New Oilworker Bronze Figures Unvieled

Independent The Taft

September 16 - 22, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

September 16 - 22, 2011 • Volume 6 Issue 12

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

New Figures To be Unveiled at Oktoberfest Oil Worker Monument Dedication

Two New Figures Unveiled For Oil Workers Monument

Meet Your Public Servants, Stephanie House, WSRPD

Black Gold Cafe and Deli

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

508 Center Street • 765-6550

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

Open Monday-Saturday • 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm

Spice Up Your Day! Try Our Seasonal

Pumpkin Spice Latte Try It Hot, Iced or Blended

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 16 - 22, 2011

Shop Taft Get Ready For Back To School with Next Step!

ITEM OF THE WEEK HCG Solution $39.99

Come in for our Back To School Membership Specials & Savings! $25/mo

Open 24 Hours!

506 Center Street

(661) 205-5579

Anderson Business Services Bookkeeping • Income Tax • Notary

WE COME TO YOU!

Schedule of Services

Acknowledgments & Jurats $10 per signature Mortgage Documents $150 per set Mobile Notary Service $1 per mile

Sandy Anderson

Notary Public Certified Signing Agent

Passion For Nails Nail Services: Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star (we also treat ingrown nails)

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Check Out Our New Arrivals!

Clothing, Purses, Jewelry, Shoes and Much More!

Supply Outlet

Tuesday - Friday 10am-7pm Saturday 10am-3pm Always the Best Deals 3 for $1 Sidewalk Sale Saturday 10am-4pm

Visit Our New Website! taftindependent.com

Women • Contemporary Junior • Toddler • Infant Men • And More!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

SAN JOAQUIN BSacPkETCoIASLchSo!ol Automotive Center

Get Your Car Ready

For The New School Year!

EVERYDAY OIL CHANGES GAS ENGINE $35.99 OR LESS

(up tp 7 qts oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

$199.99

Cooling System Flush

(includes up to 2 gal coolant, flush kit, conditioner)

Tire Rotation & Brake Check Plus We will check all fluids & tire pressure *Most Cars & Light Trucks Up to 5 Qts.

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special 95* $

29

Plus Tax

$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee Exp. Sept. 30, 2011

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

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

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

J & D Recycling 1277 Kern Street

A/C Service

We Can Haul Away Most Large Items Roll Off & Small Bins Available Call Us Today • (661)765-6752 Recycling is OUR Business

Ten Percent Firearms

(includes up to 3oz of Freon, 2oz dye)

Overall Vehicle Inspection (visual inspection of all external components) (tax, haz waste fee included)

DIESEL ENGINE $71.99 OR LESS

(up to 3.75 gal oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

Billy Messenger Voted Best Mechanic for 2009 and 2010

531 Center Street • 763-1123

FREE

Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair • Watch Batteries AcmeBlack Jewelry will be closed on Tuesdays Ray• is in LA. 426 when CENTER STREET 661.763.5451 Please call first 763-5451 Thank You

Check out our Perm & Haircut Specials with Linda & Angela

Greg Anderson

763-5445

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save you money on quality jewelry!

Specials!

Personal Style

Mobile Notary Public Certified Signing Agent

510 Center Street

J e w e l r y

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts • 14K Gold • Sterling Silver

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

Call For Appointment 765-7665 Sandy 577-6790 • Greg 577-6032

Miller’s Direct Beauty

F i n e

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

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

acme jewelry co.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Brand Clothing Shoes • Jewelry A Hint of Class Name Accessories & More Ben’s Books We Carry the Juicy Couture Line

Nice gifts for any occassion!

Inside The Historic Fort 915 N. 10th Street Suite 34 (661)623-1783

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

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

All Hard Bound books, Cookbooks & VHS Tapes Only $.25!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

September 16 - 22, 2011

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

News Briefs.......................3 Westside Watcher............4 West Side Recreation Report..........5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Community Voices..........8 Westside News.................9 Classified Ads.................10 Westside News...............11

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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: Editor@taftindependent.com.

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Managing Editor Advertising Jessica Skidgel Layout & Design Jessica Skidgel Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost Columnists Randy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins, Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Community Events News Briefs Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument” VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm The VFW will hold Bingo Night every Tuesday at 6:30pm at 600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa. Doors open at 5:30pm, buy in is $5 a pack, food will be served. Come on out, bring a friend and support our vets!

End of Times Gallery Fall Art Classes The End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is offering the following Fall classes: Tuesdays - Adult drawing class, 1-2:30pm Wednesdays - Adult Painting Class (acrylics) 1-2:30pm Thursdays - Adult Water Color Class, 1-2:30pm Saturdays - Children’s Art Class, 10-11:30am. Supplies provided for a $3 fee per class.

All classes are $12 per session, $40 per month.

Please call for supply lists.

For more information, please call Jane at 661-765-4790 or 661-623-0494.

Fourth Annual TIL Casino Night Saturday, September 17th On Saturday, September 17, 2011, the Taft College Foundation, Team Oxy and TIL cordially invite you to attend their Fourth Annual TIL Casino Night at the JAM Event Center, 1400 Norris Road, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with gaming beginning at 7:00 p.m. Evening activities will include catered buffet from Café Med; libations; gaming, including black jack, roulette, craps and Texas Hold ‘Em Poker; and a silent and live auction. VIP Tables can be reserved at three levels. For more information, please contact the Taft College Foundation at 661.763.7961 on or before Monday, September 5, 2011.

West Kern Oil Museum Fun-Fund Raiser Saturday, September 17th The West Kern Oil Museum is having a Fun-Fund Raiser on Saturday, September 17th. All proceeds go to support your local West Kern Oil Museum. Gates open at 4:15pm Early bird Bingo at 5pm Don’t be late!! 1168 Wood Street. Please RSVP to Carolyn Fuller 765-4642. Seating by reservation only, $5 entrance fee. Fee includes auction paddle, 1 bingo card and snacks and drink.

National Public Lands Day Saturday, September 17th National Public Lands Day on the Carrizo Plains National Monument You are invited! September 17th, 2011 10AM at the Goodwin Education Center out in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. We are having a Volunteer work day at the Education center where we will be installing a memorial walkway, Flagpole, and a new Kiosk. We will also be doing general cleanup and gardening.

Lord Save Me From Taft Book Signing Sunday, September 18th Helen Liss Ivanhoe Smart, Author of Lord Save Me From Taft, will be holding a book signing on Sunday, September 18th at 1:30 PM at the West Kern Oil Museum, located at 1168 Wood Street. For more information contact the museum at (661)7656664. This event is free and open to the public.

