Taft Plan for Future Economic Growth

Independent The Taft

September 2 - 8, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

September 2 - 8, 2011 • Volume 6 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”

Planning For Taft’s Future First Annual Taft Bike Fest Kicks Off For Labor Day Weekend

By Jessica G. Miller Taft’s Rails-to Trails Development

Welcome To Taft’s Bike Fest!

Meet Your Public Servants, Paul Gorte City Of Taft

2

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

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal Style

Check Out Our New Arrivals!

Clothing, Purses, Jewelry, Shoes and Much More!

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

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

August 1st-31st

10% off professional lines New Arrivals Weekly!

10-15% off 100% Human Hair Extensions 10-20% off Feather Extensions and Earrings 20-50% off Storewide Deals We will meet or beat any price!

If we don’t have it we will get it!

J e w e l r y

Saturday, September 10th Only

Stop by to see ALL the Savings!

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

Check out our Perm & Haircut Specials with Linda & Angela

Greg Anderson

510 Center Street Taft, CA 763-5445 Back To School Daze...

F i n e

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save you money on quality jewelry!

Specials!

Personal Style

Mobile Notary Public Certified Signing Agent

Miller’s Direct Beauty Supply Outlet

acme jewelry co.

SATURDAY, September 10th SIDEWALK SALE Fine Jewelry N’ • Candles • Gifts • 14K Gold40% • Sterling Silver Wicks More Candles Off Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair • Watch Batteries Mugs 25% Off Night Lights 25% Off 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451 Watches (Not Time X) 25% Off

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

September 2 - 8, 2011

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)

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

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Brand Clothing Shoes • Jewelry A Hint of Class Name Accessories & More Ben’s Books Step Back Into School

FREE

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

In Style!

New Arrivals of Backpacks & Shoes 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 Paperback Books $.10 During the September 10th Sidewalk Sale!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

September 2 - 8, 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 Classified Ads.................10 Westside News...............11

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 Summer Art Classes The End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is offering the following summer classes: DRAWING - Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.

CHILDREN’S ART LESSONS - Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.

WATERCOLOR - Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.

ACRYLIC PAINTING - Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

All classes are $10 per session, $40 per month.

For more information please call 765.4790.

The End of Times Gallery is taking artists’ work on CONSIGNMENT for $5 per item. The gallery earns a 30% commission on work sold. If you would like to have your work considered for representation, please call for an appointment - 765.4790.

Kern County College Night The 12th annual Kern County College Night will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 12, at the Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. in Bakersfield.

College Night is free and open to the public.

Representatives from about 100 colleges, universities, trade schools and the military will answer questions and offer information. High school and college counselors will be available. Informational sessions on financial aid, scholarships and public and private colleges will be offered in English and Spanish.

Parents are encouraged to attend with their high school students.

Maricopa Chamber Pancake & Waffle Breakfast Saturday There will be a pancake and waffle breakfast this Saturday, September 3rd sponsored by the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce at the Taft Veterans Hall located on Taylor & Cedar Streets from 7am to 11am. A percentage of the profits will go to benefit the Taft All Star Band as they travel to Washington D.C. this December. To go orders are available.

West Kern Oil Museum Fun-Fund Raiser Saturday, September 17th All Proceeds Go To Support Your Local West Kern Oil Museum

Taft Bike Fest Labor Day Weekend, Friday-Sunday, September 2nd-4th

Negocios Hispanos........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

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association Printed in California

2 Wheel Production presents The First Annual Taft Bike Fest which will take place this Labor Day Weekend, Friday (12pm-9pm), Saturday (9am-9pm) and Sunday (9am2pm), September 2nd-4th at the Rails to Trails located at 6th St. and Main St. This three day event will feature concerts, beer garden, multiple vendors, motorcycle bike show and contest, tattoo contest, and motorcycle stunt show. There will be dry tent camping and RV/Trailer parking on site. Vendor space is available for food, crafters, commercial and business vendors. To apply for vendor space stop by the Taft Chamber of Commerce for event form and more information or contact Shannon with the Chamber at shannon.taftchamber@gmail.com or 765-2165. For more information on the Taft Bike Fest email them at taftbikefest@yahoo.com or check them out on Facebook.

Gates Open 4:15 p.m. Early Bird Bingo 5 p.m. Don’t Be Late!!

