to choose from: Peak Day Pricing and Time of Use Pricing.

Peak Day Pricing is a May through October addition to TimeVarying Pricing. “Peak Day Pricing is an optional plan that can really save customers money,” Forster said. “It is very successful in the agriculture industry.”

Peak Day Pricing customers participate in nine to 15 Peak-Day Pricing Event Days. Customers taking part in the program receive summer credits for conserving electricity during peak hours, but there is a surcharge on energy used if conservation does not take place. Those able to save energy during high-demand hours (from 2 to 6 p.m.) can save money on their overall bills.

The Time of Use option also takes peak use into consideration.

It has higher rates during peak-use hours, but lower rates in the mornings, evenings and other times when energy use is lower.

For businesses that have been practicing energy conservation by refraining from using a lot of energy from noon to six, the new plan rewards their efforts. For consumers who have ignored peak-use suggestions promulgated by the energy company, the added cost may be just the incentive needed to bring them around.

Businesses wanting to learn how they can save more on their energy bills can start with a free energy assessment offered by Staples & Associates. Martin explained the retrofit packages offered by his company. The Platinum Retrofit package includes 12 energy-saving modifications for businesses and comes with a $150 participation fee. Modifications include things like compact fluorescent lamps, LED exit signs and open signs, wall box occupancy sensors, ceiling mount hardware fixtures, linear de-lamping (to reduce lighting during peak hours), vending misers and HVAC system tune-ups.

The Silver Tune-up package has a $50 participation fee and includes the compact fluorescent lamps, reflector compact fluorescent lamps, LED exit signs and vending misers. A Diamond

Extra Measures offer provides individual modifications and may be added to either package.

“Staples has retrofitted 28 businesses in Taft since 2010 and saved them 640,000 kilowatt hours,” Martin said.

The current program will be replaced with another in 2013 because of changing laws and new technology. One of the changes in the Platinum program will be the elimination of the T12 to 28 watt T8 4-foot linear fluorescent retrofit.

The Staples program is especially beneficial for businesses already planning upgrades for changing energy requirements. Black recalled a business in Bakersfield that had developed a renovation plan.

“The project was going to cost them $30,000,” Black said, “but they were able to accomplish the same retrofit with Staples for just $3,500.”

Commercial buildings, especially larger ones, have the greatest potential for saving money on their energy bills, according to Staples. The energy specialists that visit the business for an assessment look for ways to provide the greatest savings at the lowest cost to the energy consumer. The six areas of focus are energy conservation opportunities, energy efficiency opportunities, timeof-use management, demand response coordination with utilities, self-generation and retro-commissioning.

Businesses can arrange for an energy assessment with Staples & Associates by calling 888-324-0930, or get more information by visiting StaplesEnergy.com.

Advertise in the Taft Independent Independent Call Today!

765-6550

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only

Dog Owners Beware: No “One Free Bite” Rule In California Warmer temperatures and longer days mean taking longer walks with Spot. You may trust your dog would never bite someone but are you one hundred percent sure? For dog owners, a dog bite can mean major consequences. When a person is bitten by a dog in California, the dog owner is liable for damages even for first time bites.

“Dog owners need to be acutely aware of the laws relating to their pets and take action to prevent their dogs from inflicting life-long scars and emotional trauma,” said Saar Swartzon, partner at Cohn & Swartzon. “After working with families traumatized from serious dog bites, it is my sincere hope that dog owners will become more diligent in safely managing their pets.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, dogs bite approximately 4.5 million people each year in the United States.

Those who are at the greatest risk include children from ages five to nine, adult males and individuals with dogs in their homes. In 2006, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of dog bites. These disfiguring injuries can cause posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) along with embarrassment and humiliation.

As attorneys who have too often seen first-hand the long-term anguish of dog bite victims, Jason Cohn and Saar Swartzon of Cohn & Swartzon consumers to fully understand the state and municipal laws pertaining to dog bites. · Become familiar with the no “one free bite” rule in California - California Civil Code states “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.” The law in California makes an owner strictly liable for any dog that causes injury. This liability extends to other dogs that are attacked as well. · Review homeowner or renters insurance policies to make sure proper insurance coverage is included - This protects in most cases the dog owner from having to pay damages related to dog injury claims. Make sure the insurance policy does not exclude your particular breed of dog. Owners should have enough insurance coverage to protect their assets. · Understand the risks of not having proper insurance coverage - Homeowners who do not have the proper insurance coverage in their home insurance policy are personally liable even if the attacking dog belongs to a renter. Most dog maulings involve rips and tears of flesh and victims are generally awarded high damages as juries can relate to these injuries. According to Professional Insurance Agents, dog bite claims exceeded $400 million across the nation in 2010 and cost on average $26,000 per claim. Dog owners without proper insurance coverage can lose their homes, assets and income as a result of a single dog bite. · Owners are still liable in dog parks – The location of the dog mauling does not matter. California’s strict liability statute applies even to public places such as parks and beaches: California Civil Code states, “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place.”

About Cohn & Swartzon, P.C., is a progressive law firm committed to vigorously representing the legal rights of its clients in the areas of catastrophic personal injury, automobile accidents, wrongful death, slip/trip and falls, defective products and dog maulings. Jason D. Cohn and Saar Swartzon, both graduates of the University of Southern California, provide more than 25 years of combined litigation experience to their clients. For more information, please call (888) 444-1955 or visit www.oc-personalinjurylawyer.com.

HAYDENS HOPE

Used Book Store in Taft

THRIFT STORE

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

Shop Our Huge Selection of Half Priced Books!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

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

Sunday

Back to school sale. Bring in new or gently used school items and receive buy one get one 1/2 off all clothing.

We Take Donations!

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

God Bless!

428 Center Street • TAFT

745-4963

8

Opinion

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Movie Review

August 3 - 9 2012

Clean Safe Water is the True Staff of Life

The Dark Knight Rises

By Janice Nath

By Jane McCabe

Push aside bread, water is the true “staff of life.” Water, which carries oxygen to our body’s cells, makes up more than half of our body weight and we can’t live for more than a few days without it. While our bodies don’t get water just from drinking water alone as any fluids we drink contain water as well as certain foods (think juicy peaches or ripe tomatoes), consuming pure, fresh, clean water is vital for our good health. How can we ensure that our drinking water is safe?

In America, we have scientists and government regulators committed to detecting, observing and regulating potential contaminants in our water. However, the toll of time can result in a system that may wear out as well as inadvertent mistakes that can happen. When the system breaks down, we run the risk of toxic chemicals that can find their way into the ground’s surface and into our tap water. To ensure our best health, we do need to find out if there are any contaminates in our water and what their concentration levels are and if they are contaminants that potentially pose health risks. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, http://water.epa. gov/drink/index.cfm, is a great resource to learn more about the safety of the ground water and drinking water in your region.

Central North Pacific Ocean’s Pacific Trash Vortex, also known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, hosts plastics, sludge and other debris trapped by currents. The vulnerability of the world’s water to contamination and pollution is part of our 21s t century reality and we must all play the first line of defense in ensuring our water is clean and contaminant free. As a working mother and a concerned San Diego citizen, here are my tips on health and drinking water safety: Avoid Plastic Water Bottles - Besides taking a toll on the environment by adding to our landfills, the plastic from plastic water bottles, particularly when warmed up, can leak into our drinking water. A study published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” by Dr. X.L. Cao noted “significant migration of BPA, or bisphenol-A, especially in hot conditions.”

Ditch the Office Water Cooler – In addition to the physical strength needed to hoist up a new water cooler bottle into the tank, there is also a major health hazard for offices that fail to regularly clean and disinfect the tank. A Tufts University research study on water coolers found that, “organisms from each new bottle of water adhere to a cooler’s reservoir--the ‘well’ in which the bottle sits – and also to its hot and cold water spigots, accumulating over time and thereby boosting the bacterial count of any water that passes through on the way to a cup or glass.”

