Ti 9 13 13 all

Independent The Taft

September 6 - 12, 2013

www.Taftindependent.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

September 13 - 19, 2013 • Volume 8 Issue 10

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

The Place

By Joan Raymond

4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660 Saturday September 14th, 5 p.m.

Barn Dance

Horsehoe Tournament Sign-ups 2-3pm w/$10 buy-in Tournament begins 3pm Teams chosen by blind draw Dinner 5pm $12.00 BBQ Beef Ribs & Chicken Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad and Broccoli Salad Live Music 7pm Full Bar Hosted by The Cuyama Valley Exchange Club Also showing boxing match Mayweather vs Canelo 7pm Please bring your tent or RV, pick-up truck & stay overnight Sunday September 15th 7am-11am Breakfast Buffet $8.00 www.theplacehwy33.com

Taft Nails (661) 763-3111 We Now Offer Facials Eyelash Extention Call for details.

(661) 763-3111

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week - Open Late Night 4 am to Midnight Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner 330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street (661) 745-4898

Now Serving Breakfast

Taco Monday’s .99 Tacos Chicken Frajitas Tuesday $7.95 Happy Hour 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Catering Available for Meetings. Free Delivery.

Paik’s Ranch House Restaurant Taft’s Favorite Place to Eat •

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

September 6 - 12, 2013

Shop Taft

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

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

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

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

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

• Gifts

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

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

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

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

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

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style Salon and Boutique

Let’s Go Shopping!

Check out our weekly new arrivals.

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

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

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

acme jewelry co.

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor Downtown Taft

745-4894

Cupcakes - Cannoli Now Serving Donuts and Coffee 1 donut and one cup of coffee $2.25 Donuts Avalable by the Dozen $12

Hours T-F 10am - 5pm 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

September 6 - 12, 2013

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

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

Free Transportation for BakersFiled Concert Series

Free transportation for Westside members of the Bakersfield Community Concert series for 2013-2014. Best bargain in entertainment, with eight concerts over eight months, for only $80! Transportation provided by the Rotary Club of Taft and Taft Union High School District. Sunday afternoon concerts, the bus leaves from the high school parking lot on Tenth Street at 1:30 PM, and evening concerts, the bus leaves at 5:30 PM. Contact Diane Ackley at 589-2478 for membership information. Mary Lyles is a Westside volunteer at 768-4648 and can also help. October 6th, 2013 at 3:00 PM is the first concert.

Buttonwillow Family Farm Festival: Excitement for the Entire Family

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin On October 19th the Midway Sunset Lions Club is having a Casino Night at the Taft Veterans Hall. Dinner, door prizes, dancing, and $500 start up money for only $30.00 a person. Dinner starts at 5pm. The Midway Sunset Lions have done so much for the Westside. All the funds from this event will go to Christmas for Seniors, Taft Honor Flight, and the Taft Longhorns Travel Baseball Team. They are huge supporters of the Taft Fox and several other Taft Events. Support the Midway Sunset Lions so they can support you. Tickets are on sale now.

The Taft Fox Theatre and Westside Bowling Lanes are both open 7 days a week.

Friday Night the CATS Football teams play at home! Bobcats at 5:00 and the Wildcats at 7:30.

The Maricopa Indians play at home Friday Night. The Maricopa Tea Room is open for Lunch.

Live Band at BV Roadhouse at 8pm.

Saturday- “25 Hill” the movie is playing at the Fox at 4 and 8pm. Tickets only $8.00

by Joan Raymond

Save the Date for these Future Events-

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

Bring the family and head out to Buttonwillow for a full day of festivities on Saturday, September 14, 2013 for the annual Family Farm Festival. The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 7:00 – 10:00 AM. Breakfast, only $5.00, will be served up at the Anita Merlo Senior Center, on First Street.