West Kern Oil Museum 1168 Wood Street, Taft, CA Please RSVP to Carolyn Fuller (661) 765-4642 Seating by Reservation Only - $5 Entrance Fee Fee Includes auction Paddle, 1 Bingo Card & Snacks/drink

Ladies Night Dinner & Social Wednesday, September 7th

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Looking for an excuse to go out and get together with your girlfriends? Join us for Ladies Night Dinner and Social from 6pm to 8pm at Black Gold Cafe and Deli, located at 508 Center Street. Tell your friends!

Tuesday September 6th, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Farmers Market Thursdays 5pm - 8pm Rain or Shine

5th Street Plaza

Over 15 vendors and we are still Growing!

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

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

Visit Our New Website! www.taftindependent.com

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT

First Annual Taft Bike Fest Kicks Off Last Night At The Pioneer Saloon

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 Busines 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 Industry Night

September 7th opens at 3:30 dinner at 7:30 Sponsored by Taft Chevrolet Buick 50/50 door prizes and great food!

Have Your Next Event At The Club!

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

September 2 - 8, 2011

Editorial

Westside Watcher

Boehner foils Barack The administration’s arrogance has no limits. President Obama called on Congress to convene in joint session next Wednesday so he could read a speech about jobs. The idea was to have the major television networks carry his remarks live, diverting the attention of politicos from the Republican effort to provide Mr. Obama with firsthand experience of the growing unemployment lines.

Like millions of Americans mired in the Obama economy, the president knows his own jobremains in danger in 2012.

The White House spokesman insisted it was coincidental that the joint session was to be scheduled at the precise date and time that CNBC, MSNBC and Telemundo had set for a debate among eight Republican presidential candidates at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. “There were a lot of considerations that once you decide you want to do a speech to Congress, and you have to deal with congressional schedules, and there are many other factors here,” said Mr. Obama’s press secretary Jay Carney, not very convincingly.

“And obviously one debate of many that’s on one channel of many was not enough reason not to have the speech at the time that we decided to have it.”

Traditionally, the commander in chief uses a joint session to deliver the State of the Union address and rally the country on extraordinary issues of national concern. President George W. Bush addressed the war on terror in the week

The board of directors of 2 Wheel Productions stand in front of the Pioneer Bar at the bar’s opening last night. The bar will be open throughout the weekend during the First Annual Taft Bike Fest which will take place on the Rails to Trails. Over 35 vendors and thousands of visitors as well as hundreds of motorcycle riders will celebrate the Bike Fest on the Rails to Trails. The all volunteer board organized and planned the first annual three day event which will feature concerts, a beer garden, vendors, a motorcycle bike show and contest, a tattoo contest, and motorcycle stunt show. Pictured here are board members Gene Jones, Andrew Murch, Ron O’Boyle, Mike Clark, Mike Jewell and Jack Hedrick. Not Pictured: Donnie Schwerdetfager and Larry Disney. following Sept. 11. Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which kicked off World War II. Woodrow Wilson delivered several speeches leading up to World War I. John Adams updated Congress on relations with France. Now Mr. Obama wants to give a political speech calling for more spending.

Fortunately, House Speaker John A. Boehner saw through the baloney. The Ohio Republican decided the speech could just as easily be given a day later, on Sept. 8, and so it will be. Expect the presidential teleprompter on that day to be loaded with the usual rhetoric about the need for “investment” (i.e., more spending) and “fairness” (i.e., more taxes). The classic Democratic tax-and-spend message will be dressed up as “infrastructure”

Paik’s

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

and “winning the future,” but it’s the same old failed Jimmy Carter ideas.

Mr. Boehner’s agenda, available at jobs.gop.gov, calls for abandoning this disastrous course. The speaker wants less spending, less regulation and lower corporate taxes - the agenda of President Reagan, who restored America’s economic prosperity. The only way for Mr. Obama to revive the economy and avoid elec-

toral defeat is to fundamentally change course and embrace limited government. Otherwise, with luck, one of the GOP hopefuls assembled at the Gipper’s library on Wednesday will be ready to repeat Reagan’s success by overturning all the Carter-Obama big-government policies after the next election.

Reprinted from the Washington Times.

www.taftindependent.com

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765-6915

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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 2 - 8, 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 BEADS & MORE BEADS Tuesday, September 13 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-6 $2 per person Bring your imagination to this fun hour of designing and making a variety of projects using beads. We will have supplies to make necklaces, bracelets and the popular fuse bead iron projects.

MID-WEEK MADNESS Wednesday Afternoons, beginning September 14 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: classes begin the week of September 12 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 INSTRUCTIONAL SOCCER Who: Ages 3-5 When: Practices on Mondays, Games on Saturdays Session: September 12 - October 8 Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $25 per child Registration deadline: September 8 Kids will learn basic soccer skills with emphasis on fun and socialization with others their age.

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

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: Practices resume September 6 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 25 – November 19 Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $35 per child Registration deadline: October 20 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 BINGO Thursday Afternoons Games start at 1:30 p.m.

Community Center Assembly Room Ages 21 and older Cash pots! Pull-tabs also sold.

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

Planning For Taft’s Economic Future

By Jessica G. Miller

“We are the city west of the I-5, the city before the coastal cities. We are the city. The place,” Paul Gorte, Redevelopment Manager for the City of Taft expressed with excitement.

And it’s with that determination and enthusiasm that the City has implemented a General Plan that will change and advance business and industry in Taft for the next ten years and beyond.

“We want to carry out the vision of the Council,” City Manager, Bob Gorson, explained. “Not everyone will agree, but we’ll be making Taft a destination city.”

Having already made headway with their General Plan by creating the beginnings of a 40 unit housing development on the Rails to Trails property, and bringing in new business to the industrial park which will eventually bring 6,000 more jobs to the Westside in a variety of areas including alternative energy, renewable fuels, and aquaculture, the City is well on the way to achieving the destination city dream.

Not only are they executing the plans to bring in new jobs and homes, they are also taking into consideration what new homes and jobs will do for the community. Especially with the Sunset Rail Project. “Retail follows new roofs,” Gorte said.

“We want to create a place for vibrant living,” Gorson said. “The Sunset Rail Project will make that happen.”

Bob Gorson, City Manager, and Paul Gorte, Redevelopment Manager with Taft’s Rails to “It will open the door for the downtown area, Trails Redevelopment Plans. too,” Gorte continued. “People have to work, eat and bank and those are the things that are related to industrial park areas. Workers will have these facilities close to them.”

And if retail follows rooftops, recreation isn’t far behind. Within the next five years, the city will see an extension of the pedestrian bike trail that will be a five mile loop connecting Taft Union High & Saloon School, Taft College, A Street Park and even South Taft. The Westside will also see the inception of a Regional Park that will Specializing in Steak & Seafood 205 N. 10th St. encompass and preserve the natural habitat that surrounds us as (661)763-1819 Lunch Dinner well as including a camping facilities, hiking opportunities and the Tuesday - Friday Tuesday - Thursday 4p.m. - 9p.m.

CLOSED like not more than seven minutes from town.

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

SUNDAY/MONDAY All of this, the jobs, the homes, and recreation are all backed up by the General Plan. “The General Plan is the vision for the OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 9-6-11 thru 9-10-11) future,” Gorte said.

Tues.

“We truly believe that Taft is a charming, unique community Deluxe Chicken $8.95 9-6-11 and a wonderful place to work, worship, raise a family and/or Lunch Sandwich retire,” Gorson wrote in an article for the CAL ED Bulletin.

Tues. $10.95 “This is an investment that will return a thousand fold,” Gorte 9-6-11 BBQ Beef Ribs Dinner finished.

OT

Cookhouse

Wed. 9-7-11 Lunch Wed. 9-7-11 Dinner Thurs.

9-8-11 Lunch Thurs.

9-8-11 Dinner Fri. 9-9-11 Lunch Fri. 9-9-11 Dinner Sat. 9-10-11 Dinner

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Veal Liver with Bacon & Onions

Chicken Burger

$8.95 $10.95 $8.95

$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full

BBQ Pork Ribs

$13.95/ $15.95

Deep Pit Sandwich

$8.95

Prime Rib

$15.95/ $18.95

Korean Style Short Ribs

$10.95

$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

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

September 2 - 8, 2011

Meet Your Westside Public Servants - Paul Gorte, City of Taft Redevelopment Manager

By Nicole Frost

You may have heard about some of Taft’s up and coming redevelopment projects, but do you know who is behind it all?

Paul Gorte, Taft’s Acting Community Development Director and Redevelopment Manager, is the man who handles the redevelopment and planning that makes these Paul Gorte, Redevelopment Manager for the City of large projects Taft. possible.

Gorte is a Detroit native who also claims New Orleans as his home town. He successfully obtained an undergraduate degree in History and Math in order to start a career in teaching. Unfortunately, there was a job shortage so he decided to refocus his interests.

While in college, Gorte worked as a janitor. His roommate was also a janitor, but he worked in a planning building on campus.

After hearing his roommate talk about all of the interesting things he had learned, Gorte also became interested in the subject of planning and he decided to pursue it.

After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University, Gorte began his planning career in Wyoming. He spent a short amount of time there before returning to New Orleans. He has worked with planning and redevelopment in Illinois, Wyoming, Michigan, Ohio, Louisiana and California.

He spent 25 years in the Chicago area and he came to Taft in 2008.

“California wasn’t foreign to me because I used to come here to visit family,” said Gorte. “I’ve also been in smaller towns so Taft wasn’t a shock, either.”

When Gorte came to Taft, the City was working on the general plan. He helped bring the City’s vision to life.

“Taft is a small city with big plans,” said Gorte. “It was fun to become a part of it.”

Gorte is involved with the American Institute of Certified Planners and he is also the Chamber Board Treasurer.

Gorte’s workday could involve helping people who want to locate in town or helping someone build on their own vision of development. There is a lot of diversity and each day is different.

“What I do day to day varies,” said Gorte. “It all depends on who comes in. I could be working with a developer, on subdivision plans, or maybe with a resident who wants to put in a garage.

Things can change in 10 to 15 minutes and my job involves planning, zoning, economic development, redevelopment, CEQA work and much more.”

Gorte’s favorite aspect of his job is helping people with their own visions.

“When you can see in someone’s eyes that they understand what you’re saying, that’s fun for me,” said Gorte. “The work we do helps Free Clothing Changes, Unlimited people. We help with job opportunities and community development, such as the apartment plan.” package poses & 24 Extra Wallets By being a development director and redevelopment manager, *offer only available with this coupon limit one coupon per package Gorte is a catalyst for positive environmental, physical and socioNow offering “inspired” portraits, as unique as you are. economic change. He is one of the people who serve Taft to make it a better place now and in the future.

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September 2 - 8, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast to Begin Weekend Activities

The Kiwanis Club of Taft is announcing their upcoming community Prayer Breakfast slated for Thursday morning, September 8, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., at OT Cookhouse.

(Doors will open at 6:30 a.m. and the program will start at 7:00 a.m.)

“Kiwanis Prayer Breakfasts internationally are generally held in the month of May,” stated Taft Kiwanis President Greg Mudge. “However, because this is the tenth anniversary of the 911 tragedy, we decided to have the Breakfast in September.”

This Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast will signal the beginning of a community-wide observance of the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the loss of Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

On Saturday, September 10, downtown businesses will display American flags on Center Street during their Sidewalk Sale. There also will be a commemorative display of our community’s firstresponders. The day will close with a car cruise on Center Street, originating at the Fifth Street Plaza.

“We are excited about how the community is coming together to remember those that lost their lives in the 911 tragedy, as well as those who risked their lives rescuing and giving aid in the aftermath,” stated Kathy Orrin, Taft Chamber of Commerce Director and fellow Kiwanian. The weekend of activities will end on Sunday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m., in the Taft High School Auditorium, with a program presented by the Westside Christian Ministers Association. The Taft All-Star Band will be on hand to lend a patriotic flavor to the proceedings which will include a SKYPE with local insurance agent Ed Herrera, who will have a front-row seat at the events at Ground Zero in New York City, on September 11.

“Start your weekend at the Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, and end it with the Remembrance Program at the High School on Sunday evening,” suggested Orrin. “It will renew your faith in our great country.”

Prayer Breakfast tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Cooper’s True Value, the Chamber of Commerce, or from any Kiwanian. The Program Sunday evening at the High School is free.

Viva Panama!

Take a free tour of the country of Panama with the Friends of Taft College Library (FOTCL)!

Your tour guide will be Dr. Mimi Collins, who lived in the Panama Canal Zone and has visited Panama frequently, most recently in February of this year.

The tour will take place Thursday, September 15, 7-8PM in the Taft College Cougar Room (TC Library entrance).

Since 1513, when the Spanish Dr. Mimi Collins conquistador Balboa became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas, this narrow isthmus has served as a busy corridor. The first “transcontinental” railway was built across the isthmus in the early 1850s to serve the California Gold Rush. The canal, opened in August 1915, operated virtually unchanged for nearly 100 years.

But there is much more to Panama than that narrow corridor!

Come with us to see modern cities, miles of open beaches, lush mountains, and a diversity of people and nature that is unique and fascinating!

To join this free “armchair” tour, simply come to Taft College Library Thursday evening, September 15, 7-8PM.

The Tumbleweed Cafe Celebrates Six Years On The Westside

The Place 4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661)766-2660

Country Barn Dance Saturday, September 10th Horse Shoe Tournament starts at 2pm.