The Taft Farmer’s Market is still going on! Every Thursday night, several local produce farmers bring fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and honey to 5th Street Plaza. Watermelons, Strawberries, Okra, Green Beans, Broccoli, and Artichoke are just a few of the amazingly, wonderful produce that comes to the market each week.

In addition to the fabulous produce, we have other vendors selling snow cones, candy, snacks, tacos, pies and cobblers, and fresh fish! There is face painting, balloons and toys for the kids, t-shirts, bed sheets, and jewelry.

Our Farmer’s Market will continue every Thursday until October 13. The remaining markets have local performers including the band Lunatic Fringe, SVX Cheerleading Squad and more. Contact the Chamber at 765-2165 for additional information.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Taft High To Celebrate 100 Years During Homecoming Week Taft Union High School will celebrate its 100-year anniversary as part of Homecoming Week next week Sept. 19-23.

Students will have the opportunity to dress up all week. Monday is oil worker day; Tuesday is generational day with freshmen dressing from the 1920s, sophomores 1990s, juniors 1980s and seniors 1950s; Wednesday is mascot day; Thursday is 100-year-old person day; and, Friday is Blue and Gold day.

On Monday, senior boys will play Tough Guy Volleyball at 6 p.m. in Mullen Gym. Admission costs $1.

The Great Race between seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen and staff will be held during the extended lunch Tuesday.

Wednesday is the annual Powder Puff football game at 7 p.m. in Martin Memorial Stadium. Admission costs $1. The homecoming king will be crowned at halftime.

Thursday is the 100-year birthday party in the quad at lunch. The frosh-soph football team will play the Corcoran Panthers at 5 p.m. Thursday followed by the JV game at 7 p.m.

On Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m. the school will host a 100-year kickoff celebration at the softball fields. Guests will be able to sample finger foods and see some historical memorabilia from the 100-year history of Taft High while enjoying live music. At 6 p.m., participants will be escorted to the football field for the homecoming float parade. Floats will circle the track at 6 p.m., followed by the homecoming queen candidates. The queen will be announced and will join the king on stage BEFORE the varsity team plays Corcoran at 7 p.m.

Queen candidates are: Daisy Guitron, Lauren Melton, Mariah Melton, Hadley Pittman and Rochelle Rahe. King candidates are: Tyler Johnson, Aaron Kolb, Caleb Lopez, Tony Martinez and Hunter Self.

The homecoming dance will be held after the game. Cost is $10 without an Associated Student Body sticker or super sticker.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday September 20th, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.

Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic Saturday, October 1st Teams are forming now for the Taft District Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic being held on Saturday October 1, 2011 at Buena Vista Golf Course sponsored by Westside Waste Management in Association with Area Businesses. We are also looking for additional sponsors for this event! Contact the Chamber to sign up your team! Tournament begins with shotgun start at 1:00PM with Putting and Pitching contests (start at 8:00AM.) 4 person team (form your own teams) Scrabble Format, 2 flights: Handcapped or Open. Registration is $100 per player ($400 teams).

Entry fee includes Green Fees, Cart, Drinks, Goody Bag, Dinner, & first round participation in putting & pitching contests. This event is sure to sell out. Reserve your teams today! Contact shannon.taftchamber@gmail.​com for more information or stop by 400 Kern Street to get your entry form.

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.

Taft ARC Barbeque Saturday, October 8th The Taft ARC will be holding a BBQ on Saturday, October 8th from 11am to 2pm at the Taft ARC, located at 204 Van Buren St. $10 a plate and includes tri tip, salad, beans, roll, drink and dessert. Lunch ticket includes a drawing for Harris Ranch Meat Basket. Raffle tickets for other prizes. 6 tickets for $5 or $1 each.

Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 5th

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

Taft Farmer’s Market Every Thursday Through October 13th

Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 5th 8am-1pm at Peace Lutheran Church.

Tables are available to rent to sell your wares- crafts, yard sales, farmers market or whatever. Bake sale and eats are available- chili, hot dogs, chicken on a stick, popcorn and drinks. Call to reserve your table jean at 765-6248

Visit Our New Website! www.taftindependent.com

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Farmers Market Thursdays 5pm - 8pm

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

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

Asian Experience

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

Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Paik’s Ranch House Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm Where Everybody Meets Dinner by Reservation Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa Open 7 Days (661) 766-2319 Mon. Tues. Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Wed. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm Taft Crude Coffee House 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft Coffee House and Deli Monday – Friday 7 am to 4pm.

Sagebrush Annie’s Saturday 7 am to 2 pm Restaurant and Wine Tasting Sundays 7:30 am to 10 am Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 1010 6th Street, Taft Dinner by Reservation 763-5156 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319 Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Open Monday to Saturday Your Restaurant Listed Lunch served 9am-1pm HERE Dinner served 5pm - 8pm Call 765-6550 Wine Tasting on First Thursdays 508 Center Street 765-6550

Westside Entertainment

Get Your Events in the Westside Entertainment Guide.

Call 765-6550 or fax 765-6556

Your Restaurant Sagebrush Annie’s Listed Here!

Wine Tasting Food and Pizza Asian ExperienceAsian Lunch and Dinner Call Dinner by Reservation Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

765-6550!

Award Winning Saturday 4 p.m.Wines - 9 p.m.

Live Music Saturday Nights Starting as low 766-2319 as $12 per 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa week!

215 Center Street 763-1815 Always Fresh!

Dine In or We Deliver 765-4143 700 Kern Street

Mon. - Fri. 10am 2;30pm Taft, CA

Your Restaurant Listed Here!

Call 765-6550!

Starting as low as $12 per week!

Taft Petroleum Club Ribeye Steak or Chicken dinner is back Friday, September 16th Starting at 8pm Come on down for a great dinner, great drinks and great people and stay to enjoy the Karaoke starting at 8pm

September 16 - 22, 2011

Rain or Shine

5th Street Plaza

Editorial

Over 15 vendors and we are still Growing!

Westside Watcher

Center Street Shopkeeper Attacked By Deranged Man

By Jane McCabe It was just an ordinary day on Center Street. Vicky Gregory, owner of Personal Style Boutique at 423 Center Street, had just opened her shop at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning when she heard a commotion being created by Devon Bradley, a Taft resident who becomes aggressive when without his medications. Devon was shouting obscenities in an alcove of Robert Mitchell’s KC Photography Shop.

While Vicky called 911 to alert Robert Mitchell police of his presence, Robert arrived and attempted to reason with Mr. Bradley, but he was not about to be pacified. He came towards Robert swinging and punched him in the face. As Robert was stepping backwards to ward off further blows Mr. Bradley pushed him through one of the windows of the shop. The glass that shattered was not tempered, and Robert was cut about the head by its shards.

Mr. Bradley immediately fled. Vicky was on the phone with the police and thus was able to tell them which way he had gone. Soon he was apprehended and taken to the Taft jail.

The police took a report from Robert and urged him to get medical attention. Robert’s wife Karen arrived and took him to Southwest Mercy Hospital, where his cuts were treated. The back of his head was stapled—medics told him that were it not for his thick hair these cuts might have been worse. It took forty stitches, internal and external, to sew Robert back up. Butterflies were applied to his right wrist. He was released about 6 p.m.

Mr. Bradley was transferred to Kern County Jail in Bakersfield.

His arraignment was on Thursday morning at the Taft Court House at 311 N. Lincoln Street. Results of the arraignment were not known at the time of this writing.

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets”

Fruits, Vegetables, Fish, Plants, Herbs, Arts, Crafts and more!

For more information please contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 765-2165

The Place in Ventucopa will be CLOSED on Monday, September 12th through Tuesday, September 20th The Place will REOPEN on Wednesday, September 21st.

Due to a family medical issues.

Thank You, Vicki & Alix For bookings and questions please call (805)714-4503

www.taftindependent.com

WANTED

Taft Independent Subscription-Circulation Manager The Taft Indepenent is looking for a part-time individual to solicit subscriptions and make weekly home and business deliveries. CDL and Insurance Required. Experience Preferred.

Incentive Based Compensation.

Call 765-6550

Subscribe for home delivery of the Taft Independent today!

Delivered weekly to your home or business only $6.50 per month!

Monday Night Football

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Open 7 Days

Name_________________________________

Every Monday is football at the club with great drink specials and free food. 3 large screen TV’s so you don’t miss the action from any seat.

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

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

Address________________________________

The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversary’s.

The hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 4:30pm to Close

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Start Date____________End Date__________

Please complete and mail with your check to: The Taft Independent, P.O. Box 268, Taft, CA 93268 Please make checks out to Taft Independent

September 16 - 22, 2011

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 steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House

CANDY BAR BINGO Tuesday, September 20 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!

PIZZA PARADISE Tuesday, September 27 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Ages 7-12 $6 per person ** pre-registration required by September 26 Aspiring chefs will learn to make (and eat!) different types of pizza goodies and even a pizza dessert! Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

MID-WEEK MADNESS Wednesday Afternoons 1:45-3:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-8 FREE! Come by the Community Center on Wednesday afternoons for crafts, games or even just a chance to hang out with your friends or get help with your homework. This is a weekly drop-in program that takes place during the school year. Please note: A minimum of 5 participants is needed by 2:00pm each week or the program may be cancelled for that day.

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

Sessions: September 19 – October 24 and November 7 – December 12 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional family member) Instructor: Suzanne Hale DANCE CLASSES Who: Ages 3 and up When: Mondays or Wednesdays Season: September 2011 – May 2012 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $20 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 so register now!

CHEERLEADING Grades K-1 Thursday Evenings 4:30-5:00 p.m.

Grades 2-3 Thursday Evenings 5:15-6:00 p.m.

Session: September 22 – November 17 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $30 per person *poms and shirts are available at an additional cost Instructor: Nicole Cleveland

KARATE & JUJITSU When: Tuesdays and Thursdays Ages 5-12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Ages 13+, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Classes begin: October 4 Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: John Dodson, 2nd Degree Black Belt Assistant: Trent Unruh, 1st Degree Black Belt Karate and Jujitsu classes focus on technique, strength, self-defense and self-control. All skill levels will be covered; beginner to advanced. Classes operate on a monthly basis and new students are always welcome.

COMPETITION CHEER SQUAD Who: 7th Grade to 18 years old (as of the 2011/2012 school year) When: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Season: September 2011 – May 2012 Where: Community Center Auditorium Fee: $50 per month Registration deadline: Coaches: Brittney Odle and Kristina Hammons Competition All-Star Cheerleading is here! The SVX cheerleading squad formed this summer and is holding open enrollment through September 8. All interested guys and girls are invited to participate in this sport that requires dedication and the love of competition. Monthly class fees do not include uniforms or competition fees – those costs are separate.

PUNT, PASS, KICK & CATCH Who: Ages 3-5 When: Saturdays Session: October 22 – November 19 Fee: $35 per child Registration deadline: October 20 Kids will discover the joys of football without the contact. This program teaches the basics of the game, teamwork and fun.

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL Who: Ages 6-10 When: Practices on Tuesdays, Games on Saturdays Session: October 18 – November 19 Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $35 per child Registration deadline: October 13 This program is for boys and girls ages 6-10 who want to learn the basic fundamentals of football. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork.

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

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 beginning September 16. Rental fees start at $100 for 2-lane rentals. Rental prices include shoes, balls and use of the party room. The Center and bowling alley are slated to open in early September. Call 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.

PARTY PACKAGES Make your reservation now!

Need help planning a birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower? We can help! For one low fee, we will provide a room, plates, napkins, forks, cups, balloons and invitations – all to match your theme or colors.

And for a little extra, we can help with activities, too! Package prices start at $130. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call the District Office at 763-4246.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3, 2011 The District’s 33rd Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Community Center this December.

Vendor registration is currently underway in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. The fee is $40 per space. All vendor types are welcome; no pre-made food may be sold. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or steph@wsrpd.com.

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

JR. HIGH “BLACK & WHITE” DANCE Friday, September 30 7:30-10:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium Grades 6-8 $3 per person (ID may be required)

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE Monday, October 3 – Wednesday, October 5 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium $5 per person Next class: February 6-8, 2011

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

New Oil Monumnet Figures To Be Unveiled October 22nd

By Jane McCabe

A “surprise” awaited the members of the Chamber of Commerce at their Sit and Sip meeting on Wednesday morning. An object about two feet tall covered by a pillow case sat on a table.

Unveiled, it revealed a bronze statue of a lady and her son, dressed clothes from the 1910’s.

They are miniature representations of a woman and her son Dave Noerr unveiling the new figures. bringing lunch in a pail to their husband/ father in the oil fields.

In the early days of oil drilling in Taft families lived in the fields in houses. Later these houses were moved into Taft. It was not uncommon then for wives to bring their husbands lunch. Full-sized bronze statues of the new figures will soon join the three figures of male workers already at the Monument.

As stands, the monument now contains figures of three workers

OT Cookhouse & Saloon 205 N. 10th St. (661)763-1819

Specializing in Steak & Seafood

Lunch

Dinner

Tuesday - Friday Tuesday - Thursday 4p.m. - 9p.m.

11a.m. - 2p.m. Friday & Saturday 4p.m. - 10p.m.

CLOSED SUNDAY/MONDAY

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 9-20-11 thru 9-24-11)

Tues.

9-20-11 Lunch

Smoked Salmon Salad $9.95

Tues.

9-20-11 Dinner

BBQ Combo

$14.95

Wed. 9-21-11 Lunch

Charbroiled Chicken Sausage Sandwich

$8.95

Wed. 9-21-11 Dinner

Braised Lamb Shank $14.95

Thurs.

9-22-11 Lunch

Pulled Pork Sandwich $8.95 with Coleslaw

Thurs.

9-22-11 Dinner

Country Style Pork Ribs $12.95

Fri. 9-23-11 Lunch

Korean Style Short Ribs $8.95

Fri. 9-23-11 Dinner Sat. 9-24-11 Dinner

$15.95/ $15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large $18.95

Prime Rib

Bone In New York

$18.95

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

205 N. 10th Street . (661)763-1819

beneath a derrick—one using a sledge hammer to fashion a tool, another adjusting the drill, and a third with a wrench over one shoulder and holding some thick rope in his other hand. A short distance to the southwest a circular platform is being constructed, with a raised dais, the surface of which resembles dirt. This is where the new statues will be placed.

The first sculptures were created by sculptor Benjamin Victor in time for Oildorado last October. He was then commissioned to do the additional figures. Adding a lady and her son to the monument seemed only fair since the wives and children of workers played an important part of life in the oil towns.

The statue of the lady is 7 feet 3 inches high, 25% larger than life size. They are complete and are currently being cast at a Berkeley factory.

They will be delivered to the monument in time for the unveiling at 10 a.m. on October 22nd.

A luncheon at the Petroleum Club will follow at 11:30.

Celebrating

September 16 - 22, 2011

Meet Your Westside Public Servants

Stephanie House, West Side Recreation & Parks District, Recreation & Business Services Supervisor

By Nicole Frost The Westside Recreation and Parks District has been a staple in the Taft community for many years. While you may know about the Rec, you may not know about the people who are in charge of its projects and activities.

Stephanie House, the Rec’s Recreation & Business Services Supervisor, plans and supervises many of the programs and activities that the Rec offers.

House was raised in Derby Acres and she attended Stephanie House Midway School, Taft Union High School, Taft College and California State University, Chico.

House started college by majoring in Business but she quickly changed her mind after her first accounting class. After realizing that crunching numbers wasn’t for her, she decided to study Recreation Administration and she graduated Chico State with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in the subject.

Since she was required to do an internship in recreation in order to earn her degree and graduate, she took up an offer to return to Taft to work for the WSRPD. “I didn’t anticipate returning to Taft, but a former supervisor for WSRPD contacted me and asked me to come and do my internship here,” said House. “I accepted – figuring it would be great to save expenses by living with my parents, and if I decided that I didn’t like community based recreation, I could focus on something else after my internship was complete. The supervisor who requested me left her job at the District just prior to my internship starting Celebrate our 100 year AND a new District Administrator (Don Koenig) was hired, as well. I was nervous anniversary during our that there wasn’t going to be a place for me Homecoming festivities! here with the changes, but Don assured me that they were awaiting my arrival and that his plan was for me to do the job of the vacant supervisor position. At the end of my 4-month internship, I was offered permanent employment as a Recreation Supervisor and I’ve been here since. That was almost 16 years ago.”

House chose her career path at an early age; she has been working in recreation since she was 16 years old.

“Other than babysitting, my very first job was with West Side Recreation & Park District,” said House. “I worked for the District for almost 4 years while in high school and college. I was a youth sports coach and sports scorekeeper. I also worked for Taft Sporting Goods and Taft College. When I moved to Chico, I worked as a file clerk in an insurance office. That was fun, but I decided I wanted a second job, so I worked for the Chico Area Recreation District, as well.”

House got involved with the WSRPD by playing in the District’s sports programs

Years

Taft Union High School 1911-2011 Monday, September 19 Tough Guy Volleyball in Mullen Gym at 7 p.m. Cost is $2 Wednesday, September 21 Powder Puff Football in Martin Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. Cost is $2 Thursday, September 22 F/S Football game at 5 p.m. in Martin Memorial Stadium. General Admission is $5 JV Football game at 7 p.m. in Martin Memorial Stadium. General Admission is $5 Friday, September 23 Wildcat Social Hour, entrance through main gate at Martin Memorial Stadium from 4-6 p.m. Admitted with price of game entrance.

Homecoming Float Parade in Martin Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m.

Homecoming game at 7 p.m. General Admission is $5

Go Cats!

Continued on Page 7

September 16 - 22, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Stephanie House Continued From Page 6 when she was young. Her parents were softball players and, since House was always at the Franklin Field Complex and she knew how to keep score, she aimed to work as a scorekeeper for the District. Although she was too young at the time, the supervisor promised to give her the position when she turned 16. Unfortunately, a new supervisor became in charge of this decision so House had to be a bit more persistent to land the job.

“The new Supervisor wasn’t from Taft and had no clue who I was,” explained House. “I put in an application and called and stopped by probably once or twice a week for a month or more before he finally met with me and hired me as a scorekeeper. I’m still not sure if he hired me because he thought I’d do a good job or if he just wanted me to stop bugging him!”

Between running the Natatorium swimming pool, preschool, bingo, Community Theatre, party packages, contract classes and overseeing the office and business operations and staff, she is always busy and on-the-go.

Although House’s job has many facets, her favorite things to plan are weddings.

“One “job” I really enjoy away from work is helping others with wedding coordinating services,” said House. “My planning/organizing background makes it easy for me to manage rehearsal and day-of plans, which takes stress away from the bride, groom and their families.”

No matter how hectic work gets, House always makes time for family.

“I’ve been married to Josh for 8 years and we have four 4-legged kids – Wilson, Boyd, Chip and Cleo,” said House. “I love to read, watch TV (I’m a reality show junkie!), play games, shoot guns, visit new places and hang out with my husband, friends and family. I have a 2-year old nephew, Eli, who is a lot of fun, too!”

A typical workday for House could include taking reservations, assisting in preschool, leading a youth activity, running a birthday party or planning something for the future. She may have some routines throughout her day, but every day is different.

“I love that I do have some consistency, but every day is different. Some days are 8-hours and some are 12. Just depends on the time of year and what’s going on,” said House.

One of House’s most memorable days on the job was the 2009 Father/ Daughter dance. “[The Father/ Daughter dance] was a brand new program and I had no idea on how it would be received,” explained House. “ We had just over 100 people attend the dance, and standing back watching the fathers and daughters spending quality time together just gave me an overwhelming feeling of happiness – I even cried. I knew that these families were creating memories that would last a lifetime and I felt honored to be a part of that.”

House has made many accomplishments in the field of recreation, but she feels that her biggest accomplishment is leaving a positive impact on people in the community by offering them opportunities that wouldn’t have been available Continued on Page 9

Answering machines Camcorders Compact Disc Players Copiers/Duplicators DVD Players Electric Typewriters Electronic Games Electronic Testing Equipment Fax Machines Hard Drives

Taft College Foundation Presents Second Annual Cougar Rib-Eye Cookout On Thursday, October 20, 2011, the Taft College Foundation will host its Second Annual Cougar Rib-Eye Cookout, on the Taft College Campus, in the Quad area.

From 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. there will be a Social Hour, with dinner service beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. and continuing until 8:00 p.m.

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

Once again we are fortunate to have as our event sponsor TRC Operating Company, Inc. As with a last year, a special feature of the evening will be a salute to our local veterans, who will be our special guests for the evening. There will be 150 tickets available to veterans and their spouses on a first come first serve basis.

Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students/children, and may be obtained by calling 661.763.7952. In addition, you may purchase tickets at the Taft College Student Services Cashier, Administration Office, 29 Emmons Park Drive, Taft, CA. This year, with the renovation of the IT Building, the parking lot configuration in front of the Student Services/Administration Building was changed. There are now four (4) twenty (20) minute loading zone spaces, to expedite a quick entry and exit for ticket purchase and pick-up.

The public is cordially invited to attend!

For more information, please call Sheri Horn-Bunk, Director Foundation & Development, at 661.763.7936 or shornbunk@taftcollege.edu.

Electronic Waste Recycling Event Laptops Mainframe Computers Microwave Ovens Mobile (cell) Phones Modems Pagers PDA’s Personal Computers (CPU, Monitors, Keyboards, Mouse & Peripherals)

We cannot place most consumer electronics in the trash!

Plasma TVs Projection TVs Printers Printed Circuit Boards Radios Remote Controls Scanners Stereos Tape Players Telephones & Telephone Equipment

Tranparency Makers Two-way Radios Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) VCRs Word Processors Other Consumer Electronics

The City can recycle these items, free of charge, at the collection event listed below.

You can learn about the new electronic trash rules by going online to: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/electronics/whatisewaste/ Remember you can always recycle metals, glass, plastic, and newspaper at the following locations:

J & D Recycling - 1277 Kern Street in Taft J & D Recycling - 1021 4th Street in Taft BARC - 274 E. Cedar Street in Ford City

Monday, September 12, 2011 through Monday, September 19, 2011 City Hall Parking Lot 209 E. Kern Street For questions, call (661)763-1350 ext 34

8

Community Voices

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Tea Party GOP Presidential Debate

By Dr. Harold W. Pease Concerned that the GOP presidential debates were not focusing upon issues close to the Tea Party Movement, more especially the candidates’ views on the U. S. Constitution, from which we have drifted in recent decades, and the Federal Reserve, a non-governmental private organization which determines the value of every dollar in our pocket, the movement teamed up with CNN for yet another debate, this one in Orlando, Florida on September 12. CNN commentator, Wolf Bitzer, narrated taking questions from the audience, the Internet, and from Tea Party groups assembled in parts scattered throughout the nation. All questions and questionnaires appeared to be pre-selected by CNN except for those of Mr. Bitzer, which were at least a third of those asked.

If these two areas were to be more thoroughly covered Tea Party members had to be sorely disappointed. With respect to the Federal Reserve created by Congress in 1913 allowing the Central Bankers to regulate the economy in order to prevent recessions and depressions in the future, the only question asked was with respect to auditing the Federal Reserve. All seemed at least luke-warm to doing so with Ron Paul and Michelle Bachmann having the strongest positions toward doing so. These two alone were for returning the power to Congress as designated by the Constitution, and where it was before giving in to the bankers. Rick Santorum wanted the bankers to remain in control but spoke of returning to “an earlier version” of how it was run. Rick Perry was the most dubious on the subject calling it “treason” if “you are allowing the Federal Reserve to be used for political purposes...” but he was not for eliminating it. Mitt Romney made the strongest case for leaving it with the bankers, as “Congress cannot possibly do it.” It is very unlikely that we will get back to the Constitution on this issue from anyone other than Bachmann or Paul.

There were no specific questions on getting back to the Constitution itself. Bachmann used the word constitution twice as much as did anyone else with Paul second and Perry third. Most made no mention of such a need. Perry, however, had clarity on the 10th Amendment and spoke of it as state’s rights yet, as governor, he had no problem forcing, by executive order, the inoculation of young girls 12 years and older with a vaccine against cervical cancer without any attempt to go through the state legislature for approval. He now admits that it was wrong to do so without legislative authorization.

Bachmann denied even state government the right to force such action with or without legislative approval.

All seemed opposed to Obamacare but only Bachmann on clear constitutional grounds. “No state has the constitutional right to force a person, as a condition of citizenship, to buy a product or service against their will. It’s unconstitutional whether it’s the state government (referring to Romneycare in Massachusetts) or whether the federal government. The only way to eradicate Obamacare is to pull it out by the root and branch, to fully repeal it…! Because 2012 is it!!!” She added amid great applause, “This is the election that is going to decide if we have socialized medicine or not!!” Romney and Newt Gingrich would end the “threat” by executive order exempting every state, which itself is a constitutionally questionable solution as executive orders are not to be legislative in nature. Bachmann reminded them that the president after them could again, by executive order, restore the unpopular legislation. Romney’s only reference to something being unconstitutional was with respect to Obamacare but he quickly followed that he “favored a health savings account,” which ironically, on the federal level is just as unconstitutional.

On illegal immigration none of them were convincing that they would end it. Perry, with the most practical real life experience with the issue, seemed willing to “put boots on the ground” as president because Constitutionally it was the federal governments first responsibility to protect its people but he as governor encouraged illegal immigration with tax-payer money to illegals for college expenses. Jon Huntsman gave driving permits to illegals in Utah. Romney and Bachmann opposed any money going to “those who broke the law” but neither stated constitutional reasons. Paul was not given opportunity to respond on this question nor was Herman Cain.

On the basis of the Tea Party Presidential Debate, which was to emphasize constitutional themes in dealing with the realities of our time, Bachmann and Paul were the clear winners with Perry a distant, but dubious third; Bachmann even promising to return the Constitution to the White House as her last comment. I could detect no reason to believe that the other five candidates for president would be any better than George W. Bush in getting us back to this document or even seriously reigning in the Federal Reserve. It is your liberty. Pass it along.

September 16 - 22, 2011

Councilmen Discuss Monument Renovations At Veterans Park

By Jane McCabe At the Taft Veterans Park next to City Hall on East Kern Street the monument area is being renovated. Now it contains four brick walls with plaques honoring those who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, the Korean and Vietnamese Wars. (No lives from East Kern were lost in Iraq or Afghanistan.) It also contains a monument to City Treasurer Art Carlton “for his commitment to honor those who gave their lives in defense of their country.”

A new square well has been constructed which will contain a memorial tree, and a new 35 foot bronze flag pool has been purchased. Taft Councilmen met September 6th at the monument to discuss plans—they were unable to conclude what kind of tree should be planted but advised that certain adjustments be made. Renovation should be complete by November in time for a Veteran’s Day dedication.

Photos: Top: Orchel Krier, Craig Jones, Bob Gorson and Dave Noerr discuss plans for monument. Bottom: City Treasurer, Bill LeBarron, listening to the discussion next to the monument sign.

Sagebrush Annie’s Receives 37th Gold Medal, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Wins Gold Medal At Long Beach Grand Cru Ventucopa, CA. Santa Barbara County?s Sagebrush Annie’s Winery has won a gold medal for its 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

The Long Beach Grand Cru is an international wine competition and public culinary experience. It was created by the Long Beach office of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA). The Competition and Public Awards & Tasting were conceived to increase awareness and raise funds to support LAFLA’s Legal services and education programs to poor people struggling to gain self-sufficiency.

The 2008 Cabernet wine won the double gold medal in the over $60 category.

This is the Santa Barbara County wine maker’s 37th Gold Medal awarded in the past 6 years.

The award was announced on the website www.longbeachgrandcru.org.

Sagebrush Annie’s is located in the southeastern corner of the Cuyama Valley, giving diners beautiful nightly views of the incredible Cuyama sunsets to the west as the sun dips below Sierra Madre mountains.

We are located about 1 hour north of Ojai on Highway 33 and about 1 hour southwest of Bakersfield via 119 (Taft Highway) to 166 in Maricopa and then to 33 south in Cuyama Valley. From the Los Angeles area, we are a 2 hour drive via Interstate 5 north to Frazier Park and then west through the Lockwood Valley. A less traveled scenic route from the LA area is west from Frazier Park through Pine Mountain Club and along the Cerro Noroeste road to highway 166, then southwest to 33 south. This route is highly recommended for a Saturday or Sunday outing.

Larry and Karina Hogan - meeting them for the first time takes you immediately to thoughts of Lonesome Dove. Partners in everything, from tending the grapevines to building the next piece of the puzzle that is Sagebrush. Upon entering the restaurant you feel immediately at home, like you’ve known them forever. Conversations range from world events to classical composers, cycling in France to grafting your own grape vines and producing your own award winning wines. It’s not long before you’re touring the property and listening intently to the 15 years of history that live on through their stories and their work.

The Hogan’s are hands on all the way. Karina is your chef, as good as they come in the kitchen, and Larry mans the BBQ with all the passion and skill of a top Texas pit master. Following the food preparation Larry personally pulls the cork and pours an award winning wine to compliment an exquisite meal.

There isn’t much that Karina and Larry can’t or don’t do themselves. The Hogan’s even built their own facilities which includes a rock walled garden, banquet room, rodeo arena and other facilities. Larry can even tell you the exact number of bricks he laid by hand for the floor of the banquet room. And all those rocks.....the thousands of rocks.....each individually placed by Larry.

You’re missing the experience of a lifetime if you don’t make the trip to Sagebrush to have a meal and enjoy the wines they have available. Most of the wines are produced from grapes grown in the immediate area. With the exception of Stone Pine Estate, a Ventura appellation, the wines are of the Santa Barbara County appellation. The Stone Pine Estate grapes were planted and tended by the Hogan’s, who produce about 700 cases a year under the Stone Pine Estate and Sagebrush Annie labels. Stone Pine Estate is a bonded winery operating under an alternating proprietorship at Central Coast Wine Services in Santa Maria, California.

Sagebrush Annie’s restaurant is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Bar-b-que steak, chicken and fish are the fare. The wine tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday. A special menu to accompany the wine tasting is available. Tasting by appointment during off hours is also possible with prior arrangements.

September 16 - 22, 2011

Taft Manna 4 U Clothing Donations Needed Taft Manna 4 U is a non profit 501 C (3) Public Benefit Corporation.

Taft Manna 4 U has been in operation since 2007 serving hot meals and distributing clean gently used clothing to the hurting citizens of Taft and the Westside.

Taft Manna 4 U reaches the people who may have lost their electricity, live in a friend’s garage, a car, a motel, an abandoned building, or worst yet on the streets.

Taft Manna 4 U reaches the people the food banks can’t reach. What good is a box of food if you have no way of cooking it or refrigerating it?

Taft Manna 4 U provides counseling, and referral services as well.

Taft Manna 4 U is an all volunteer organization with no paid employees, so 100% of our donations go directly into the program. Taft Manna 4 U is not directly supported by any Church or Organization. Food is purchased locally, or donated by local groups and individuals.

Taft Manna 4 U prepares all the meals in their own kitchen and are supervised by a nutritionist.

Taft Manna 4 U inspects each item of clothing for cleanliness, stains, and bad logos or words. A person can proudly wear clean clothing to look for or keep a job. Children can wear good clothing to school and not be teased by other students for wearing torn, stained, or ill fitting clothing to school. Taft Manna 4 U is the only place for over 50 miles that performs these services on a regular basis.

Manna 4 U is proud to announce that since 2007 they have fed over 72,000 hot nutritious meals and distributed over 150,000 items of clothing.

Last year at the Taft Manna 4 U Christmas Banquet, they fed over 300 people a traditional Christmas Dinner and gave out 415 toys to needy children.

Now Taft Manna 4 U needs your help, as our economy struggles our citizens and neighbors need more help. Currently it costs about $800 a month to keep the doors open! Taft Manna 4 U needs volunteers, donations of food and clothing, and as with most organizations Taft Manna 4 U needs your tax deductible donations of money.

Feeding and clothing people might keep them from a desperate act of crime.

You can be an angel by helping keep the doors open at Taft Manna 4 U and the children and families of Taft fed. Jesus said, “feed my sheep.” Please call 2053376 for more information.

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Stephanie House Continued From Page 7 without the parks and recreation.

For the future, House would like to offer more programs for senior citizens.

“At the present time, [the seniors] are underserved and need more activities and programs,” said House. “This is something I’d like to do within the next year or so. “ After speaking with her, anyone would be able to tell that she loves her job and all of the people involved in it.

“I love the people and I love planning,” said House. “You never know what the community will respond to, so it’s always a challenge, but one I enjoy. I also love that the parks and recreation profession is one big family and I have colleagues state-wide that are available to talk to and get advice from. I also have some great coworkers and have met a lot of lifelong friends. I am blessed to have a job that I love!”

Taft Crude

Coffee House

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

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

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 4:30 pm. www.sagebrushannies.com

Now Celebrating Our 22nd Year

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

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

Gateway Temple

Ice Blended Mocha Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors Open 7 Days - 763-5156 1010 6th 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

YOUR CHURCH AD HERE! CALL TODAY! 765-6550

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 487-2416 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.

Services Pending for Theodore Ezell Services pending for long time Taft resident, Theodore Ted Lee Ezell, 65.

Mr. Ezell passed away at his home on September 6th, 2011.

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

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 UTURN Youth Service Sunday 6pm 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 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 Angel Food Program Tues. 9am - 12pm Thurs. 3pm - 6pm

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 763-5135

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

Classifieds

Classified Ads areare $3.00 per issue for upPhone, to threefax, lines, $5 per Classified Ads $2.00 per line. mail or issue off for up to 5 andTaft $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard drop your adlines, to the 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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Affordable Rents We’ve Got em!

$5.

Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 our office) a photo of$20 your car,$25 truck lines, $16 for 12 lines, forhome, 15 lines, for or 20 motorcycle lines. and we’ll do the rest.

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, Yard are $2Email for 3us lines, additional or $10Sale withads a photo. (or bring to our lines office)$2a each. 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

Preserving for the Future

Phone: 765-6550

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

Payment canbebemade made cash, check, or credit Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft, CATaft, 93268.

Taft Independent210 508 St., 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.

Business Services COMPUTER SERVICES

Furniture, Household, Collectables.

MOTORCYCLES AUTOMOBILES

Taft PC Services

Pets & Livestock Back to School PC Tuneup Special For $27 661-623-5188

FOUND PETS PETS LIVESTOCK

Fri - Sun 211 Adams St. 7am-? Misc. Mens & Womens clothes.

HUGE yard sale! 103 Van Buren Sat. 7am11am. Furn. house items, clothes, games and more!

Yard sale 1011 3rd st.

7:30-? jewelry, misc, kids books, miter saw, lots of stuff.

Estate Sale Saturday 334 Parkview Circle 8am-?

427 1/2 A Street. Side by side fridge, organ, bbq, battery charger.

Moving Sale Sat. 506 Buchanan 7am-? Video games, clothes, dvd’s, and more.

SVX Cheer Fundraising Yard Sale Sat., Sept. 17 8am-12pm West Side Recreation front parking lot 500 Cascade Place (along Kern Street)

Yard Sale Ads 3 lines for $2 Call Today!

765-6550

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

Employment HELP WANTED

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Wanted

LOST PETS

Real Estate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

PROPERTY FOR RENT

WANTED Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661293-0359 or 661-7656497. We will pick up!

For Sale FOR SALE Maple drop leaf table w/ extra leafs, 5 captain chairs, maple coffee table, new portable dish washer, electric GE dryer, 2 desks. please call 342-7752 to see.

Pickers Buy & Sell 428 Center Street. Tools,

FOR SALE Established local Taft business. Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli.

Excellent location, near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $25,000.

Room to expand product offerings. Good family business. Call 661-623-4296.

HOMES FOR SALE Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase 114 Franklin $40K (Contingent) 417 Tyler 3bd 2bath $60K 106 Lee St 3bed 2 bath $129,500 9057 Ellis Street 4bed 2 bath 10 acres $140K Commercial Building $169K Restaurant/ Dry Goods Store $195K 160Acres in Maricopa $295K 4 Bed, 2 bath, 2 car garage, ac. $1050 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. ____________________

625 A. St. Across from park. 3bd/1 ba, den, fenced yard. $900 mo + $1,300 dep. 979-3113.

September 16 - 22, 2011

Business Services

MOBILE HOMES 2 bd/2ba double wide in park. $20,000 599-5037.

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

Lic # 01525550 www.

BuySellManage.com.

FOR RENT 200 1/2 Van Buren 1/1 $500 601 4th 2/1 $650 709 Kern 3/1 $900 340 F St 3/1 + 1/1 $1,200 516 Grant Terrace 4/2 $1,350 FOR SALE Why rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!

Complete list of homes for Sale and Rent available!

Avail after 10/1. 301 D St. 2bd/2ba $850 mo. + dep. Do NOT disturb tenants. Call 979-7264 for info.

Air Conditioning & Heating

Cleaning Services My Fair Ladies Cleaning Services Comm. and Residential Serving the Westside 661.477.3455 Lic. No. 007657 Rite Away Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General Cleaning Owner Operated Visa\Master Card 765-4191

Plumbing • Septic • Roto-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

Get It Rented!!

4 bd/2ba, 2 car garage, AC, $1,050 mo + dep.

110 Wood. (661)7179056 (909)239-8337.

2 + 1 + bonus room, avail now 325 lierly. $750 mo + dep. 818585-9796.

APART. FOR RENT MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057 Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.6999823. 420 Finley Dr. Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’s Pool,lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333.

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line!

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Independent Ads Starting at $8 per week.

Classifieds $2 per line!

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661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller

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

with the Taft

Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE

Advertise 2bd. 1 ba. $9,000. on leased land. New carpet and paint. Negotiable.

623-6718.

Ken Shugarts

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Marketing is important to your business. The Taft Independent has marketing opportunities for every budget, large or small. By advertising in the Taft Independent, you will reach over 7,500 potential customers every week. To make a small budget go a long way, call us today at 765-6550

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508 Center Street or email taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

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.

September 16 - 22, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs Kern Community College District Selects Gafcon as PROGRAM Manager and Director of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction

Weekly Gas Price Update

Gafcon to lead renovation and construction program funded by Measure G Gafcon, Inc., a leading Southern California-based construction management and consulting firm, will provide program management services and oversee facilities for the Kern Community College Safety Repair and Improvement District (SRID) bond. The bond originally passed in 2002 for $180 million and has since grown to a $500 million budget funded by state capital outlay funds, local bonds and other local revenue. Kern Community College District (KCCD) expects the program to finish over the course of the next ten years.

The SRID bond, also known as Measure G, will finance the construction of new buildings and renovation of existing buildings to meet the growing educational and population needs of the district. Kern Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the U.S., stretching over 24,000 square miles throughout Kern, Tulare, Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino counties. The district serves more than 44,000 students annually.

The district determined Gafcon to be the best fit for the large bond program based on the company’s experience managing over $3 billion in education facility projects. Gafcon will oversee planning, design and construction of all facilities as program manager.

“The renovations and new buildings financed by state capital outlay and local bond funding will modernize each campus and provide students with up-to-date facilities and resources that are more conducive to learning,” said Eitan Aharoni, director of facilities planning, design and construction for Gafcon. “Gafcon’s knowledge and experience in managing community college projects will help ensure the program is successfully completed on time and within budget.”

The $500 million, 12-year program includes the renovation of Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso College, Porterville College, five satellite campuses, and two sites for new college centers. Funding from the SRID bond enables the district to provide students with safer learning environments and prepare for population growth within the district.

About Gafcon, Inc. Founded in 1987 by Pam and Yehudi Gaffen, Gafcon, Inc. is a leading development and construction management firm providing professional construction consulting, construction program management, real estate economics consulting, design management and construction-related claims support. The company employs more than 150 construction project managers, architects, civil engineers, financial analysts, estimators, schedulers, quality inspectors and computer professionals. Gafcon maintains corporate headquarters in downtown San Diego, with branch offices in Los Angeles and Oregon. For more information, visit http://www.gafcon.com.

Negocios Hispanos

Sponsored by Edward J. Herrera Insurance Negocios de venta

Hombres y Mujeres Ropa y Zapatos 401 Center Street Mar. - Sáb. 10am-8pm Dom. 11am-8pm Cerrado los Lunes

Su anuncio aquí!

Las bajas tasas!

Llame hoy mismo!

765-6550

The Cell Fone Store Móviles y Accesorios y alimentos y más 510 Finley Drive 661-765-2500

G and F Footwear

Athletic and Tennis Shoes Vans - Nike - Levis Adio and More!

T-Shirts and Pants 405 Finley Street In the Pilot Plaza Phone 340-8609

Maricopa Chamber of Commerce & Nestle Purina Donate School Supplies

The Maricopa Chamber Commerce and Nestle Purina recently held a back-to-school drive for school supplies for the local students in Maricopa.

The drive was to provide students in need with much needed backpacks and assorted supplies useful to help them achieve their scholastic goals.

After the students in need received their supplies those students that had torn or broken zipper backpacks had the opportunity to exchange their old backpacks for a new one.

Nestle Purina has been a long time partner and sponsor of many of the Maricopa community events and for the last two years has been a Platinum sponsor of the Maricopa Chamber.

Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public Somos una Agencia Independiente Con Varias Aseguradoras Prominentes Para Darle El Mejor Servicio

Lo Representamos A Usted Para Darle Un Excelente Servicio Como Usted Se Lo Merece

Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios Nuestro Personal Amable

Herb Spencer, member of the Taft Camera Club, had nine photographs accepted last weekend for competition entry in next month’s prestigious FotoClave competition in Northern California.

The FotoClave competition will include 16 camera clubs from northern and central California and is expected to draw as many as 350 photo competitors. To have an image accepted for competition, it must pass the scrutiny of a preliminary judging panel – one panel each for print entries and for digital entries. Winning entries will be displayed October 28 and 29 in Concord, CA. Spencer had five print entries accepted in Color, Monochrome, Nature, and Travel categories and four digital entries accepted in Pictorial, Creative, and Photojournalism categories. Last year he captured a first prize medal in the Photojournalism category.

Pictured in back row Chamber members, Linda Golden, Kevin Miller & Vernon Moss. Students, Ethan Bullard and Marco Gonzalez.

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

Servicios Rosy’s Closet

Average retail gasoline prices in California have risen 0.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.93/g as of Monday, September 12th. This compares with the national average that has fallen 0.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.66/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, September 12th were 94.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 21.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 5.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 93.3 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

Local Camera Clubber Advances in Prestigious Photo Competition

420 Center Street Taft, Ca 93268 (661)745-4920 Lic. # 0277365 www.edherrerainsurance.com

Walk To End Alzheimer’s Draws More Than 300 To First-Ever Bakersfield Walk More than 300 people braved a little early rain and some humidity to participate in the first-ever Walk to End Alzheimer’s at The park at River Walk on Saturday, Sept. 10.

“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout,” said Carol Hatton, the CEO and President of Continuum Senior Care in Bakersfield and the organizer of the Bakersfield Walk. “We raised $30,000, with donations still coming in. This will help the Alzheimer’s Association open a muchneeded office here in Bakersfield. Currently, Kern County residents are driving to San Luis Obispo to take advantage of the free care and support services offered by the Association.”

Today, approximately 10,000 Kern County residents — and their families — suffer with Alzheimer’s. Without a breakthrough in research, that number is expected to jump to almost 21,000 residents by 2030. Until a treatment or cure is found, the Alzheimer’s Association offers free support services to families, including care consultations, support groups and education for families and professionals.

“Not only will we be opening an office in Bakersfield with the money raised at the Walk, but the donations will also be used, in part, to fund desperately needed research in the field of Alzheimer’s. The disease is the only one in the top 10 causes of death without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progress. That’s just unacceptable.”

12

TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 16 - 22, 2011

Used to be Paul’s

Devon’s Body Shop

Bike Shop

2012 Bikes are Arriving NOW! Diagnostic Specialists Service & Repairs • Smog Repairs Air Conditioning • Tune Up Front End Brakes • Fuel Injection 209 Harrison Street Shop: (661)765-2505 Fax: (661)763-1887

$15.00 OFF with this Coupon* *1996 Vehicle or newer

Edward J. Herrera Insurance Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

Precision Bodyworks & Towing

We take the DENTS out of ACCIDENTS

(661)763-4445

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We Represent You To Give You The Best Service

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Our Friendly Staff

745-4919 Qik Smog & Tune

608 Center St.

417 1/2 Center Street Taft, Ca 93268 (661)745-4920 Lic. # 0277365 www.edherrerainsurance.com

Phone (661)763-4420

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

FAX (661)763-1389

Certified C.A.P. Station General Automotive Repairs

Cell (661)577-6785

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

317 Main Street • Taft

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 SUPPLY Farmer’s Meat Based Dog Food Shaw’s Pet Wash Meat 1st 40 lbs

$24.

99

Click on over to our website to see exactly what’s in stock and available to order.

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Fall Specia&l September October

www.shawswesternshop.com

Specializing in flea treatments, medicated baths and soar foot care

The Works

Our full groom includes soothing natural shampoos and conditioners, blueberry vanilla facial, nails, ear cleaning, perfume spritz and your choice of nail color or hair color accent.

Saturday Appointments Available!

Sept. 24th, Oct. 1st, Oct. 15th, Oct. 22nd & Oct. 29th

Nails clipped and filed $12 Each additional dog or cat $9

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 You Special Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available Event 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Open 7 Days a Week

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations