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Independent The Taft

September 15 - 21, 2016

The Taft Independent

www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeekly

Publisher@Taftindependent.com

September 15 - 21 2016 • Volume 10 Issue 11

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

Qik Smog & Tune

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Green Acres Taft Community Garden Seeking Sponsors, Volunteers

Local Motorcycle Repair European and Japanese Street Bikes and All Dirt Bikes Safety Inspection Professional Service Dirt and Street BikeTire Mount and Balance Experienced Mechanics Basic Tune-up to Major Overhaul • 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

Daily Specials Monday 20 Tacos Chicken O Azada $19.99 Tuesday Chile Verde $9.99 Wednesday Carnitis $8.95 Thursday Fajitas de Pollo $8.50 Friday Chicken Breast Azados $9.50 Saturday and Sunday Menudo & Birria

Monday - Thursday 9am-9pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9am-11pm 765-1934 129 Kern Street - Taft

N o w S e l l i n g Te c h I n s p e c t e d a n d S m o g g e d Q u a l i t y Us e d C a r s

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive Merced Moreno - Licensed Bonded Serving Taft and the Westside (661) 345-7350

Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886 www.monarchfsa.com

Financing Available - Buy Here-Pay Here Available

The Taft Independent

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September 15 - 21, 2016

Shop Taft - Support Local Businesses Personal Style

Salon and Boutique

JUMPER CHISPITA (661) 313-0726

Inventory Clearance!

New Items in Stock Weekly

Your Affordable Business Ad Here!

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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

We rent tables, chairs, bounce houses, waterslides, table cloths and chair covers

www.chispitajumpers.es.tl

A Hint of Class Bakery

Fresh Pies Baked Daily Cakes and More Now Serving Frozen Yogurt

Call 765-6550

Armstrong Locksmithing Fast Friendly Mobile Lock and Key Service Commercial - Residential - Automotive & More Professional Key Duplication & Code Generation

(661) 348-7884

420 Center Street 623-1783

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

Galvan’s Upholstery 661-313-0726

Adam Dayton Lic. No. 983535 (661) 809-3919

Over 25 Years Experience Pick-up and Delivery Free Estimates Sofas - Love Seats - Sectional - Dining Room Chairs Bar Stools - Restaurant Booths - Headboards Ottomans - Automobiles\Airplanes - Motorcycle Seats

207 Harrison St., Taft, CA.

September 15 - 21, 2016

Events Inside

The Taft Independent

Taft Business of the Week

Shop Taft..........................2

Art’s Corner

By Gardener Field

Calendar...........................3

Westside News................6

Classified Ads.................10

The Taft Business of the Week: Art’s Corner at 400 Harrison Street. Art’s corner is one of the longest running businesses on the Westside. It is owned and operated by great Taft residents Mike and Nicole Jackson. Art’s Corner is a huge Taft supporter and has hosted or been apart of several great events and fundraisers. They are known for having, “The Coldest Beer in town.”

Stop by Art’s for a cold beverage.

Shop Taft........................11

The Taft Independent

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

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

Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 – 6:00 p.m.

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

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com Website: www.TaftIndependent.com Facebook: Taft Independent Locally and Independently owned since 2006

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.

The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

News and Feature Writers

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. Email your letter to: Publisher@taftindependent.com.

Experience Required.

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

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long Publisher@taftindependent.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Stephanie House, Jerry Livingston Wesley Morris, Maureen Webb Andreas Fault, William R. Taft Columnists Randy Miller Dr. Harold Pease, Steven J. McDaniels Ray Hatch, Brenda Collins Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Taft Rotary Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast is this Saturday in the Taft High Cafeteria from 7-11am. Tickets are available at the door. Only a $5 donation. Come support one of Taft’s biggest supporters the Taft Rotary Club.

Save the Date for these Future Events-

Liberty Under Fire........8

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.

By Andreas Fault

Friday Night Lights- Taft High Football at Home vs. Exeter, Bobcats kickoff at 5 and the WILDCATS Kickoff at 7:30pm. Go Wildcats Saturday- Taft Chamber Gala. Tickets on Sale at the Chamber or call them @ 765-2165.

The Wildcatters play at Home at Martin Memorial Stadium at 1, 3, 5, and 7pm.

Shuffleboard Tournament at the Taft Moose Lodge, Sign Up at 4:30.

Tuesday- Taft Relay for Life Team Captains Meeting at Pizza Factory at 6pm.

Thursday- Taft Fort Okie Dinner. R.S.V.P. at 765-7371. Dinner at 6pm.

Westside Watcher..........4

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.

Taft Calendar

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West Side Urgent Care Dr. Timothy Lee, Board Certified Pediatrician Taking appointments for children under the age of 18 Monday thru Friday 1:00pm – 5:00pm 765-1935

September 27th: Dart Tournament at Arts Corner, sign up at 6pm.

September 28th: “Line Dancing and Lessons” at The Bank Sports Lounge from 6-8pm.

September 30th: Taft High Football at Home vs. Chavez, Bobcats at 5, Wildcats at 7:30pm.

October 1st: Taft Chamber Car Show. Register now at the Taft Chamber 765-2165.

October 5th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7:30pm.

October 7th: Taft High Football “Homecoming” vs Shafter, J/V at 4:30, Varsity at 7:30pm.

1st Friday Cruise Night on Center Street @ 6pm.

October 7th-9th: “TUHS Class of 71,” 45th Reunion Weekend.

TUHS Class of 86 Reunion, Call Melissa Madsen @ 503 505-2080.

October 13th: Taft College Cougar Cookout. Call TC @ 763-7900 for reservations.

October 15th: “Paws in the Park” at Veterans Park from 1-4pm.

October 21st: Taft High Football at Home vs. Wasco, J/V at 5, Varsity at 7:30. It is Senior Night October 22nd: Kiwanis Zombie Run at Franklin Field at 6pm.

Boom Town Days at the West Kern Oil Museum from 9-4. Free Admission, BBQ at 11:30.

October 28th: Arts Corner Halloween Party at 8pm.

October 29th: Taft Chamber Golf Tournament.

November 3rd: The Fort Fall Dinner.

November 4th: Free movie “ Woodlawn” in the parking lot at West Hills Church of the Nazarene.

November 8th: Election Day! November 19th: Taft Chamber Trout Derby at BV Lake.

December 1st: The Fort Gift Show.

December 5th: Taft Christmas Parade.

December 10th: Soroptimist Home Tour and Fashion Show.

The Taft Chamber “Rails to Trails Car, Truck, and Bike Show” is Saturday, October 1st. Live Music, Food, Craft Vendors, Bounce Houses, Beer Garden, and much more. Register for only $25. Pre-registered participants receive a Goodie Bag and T Shirt. Call the Chamber at 765-2165.

It pays to advertise in The Taft Independent Taft’s Locally Owned Newspaper.

Our Readers do not pay to see your ad.

Call 765-6550 Today!

The Taft Independent

4

Editorial 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

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

Black Gold Brewing Co. American and Asian Food Burgers Pasta Thai Food Espresso - Beer - Wine Craft Beers Open Monday to Saturday 7am to 2pm 5pm to Close Sunday 7am to 12pm 508 Center Street 765-6556

Sagebrush Annie’s Wine Tasting Room 300 Gold Medals for our Wines Call for Reservations 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM

Week of Friday, September 16, 2016 through Thursday, September 22, 2016 Sully (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:15, 8:20 Sun: (3:00), 6:15 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Don’t Breathe (R) Fri & Sat: 6:30, 8:35 Sun: (3:15), 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:15 PM

Paik’s

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

Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Westside Watcher Hillary Clinton’s smug ‘deplorables’ comment shows contempt for voters If you are one of the many military veterans, police officers, or legal gun owners who support Donald Trump for president, Hillary Clinton may call you something else: “deplorable.”

In one of the most stupid political comments in a political season in which ignorant comments seem to know no bounds, the Democratic nominee shot her own campaign in the foot when she shot off her mouth before introducing Barbra Streisand at an LGBT fundraiser in New York: “To just be grossly generalistic, you can put half of Trump supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables,” Mrs. Clinton said. “Right? Racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic, you name it.”

On Saturday, she tried to put this imbecilic toothpaste back into the tube, expressing “regret” for comments in which she said “half ” of Donald Trump’s supporters are “deplorables.” She failed to note which “half ” she was demeaning.

“Last night I was ‘grossly generalistic,’ and that’s never a good idea. I regret saying ‘half ’ — that was wrong,” Clinton said in a statement in which she also vowed to call out “bigotry” in Trump’s campaign. Instead of calling out bigotry, all Mrs. Clinton accomplished was calling attention to her own smugness and arrogance and contempt for voters who disagree with her liberal-leaning policies.

She also revealed a big weakness in her campaign — her inability to connect with voters and to convince them to vote for her instead of Mr. Trump.

The Republican nominee has also insulted or alienated many people — women, minorities and immigrants.

But at least he’s trying to convince these voters that he’s a better pick than Mrs. Clinton. Mr. Trump pounced on his opponent’s crude comments, which drew comparisons to President Obama’s ignorant comments about clinging to “guns and religion” at a 2008 fundraiser and Mitt Romey’s ill-timed “47 percent” remark in 2012. But Mr. Romney’s comment appeared to be an off-the-cuff gaffe.

In contrast, Mrs. Clinton’s put-down of Mr. Trump’s supporters appeared to have been prepared in advance, which means they were vetted and approved, eventually by Mrs. Clinton. Hence, when Mr. Trump says these word represent the candidate’s “true feelings” and that she’s “showing bigotry and hatred for millions of Americans,” there seems to be some truth to his claim. Otherwise, Mrs. Clinton or someone on her speech writing staff would have deleted the offensive words.

Disappointingly, Mrs. Clinton’s mean-spirited comments appeared to be a hit with her audience. According to average ticket prices and attendance figures provided by her campaign, Clinton raised around $6 million at the fundraiser, at which some attendees paid a hefty $50,000.

Days later, Mrs. Clinton made another stab at damage control, claiming, “As I said, many of Trump’s supporters are hard-working Americans who just don’t feel like the economy or our political system are working for them. I’m determined to bring our country together and make our economy work for everyone.” But Mr. Trump one-upped her taking to Twitter to say: “While Hillary said horrible things about my supporters, and while many of her supporters will never vote for me, I still respect them all!”

Given the New Yorker’s famous big mouth, it’s telling that Mrs. Clinton, who has preached tolerance and love, is the one suffering from foot-in-in mouth disease. So which half of Mr. Trump’s supporters are “deplorables?” So who’s the name-caller now?

Her disgraceful yet revealing comments may not sink her campaign, but they make her task tougher as they paint an unflattering picture of an aloof and elitist liberal Democrat who wants to lead all Americans.

September 15 - 21, 2016

Letters and Rants

Los Padres to host a Women In Wildfire Training Camp GOLETA, CA, September 13, 2016…Los Padres National Forest officials have announced today that they are extending the deadline for the Women In Wildfire Training Camp to Sunday, September 18, 2016. The Forest Service is seeking highly motivated females to attend an introductory fire career awareness camp which will include training designed for entry level firefighters. Individuals selected for the program will be introduced to and gain basic knowledge of the Incident Management, firefighting techniques, suppression equipment, safety, strategy, and tactics, as well as fire behavior.

Field exercises will be part of this valuable hands-on training.

Participants will also receive leadership and career development training.

The Women in Wildfire Basic Training Camp will begin Sunday, November 27, 2016, and conclude Friday, December 2, 2016. This 5 day, 4 night Camp will be hosted in Santa Barbara, California. Full attendance is mandatory. If selected, participants will be paid for the training and physical fitness test portion of the camp. Participants will be staying in cabins, and meals will be provided throughout the week.

Participants of the program will be highly competitive for wildland firefighter positions upon completion of the training camp. These entry-level positions provide support to wildland fire operations over the summer. Firefighters safely engage in wildland fire suppression and emergency response operation activities. They travel and work up to 14 and possibly 21 day assignments, including out of the state. The work consists of hiking, carrying heavy equipment, operating fire apparatus, working near heavy machinery, and using hand tools such as shovels, Pulaskis, and chainsaws, sometimes in highly stressful situations. Career wildland firefighters lead fire and aviation management programs.

For more information, please view the outreach notice by selecting the following link: Outreach Notice, visit our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lpnf, and select the following link: Women In Wildfire Training Camp outreach and application. You can also contact our Equal Employment Specialist, Julissa Gonzalez at (805) 680- 4559 or LPFJobs@ fs.fed.us.

Visit Us Online At taftindependent.com and Facebook Call 765-6550 Affordable Advertising

September 15 - 21, 2016

The Taft Independent

West Side Recreation Report Check us out online!

Need more information on programs, classes or facilities?

Visit us on the web: www.wsrpd.com www.facebook.com/wsrpd www.quickscores.com/wsrpd www.twitter.com/wsrpd steph@wsrpd.com

by Stephanie House

HOLIDAY VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW Friday, November 18 * 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 19 * 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Community Center Auditorium & Assembly Room Vendor Spaces: $30 and $45 There will be lots of goodies just in time for the holiday decorating and gift giving season and there is no admission fee for shoppers. Vendor spaces are now available and we’d love for you to participate! Register in person in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft or over the phone at 763-4246.

REC CENTER STUDENT NIGHTS Who: Grades 6-12 When: September 16 & 17 (1st and 3rd Friday and Saturday of Each Month) Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Place: Recreation Center Admission: $5 per person (non-members) Come hang out and enjoy the Rec Center with friends on Friday and Saturday nights! You’ll have use of the gymnasium, ping pong, wiffle ball fields, bowling alley and gaming center! Current Recreation Center members are admitted to Student Nights at no additional charge. Student Nights also include free bowling/shoe rental and use of Gaming Stations.

WEST SIDE LANES GAMING STATIONS Who: Ages 9+ Days: Monday – Sunday (7 days a week!)

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Where: Recreation Center, West Side Lanes Bowling Alley Fee(s): $5 daily admission (or valid membership) *plus* $5 per hour, per console Stop by the Recreation Center for some video game action on our new gaming stations in the bowling alley. We have two XBox One and two PlayStation 4 consoles and 48” HD TVs for gaming use. **No personal game controllers or game discs are allowed.** Ages 8 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

KIDS MEMBERSHIP – RECREATION CENTER Who: Ages 9-13 Where: Recreation Center Fee(s): $30 per month, $15 each additional sibling The Kids Membership at the Recreation Center includes use of the wiffle ball fields and gymnasium, plus a punch card valid for 4 games of bowling and 4 hours of gaming in our new gaming center. For more information, please contact the Recreation Center at 765-6677.

WEST SIDE LANES BOWLING MEMBERSHIPS New at West Side Lanes is our bowling membership program! Bowling memberships work similarly to weight room memberships and include unlimited bowling time and shoe rental. Lane use is subject to availability. Family member discounts apply to immediate family residing in the same household (parents, children, siblings).

Monthly: $30 per person – 1st family member, $15 per person – additional family members 6 Months: $150 per person – 1st family member, $75 per person – additional family members 1 Year: $240 per person – 1st family member, $120 per person – each additional member

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REC SHOPPE Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Place: Recreation Center, 500 Cascade Place, Taft Looking for spirit wear or other customized shirts? Stop by the Rec Shoppe in the Recreation Center and see what they can do for you!

WALKING FOR SENIORS When: Monday – Friday Time: 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Where: Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Fee: $2 daily or $15 monthly (program is ongoing, join us at any time!)

Don’t let the hot or cool weather get you down – come walk the track in the Recreation Center Gymnasium. There will be prizes for reaching milestones and we will also help you track your miles and progress.

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

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

AEROBIC KICKBOXING – KICK LIKE A GIRL! Who: Ladies, Ages 14+ When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Where: Community Center Assembly Room Fee: $25 per month Instructor: Amy Steers This fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense.

Classes are held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.

BC CHEER TUMBLING CLINIC Who: Grades K-12 When: Sunday, October 2 Time: 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Where: Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Registration deadline: Thursday, September 29 Fee: $20 per person Join the legendary Bakersfield College Cheer Team for this fun tumbling clinic! The clinic is open to all ages and skill levels – whether you are a current cheerleader or just want to have some fun. Taught by college professionals, participants will learn proper stretching, technique, work on existing skills and advance their tumbling skills to the next level. No existing tumbling experience is required!

TINY TOT FOOTBALL Who: Ages 2-4 When: Tuesday or Thursday Evenings Time: 5:30 p.m.

Session: October 18 – November 17 Place: Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Registration deadline: Thursday, September 29 Fee: $25 per person Kids will discover the joys of football without the contact. This program teaches the basics of the game, teamwork and fun. No games are played in Tiny Tot sports.

FLAG FOOTBALL Instructional: Ages 4-6 Youth: Ages 7-11 Practices: Weekdays Games: Saturdays Session: November 1 – December 17 Place: ‘A’ Street Park Registration deadline: Thursday, October 6 Fee: $35 per person This program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork.

The Taft Independent

Taft Community Garden needs your help!

The Taft Community Gardens is located on 9th Street across from True Value Hardware

By Kathy Johnson Have you ever wished you had a green thumb? I think we all have. It’s a challenge to garden in the desert but, remember, the San Joaquin Valley is called “The Food Basket of the World”! It’s not that things can’t grow, we just need to learn how to coax the earth to produce. That’s where the Taft Community Garden comes in. We are fortunate, in Taft, to have such a beautiful community garden which has been called ,by some, the best in Kern County.

If you think it takes a “green thumb” to be a part of the Community Garden, you’re wrong! It just takes the desire to get your hands a little dirty, make some new friends and enjoy the bounty. None of the community gardeners consider themselves experts, just learners.

In 2009 a small group of Taftians met to discuss the possibility of forming a community garden where locals could grow their own produce or flowers. By the end of that meeting a committee was formed and a plan developed. Within six months land was obtained, irrigation was installed, fruit trees were planted and the first of fifty beds were built and filled with soil. Isn’t that just the way things happen in Taft?

Part of the plan for the community garden was education and outreach. This has been fulfilled in part through the annual “Fall into Gardening” event which provides activities and free pumpkins to the children in Taft as well as the Arbor Day event which targets children from local schools. Outdoor classroom trainings are held periodically.

Taft Community Gardens Garden Boxes for Rent

Now the Community Garden needs your help. It needs people who want to be involved a few hours a week to help grow this garden into everything it can be. It needs people to help in many areas: leadership, planning, organizing, maintenance and people who just want to learn how to garden. The cost is minimal, forty dollars per year which includes water, fruit from the trees and an automatic watering system. In fact, if someone really can’t afford the cost, there are scholarships available.

Taft Community Garden has some boxes for rent at $40.00 a year. What a great way to teach kids and grandkids about where food comes from.

Obituary

HARRY DALE WILSON 1921 - 2016 A funeral service will be held in the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. for longtime Taft resident, Harry Dale Wilson, 94. Rev. Trent Meadors, pastor of Taft First Assembly of God, will officiate and burial will follow in the West Side District Cemetery Mausoleum. Harry was born in Taft, CA on December 13, 1921 and passed away in Bakersfield, CA on September 10, 2016. He was a member of the U.S. Army and served during WW II from February 17, 1945 to November 4, 1946. His second tour of duty was served during the Korean Conflict from September 18, 1950 to April 11, 1952 when he was honorably discharged from military service. He retired from ARCO after 30 years of employment. Harry enjoyed traveling, reading and truly cared for others. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Beulah Wilson and his loving Uncle Bill and Aunt Opal Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one’s charity of choice in Harry’s name. Special thanks to the staff at The Village at Seven Oaks. Viewing will be on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. To express online condolences or sign an online registry please visit www.

EricksonAnd Brown.com.

R&D

Motorcycle and Small Engine Repair Sales Service Repairs 661 577-2027 661 331-3467 1050 Wood Street Taft, Ca.

If you’re interested in joining the Community Garden, please call 770-7202 or find us on Facebook, “Taft Community Garden”.

Ben’s Books

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Hours

There is a work day this Sat 9-10-16 from 9am to noon at 9th and Kern. Come down and check us out.

A contact number is 661 770-7202 or check out our Facebook page, Taft Community Garden.

September 1 - 7, 2016

Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Motorcycle Repair - All Makes and Models Harley Davidson - Street and Dirt Bikes - Imports Engines Parts - Tires - Tubes Full Inventory of Parts, Tires and Tubes in Stock 24 HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE We Also Service ATV’s Quads ATV’s FREE ESTIMATES

September 15 - 21, 2016 Visit Us Online At taftindependent.com and Facebook

The Taft Independent

Recipe Corner

your husband’s good health and the general feeling of content and happiness that pervades the home, WHAT??

By Brenda Collins

I don’t know what you think, but I think there must be powerful recipes in this book!

Here is one of my greatest “finds” that I discovered while watching a cooking show 20 years ago. Paul Prudhomme, at that time, was a very famous New Orleans chef and had his own restaurant. So, I surmissed that he must know something about meatloaf if he was going to go on national TV and brag about his recipe.

Now we have all had our own meatloaf recipes, as did I. But everytime I had a chance to try someone else’s recipe I did so because I was never happy with my own. When Lipton Dry Onion soup came out, the makers of the soup pushed all kinds of recipes at you to try using their soups. So I was given this recipe by a close friend and used it for years because it was fast and easy. But fast and easy doesn’t necessarily make the BEST recipe and this one always left such an oniony after taste. So, when I saw Paul Prudhomme making his recipe for meatloaf, I felt I had nothing to lose by trying it. So, I did and it has been my go to recipe for meatloaf ever since. And I have never had anyone disagree that it wasn’t the best.

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935 HOURS

Monday thru Friday 8:00am –9:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm

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I know many of you top your meatloaf off with bacon, of which this recipe has the bacon in it, or tomato sauce of some kind. But this recipe really just stands alone. It doesn’t require any sauce. But you can always open a jar of premade brown gravy and serve it along with the meatloaf, if you prefer.

PAUL PRUDHOMME’S MEATLOAF 2 lbs ground beef 1 tsp paprika (optional) 4 – 8 slices bacon diced 1 ½ cups diced onion 1 cup chopped bell pepper Garlic 1 tsp dry mustard 1 cup diced celery 1 cup V 8 juice ½ cup to 1 cup evaporated milk (or whole milk may be substituted) 2 eggs ½ to 1 cup crushed saltine crackers 1 Bay leaf (optional) Fry bacon til crisp and then, add onion, bell pepper, celery, mustard, garlic and bay leaf to your skillet and fry til tender. Remove bay leaf. Add mixture into the hamburger meat and add eggs, milk, V 8, cracker crumbs and mix well. Turn into a glass casserole dish and form into a loaf.

Bake at 400 degrees for 45 – 50 min or til done.

Serves 6

In my mother-in-law’s 1930’s book on serving and planning meals, the book tells the reader that your occupation as chief cook has compensations. Such as cooking wonderful meals for your family and adding to your children’s rosy cheeks and happy dispositions,

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Maria’s Place Mexican & American Food Family Pac Special

100 E North St. Taft CA

4 HAMBURGERS 4 REGULAR FRIES 4 20 OZ DRINKS $21.50 plus tax

The True Taste of Mexico Ice Cream and Sandwiches Hours Monday - Friday 11am to 9pm Sat. and Sun. 11am to 10pm Food to Go - Ice Cream Parties 523 Finley Drive In the Pilot Plaza

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

763-3311 1008 Kern Street In the Albertsons Shopping Center

Visit Us Online At taftindependent.com

8

Liberty Under Fire “White Americans Need to do a Better Job of Listening”

By Harold Pease, Ph. D “White Americans need to do a better job of listening,” said Hillary Clinton recently with respect to problems in our black communities. We agree. Progressive policies of the last fifty years, which she champions, notably welfare, have done much to return our black brother to a slavery of dependence and seemingly to set our black communities on fire driven mostly by angry black young men with little hope.

Herman Cain, 2012 black presidential contender, said it best: “Uncle Sam is the master who gives today’s nominally free blacks just enough to get by so that they can continue to work for their master by voting for those politicians who promise to give them more of other people’s earnings.”

Many in the black community know that these progressive policies, in exchange for their vote and loyalty to the progressive agenda, have left them less educated, less employable, less family oriented and more on welfare, and more both the perpetrator as well as the victim of crime. Progressivism, primarily advanced by the Democratic Party, ensures 95% Black voter support.

This column shares black solutions for black problems, not normally given by the establishment press, as they identify what must change. Again, “White Americans need to do a better job of listening.” It also borrows much from the New American article “Real Solutions for Black Americans,” written by Michael Tennant. Their common message: “Blacks are worse off now than they were before government began ‘helping’ them.”

George Mason University black economics professor Walter E. Williams speaks to the education problem where nearly half of blacks in government schools drop out of school. Those who do reach the 12th grade, according to The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), “score at the same level as the average white seventh-or eighth-grader on standardized tests.”

The Taft Independent

Williams identifies private black schools such as Marva Collins School in Cincinnati and Marcus Garvey School in Chicago where “85 percent of those kids at each of those schools read at or above…grade level….” Those not happy with government schools must have choice of other types of schools. Competition with school choice must return.

September 15 - 21, 2016

Obituary

Williams advocates four other changes to help his people. The Department of Education and all federal education programs and money must be abolished as quickly as possible. More should be expected of teachers. “Education majors,” he says, “have the lowest entrance-exam scores of all majors in college.”

Schools must enforce discipline, order, and structure. Finally, affirmative action must be abolished. “Black students need to be admitted to schools where they belong on the basis of their preparation and aptitude. Were this the case, many more blacks would graduate than currently do.”

With respect to ending blacks being less employable, two actions are needed. First, repealing “the minimum wage and other labor laws that discourage the employment of low-skilled workers would make it possible for many blacks to get their first jobs, where they can gain skills that will enable them to move up to higher-paying jobs and out of poverty.” Second, “remove barriers to starting and expanding businesses…. From licensing laws to permit requirements to environmental impact assessments.” Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, a Black pastor working in the trenches, said it best: “We need the government out of our lives, really, as much as possible.” Adding: “Let the free market reign.”

With respect to welfare it must end says Professor Williams.

He suggests “giving welfare recipients a definite deadline after which there will be no more handouts and, in the meantime, making them work for their welfare checks.” The private sector could help in teaching skills that enable getting good jobs, as once it did. Reverend Peterson does exactly this through his Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny (BOND). “We’re teaching these boys a trade so when they finish high school, if they don’t want to go to college, they don’t have to.” Fraternal societies and churches did much of this in pre government handout days and they will again if the federal government slowly stepped out, Peterson argued.

With respect to blacks being both the perpetrator as well as the victim of crime, both education and employment of young black men in particular would help. Blacks are also “disproportionately victimized by criminals in part because they live in cities with strict gun control laws that criminals ignore. Repealing these laws would give potential victims a chance to defend themselves.” Also needed is for black communities “to get more people attending church.” Males normally drop church attendance early, Peterson notes, “If kids are raised in the church and they stay in church…. They’re significantly less likely to get arrested.”

What is promising is that real black leaders, those in the trenches (not the “race baiting” televised leaders), have the solutions for their own people and Hillary is right, “White Americans need to do a better job of listening.”

Perhaps she should take her own advice. Only then will the predominantly white government cease bribing black people with “free” money. For blacks it is not a conservative or liberal solution but a matter of freeing their people from slavery a second time.

Jordan Brooks Jordan Brooks was 32 years old. She grew up in Taft, Bakersfield & Pismo Beach. She attended Arroyo Grande High school and went on to graduate from Taft College in 2006.

She was very close to her grandma & grandpa, Lloyd & Charmayne Brooks and spent a lot of time with them fishing & singing karaoke.As a young adult she had the pleasure of working with her grandma at the Taft Chamber of Commerce & was an honorary member of Taft Soroptomist Club, where she had many friends who adored her. She spent time as a student teacher at Taft Conley school and was awarded “Student Teacher of the Year” in 2007. From 2009-20013 she attended UCP Work Inc in Santa Maria as a junior staff & mentor to over 100 folks with disabilities.

This was her true passion.

In 2012 Jordan was diagnosed with a rare, incurable stomach disease; Gastroparesis. which took away her ability to digest food. Coupled with chronic migraines and dysautonomia, she fought like a warrior in every sense of the word to stay positive while trying to enjoy her family, friends and constant companion,Teddy, her labradoodle. Jordan was an active member of several Facebook support groups for Gastroparesis, Through this she realized she was not alone in the battle of her life.

Her network of nurses, caregivers & friends is far & wide.

Jordan endured illnesses for many years, but she carried hope daily that a cure would be found & spent many hours daily tweeting & emailing every news agency & celebrity possible to help bring awareness to Gastroparesis & Dysautonomia.

She leaves behind her mom & dad, Bill & Michele Tillery, aunt & uncle, Frank & Judy Miller, her grandma, Charmayne Brooks, cousins, Keith, Kara, Kassidy & Kody Miller and many close friends.

She will be remembered for her positive attitude in the worst of situations, her sock collection, her love of purple and George Strait, but most of all her smile. Jordan had the courage to say goodbye. She was ready to go to Heaven. She received her angel wings on August 29th. Jordan’s Journey touched many lives, she is finally home where she belongs The family would like to personally thank Dignity Hospice & Home Health. Nurses, Tara Allen, Wendy Knight, Linda Stone & Leslie Rodman. A special thank you to Miss Sunshine for staying true to her name.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 9th from 10am to noon at The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo. It will be informal with stories and memories shared.

Donations in Jordan’s memory can be made to www.gpact. org. Sign her guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

September 15 - 21, 2016

9

The Taft Independent

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TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557

“ “Freely Given” Clothing Giveaway Every 3rd Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Upstairs in the Education Building outside the front gates @ 630 North St.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

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

Gateway Temple

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 4279722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

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.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE

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Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

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(661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell License No. 0E02096 E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

First Baptist Church Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Childcare Available During Services Info call 765-7151

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

Morning Worship 10:30

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study Wednesday 6 p.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m. www.standrewstaft.org The Rev. Heather Mueller 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

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

PASTOR MIKE LYNCH

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

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

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

If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488.

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

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Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Community Christian Fellowship

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Residential Customers If you live outside Taft Heights, South Taft or Ford City you can rent a Blue Co-mingled Recycling cart for $6.62 a month.

75% Diversion by 2020 For more information or to get the service started, Call Westside Waste Management at (661) 763-5135 or visit their website at www.westsidewaste.com

10

Classifieds

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for Classified $2.00 per off up to 5 lines,Ads andare $7 per issue forline. up toPhone, 10 lines.fax, Yardmail Sale or adsdrop are free. your adfax, tomail the or Taft Independent.

Phone, drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

The Taft Independent

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469 Preserving for the Future

Rentals Real Estate

Deadline for submission is Wednesdays at Noon.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

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

Boxed adsCar, aretruck $5 or additional.

E-mail us $5 (orper bring Photo Ads. house for sale ads are week,toor our $10 office) a photo ofus your home, car,office) truckaor motorcycle and with a photo.

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

Yard Saleads ads are $3 isfor 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified deadline now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesdays at Noon.

Phone: 765-6550 Phone: 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card.

Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

YARD SALES

Yardsale. Sat. 9-17.

303 S. 8th St. 7am - ? Furniture, plants, clothes, etc. A little bit of everything.

We do estate sales. Let us make the job easy.

Renee (760) 535-8721 or Lisa (661) 378-5366.

Old’s Cool Antiques & More.

HELP WANTED Help Wanted Full time Taft City School District is accepting applications for one Service Maintenance Technician: 8 hours per day, 12 months per year. The benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employment process includes written exam, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and physical exam with drug screen. Application and Job Description may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EOE Help Wanted Full Time Taft City School District is accepting applications for a Bilingual Clerk/ Community Relations Liaison for 3.5 hours per day/10 months per year with a salary range of $11.76 to $15.01 per hour in six steps.

Employment process includes written exams, typing test, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and physical exam

with drug screen.

Application and Job Description may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Tuesday, September 13th at 4:00 p.m.

Classified application may also be filled out online at: www. taftcityschools.org EOE Midway Elementary School is hiring a combination second/ third grade teacher for the 2016-17 school year. Three years of experience is required. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street, Fellows, CA 93224.

MOBILE HOMES

Mobile Home. Single wide located in Buena Vista Mobile Home Park. 2 bed 1 bath.

New carpeting. Central heating and air.

Appliances included. $ 7000.00. Please contact Dennis @ (661) 978-9951.

HOMES FOR SALE Americana Real Estate 322 Kern St. 661-7655000 Lic # 00447658 & 01942324 221 D St, 3/1.75, New roof, painted in/out, kit & bath upgrades, must see, 1200 sq ft, $125,900 220 Tyler St, 3/2, newer remodel, large rooms, huge 3 car garage/shop, 1680 sq ft, $156,500 620 Graydon, 3/1.75, Pool, tile roof, fireplace, tile floors kit & baths, 2 car garage, 1223 sq ft, $215,000

330 Philippine, 2/1 + office, 1 car garage, 960 sq ft, $85,000 Pick up a list of all homes For Sale at 322 Kern St or call 661-765-5000

September 15 - 21, 2016

Real Estate Services Laura Vega DRE 01942324

(661) 769-6469

322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-5000 www.americanataft.com

Free. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.starts at $500 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. Call (661) 846-6403 or (661) 765-7678.

Miscellaneous

HOMES FOR RENT West Valley Real Estate www.BuySellManage.com (661) 763-1500 CalBRE Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT 218 4th St #4 Studio/1 $395 218 4th St #1-A 1/1 $475 319 ½ San Emidio #A 1/1 $525 336 Mary St 2/1 $600 107 Lucard St 2/1 $700 401 A St 2/1 $800 122 Franklin Ave 3/1 $825 728 Kern 4/1 $900 219 A St 3/2 $1,200 10675 Odyssy Way 3/2+Office/Solar $1,900

Yard Sales $3.00 Deadline Noon on Wednesday for Thursday Publication -------------

212 4th St Laundromat opportunity $500 100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750

Classified Ads

Americana Real Estate 322 Kern St. 661765-5000 Lic # 00447658 & 01942324 103 Brandon, 3/2, 1621 sq ft, newer home, built in appliances, tile in wet rooms, carpet in bedrooms, 2 car garage, indoor lndry, gardener incl. $1550 + dep. 661-765-5000

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APART. FOR RENT Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.7657674. 420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit. No Application

$2.00 per line

Homes for Sale in Taft Heights Great investment Property. Completely remodeled.

325 D Street. 2 bed, 1 bath, plus 2nd unit 1 bed, 1 bath.

Well kept property. Live in one, rent the other to cover your mortgage. $129,500. Call or text (714) 244-8877.

325 D Street Large family home plus studio. 3 bedroom, 2 bath plus studio. Live in one and rent the studio. Great investment property. Separate meters on each home. The house is solid and completely remodeled. $155,000.

Call or text (714) 244-8877.

701 & 703 E Street

September 15 - 21, 2016

The Taft Independent

Sandy Creek Estates New Homes for Sale in Taft

Models Now Open for Viewing!

U-Cart Cement

For a private viewing, please call Bob at (661) 763-3517.

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

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

We sell and service Mountain Bikes, BMX, Skateboards and Scooters.

Just added: Roller Derby Skates and Accessories 608 Center St.

745-4919

GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN AND BATHS STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES

TILE FLOORS ON ALL WET AREAS COVERED PATIO FENCED LOT

LANDSCAPED FRONT YARD

Custom or Semi-Custom

Options Available

Visit our website www.Sandycreekestates.com

11

The Taft Independent

September 15 - 21, 2016

Black Gold Brewing Company

Craft Beer Brewery and Restaurant

American and Thai Food Lunch and Dinner Breakfast Wednesday-Saturdays

Full Service Espresso Bar Free Wifi - Pet Friendly - Cable TV We accept all major credit cards Local Hotel Room Delivery Available Available for Meetings Black Gold Brewing Company Lunch - Dinner Mon. - Sat. 7am - 2 pm and 5pm - 8 pm Sun. 7 am - Noon 508 Center Street, Taft, Ca (661) 765-6556