Investigate Faucet Filters – If the tap water doesn’t taste appealing and there are concerns about heavy metals, chlorine or other contaminants in the water supply, water filters used in a pitcher or attached to the faucet can be a viable option. Not every filter type eliminates every type of contaminant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that community water systems provide customers with an annual water quality report. These Consumer Confidence Reports provide information about the quality of the drinking water supply. Once your review this report, you can assess what contaminants may be in play and which filter works best to address it.

The City of San Diego issues a Drinking Water Quality Report every year on July 1st. This report, which generally arrives with your water invoice, includes important information about the water we drink. For San Diego and other cities nationwide, you can also request a copy of your area water quality report from your water company or visit the Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov. Invest in a testing kit and test your water both at home and in the office.

These samples can be submitted to laboratories for analysis. The safety of our drinking water should never be taken for granted and we should do everything we can to ensure our liquid “staff of life” is clean and fresh from bio-contaminants.

Janice Nath is an Ambience Architect for Ambius, www.ambius.com.com/janice the global leader of enriching the workplace, and is based in San Diego, California. In addition to plantscaping and design services, she services many San Diego clients with Ambius Hydrofresh which provides clean, fresh water to businesses.

In the wake of the Colorado massacre at a midnight opening of The Dark Knight Rises I thought there might be some connection in the gunman’s mind, which led him to choose that particular time and place for his heinous crime, and so I went to see The Dark Knight Rises looking for clues.

I found few, and those suggested were so slight as to be unintelligible. The Dark Knight Rises may be the summer’s biggest blockbuster. As such, it’s surrounded by a lot of hype. It’s amazing how the American public dutifully lines up to see these movies with an almost religious fervor.

The symbolic connection in the psychotic man’s mind may have been that he saw himself as a “dark knight” rising.

Despite the theatrics of the movie and they were many I found it oddly bland and was relatively unmoved by it. The thing I like best about it was its magnificent photography—scene after scene, even when showing destruction, were feasts for the eyes.

It followed the usual Batman script, opening with Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) in retirement, living in his castle-like home with his devoted butler Alfred (Michael Caine), who exhorts him to rise again to counteract the mayhem being visited on his beloved Gotham City—this time by the sinister forces of Bane (Tom Hardy,) a powerfully-built man with a mask across his face that resembles a black crab or a tarantula. Bane wants to see Gotham City incinerated There are two strong female roles—Ann Hathaway plays a jewel thief who dresses as Cat woman. She is one of the film’s most likeable characters, what with her height, amazingly small waist, and huge eyes. Marion Cotillard, a French actress who was stunning as Edith Piaf in La vie en rose, plays Miranda Tate, a businesswomen in league with Bane.

The movie grinds on—murky, interminable, confusing, and inaudible. I could understand neither what Batman said in his bronchial murmur nor what Bane said, his voice being blocked by the mask over his face. (It’s not unusual for modern movies to be murky and inaudible—it’s as if directors think this adds to their verisimilitude if the actors mumble their lines, and scenes are shot with so little light as to make them indistinguishable. Watch a movie made before 1980 to see the difference.)

So powerful is Bane that Batman is overcome by him and thrown into a pit, from which few have escaped. Most of the Gotham City police force is trapped in the sewage system underground. An atom bomb is set to explode at a given time and it will destroy Gotham City…

It takes Batman three tries before he finally succeeds in climbing from the pit. Then he again encounters Bane. He has clearly met his match, and we’re not at sure he has the strength to overcome him. Fireworks are exploding everywhere. The tank, which contains the bomb, crashes, and Batman, after beating back Bane, drags the bomb in his Bat mobile far out to sea where it explodes, and thus he saves Gotham City. All of this takes over two hours of viewing time.

Now it would seem Batman’s self-sacrificing deed has taken his life! We see Alfred at his grave crying because he doubted him. Mr. Wayne’s estate is divided—Alfred gets the house. Another property is given to Gotham City to be an orphanage. Alfred goes to a restaurant; as he places his order, whom does he see? Why it’s no other than…

You’ll just have to go and see for yourself.

Too long and confusing, the movie is nevertheless sufficiently entertaining.

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

Diagnostic Specialists

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Service & Repairs • Smog Repairs Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front End $15.00 OFF with mention of this

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli The Only Mortuary On The West Side Where All Arrangements And Funerals Are Personally Directed By

Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

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

FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS

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

Check Out Our Website Maricopaquiltcompany.com And Facebook Page

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

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

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

Mass Schedule

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

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

Community Christian Fellowship

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

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and Mary A. McWhorter

New Hope Temple “Connecting Lives” 308 Harrison Street 765-4572 Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service 6 p.m Bible Classes All Ages Wednesday 7 p.m.

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Services 10am 1000 6th St. Weekly Classes Mon - Thurs Please call 765-7472 for info For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley

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

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

www.nlctaft.org or nlctaft@bak.rr.com

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

Advertise With The Taft

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Gateway Temple

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

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays

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

All your detailing needs!

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Independent

Call Today!

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Classified Adsare are$3.00 $2.00per perissue line. for Phone, fax, maillines, or drop off Classified Ads up to three $5 per issue ad for to upthe to Taft 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard your Independent.

Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft your Independent.

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

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

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, lines $2 each. or $10 with a photo.

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

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon) Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550

For Rent

426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550 Paul Joyce 805-218-1686 Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

Preserving for the Future

August 3 - 9 2012

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

Get It Rented!

Fax:765-6556 765-6556 Fax: E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

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

Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268

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

Wednesday.

136 Lexington. Sat. 7am to ? Moving Sale. Cars, tools, House Appl. Furn. etc.

3 family yard sale Sat and Sun 4th and 5th 609 North. Lots of good misl, THINGS, OLD PAINTINGS, COLLECTABLES, LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING 142 Kern St. Make offer on everything that is left. Sat. 519 Buchannon. You name it, we got it. Sat. 8am.

Yard Sale. 507 McKinley. Sat. 7:30am 214 B Street Taft Large Moving Sale! 8:00 a.m.

NO EARLY BIRDS! Lots of girl clothes, shoes, toys backpacks, sofa, love seat and lots of household misc. stuff.

Must Come See!

ANNOUNCEMENTS Toastmasters forming in Taft. Speak with confidence. Men and women. 747-9345. 8-10 Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-3790848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

745-4072. 7-27.

Business Services

Real Estate

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

SERVICES OFFERED Computer Repair. Daniel Loza. 661-293-0961.

Hablo espanol. 6-24.

PC Repair. Fix your computer or make it run like new. $50 overnight no charge if I can not fix it. (661) 623-2150. 8-20

HELP WANTED Front desk help. Next Step Cardio on Center Street. Part-time. 2055579.

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

CHILD CARE SERVICES

Wanted

WANTED

Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661335-2370 or 661-6541014. We will pick up!

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

Frostless chest freezer $150. 203-4219.

AUTOMOBILES FOUND ITEMS FOUND PETS

500 Welch 3/2.5 $1,200 302 E San Emidio 3/1.75 Pool $1,300 __________________ 707 Fillmore. 2 bd. 1 ba. office. $725 mo plus dep. 661 343-0507.

For Rent. Maricopa. 4 bedroom, 2 bath. $800 mo. plus dep. $800.

661-577-7041. Hablo espanol. 8-10.

LOST PETS

116 Pierce St. 1bd. 1 Ba. $550 mo plus dep.

661 343-0507.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

116 1/2 Pierce. 1 bd. 1 ba. $430 mo. plus dep.

661 343-0507.

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

BUSINESS FOR SALE HOMES FOR SALE

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

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

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

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list or drop by the office.

MOBILE HOMES HOMES FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 420 ½ San Emidio 2/1 $600 302 Jefferson 2/1 $850 514 Grant Terrace 2/1 $900 306 Taylor 3/2 $900 535 B Street 3/1 $900 404 Fillmore 3/1.75 $900 108 E Calvin 3/1 $950 116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000

310 Kern St. 3 bd. 1 ba. $850 plus dep. 661 343-0507.

The Taft Independent.

The Only Locally Owned Newspaper in Taft.

Get It Rented!

201 Lucard. 3 bedroom, laminated floors, dual pane windows. $775 mo. plus dep. 765-4644.

3 bd. 1 ba. Must have income of $1800/mo 723 B St. $800 mo.+ dep. Pets Questionable.

Call Jim 763-3494. 8-6 House for rent. 3 Bed/2 bath Newly Remodeled, RV Parking, Fenced Yards $975 mo $975 dep. 661-763-3043 441 Hazelton, Maricopa

APART. FOR RENT Creekside Apartments.

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

Personals PERSONALS

Older guy looking for company for occasional day trips. Gambling or to the coast, will provide transportation & lunch. Must have own gambling money, able to walk at least a mile. Call Jim 763-9717.

Your Classified Ad Here! Over 3,500 Copies of the Taft Independent Printed Every Friday.

The most affordable classified ad in town.

Ken Shugarts

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

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ROGER MILLER INSURANCE

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August 3 - 9, 2012

Liberty Under Fire If Something is Wrong with a Law the Supreme Court will Stop it.

Wrong!!

By Dr. Harold Pease How many times have I heard that if something is wrong with a law of Congress the Supreme Court will stop it and that the Court is totally independent of Congress?

Both views are decidedly incorrect. Supreme Court members may, in fact, agree that something is unconstitutional but they, by themselves, or as a body, are helpless in blocking it unless it is first challenged by someone else.

TAFT INDEPENDENT

The Court is only a partial check on constitutional law. Congress, the body charged with making all law, as per Article I, Section I, is to responsibly check itself with the Constitution. Members of Congress take an oath to do so. The voter does not take an oath but is expected to have greater loyalty to the Constitution then to political party, to be familiar enough with the Constitution to spot indiscretions, and to remove those who would defile it through ignorance or intent.

Like the legislative and executive branches, the Supreme Court too has a list of power. We count eleven. The Constitutions reads, “The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;-to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States; --between a State and Citizens of another State,-- between Citizens of different States,-between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants

eleven powers that gives it jurisdiction before it takes on a case and again when a decision is rendered. Such would remind it, and sometimes us, of its limited role.

In fact, unbeknownst to most, The Supreme Court may not be permitted to render judgment in a case if Congress puts them on notice not to. Congress was given much say with respect to the cases the Court could adjudicate. In only two of the case types noted on the list—public servants and those when a state is involved—does the Court have sole, or uncontested power. In all others Congress retains oversight, which means that they can deny the Court from adjudicating altogether and/or influence the Court’s decision. Again the Constitution reads, “In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.” Notice the wording, “under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.” Unfortunately, Congress has never used this power to “rein in” an unruly Court but it remains constitutional should they choose to do so.

Bottom line, the Supreme Court was never given the authority to exam all laws of Congress weeding out those that were “wrong” (constitutionally questionable), nor was it ever created to be entirely independent from Congress. Yes, it is a branch of government but Congress was left a definite supervisory roll over it. Do your members of Congress know this?

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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The Supreme Court may not interfere with any law unless someone is hurt or damaged by it and is able and willing to challenge the law, over a long period of time, with the likelihood of a costly but doubtful conclusion. In other words, much that is unconstitutional goes unchallenged by the Court and, if not challenged, becomes past practice and later is often used to support new alterations to the Constitution.

of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects” (See Article II, Section II. Again, the judicial branch too is limited by a list, and case types not listed are not federal jurisdiction. If a list did not exist the Supreme Court could adjudicate wherever it wished which clearly was not the intent of the Founders. Although not constitutionally required, it is a good idea for the Court to identify one of the

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