Call ahead for sign ups. $5 entry fee.

Live Music by: Yester Year “Conrad & Bee Bee” $10.00 BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, potatoe salad, corn on the cob & bread.

BBQ Starts at 5pm Full Bar Cuyama Valley Exchange Club

Executive Director of the Taft Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Kathy Orrin with Tumbleweed Cafe owner, Orchel Krier at the restaurants Chamber mixer last Wednesday. Krier purchased the Derby Acres Bar and restaurant 6 years ago this week. Krier serves on the Taft Chamber of Commerce Board, Taft Rotary and the Taft City Council.

9-11 Memorial Service Hosted By The Westside Christian Ministers’ Association

On September 11, 2001, ten years ago, a great tragedy befell the United States of America as our country was viciously attacked by terrorists, who hijacked commercial jetliners and flew them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, killing thousands of innocent persons and exposing our vulnerability.

The Westside Christian Ministers’ Association of Taft will be hosting a special Memorial Celebration on Sunday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. to remember the victims of 9/11 and to make sure we never forget those who keep us safe—our military and our emergency personnel.

The location will be the Taft Union High School auditorium.

Representatives from our city and from our first responders will be participating in this Memorial Service. The All Star Band from the high school and the junior high will be providing patriotic music as they prepare for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. We’ll talk by phone with local insurance agent Ed Herrera who lost his sister on Flight 93; he will be at Ground Zero taking part in Memorial Services there earlier that evening. Through video, inspired music and a heartfelt message of truth, we will remember those lost in this tragedy, honor those who sacrificially serve us locally, and look upward toward our only source of hope, Jesus Christ.

The WCMA extends an invitation to the community to join us for this very special event. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this important day with you.

Feel free to spend the night camping in your RV, tent, or pick-up truck out in the backyard

For more information call (661)766-2660

8

Community Voices

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Are Unelected an Unconfirmed Czars Replacing Congress?

From The Mayor

By Dr. Harold Pease

Hi Everyone, This Labor Day weekend will be Taft’s first effort to salute motorcyclists of all genera’s by having our own Bike Fest along the Rails to Trails. We welcome every one of all ages and ridership to join with the City of Taft, the Taft Petroleum Club, the Taft Chamber of Commerce, and all our devoted and faithful vendors to help you have a safe and enjoyable stay in Taft. We have much to offer by way of convenient services and entertainment but you’ll want to the visit the West Kern Oil Museum; the Historic Fort; our downtown area; rides in the local foothills and mountains; short trips over to the Carrizo Plains or up to Pine Mountain Club or tour the oilfields near Fellows. Stay, play, have fun, learn about Taft, and then plan to come back to Taft and see us again.

Work is coming along on the renovations down at the Veterans Park. Thanks to the public’s generous donations, we are able to update our bronze plaques to include all those that give the greatest sacrifice in the time of war. The City has a new updated list of names available and we sure don’t want to leave any veterans name out that was killed in action. Please contact City Hall if you know of someone who is not on the list. We are planning on Veterans Day in November for our re-dedication ceremony. We were working on plans to have the Viet Nam Travelling Wall come to Taft for a week during our dedication, but their demands of time, money, supplies, construction, and staffing just has not given us enough time to pull it off.

Thinking of veterans, Charlie Hudson finally came back home to rest this past week. For you that didn’t know him, Taft born Charming Charlie was the most decorated WWII bombardier in the European theater, earning three Purple hearts, among a dozen other medals, for wounds suffered in 35 missions in B-17 bombers. Charlie was well known, respected, and an endearing personality who was bigger than life and loved by all who ever met him. Bonvivant, golf pro, restaurateur, aviator, and author, he was a true Taft legend. Welcome home Charlie, rest in peace.

I was just thinking about “Friends”. Just who are these people ?? How well do you know them ?? Do you count their numbers as a badge of honor ?? How long have you known these people ?? What are their backgrounds ?? Do you call people you have just met a couple of times your friend ?? Do you have people at work who you call friends ?? How well do you really know them ?? Will they back you up because they say they are your friend?? Are they friendly up to the point they really are waiting for you to fail because they want to pick apart your pieces ?? True friends really know what kind of person who you are, not what they hear or read. True friends know when you have the best of intentions in mind even when things may not go right. True friends get up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes too but they are there to gently remind you that you need to get back on track. True friends know your whole history not just in the here and now. True friends don’t have to constantly tell you they appreciate you and your friendship, it is understood and accepted. I have friends from kindergarten to people I have just met but before I allow myself to call them my friend we each have to earn and agree to that distinction first. Crisis large and small brings out true friendship and understanding; it is too bad that this the time when you really find out about people and their motivations. If you have a good friend, you don’t have to say anything, give’m a hug, they’ll understand.

I also was thinking about a few points to ponder, sorry about not giving credit to the authors. Education is the progressive discovery of our own ignorance. I always wanted to be somebody; I should have been more specific. As long as you can laugh at yourself, you will never cease to be amused. If you find something you like, buy a lifetime supply because they will surely stop making it. Every man is a darn fool 5 minutes every day; wisdom consists of not exceeding the limit. Why settle for sex if it is love you are looking for ?? Never argue with an idiot as some people watching may not be able to tell the difference. Generally, you are not learning much if your lips are moving. I’ve learned that if I want to cheer myself up I need to cheer someone else up first.

Taft is the place I call home and where I love to live. I have supported it all the while I have been back and am not afraid to speak up and put my name to it. If you have something to say about the City and what’s going on, I invite you to come to our council meetings and sign up for public comment. Hiding behind blogs, or trash talking in coffee shops doesn’t get the word to your elected officials. If you have something to say, say what you mean, and mean what you say.

We’d like to hear from you.

Randy Miller Your Proud but Humble Mayor

By now most informed political observers know something of the executive branches attempt to replace Congress as the major rule-making body by appointing, what are called Czars, who create policy and manage programs in areas where the president has no Constitutional authority as outlined in Article II, Sections II and III. Moreover, these appointments are made without the “advice and consent,” of the U.S. Senate as is required by the Constitution. They function much like cabinet officers but are unconfirmed and are accountable only to the president. They also are not required to swear allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

This totally unconstitutional new stratum of government first started with Franklin Roosevelt who appointed, without Senate confirmation, eleven so called Czars in the 1930’s during his more than three terms in the White House.

Harry Truman had 6 and Bill Clinton 8. Such was never seriously resisted, often because the president’s party also controlled both Houses of Congress and blind party loyalty kept them from questioning their leader. Then Czar power exploded. George W. Bush had 33 and Barack Obama, the king of Czar appointments, virtually began his administration with unconfirmed, unaccountable to no one but himself, 37 Czars. That number now exceeds 50.

Some of the more controversial Czars under George W. Bush head the following areas: AIDS, Bank Bailouts, Bioethics, Bird Flue, Birth Control, Copyright, Cyber Security and even Democracy. Do not ask what a Democracy Czar or a Birth Control Czar does. Not one of these powers belongs to the President.

Under Obama such included: Auto, Bank Bailout, Climate, Global Warming, Pay, Domestic Violence, Drug, and Ethics Czars. Once again, these are powers never given to the Executive Branch of Government by the Constitution or any amendment added thereto; presidents just took them while Congress sat idly by.

Actually most are state powers as per Amendment 10 of the U.S. Constitution.

Both had/have Weatherization and Faith-Based Czars, what ever those are (List of U. S. Executive Branch Czars, Wikipedia.org). Each of these has enormous government power and answer only to the President, as would be the case under a king or dictator. Constitutional checks and balances do not exist.

One Democratic Senator alone had the guts to challenge his own party with the unconstitutionality of this practice. Senator Byrd, the longest serving senator in U.S. history, “wrote a letter to President Obama ... criticizing the President’s strategy of creating czars to manage important areas of national policy. Senator Byrd said that these appointments violate both the constitutional system of checks and balances and the constitutional separation of powers, and is a clear attempt to evade congressional oversight (Senior Democrat Says Obama’s Czars Unconstitutional, by Ken Klukowski, June 15, 2009, Infowars.com).”

So what are the President’s real powers outside his right to veto proposed law?

Once again they are found in Article II, Sections II and III. Under the Constitution the president has but eleven powers. Let us identify them: 1) “Commander in chief of the army and navy of the United States” including the militia when called into actual service of the United States; 2) supervise departments (cabinet), each presumably established by the Congress (George Washington had but four); 3) grant reprieves and pardons; 4) make treaties with the help of the Senate; 5) with Senate help appoint positions established by law such as ambassadors, ministers and judges; 6) fill vacancies “during recess of the Senate;” 7) make recommendations to Congress on the state of the union; 8) convene both houses on special occasions and handle disputes with respect to convening (Prior to the 20th Amendment in Feb. 6, 1933, Congress convened on the first Monday in December and were out before Christmas—maybe three weeks.); 9) receive ambassadors and other public ministers; 10) make certain that “laws be faithfully executed;” and, 11) “commission all the officers of the United States.”

Simply stated, the president has two supervisory powers over existing organizations and two shared powers with the Senate, otherwise he pardons, recommends, appoints and entertains. That is it! Notice the absence of power to make any rules and regulations on us.

This is the job of Congress alone. Congress should immediately end all Czars and, if resisted in doing so, move next to impeachment proceedings regardless of political party. Please help save your liberty by passing this column on.

Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

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MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

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

Sew Day! 10am-2pm Saturday, September 3rd Bring a Project!

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501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111 Ice Blended Mocha Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors Open 7 Days - 763-5156 1010 6th Street • Taft

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

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ROGER MILLER INSURANCE 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

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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

YOUR CHURCH AD HERE! CALL TODAY! 765-6550 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 www.nlctaft.org or nlctaft@bak.rr.com

Name_________________________________ Address________________________________ Start Date____________End Date__________

YOUR CHURCH AD HERE! CALL TODAY! 765-6550 Gateway Temple

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 487-2416 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and Mary A. McWhorter

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

Rev. Linda Huggard

New Hope Temple Trinity Southern Baptist Church

“Connecting Lives” 308 Harrison Street 765-4572

400 Finley Drive

Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m.

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

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

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

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

Please make checks out to Taft Independent

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

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30

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

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

Community Christian Fellowship St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

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

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS

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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

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.

Employment Real Estate HELP WANTED

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

J & D RECYCLING Must have valid drivers license, reliable transportation, DMV print out, drug screen.

Apply in person at 1277 Kern Street.

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

Estate Sale 107 Lexington Saturday 8am-3pm. Little bit of everything.

Swap Meet Friday to Sunday next to Lucky 7 Parking Lot.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

For Sale Pickers Buy & Sell 428 Center Street. Tools, Furniture, Household, Collectables.

MOTORCYCLES AUTOMOBILES 1996 Mercedes E320.

Engine got hot. Smog tested and passed. $3,000 obo. 747-2575.

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

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS

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

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

Business Services

PROPERTY FOR RENT

PETS LIVESTOCK LOST PETS

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 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. ____________________ 4 Homes in Taft 1 House in Maricopa. $26,000 to $85,000. Serious Inquiries only. $9,500 down. Owner carry. 661-343-0507.

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

623-6718.

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

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

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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!

Super clean 1 bed room house with kitchen appliances, plus washer dryer hook ups. Water, garbage, pest control and gardener furnished.

No pets. $800 plus $600 deposit. Call 765-4786 between 7a.m and 7 p.m.

707 Filmore 3 bd/1ba $750 mo. + dep. 707 1/2 1 bd/1ba $450 mo. + dep. 661-343-0507.

paid No. pets. $700 mo. plus $500 deposit. Call 765-4786 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Business Services

Ken Shugarts

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

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MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

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

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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.

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Personals PERSONALS

Well-Being BEAUTY

Miller’s

Beauty Supply Beauty Supply Salon Boutique

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Mon. to Fri. 10am-7pm Sat. 9am-6pm (661)745-4913

MASSAGE THERAPY

Oriental Foot Spa Traditional Chinese Foot & Body Massage 10am-10pm 7 days a week 201 Kern Street (661)745-4891

3/1 house all new carpet, new paint, beautiful ready to move in now! $790 1/1 duplex $525 includes water. Mark King Murphy King Real Estate (805)684-4101

Advertise with the Taft Independent Ads Starting at $8 per week.

Classifieds $2 per line!

APART. FOR RENT

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Karri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales & Purchase

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE 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

510 Center Street (661)763-5445

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

Newly redecorated 2bd upstairs Apt. Kitchen appliances and washer dryer furnished. All util.

September 2 - 8, 2011

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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

ADS STARTING AT

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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.

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

September 2 - 8, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Summer is Over, Lets Go Racing With Cal Club

Buttonwillow, CA-August 30, 2011 – The California Sports Car Club will start its fall season this weekend, September 3rd and 4th. There will be a busy schedule of 6 races both Saturday and Sunday at their Buttonwillow Raceway Park located just West of Bakersfield.

The highlight of the weekend will be the pro Pacific Formula 2000 series joining the weekend of Regional racers. The Pacific Formula 2000 series has been a significant ladder for many drivers providing experience and exposure to go on to success in major pro series. Two examples are Jason Bowles move to the NASCAR West series and J.R. Hildebrand who moved into Indy Cars and caused major excitement this year by nearly winning the Indy 500. Currently the series leader is young 15 year old Connor Ford from Carson City leading Ira Fierberg from Hermosa Beach and Bob Negron from Morgan Hill. The points are tight and there are only 4 more races to go.

This should be a great spectator event and a very special road racing weekend for the Central Valley.

Cal Club is a region of the Sports Car Club of America, the builder of Buttonwillow Raceway Park located in Buttonwillow, California, a few miles west of Bakersfield. The Club in its 61st year has nearly 2,000 members offering competition programs in road racing, autocross, time trials and road rally. The Club has a rich history of producing some of the world’s most noted drivers and the best race volunteers the sport has ever seen. For more information www.calclub. com

Your Weekly Gas Price Update

It’s Your Money

Average retail gasoline prices in California have risen 7.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.78/g on Monday, August 31st. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.61/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, August 31st were 73.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 1.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 9.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 91.6 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“Retail gasoline prices finished last week quite strong in some areas on concern surrounding Hurricane Irene,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy. com Senior Petroleum Analyst. “The concern surrounding refinery production on the East Coast helped boost gasoline prices outside that area as well. The good news for motorists is that damage to refineries was likely minimal and gasoline production will resume soon. However, with Labor Day weekend fast approaching and these refineries taking days to resume production we still may see retail prices gradually climb during this week,” DeHaan adds.

By Assemblywoman Shannon Grove

ANNOUNCEMENTS SERVICES Taft Independent www.taftindependent.com Publisher@taftindependent.com

Negocios Hispanos Negocios de venta

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Su anuncio aquí!

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765-6550

Back in March, the California State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Resolution 8, declaring it to be “Sunshine Week.” This resolution stated, “Sunshine Week is about the public’s right to know what its government is doing and why… a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.”

However, the legislative leaders in Sacramento believed they were above the laws that they push onto others, saying, “Do as I say, not as I do” to the California taxpayer.

Most recently, what started as an internal squabble over office expenses between the Assembly Speaker and a Democrat Assemblyman has blown up into a renewed focus on how and where tax dollars are spent in the State Legislature and the fact that the Speaker would not release the spending report on the 80 legislators and leadership offices in the Capitol.

I, along with some of my Republican colleagues, did not hesitate to release our office budgets. As an elected official, taxpayer funds pay for my staff, office rent, postage etc, and therefore the public has every right to know where and how that money is spent. It is the height of arrogance that legislators pass laws requiring open access on others, while keeping their own spending out of public view.

Two newspapers sued in order to see where your tax dollars are spent – information that should be public. Then the Speaker announced a “task force” to look into the issue, but after weeks of media and public pressure, a limited version of the Assembly budget was released on Friday. However, I am told by those who made a cursory study of its contents that the information does not show the complete picture. Democrat leadership does not want the public to know how large their bureaucracy in the capitol building has become.

With money and knowledge comes power. Right now, that power belongs to the legislative leadership in Sacramento. Whether it’s the state budget or the Legislature’s budget, the real numbers needed to evaluate are hidden. Worse, that power could be used to reshape government regulations and tax policies, so that we could encourage job development, but that agenda is not happening.

California needs to eliminate its full-time, “professional” Legislature and return to a part-time, “citizen” body that works for the people. By returning to a citizen Legislature, lawmakers would be forced to work and live under the laws that they create. Most states currently have a citizen Legislature and have avoided many of the structural problems that hinder California.

It is essential that we make this change if we hope to ever again have an efficient state government that serves its citizens.

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See our new Website! www.taftindependent.com

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TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 2 - 8, 2011

Devon’s Body Shop

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

We Have Moved!

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No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

FAX (661)763-1389

Certified C.A.P. Station General Automotive Repairs

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• 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 Now Carrying Wrangler FR Shaw’s Pet Wash Self Wash 1st Dog at reg.

Work Pants & Shirts August price & 2nd dog at 1/2 price!

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Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jeans 13 MWZ

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Dogs 30 lbs & over $17.00

Includes: Shampoo, conditioner, brushes, nail clippers, dryers, and an air conditioned room.

Kennels are available for additional dogs

Originally $31.99 *limited to stock on hand

Nails clipped and filed $12

www.shawswesternshop.com

Each additional dog or cat $9

Saturday, August 27th Dog Rabbies Clinic Ford City Park • 8am-12pm

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

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Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations