Taft Observes September 11th 10 Year Anniversary

Independent The Taft

September 9 - 15, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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September 9 - 15, 2011 • Volume 6 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”

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

The Westside Will Never The Westside Forget Remembers Lincoln Junior High and the Kern County Fire Department Remember September 11th With Memorial Tribute

Full Bar Cuyama Valley Exchange Club

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

Book Review: Lord Save Me From Taft By Helen Smart

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

Black Gold Open Monday’s for Lunch and Dinner Cafe and Deli

508 Center Street • 765-6550

Try Our Meatball Sandwich $6.25 Our homemade meatballs and marinara sauce with parmesan cheese and garlic butter all baked to perfection on a soft toasted French roll

2

TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 9 - 15, 2011

United We Stand!

City of Taft 209 E. Kern Street Taft, CA 93268

September 9 - 15, 2011

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

News Briefs.......................3 Westside Watcher............4

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Community Events News Briefs Taft California “Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument” VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm

Westside News..................5

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!

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

End of Times Gallery Fall Art Classes

Westside News.................7

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

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

Please call for supply lists.

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

Community Voices..........8 Obituaries.........................9 Classified Ads.................10 Westside News...............11

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

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

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

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

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

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

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

West Kern Oil Museum Fun-Fund Raiser Saturday, September 17th The West Kern Oil Museum is having a Fun-Fund Raiser on Saturday, September 17th.

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

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.

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.

Taft Farmers Market

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

Rain or Shine

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

Thursdays 5pm - 8pm

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

Electronic Waste Recycling Event We cannot place most consumer electronics in the trash!

Answering machines Camcorders Compact Disc Players Copiers/Duplicators DVD Players Electric Typewriters Electronic Games Electronic Testing Equipment Fax Machines Hard Drives Laptops Mainframe Computers Microwave Ovens Mobile (cell) Phones Modems Pagers PDA’s Personal Computers (CPU, Monitors, Keyboards, Mouse & Peripherals)

Plasma TVs Projection TVs Printers Printed Circuit Boards Radios Remote Controls Scanners Stereos Tape Players Telephones & Telephone Equipment Tranparency Makers Two-way Radios Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) VCRs Word Processors Other Consumer Electronics

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

You can learn about the new electronic trash rules by going online to: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/electronics/whatisewaste/

Monday, September 12, 2011 through Monday, September 19, 2011 City Hall Parking Lot 209 E. Kern Street For questions, call (661)763-1350 ext 34 Remember you can always recycle metals, glass, plastic, and newspaper at the following locations:

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

4

TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 9 - 15, 2011

Free SAT Classes At TUHS 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 Have Your Next Event At The Club!

Weddings, Receptions, Parties, Anniversaries, BBQ, and More!

Call us today!

763-3268 Have Your Next Event At The Club!

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

Editorial

Westside Watcher

By Kent Miller

Taft City Council Update

The City of Taft might soon gain a museum site displaying its history.

The city might also gain a downtown transit center and park-andride facility.

Or, it may not gain either.

Businessman Robert Mitchell, who owns the former Wells Fargo Express Office and railroad depot building on the Rails to Trails property, would like to see the structure become home to a Taft history museum.

Mitchell addressed the Taft City Council during the Citizen Requests/Public Comments portion of Tuesday’s council meeting. He is a founding member of the small Westside and Sunset Robert Mitchell Railroad Historical Society and could fill the Express Office with items from the community’s history, Mitchell said.

But there is one catch: the city owns the property where the building sets and he would like to “work out something affordable with the city” on the property rent.

The city had plans for the building but he purchased it, Mayor Randy Miller said. “(A museum) is a great idea for the building,” Miller said. But Mitchell needs to work with city staff on the future of the building and have it put on the agenda for a future meeting.

1B grant Later in its meeting, the council approved a resolution authorizing City Manager Bob Gorson to submit a grant application for $1 million to build a transit center with park-and-ride facility downtown.

The money would come from 2006 Proposition 1B Public Transportation Modernization funds allocated for projects in Kern County. The proposal has gained approval from Kern Council of Governments.

The city would have to pay for environmental and personnel costs in Continued on Page 6

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

Due to a family medical issues.

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

Paik’s

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

Taft Union High School is offering a free, 201/2-hour class to students who want to prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Many colleges require applicants to take the SAT as part of the admissions process.

Similar classes in Bakersfield cost between $100 and $150. All participants receive the book, The Official SAT Study Guide. Students may use the book, valued at $21.99, to continue to prepare for the test after the course ends. Refreshments will be provided during all sessions.

Also, several scholarships awarded through the TUHS local scholarship program give special consideration to students who have above-average SAT scores. More than $190,000 in scholarships was awarded to seniors at the annual Honors Night last May. Instructors are: counselor Claude Bradford, English teacher Jim Carnal and math teacher Josh Tofte.

“I took the SAT preparation class and my SAT scores went up 100 points in math and another 50 points in English. I took the class a second time and my total went up another 50 points. I recommend this class,” Marty Fontes, a 2007 TUHS graduate, said.

Classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 13, and end on Monday, Sept. 26.

Classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13; 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, and Thursday, Sept. 22; 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday Sept. 24; and, 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26.

All classes will meet in room 136 in the main building.

The SAT test will be given at Taft High on Saturday, Oct. 1. The last day to register for the test is Friday, Sept. 9.

For more information or to register your Taft High student, call the Guidance Center at 763-2324.

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

Check Out Our Website! maricopaquiltcompany.com And Facebook Page!

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

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

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

Now Celebrating Our 22nd Year

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

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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 9 - 15, 2011

Shop Taft

Get Ready For Back To School with Next Step!

ITEM OF THE WEEK HCG Solution $39.99

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

Open 24 Hours!

506 Center Street

(661) 205-5579

Anderson Business Services Bookkeeping • Income Tax • Notary

WE COME TO YOU!

Schedule of Services

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

Sandy Anderson

Notary Public Certified Signing Agent

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

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

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

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

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

J & D Recycling 1277 Kern Street

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

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 Step Back Into School

Tire & Automotive Service Center

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

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

A Hint of Class

FREE

Saturday, September 10th Only

Stop by to see ALL the Savings!

Check out our Perm & Haircut Specials with Linda & Angela

Greg Anderson

510 Center Street Taft, CA 763-5445 Store Hours Tuesday & Friday 8am-8pm Wednesday 10am-4pm Thursday 10am-5pm Saturday 9am-3pm Closed Sunday & Monday

J e w e l r y

Specials!

Personal Style

Mobile Notary Public Certified Signing Agent

Miller’s Direct Beauty Supply Outlet

F i n e

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save you money on quality jewelry!

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

acme jewelry co.

Name Brand Clothing Shoes • Jewelry Accessories & More

In Style!

New Arrivals of Backpacks & Shoes Inside The Historic Fort 915 N. 10th Street Suite 34 (661)623-1783

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Every Book In the Store $.10 During the September 10th Sidewalk Sale!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs The Westside Remembers Where They Were Ten Years Ago On The Anniversary Of September 11th

Lincoln Junior High Hosted A 9/11 Memorial Event Friday, September 9th in front of the school along with the Kern County Fire Department.

OT

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

Specializing in Steak & Seafood

Dinner

CLOSED SUNDAY/MONDAY

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 9-13-11 thru 9-17-11)

Tues.

9-13-11 Lunch

Deluxe Chicken Sandwich

$8.95

Tues.

9-13-11 Dinner

BBQ Beef Ribs

$10.95

Wed. 9-14-11 Lunch

Hot Turkey Sandwich

$8.95

Veal Liver with Bacon & Onions

$10.95

Students from Lincoln Junior High made and presented the Kern County Fire Fighters with this quilt to show their appreciation to them.

Crab Salad

$9.95

Seniors! It’s Portrait Time!

Wed. 9-14-11 Dinner Thurs.

9-15-11 Lunch Thurs.

9-15-11 Dinner Fri. 9-16-11 Lunch

$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full

BBQ Pork Ribs

$13.95/ $15.95

Steak Pita

$9.95

Fri. 9-16-11 Dinner

$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

Prime Rib

$15.95/ $18.95

Sat. 9-17-11 Dinner

Lasagna

$10.95

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

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

connection with the project, including about $12,000 to $15,000 for phase one study, said Craig Jones, city Public Works manager.

The proposal was presented to the council at its Aug. 16 meeting, at which time more information was requested by councilmembers.

Councilmember Ron Waldrop expressed concern at Tuesday’s meeting about what it will cost the city in the future to maintain and operate the facility.

Maintenance and upkeep costs would be covered by the Transit Fund, according to the report prepared by Jones and city Finance Director Teresa Binkley.

“We have a viable project,” Mayor Miller said. “The 1B money will go somewhere (for projects in Kern County).”

The council was not committing the city to the project, only authorizing the submission of an application for grant funds, Miller said.

“We can move forward (on the project),” he said. “But it is not a final commitment.”

The city can decide to accept or decline the funding down-the-line, Gorson said.

After discussion, the council voted 5-to-zero to approve the resolution.

Don Gillespie Plaza?

In the Council Statements segment at the early part of the meeting, the councilmembers had high praise for the first Labor Day Weekend Bike Fest, sponsored by Two-Wheel Productions, at the Rails to Trails.

The motorcycle event drew participants and spectators from outside of West Kern and went off without problems.

The councilmembers also reminded Westside residents of Sunday’s 10th anniversary commemoration of Nine-Eleven.

In his comments, Don Waldrop suggested naming the Fifth Street plaza for the late Don Gillespie, who for years videotaped council meetings, church services and almost any Taft area activity for viewing on local television.

Cookhouse Lunch

City Council Continued From Page 4

Climate Smart The Climate Smart program with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. was batted around by the council before they decided to table the matter until a future meeting.

“We are saving money, but we could do that without the (city’s) contribution to Climate Smart,” Waldrop said.

“We could do it (save money) without making a donation to Climate Smart. We need to stop unless PG&E matches our donation. I’m not happy with the money we are donating.”

Waldrop pointed out an article in The Bakersfield Californian that called Climate Smart “a waste of money.”

“If we discontinue this program we could still get the benefits.”

The city manager suggested pulling the item until a later meeting when staff would present information on the benefits of Climate Smart.

“There area lot of benefits above trees (for planting, which the city receives through the program),” Gorson said. “Climate Smart improved our bottom line.”

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

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

September 9 - 15, 2011

Free Clothing Changes, Unlimited package poses & 24 Extra Wallets *offer only available with this coupon limit one coupon per package

Now offering “inspired” portraits, as unique as you are.

CALL NOW 763-5429

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

Redevelopment The council voted for the second reading of an ordinance determining that the city will comply with the voluntary alternative redevelopment program, should Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to end redevelopment agencies and enterprise zones pass court scrutiny.

Approval leaves open the city’s options on the matter and doesn’t commit it to paying $185,000 in January to continue redevelopment activities should the state Supreme Court rule in favor of Brown’s measure.

“Are we committing the city to making that payment,” Councilmember Dave Noerr asked. No, according to the city attorney, approval of the ordinance keeps the city’s options open.

Noerr objected to “being held hostage by the State of California ... (having to pay) $185,000 to do what we have previously done legally.

“There is a point in time when you have to know when to bail out.”

We Will Never Forget!

God Bless America!

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

September 9 - 15, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Westside News & Business Briefs

Remembering September 11th

By Kevin McCarthy

Ten years ago, our nation was struck by the worst terrorist attack ever to be carried out on American soil. Over three thousand Americans were killed. I was with my wife Judy getting our kids ready for school when I heard that an airliner had struck one of the twin towers, and I remember the shock as news of the continued assault on our land came across the wires. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since that day, but I will never forget the response of the men, women and children in our community and in every community across the nation. Even our own first responders from Kern County flew to Washington to help at the Pentagon.

As the dust of disbelief settled, the American people came together in solidarity. Men and women from every walk of life stood united as Americans to make it abundantly clear to the cowardly terrorists who waged this deliberate assault on our nation and way of life that we would not be intimidated. With American flags waving in front yards across the country, we immediately resolved that we would rise together from the ashes and reaffirm our rights as Americans to live, vote and worship as we please.

After the attacks, brave young people from around our district, from Paso Robles to Bakersfield to Ridgecrest to Lancaster, answered the call to serve a half a world away in the name of freedom.

These young people have sacrificed their time, sweat and blood – and 32 local service members have given their lives – so that you and I can wake up each day and be free. I want the men and women in our military and their families to know that we will be forever grateful, and I promise to fight to ensure your sacrifice is never forgotten.

This September 11th marks the ten-year anniversary of the attacks and has been declared a National Day of Service. Volunteerism has never been lacking in our communities, and this 9/11 is another opportunity for us to show the solidarity Americans have for our way of life. I encourage everyone to seek out opportunities to give back this upcoming Sunday whether through your house of worship, a local charity, visiting veterans in your local community or donating blood to save a life.

Even now, the scars of that terrible day remain, but so does the resilience, hope and courage of the American people. It was just four months ago that news of the death of Osama Bin Laden drove scores of Americans of varying races and religions to the gates of the White House with American flags to celebrate that the mastermind of the September 11th attacks had finally been brought to justice. As we reflect on the ten-year anniversary, let us never forgot what makes our nation so special. We are a nation founded on the principles of freedom and liberty, and we will never give up the fight to keep our country safe and strong for generations to come.

9-11 Patriotic Music Memorial At 9-11 Message From TUHS Assemblywoman Shannon Grove The 10-year anniversary of the 9-11 terror attack on America will be remembered with a 9-11 memorial service of patriotic music in the Taft Union High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11.

The high school all-star band, comprised of members of the Taft High and Lincoln Junior High bands, will play all-American marches, fanfares and songs of the Armed Forces before the event at about 6:45 p.m.

The Westside Christian Ministers Association is sponsoring the event. During the service, the band will play the “Star Spangled Banner,” “Hymn to the Fallen” by John Williams, and will end the event with a sing-a-long of “God Bless the USA” led by Taft High freshman Macy Bratcher.

The event includes a speaker and a slide show. “This is a great opportunity to educate the young about what happened and a chance to really discuss how that changed our country,” Taft High band director Amanda Posey said. “It is the job of our generation to impress upon the next generation the pride of our country. Please bring every young person you can to this local patriotic event.”

Kevin McCarthy Mobile Office Hours September 14th On Wednesday, September 14, a Field Representative for Congressman Kevin McCarthy will hold office hours in Taft.

“Mobile office hours are a great opportunity to speak directly with a representative from my office, share any concerns and receive help with any issues relating to federal agencies,” said Congressman McCarthy. “I always appreciate the feedback of the residents that live and work in our communities and I encourage anyone to come out and take part.”

Office hours will be held: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the Taft College Library located at 29 Emmons Park Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Local Contact: Vince Fong, District Director for Congressman McCarthy (661) 3273611. Congressman McCarthy’s Website: http://www.kevinmccarthy.house.gov/

Paiks Ranch House 200 Kern Street Taft,CA 93268

“Where Everybody Meets!”

We Salute All Our Veterans United We Stand!

Open 7 Days Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

661-765-6915

“Every day we remember, but today we stop for a special reflection and remembrance on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack upon our country, an event that shook our nation to its core. I express my gratitude and continued thanks to our brave troops and all first responders. Without these selfless individuals, that day and these past ten years could have been so different. It is with a heavy, but hopeful heart that I remember this day knowing that we Americans have demonstrated during the past ten years that we are ready and willing to defend ourselves against any foe. As President Bush said, “We will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail.” I urge all Americans to join in prayers of thankfulness for those who died in defense of our country, for those who carry on the battle today, and those family members left behind after the attack of 9-11 and in the continuing defense of our nation.”

Center Street Sidewalk Sale This Saturday, September 10th

The Downtown Businesses on Center Street are opening their doors for a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday September 10, 2011 from 10AM – 2PM. There will be special store sales, giveaways, and items displayed along the street. First responders will be set up in 5th Street Plaza and street vendors selling tacos, snacks, and more.

Come out and support your local businesses and commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9-11. Join us Sunday at 7:00PM in the Taft Union High School Auditorium for a Memorial Service sponsored by the West Side Christian Ministers Association.

8

Community Voices

TAFT INDEPENDENT

From The Mayor The City of Taft joins all of our sister cities throughout the United States in remembering the dreadful day of the World Trade Center Twin Towers attack on 9/11/01. This was a very sad time in our nation’s history when the war on terror came to our shores in a very dramatic way. The loss of life was staggering to the imagination and the sorrow that the nation suffered was at times overwhelming. Shaken, scared, bewildered at our core, and at the time unsure of our future, it didn’t take our citizens long to realize that we were wounded but not down and certainly not out.

The nation rallied, as we have not seen in several generations. The flag of the United States became our endearing symbol of the freedoms that this nation enjoys and no terrorist organization was going to take that away from us. We brought old glory out in so many ways we have never seen before. The stars and stripes were displayed everywhere not only from flag poles but on car antennas, lapels pins, hanging from our homes, stickers pasted everywhere, hats, t-shirts; our citizens were united in showing how united a nation that we were despite our differences. An attack on one is an attack on all. You are not going to get away with this; we will hunt you down and take the fight to your front door; no matter the cost or length of time that it takes. Freedom and democracy is not going to be destroyed just because you knocked down a couple of buildings and thinking you got away with it. We will not be intimidated; we will not be coerced; we will protect to our very being our core values as a free society.

However, time has had a way to lessen the impact that the attack had on us. We’ve put away our flags accept on special occasions; we have been dulled by the length and the losses from Iraq and Afghanistan; our collective patriotism has waned in these past ten years due to a lagging economy that has taken precedence over our daily lives. We have been lulled under a false security blanket as there have been no further attacks on American soil since 9/11. New York is rebuilding and security is tight everywhere. It is really sad to be an American and to go places where you see security people armed with automatic weapons at the ready. This is America, not some third world country. We are freedom loving peaceful people why would anyone want to deprive us of these values ?? Are we so bad a nation that other people would want to destroy all that we accomplished and all that we share with the world, in the name of what: religion ?? Last time I looked we are the most diverse religious nation in the world accepting of all religious ideologies only asking that you share those values in peace.

What happened ?? What is so wrong with us that others perceive this as a threat to their values ??

As your Mayor, I have no answer to that question. Historians and scholars may find solutions that will guide us in the future. What we can do now is not forget. Do not get complacent. Our enemies are still out there working inside and outside our country to try to hurt us again. Who in their mind would have thought that striking the twin towers with airliners would have made them collapse as they did ?? It was dramatic for sure but gratefully our losses lessened with quick evacuations before they came down. The next strike may not be as sensational as the Twin Towers but be rest assured there are plotters out there still wanting to strike and scare us on maybe a smaller scale but it will be hurtful and effective. They have tried several times unsuccessfully in the intervening years to wound us again but we beat them at their game.

We all have our own thoughts and persuasions on how to solve our nation’s problems. Everyone it seems has an opinion, but not everyone can come up with a consensus. The cost for security has been staggering since 9/11; it has affected every state, county, and city. We have shown we are more than willing to pay the tab if we can keep our citizens safe. Security has been disruptive especially if you travel, no one is trusted anymore, we are all suspect and that is beginning to take a toll on us as a freedom-loving nation. Will it ever end; will we ever return to what it was like before 9/11; no one seems to have an answer at this time. What can you do ??

Bring out your flags and patriotism once again, not for just now but keep it going. Let it become a part of your daily life.

When you see them, thank a Veteran; thank a first responder; thank our current service people in uniform; be vigilant; be accepting of people; lets us be a nation of many but be a nation of one united around our flag. Start this by attending the Westside Ministerial Association non-denominational rally at the Taft High Auditorium on Sunday 9/11 at 7:00 pm.

This is a time for you as a citizen of the Westside to stand up and send a message that we have not forgotten and we truly a nation of one. Be there when we rededicate our Veterans Park and the memorial to our fallen heroes from past conflicts of this century on Veterans Day. Be there for the City of Taft as we look to an uncertain future but with an eye for growth and development for all our citizens. Live here, don’t just reside here. Remember we all stay, play, earn, learn, and have fun together as we are ‘Energized for the Future”.

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

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September 9 - 15, 2011

Lord Save Me From Taft

By Helen Liss Ivanhoe Smart

By Jane McCabe With such a title I’ll admit I was eager to read this book. In a nutshell, from its cover, is “In 1949 on a remote homestead in Northern Alberta Helen Liss married an American oil geologist who took her to the desert town of Taft, California.”

Ms. Liss was raised in a loving farmland family in Sangudo, Alberta—a land of lush wooded parklands and green forests, “colorful Tiger Lilies blooming randomly among the hay in her father’s meadow. The ditches along road the road were pink with Alberta Wild Roses, their perfume scenting the clear air…”

So, to be suddenly transported to Taft was a rude shock for this young bride.

You’d think a young woman from a good family would think twice before marrying a divorced man with several children, especially one whose wife had been so distraught over their divorce that she had committed suicide, but then the young are not always known for making wise decisions concerning whom they marry.

Had Helen’s husband been a more sympathetic man who showed more tender affection it might have lessened the culture shock that she experienced: There was no rain that summer, only searing sun and dust storms. When that fine dust blew in under the windows, we caulked them shut. No more dust but no more fresh air either. Dust blew in under the front door and formed rows of little dust dunes that had to be swept up several times a day, until my husband figured out a way to create an airtight seal there as well, making the living room a tepid box of stale unmoving air.

Every morning in Ford City was the same: a big orange sun rose in the early hours settling into a dusty haze, with capricious dust devils wrecking havoc from sunrise to sunset. I miss the anticipation of waking up to an Alberta day; I missed the clean, fluffy white clouds in a blue, blue sky. I missed the sudden rainstorms and the smell of fresh, clean woodland. I missed the gentle winds that made an undulating symphony as they blew across a field of my dad’s grain. And I miss my family and the security of loving surroundings.

Whereas Helen’s husband Bus wasn’t an evil man, he was nevertheless cold.

When his children came to live with them he insisted that he alone discipline them. When Helen made some money teaching he insisted that they put the money into an account that he controlled. When she indicated that she would like to legally adopt his children, he said no one but he was to made decision concerning their welfare…

To make matters worse Helen got very sick with San Joaquin Valley Fever, diagnosed after she suffered a miscarriage. She was forced to spend three months in bed, without even being allowed to read. This was treatment for cases that were so advanced that red welts had appeared on her legs.

I thought cumbersome bureaucracy a relatively recent phenomenon in California—not so. When Bus converted a garage on their property into living quarters (to generate more money for the family) soon enough he was asked if he had applied for a building permit. The city stopped the work. When he went to the building department he learned that his electrical work should have been inspected and that he should have applied for a building permit before he made any changes. They would have to break away drywall to inspect the electrical and expose the plumbing to see it met the code. Bus was so discouraged that he abandoned the project altogether.

The Ivanhoe’s lived in Taft only for a couple of years; when Bus received a transfer they were able to move to Bakersfield, where they rented a much more attractive home that the one at 300 Taylor Street.

Lord Save Me From Taft is partial memoir—it ends when the family moves to Bakerfield. This was frustrating to me. Though from About the Author, I learned that she moved around the world with Bus, as he worked in Libya, Israel, Turkey, Italy, Columbia and Mexico. However, she doesn’t live with him today. Today she lives with her husband Hugh Smart in Goleta, California. Since the book’s dedication is to her current husband and family for their encouragement and support, we can safely assume Helen’s second marriage is happier than her first.

But, I’m dying to know: did she eventually divorce Bus or did he die leaving her free to remarry?

Helen will be having two book signing for Lord Save Me From Taft. The first of the signings will be at Russo’s Books in Bakersfield, CA at 1PM on Saturday, September 17th. For more information contact Russo’s at (661)665-4686. The second signing will take place at the West Kern Oil Museum in Taft, CA on Sunday, September 18th at 1:30PM. For more information contact the museum at (661)765-6664. Both events are free and open to the public.

September 9 - 15, 2011

Obituary

RAYMOND R. MORTIMER

December 21, 1935 – September 2, 2011 Our beloved husband, son, dad, grandpa “Papa,” brother and friend passed away on September 2, 2011 in Bakersfield, CA. Ray is survived by his wife, Carmen Mortimer; father, Frank Laskowsky; sisters, Sharon and Anita; daughters and sons-inlaw, Grace and John Barber, Janella and Larry Heptinstall; son and daughterin-law, Rick and Susan Byrd; daughters, Debbie Baldwin and Christie Parker; grandchildren, Joseph, Chris, Rick, Kacie, Haleah, Emilee, Scotty and Lizzy; and great-grandchildren, Paige, Ashton, Alex, Julia, Toni and Siena. Ray was born in Colorado. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict before moving to Taft in 1960 where he resided until his death. He worked for the West Kern Water District until his retirement in 1999. For 35 years Ray worked as a Taft Police Department Reserve Officer.

In addition he was a strong believer in volunteering his time and was very active in many local organizations including the American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #11012, West Side Cemetery District Board, Taft Sportsmen’s Club and the Taft Lions Club. Ray was very passionate about hunter safety and over the past 40 years taught a hunter safety course and firearm training. Most recently he worked for the Westside Security Patrol and served on the 2010 -2011 Kern County Grand Jury. Ray worked hard to take care of his family and to set a good example for his children and grandchildren. He will be missed -- may he rest in peace. A memorial service was held at the West Side District Cemetery, 440 E. Cedar St., Taft, CA on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. A reception followed the service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 101 Church St., Taft, CA .

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. There are no visitation hours scheduled and the arrangements are under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. www.EricksonAndBrown.com

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Ronald Lynn Shipe, Age 42 Ron passed away at home following a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, September 2nd, 2011 Ron was born in Santa Barbara, California on May 22, 1969.

He moved to Taft, California when he was in first grade. He attended Taft City Schools and graduated from Taft Union High School in 1987. Ron proudly worked as a Lineman for Braun Electric for 15 years.

Ron loved riding his dirt bikes with friends and built a 1976 Cafe Racer. He also enjoyed playing paintball with the Wildcards. Most of all he absolutely loved watching his son and best friend, Kelby, race at Honolulu Hills Raceway, Taft Arena Cross and many other places. He was a member of the Tfat Motorcycle Club for 6 years.

Ron is survived by his wife, Alisha, his son and favorite person in the world, Kelby Shipe, mother Becky Robbins of Maricopa, CA, father Ron Sr. and step-mother Linda Shipe of Penns Creek, Pen. and his favorite Aunt Debra Aresco of Carpenteria. He is also survived by his brothers and best friends Jake Stubblefield, Eric Fedoroff, TC Laffoon, Chris McKamie, Zak Crabb and John Todd and by many, many, many loyal friends and family.

Funeral services for ‘Shipe” will be held at 4:00pm Friday, September 9th at the Westside Believers Fellowsip, 101 Hwy 33 Taft, CA. A reception will follow at the Taft Petroleum Club, 950 Petroleum Club Rd., Taft, CA. We are asking everyone who owns a motorcycle to ride it to the church and then to the Petroleum Club in memory of Ronald.

In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up for Kelby Lynn Shipe at Chevron Valley Credit Union.

Alisha and Kelby would like to thank all of “Shipe’s” friends and family for their help and support in these difficult times.

Richard Dale Powers (1949-2011) Our beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother 7 friend, peacefully passed away on September 3, 2011. He was born on May 14, 1949 in Alhambra, CA to Burton & Betty Powers. Rick was raised in West Covina and graduated from Gladstone High School in 1967. In 1969, he went into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War, returning home on July 4, 1970. After meeting the love of his life in 1971, he relocated to Taft where he worked in the oil fields, becoming an instructor for Westec the last 10 years of his working years. Rick loved taking long rides on his Harley & looked forward to the NASCAR race every Sunday. He had a soft place in his heart for animals & he loved his kitty cats. He will be remembered for the love he had for his family, his wonderful sense of humor & giving the best hugs. He adored his wife, children & grandchildren & being Papa brought his heart the greatest joy. Rick was preceded in death by his father Burton Powers, brother-in-law Alan Miller, brother-in-law Jerry Bishop & brother-in-law Cap Pike. He is survived by his loving wife Lynda LaVinia Miller Powers of Taft, son Jeff Powers and his wife Trisha of Taft, daughter Kim Powers Sempel & her husband Bryan of Bakersfield, Mother Betty Powers of Las Vegas, NV, sister-in-law Shirley Galllegos of Claremont, CA, sister-in-law Mary Jane Bishop of Taft, brother & sisterin-law Jim & Phyllis Beaty of Taft, sister-in-law Cathy Miller of Taft, grandchildren Bailey, Kevin, Alan, Aly & Chelsie & many nieces, nephews & dear friends. Graveside services will be held at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 9:15am with reception following.

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

Licensed Funeral Directors

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

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

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 487-2416 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and Mary A. McWhorter

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

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

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

Community Christian Fellowship 631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available Angel Food Program Tues. 9am - 12pm Thurs. 3pm - 6pm

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St.

Taft Crude

Coffee House

765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

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

Fat Free & Sugar Free Flavors!

Open 7 Days - 763-5156 1010 6th Street • Taft

10

Classifieds

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

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

Ad photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Affordable Rents We’ve Got em!

$5.

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550

Preserving for the Future

Phone: 765-6550

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

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

Taft Independent210 508 St., CA 93268

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

Wednesday.

Business Services COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

MOTORCYCLES AUTOMOBILES Just became a grandpa, wife says must go! ‘05 Suzuki Katana GSX 600F $3,800 OBO 14,700 mls. 661-5869444.

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 306 Eastern. In house.

Kids stuff & some antiques.

214 E. San Emidio.

Sat., Sept 10th 7amsold. Misc, household items,furniture, clothing, etc.

506 Church Street Saturday 7am-? Misc, nintendo 64 and more!

Moving Sale 106 E. Warren, in alley. Sat., 7am. Recliners one in leather, roll top desk.

Tools, misc 207 Van Buren. Sat., Sept. 10th 7am-12pm.

Lots of different items!

Men & Women yard sale. Saturday 217 E. Calvin Street. 8am-?

1011 3rd Street Saturday 7:30am-?

Boys clothes, jewelry, pots and pans, etc.

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

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

Apply in person at 1277 Kern Street.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Wanted WANTED

427 1/2 A Street. Big floor fan, organ, bbq, battery charger.

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

Yard Sale Saturday 7am-12 noon. Little bit of everything. 28126 Cosworth in Dustin Akers.

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

Sunset Antiques and KC Photography yard sale Saturday 8am-? 119 4th Street.

Pets & Livestock FOUND PETS PETS LIVESTOCK LOST PETS

Real Estate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

CRIME FREE HOUSING Brokers Licence 01417057 661-577-7136

PROPERTY FOR RENT BUSINESS FOR SALE

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

near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $25,000. Room to expand product offerings.

Good family business.

Call 661-623-4296.

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

Excellent location,

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.

Lic # 01525550 www.

BuySellManage.com.

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

Complete list of homes for Sale and Rent available!

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

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.

September 9 - 15, 2011

Business 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

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

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

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

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

Advertise with The Taft Independent Call Today 765-6550 Ads Starting As Low As $2 per line!

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 325 Kern Street

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

APART. FOR RENT Newly redecorated 2bd upstairs Apt. Kitchen appliances and washer dryer furnished. All util. paid No. pets. $700 mo. plus $500 deposit. Call 765-4786 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Air Conditioning & Heating

Cleaning Services

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

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

Ken Shugarts

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

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.

Advertise with The Taft Independent Call Today 765-6550 Ads Starting As Low As $2 per line!

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

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

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

September 9 - 15, 2011

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Devon’s Body Shop

Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop

We Have Moved!

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

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

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

745-4919

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

Qik Smog & Tune

Precision Bodyworks & Towing

We take the DENTS out of ACCIDENTS

(661)763-4445

We are an Independent Agency With Many Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies To Best Suit Your Needs Why go to Bakersfield?

We Represent You To Give You The Best Service

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

Our Friendly Staff

Come see us at 608 Center Street

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

Phone (661)763-4420

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

FAX (661)763-1389

Certified C.A.P. Station General Automotive Repairs

Cell (661)577-6785

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

317 Main Street • Taft

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

western shop & PET SUPPLY Now Carrying Wrangler FR Shaw’s Pet Wash Self Wash 1st Dog at reg.

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

99 99 Savings Small dog up to 30lbs $14.00 $56. & $65.

Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jeans 13 MWZ l a i c 99 * Spe s g Originally $31.99 Savin

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

$29.

Dogs 30 lbs & over $17.00

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

Kennels are available for additional dogs

*limited to stock on hand

Nails clipped and filed $12

www.shawswesternshop.com

Each additional dog or cat $9

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3

419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway

We Cater Your Place or Ours Full Bar Available For You Special Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available Event 24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Open 7 Days a Week

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

12

TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 9 - 15, 2011

We Will Never Forget!