This year’s theme “Small and Proud” will be showcased among the numerous floats in the parade beginning at 10 AM. Spectators can view the parade anywhere along the route starting along Buttonwillow Drive, as it heads down First Street, and ending at the Park. Spokesperson Louie Andreotti mentioned the floats are decorated by the K – 8th grade classes from Buttonwillow Union School District, with a $150 prize going to the winning class.

Car enthusiasts can check out the Antique Car Show which officially begins at 11:00 AM at the Park. This year’s show will feature Hot Rods and various cars including those from the 40’s and 50’s, plus an open division. An antique tractor contest will feature vintage vehicles from the past.

The excitement will certainly stir appetites and Festival attendees will have several mouthwatering choices to choose from including a Deep Pit BBQ lunch for $10.00 which comes with beans, rolls and salad. There will be several other booths set up to satisfy everyone’s tastes including 35 – 40 other vendors with a variety of goodies.

A mini-county fair will feature pony rides, Ferris wheel, and mini train with rides reasonably priced at 50 cents to $1.00 per ticket. Also, a special feature this year will be the free helicopter rides generously provided by Vince Crop Dusters Inc. The event is hosted by the Buttonwillow Chamber of Commerce and cosponsored by Hydrogen Energy California (HECA) and Napa Auto Parts.

For more information, contact Diane at (661)764-5406.

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

September 20th: Wildcats Football team plays at home.

September 21st: Taft IDPA Shoot at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club at 8am.

T-Shirts on sale.

Grand opening Celebration of the new Maricopa Swimming Pool from 2-6pm.

September 23-27th: Taft High Homecoming week. The 27th is Friday Night Lights!

October 11th: The ARC is having a BBQ at 204 Van Buren St. from 10:30-1:30. Lunch is Tri Tip, Salad, Rice, Beans, Roll, Dessert for only $10.00. Dine in or carry out. 50/50 raffle.

October 12th:Oasis is having Deep Pit, potato’s, chilli, salad, and a roll for only $10.00 for Taft’s 4H Club from 11-3pm. There will be a Petting Zoo and games.

80’s Party at the Rec. Music, full bar, bowling, dancing for only $10.00.

From 8- Midnight! 21 and over.

October 17th: Taft College Ribeye Dinner October 18th: West Kern Petroleum Summit 7:45-4:00 at Taft College.

Tickets only $60.00.

The Taft Longhorns are having a Night Golf Tournament at BV Golf Course. Contact Les Clark.

October 19th: The Midway Sunset Lions Club is having a Casino Night to raise money for Christmas for Seniors, Taft Honor Flight, and the Taft Longhorns at the Taft Veterans Hall. Dinner at 5pm.

Paws in the Park at Veterans Park (Police Park).

Taft Community Garden Day. October 22nd - 25th-:The Fort Pumpkin Patch October 26th: Taft Chamber Golf Tournament Boomtown Days at the West Kern Oil Museum October 31st: Fort Safe Halloween December 2nd: Taft Christmas Parade December 7th: Kern Trail Riders Horseshoe Tournament at the Taft Petroleum Club.

Shop Taft........................12

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

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

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

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

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies “O-My” Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Fine Jewelry - Affordable Price Watch Batteries 14K - Black Hills Gold - Silver 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Tungsten and More Interest Free Lay-a-Way fro Christmas Free Gift Wrapping Thanks for Shopping Taft

On September 26th the Taft Fort is having their annual Bubba’s Okie Dinner. This is one of the Fort’s biggest fundraisers. It will have great food, drinks, entertainment, and good people. Please R.S.V.P. by September 19th. The Fort is one of Kern County’s oldest and best places. There is so much history in the Fort. The Fort is also a great place for weddings, meetings, reunions, pictures, and even shopping.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday September 17th, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

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

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

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

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, September 13, 2013 through Thursday, September 19, 2013 The Family (R) Fri: 8:00 PM Sat: 9:00 PM Sun: 5:30 PM Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM We’re the Millers (R) Fri: 7:30 PM Sat: 7:00 PM Sun: 6:00 PM Mon - Thu: 6:45 PM This Is The End (R) Fri & Sat: 7:00, 9:15 Sun: 6:15 PM Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM 25 Hill (NR) Sat: 4:00, 8:00

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.

Taft Chamber Report

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

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

September 6 - 12, 2013

Another week in Taft

This is the time of year I traditionally look forward with a refreshed sense of purpose. As an educator, August/SepLast Friday Night was another great night in Taft. The Wild- tember was the time of year that started the clock: Teachers returned to school, usually refreshed from having some time cats and Bobcats Football teams both played well at home and got the Victory. There was a huge crowd as always. The Marioff. Students returned, usually eager to make a fresh start at copa Indians Football team played well at home but did not get school success. And kids were delivered to school by their the win. Both Taft and Maricopa play at home this Friday. parents, usually happy to be back in a routine that saved Cruise Night was a lot of fun. The crowd was not as big as nor- them from bored children. mal do to the Football games but there were still lots of people Working with the business community has somewhat there. The Fox had a huge BBQ and Raffle. There were so many changed my clock: June, July, and August no longer repregreat prizes donated from local Businesses. Acme Jewelry gave sent slower times, culminating in a huge ceremonial return gift certificates, Messengers Automotive gave a free oil change, to a fixed schedule in late August. However, business does Qik Smog gave a free smog inspection, and Cindy’s Hair Affair have its own ebb and flow. As I approach my third Christmade up a great gift basket. Get Your Sweet On donated one mas at the Chamber, I am noticing a subtle “amping up” of the coolest cakes I’ve ever seen. Several other businesses also donated terrific prizes. of planning and positioning that goes along with the Fall Old School was so packed you barely could get in. Personal months of the calendar.

Style, Eye Kandi and several other businesses seemed to do well So . . . maybe I am reliving my school educator years during the night. As always Black gold was slinging the cold (there were 40 of ‘em!) or maybe I am adapting to the influbeverages. Rumor was that this was the last Cruise Night but ence of my friends in business; nevertheless, we are getting others said it is not. Regardless of Bands, Beer Gardens, etc; I into holiday mode here at the Chamber. School clocks and say we still head down to the First Friday of every month. The business clocks—particularly retail business clocks-- have next first Friday is October 4th and the Wildcats are out of this in common: once school starts, we are off and running town so head down to Center Street. until January 2!

Saturday was the Taft Fireworks Car Wash Fundraiser at the I just want to tickle you with some new additions to the Taft Chamber. I helped with the Car Wash and we did okay. I Chamber that you may find interesting. know times are tough and several bad things have happened in the Taft Community lately. There have been a lot of car washes First, we are going to open a Gift Shop!! For over two lately and lots of money has been made for quite a few great years I have waited on folks passing through Taft or leaving causes. If you are unable to donate please help with the car our community after having worked for a limited time in washes or other events. the oil patch or for some support industry. They want stuff While holding the huge Car Wash sign I noticed how many that says TAFT—t-shirts, key rings, mugs, bumper stickers. people ignored me standing there because they were not interested in donating. I could not be mad because I think of all the They tell me how unique and friendly they have found our town, and they want to take a memory home with them. times I have not had money on me and did the same thing. It And we have only 2010 Oildorado merchandise to offer. was real nice when Stacy Lacky and Dee Casparis each stopped Now, don’t get me wrong. Oildorado stuff is great, if you and donated and did not even want their car washed. Some of have experienced Oildorado. It is difficult, however, to help the employee’s at Tacos y Mariscos Casa Tabares came over and had their cars washed. Thank you to everyone that donated. folks capture the excitement of the ten-day, every five years The only real downfall of the Car Wash was seeing a guy at 9:30 celebration in a 30-second conversation over the t-shirt in the morning urinate at one of the busiest intersections in Taft. rack.

Then the unknown man and his friends got mad at me when I Second, we are going to host a post card contest! Yep, yelled at him. I remember an article by Randy Miller seeing the that is another item folks want from the Chamber. To same thing awhile back and thinking how nuts people are. After get the best possible coverage in subject matter for what is seeing it in person and the way the he acted it is real hard to be unique and awesome about Taft, we are asking amateur and the bigger person. I guess it is easier to be the bigger person professional photographers and artists to submit their best when you know where his hands have been. post card designs.

Kenny Schuyler and Jessica Emfinger have worked very to The details about both these projects will be forthcoming raise money for Taft Fireworks and with this continued efin next month’s Chamber Newsletter, and you will be hearfort they will surely meet their goal. Another surprise at the fundraiser was when I was telling Kenny how hungry I was ing about events designed to get you into the Chamber to and almost on cue a Domino’s delivery car drove in and gave us visit the Gift Shop as we near the opening date. several Pizza’s.

Meanwhile, join me in welcoming Fall, my favorite season Domino’s Pizza as always stepped up for our community. in Taft!

Not every business can do what Domino’s does for Taft. I know times can also be hard for Domino’s or any business but Domino’s has huge hearts. Taft now has six Pizza Places in Taft.

There are even some other places here that sell something like Pizza if you want to call it Pizza. I’m glad they are here because it is nice to have choices and Sales Tax for Taft. When you go to order your Pizza think of all the good things Domino’s, Pizza Factory, and Asian Experience does for Taft. Whether it is community events, the Chamber, Little League, The Rec, and etc, these Pizza Places rise above the others. It was not a typo, if you have not tried it, yes Asian Experience does have Pizza.

This was a bad week for Taft as the Taft Courthouse went to one day a week. I worked at the Taft Courthouse several times.

Several good people would receive tickets usually on I-5 and would come to Taft to pay their tickets. These people usually would eat here (breakfast and lunch), buy gas, shop here and some even stay in our Motels. I sent lots of people to K Mart for having inappropriate clothes on. All that money is now being spent in and around Lamont instead of here. The worst thing about this is several local good people lost their jobs or now have to travel for work. Believe me I know times are hard but we need to keep our Faith! Stay positive Taft!

John Swearengin

Visit Us Online www. taftindependent. com

September 6 - 12, 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.westsidesports.org www.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House

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

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.

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 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.

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

Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Ages 18 and older The District holds Bingo games every week for adults. Average buy-in is $15 per person. Cash pots are awarded and we also sell pull-tabs. Stop by and check it out!

CANDY BAR BINGO Wednesday, September 18 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades 1-8 FREE! Join us for an hour of Bingo fun with candy bar prizes. Be sure to bring a friend!

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.

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

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE October 7-9 (Monday-Wednesday) 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium Sign-up the first night of class! $5 per person Instructors: Larry Heptinstall and Ken Beard

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

Paik’s Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

Fracking Bill Goes to Governor Brown for Signature A new California law that regulates hydraulic fracturing is headed to the governors office. Governor Jerry Brown says he will sign it into law.

The law would be the first time that the state would require permits for fracking that involves the injection of chemically treated water to break up rock and free up newly discovered oil.

Energy companies would be required to disclose the contents of the fracking fluid.

Diane Swope, Tricia Huggard, Mickey Stoner, Kathy Line, Lawrence Paik, Bianca Caudle, Brittany Macaulay and Payton Goodman of Paik’s restaurant.

By Joan Raymond Since 1993, Lawrence Paik has making friends while serving up mouthwatering foods in his family-owned restaurant in Taft.

Along with his wife, Moon, and fifteen to twenty employees, they genuinely care about each and every customer.

Originally from Hawaii, Paik has been in the restaurant business for several decades. “It doesn’t matter if the food is the best quality; great service is the key to everything.” He encourages his employees to get to know their customers by learning their names because he said, “I want this to be a fun place to go.”

Paik’s restaurant serves American food with “Oriental and Mexican flair”. He mentioned along with Taft residents, people come all the way from Bakersfield for their most requested specialty dishes – Chicken fried steak and Spencer steak. What makes these two meals so special people are willing to drive 40 minutes to savor? “The chicken fried steak is big,” laughed Paik, “and the rub on the Spencer steak is my own special recipe. Plus the prices are good too.”

Another distinctive feature is the selection of menus, offering choices for seniors and different meal times creating a family environment. “We have a lot of people that come and eat because

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

OT

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

New technology is facilitating the development of wells once deemed uneconomical, particularly shale oil. California’s Monterey Shale may hold as much as 15.4 billion barrels of oil. A study of fracking potential in California conducted by USC says that California could hold as much as two-thirds of the nation’s shale-oil reserves.

The new law would also require a study of potential air and water pollution and public health threats posed by fracking.

Lawmakers turned down proposals to suspend fracking until more is known and to require detailed disclosure of the chemicals used in fracking.

Oil companies in California have safely used fracking for more than 60 years, according to the Western States Petroleum Association.

they know they’ll be with friends.” Paik’s restaurant is open seven days a week 6 am – 9 pm, plus he opens the restaurant on three special mornings: Thanksgiving morning, Christmas Eve morning and Christmas morning from 6 am – 2 pm, for anyone who wants to be among family and friends on the holidays. He also has banquet facilities with space for 50 people. “We even offer a special menu for bigger groups,” he added.

With a friendly atmosphere, hearty home-cooked meals, and fantastic prices it’s easy to see why Paik’s Ranch House Restaurant has been in business for twenty years. It’s truly the place “where everybody meets”.

Senior Portraits Class of 2014 Fun and Easy

Cookhouse & Saloon

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu

September 6 - 12, 2013

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

Paik’s cook Eduardo Ramirez and waitress Mary Valencia.

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

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

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

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

100 E North St. Taft CA

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

September 6 - 12, 2013

Taft Resident Proud to Serve His Country

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Cheers for Tips Black Gold Cafe & Deli Spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

A firefighter shakes Timothy Casteel’s hand as he leaves for U.S. Army boorcamp.

By Joan Raymond Even before high school, local resident Timothy Casteel wanted to join the military. Last weekend his dreams of serving his country became a reality. Casteel, 20, surrounded by family and friends left Taft early Sunday morning and headed to the Bakersfield Army recruiting office. After arriving, the young recruits boarded a shuttle that stopped in other local cities picking up additional recruits before heading to Los Angeles.

Timothy’s mother, Heather Simmons, described her son as ambitious, with a good head on his shoulders. She shared how proud she was of him and his decision to enlist in the Army. She added, Timothy, the oldest of four children, “would be certainly be missed, but more importantly I want him to know how much I and the community respect him.”

Saturday night before he left, the family enjoyed Timothy’s favorite meal together -Velveeta Tacos. She said her son, 5’11” and solid muscle, wasn’t much into desserts, but loved her special tacos.

Join us: Thursday September 26, 2013 from 5:00 pm-9:00pm

After arriving in Los Angeles, he and the other recruits spent the night at a hotel before heading to Fort Benning, Georgia for fourteen weeks of Basic Training. Since he wouldn’t be home for Christmas, the family is making plans to attend his graduation ceremony in Georgia. Timothy will have a few weeks off before he heads somewhere else for the next three years of service.

She mentioned her son’s ultimate goal was to be in the computer tech field. “He wants to make the Army his career and he’ll have a chance to see the world,” said Simmons. Preparing herself for his last weeks at home wasn’t easy, but she knew he was so excited. “He got me ‘Proud Parent of a Soldier’ stickers. I just want him to know he’s supported and loved.”

Taft’s Fire & Ice competition cheerleading squad has a few cheerleaders wanting to work and cheer for your tips.

Your support in helping them raise money will allow them to continue on the team. They’ll cheer, they’ll sing, & maybe even do a lil dance for your tips.

Have a fun night out, and help some of Taft’s youth be able to keep doing what they love.

See ya there. Thank you.

8

Liberty Under Fire An attack on Syria would have violated international law.

By Dr. Harold Pease

With the Russians coming forth with a possible brokered agreement with President Bashar al-Assad of Syria for him to give up his chemical weapons in exchange for America not attacking him, America’s military threat has dissipated for the moment. But issues still need discussed. Is an attack warranted under international law and, if not, would we not be viewed by the world as an aggressor nation? A giant irony is that we would have punished Syria for violating international law by our also violating international law. Who says two wrongs do not make a right?

Consider the following United Nations Charter violations of the United States had we attacked Syria: Article 2, Sec. 4, “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state….” Even our threat of the use of force is a violation. The only exception to the use of force is self-defense as stipulated in Art. 51. “Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.”

Obama has yet to make a case to the United Nations for wanting to attack the sovereign country of Syria. He has not, and will not, because he would have to justify such action on the basis that Syria had first shown actual aggression toward us necessitating our responding in self-defense. This he cannot do. Were U. S. citizens gassed we could respond in

TAFT INDEPENDENT

self-defense but we were not. Such acts of aggression justifying self defense must immediately be provided to the UN Security Council who then decide “such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.”

Other United Nation Charter rules also would have had to be satisfied. Article 39 stipulates that “the Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression and shall make recommendations, or decide what measures shall be taken in accordance with Articles 41 and 42, to maintain or restore international peace and security.” Even before this takes place Article 40 must be satisfied which reads: “In order to prevent an aggravation of the situation, the Security Council may, before making the recommendations or deciding upon the measures provided for in Article 39, call upon the parties concerned to comply with such provisional measures as it deems necessary or desirable. Such provisional measures shall bewithout prejudice to the rights, claims, or position of the parties concerned. The Security Council shall duly take account of failure to comply with such provisional measures.”

So we see that in order for a state to use force in self-defense, it or some other state must have suffered an armed attack.

Such has not been demonstrated.

There exists other complications; even had the UN ruled Syria an aggressor nation, which it has not, and sanctioned a coalition force against Syria, the President was unsuccessful in getting any other country to bomb with him. Nobody agrees with him enough to commit armed forces. The Syrian offense had already occurred so the mission was to punish the perpetrator, clearly not self-defense. Syria had signed only one of two treaties prohibiting the use of gas and it contained no enforcement provisions and no one made the United States the policeman of the world. Finally, although there is no doubt that chemical weapons were used on Syrians, the source of such, although presumed, has not been definitively proved. Everyone remembers the “proof ” presented to the United Nations by Colin Powel, that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction when it did not. Assad maintains that his own men were gassed as well.

The Assad regime may well have gassed her own people, which Assad aggressively denies, but she has not attacked another country. We, on the other hand, would have done just that, had we bombed Syria. I think it likely that had the U.S. attacked, Russia, China or even Syria would have ask the United Nations to define the United States as the aggressor nation and Obama as a war criminal.

That could have been followed by a “call upon the parities concerned,” the United States especially, “to comply with such provisional measures as it deems necessary or desirable,” which could include economic sanctions as has been used on other nations. Did we think when we signed the Charter, creating the “world government,” that the rules did not apply to us, that we could just bomb whomever, whenever, and wherever we wished as with our drone strikes.

September 6 - 12, 2013

Unfortunately for President Obama, but fortunately for us, the U N Charter does not allow a military attack on a sovereign nation for punishment.

Apparently the Russians will be brokering, at least with Assad, the mess that we created for ourselves by not using the United Nations. The “slouch, looking kid in the back of the classroom,” as Obama recently referred to Vladimir Putin, has ironically saved the president from his own ignorance of international law.

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

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

September 6 - 12, 2013

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli Serving Since 1939

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

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

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

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

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

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

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

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

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

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

Charles V. & Jennifer Landwehr and Angie Milner

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

Gateway Temple

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

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

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

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In

Independent Call Today!

765-6550

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 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.

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Taft First Assembly

First Baptist Church

Community Christian Fellowship

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

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

The Taft

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

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

Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

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

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

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

Info call 765-7151

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUP

Ford City Tuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of Taft Wednesday

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

All green waste must be bagged.

Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

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

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

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

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

Taft Independent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268. no later than 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1st, 2013. Tests will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application. Test will be given in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Thursday, October 3rd, at 7:00 p.m.

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.

SERVICES CHILD CARE SERVICES Yard Sael 123 N. 10th St. Sp 21 Like new small elec. appliances, tools, clothes 7 am - Noon.

Sat.

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

Asst., and other classifications as needed.

Substitute Pay range is $13.50 p/hr., Substitute positions are paid hourly. NO hours are guaranteed. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, Background Clearance, DOJ Clearance, Physical and Drug Screen.

Applications, Job Description and Salary Range 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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ROOMS FOR RENT I have a room for rent. $450 Month. Includes cable, and all utilities.

Sharlene Perry. (661) 577-4552.

HOMES FOR SALE

WANTED FOR SALE AUTOMOBILES PETS

HELP WANTED

Lost Dog Female Long Hair Chihuahua/ Pom. Lost on July 14, please bring her home 6615772818 REWARD

Missing since last Monday. Last Seen at McDonald’s drive through. $100.

REWARD for safe return. Contact Sandy 763-4871.

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 For Sale by Owner. Apr. 1,200 sq. st. Moving conditions. 3 bd. 2 ba. $100,000. 763-3111.

305 “D” St. Charming house. New Kitchen, baths,floors. total remodel. payments cheaper then rent $99,000 Steve 805-570-8760

MOBILE HOMES Found Dog. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd. Alberson’s Parking Lot. 623-2852, 745-4323.

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

Lic # 01525550

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

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

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

661-398-3044

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

September 6 - 12, 2013

Ken Shugarts

549-1068

Air Conditioning & Heating

Preserving for the Future

Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469 www.BuySellManage. com FOR RENT 500 Lucard 1/1 $525 400 Woodrow 2/1 $725 512 ½ Lucard 2/1 $750 709 Kern 3/1 $900 110 E San Emdio 2/1 $975 340 F 3/1 + Studio $1,200 302 E. San Emidio 3/2 + Pool $1,300 202 E. Woodrow 3/1.75 $1,400 Available on October 1st : 2 bedroom 1 bath home at 328 General Petroleum for $ 700.

3 bedroom 1 bath home at 220 Montview for $ 775.

Applications are available at 318 North St Taft.

Please call Paul Joyce ( Joyce Properties) for an appointment call (661) 769-6469 Please DO NOT Disturb Tenants.

3 bd. 2 ba. living room, family rm, large yard, 303 E. Lucard St. 8629881.

Nice 2 bd w/fenced back yard, laundry room, dish washer, lots more. 203 Lucard St. 765-4644 or 363-3005.

2 bd 1 ba. nice locationprivate yard, shade trees, refrig incl. wash dryer hookups.lrg. living room. priv. yard. $695. mo. $1000 dep. Avail now (805) 689-4122.

Murphy King Real Estate

Westside Real Estate 765-5000 1 to 3 Bedrooms Available $550 to $800 per month Westside Real Estate & Property Management Inc. Pick up a list at 322 Kern St (661)765-5000

3bd 1 ba in Dustin Acres $775 mo + dep.

On Taft Hwy in Dustin Acres 319 San Emidio, $750 mo + Dep. 2/1 for $650 mo + dep.

License 01914953 765-5000 Executive 2,000 Sq’ 3+2, all kit appliances + granite c-tops; 2 car gar + RV pkg; w/d hkups; both AC & evap cooler; gardner inc.; $1,650 + dep. 10 Grey Way 763-3517

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield APART. FOR RENT

Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674.

420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. No Application Fee. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 per month.

Plus Sec. Dep. Call (805) 375-1458 or (661) 7657678.

3,500 Taft Independents Published Every Friday - Free To Our Readers.

The Largest Weekly, Most Widely Read Newspaper in Taft!

Taft’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper.

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

Advertise In The

We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

Taft Independent Call Today!

765-6550 Classified Ads Visit Us Online taftindependent. com and on Facebook

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

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Supervisors allocate $100,000 to stimulate Tourism

Special Needs Children, Parents Get Assistance

Kern County Board of Supervisors offered a helping hand to the local visitor industry, giving unanimous approval to guidelines for the 2013-2014 Tourism Promotion Grant Program.

The grant program, administered by the Kern County Board of Trade, provides financial assistance for efforts intended to attract traveler spending to the region.

Supervisors authorized up to $100,000 to assist qualified non-profit groups with efforts enticing visitors to bring their travel dollars Kern County. The popular program has provided 259 grants totaling $1,975,000 since its inception in 2001.

Applications are now being accepted from any Kern County 501c organization engaged in the promotion of tourism. The current cycle is focused on direct marketing, and projects seeking funds must show the potential to attract tourists – and their dollars -- to the region. Deadline for applications is 5:00pm on October 18, 2013.

Tourism is a $1.28 billion-a-year industry in Kern County, according to figures provided by the California Travel and Tourism Commission. The industry supports nearly 13,000 local jobs while generating over $301 million in payroll and $76.6 million in state and local taxes that help pay for important services such as law enforcement, fire protection and public health efforts.

Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 per project in marketing assistance. Applicants may submit more than one project for consideration, but no single organization can receive more than $10,000 in total aid.

Application materials are available on-line at http://www. visitkern.com/grants/. Also available are a sample application, a downloadable application template, and complete program guidelines and instructions.

For more information, contact the Kern County Board of Trade at 661.868.KERN or e-mail Grants@VisitKern.com.

(30)

Do you know someone who has a child that struggles in mainstream society due to a special need? It can be a lonely journey for these families and those who care for them. In the United States today, less than 5% of churches have any type of ministry for families who have a child like this. At Canyon Hills Church, we hope to include these uniquely-abled families into our congregation by providing this special place for their children.

We’ve been training our volunteers for over one year now with CPR and various behavioral teachings. We’re now ready to open to our community.

We invite you to join us this Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. on the Campus of Canyon Hills Church 7001 Auburn Street, Bakersfield, CA The Champions Club is the first standalone worship center for children with Special Needs in The United States; with over 3,200 square feet designed with your child in mind.

On any given Sunday a child attending The Champions Club will journey through four distinct rooms; spending 30 minutes in each room: o The Sensory Room o The Educational/Game Room o The Play Room o The Worship Room

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVE Complete Automotive Service

To sign up your child for The Champions Club please go to www.canyonhillskids.com/champions-club

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437 Would you like to REDUCE OR ELIMINATE your STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY? If you own a business in the Taft area you may be eligible for tax credits up to $37,440 per qualified employee.

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

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

Be Seen in the Taft Independent.

Classifieds $2.00 per line.

Box it for $5.00 Classified Ad Deadline.

Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

“We welcome families in our community to enjoy this unique, fun and specialized environment, where kids with special needs are celebrated!”

– Pastor Robin Robinson

764-5406

For additional information, please contact Pastor Robin Robinson at 661.871-1150.

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

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

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

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

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

Black Gold

Qik Smog & Tune

Cafe and Deli

September 6 - 12, 2013

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

We Have New FHS Mountain & Road Bikes!

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

508 Center Street 765-6556

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

western shop & PET Wash

Dog Days of Summer Dog Wash and Flea Dip

Small Dogs Starting at $23 Large Dogs starting at $39 Call 765-2987 for appointment

Shaw’s Store Sale

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Woman’s Tops / Jeans 25% Off Womens Purses 40% Off Men’s Short Sleeved Shirts 25% Off Women’s Jewelry 25% Off Check out our website for other specials and information 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