Document

June 4 - 10, 2010 • Volume 4 Issue 49www.Taftindependent.com

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

Oilworkers Monument Site Gets Ready!

[email protected] TaftIndependent

Interview With Taft Iraqi War Veteran Josh Tims

Taft Soccer Signups

Region 842

Saturday, June 5th 9am to NoonAt the Soccer Fields Behind Albertsons

Boys and Girls Ages 4-13

First Round of Soccer Signups Every kid guaranteed to

PLAY!Center Street Business Target of Smash and Grab Break in

The PlaceBeautiful Downtown Ventucopa

(661) 766-26604414 Highway 33, Ventucopa, CA

Top Sirloin Steak with salad, beans & garlic bread

$10.00 Per Person • BBQ Starts 5:30 p.m.$1.00 Domestic Drafts 5 to 7 p.m.

(No to-go’s)Overnight Camping Available

The PlaceVicky & Alick Invite you to a

$10.00All-You-Can-Eat

DinnerSaturday, June 12th

BBQ starts at 5:30 pm until Gone

The June Primary Election Ballot

PropositionsBy Wes Morris

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT June 4 - 10, 2010

Passion For Nails

1014 6th Street • TaftIn the Save A Lot Shopping Center

(661)745-4913Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Gift Certificates AvailableNail Services:

Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

(we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

423 Center Street • (661)763-3527

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

acme jewelry co.F i n e J e w e l r y

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

WINNER

IndependentThe T

aft

Best Of

2009READER’S POLL

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

New Store Hours:Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pmClosed Sunday and Monday

Handmade Hammond’s Candies

The Perfect Gift!

Next Step Cardio and Fitness Club

Open 24 Hours! 506 Center Street (661) 205-5579

Sponsored by D.S. Nutrition Sign Up now! Vendor Space Available!

Saturday, June 12th 9:30 am to 1pmSTRONG MAN COMPETITIONFirst ever in KERN COUNTY

Sign Up In the Month of June and Receive $20 gift card to

D.S. Nutrition!

All Carters Ware 30% offStarting June 8th - June 12th

Shop Taft

(661)763-3030

Miller’s

661-763-5445 510 Center Street • Taft

Beauty Supply

Call for an appointment Today

Glam Squad on Premises

Beauty Supply • Salon • Boutique

Barbara Van Pelt • Melissa ThornsberryLaci Rodart • Christine Dunning

Carolyn EasleyShop Manager - Jessica G. Miller

Hair & Skin Care Products • Salon Services Synthetic Hair Wigs & Human Hair Extentions

Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Pictures & Prints • Massages

$492 Half Hour

Massages for $49One for You and One for

Your Dad!

Soleil Tanning Studio303 Gardner Field Rd. St. B.

By: Tonya White

745-4896

Pregnancy MassageDeep Tissue

Pain ManagementSports Therapy

Specializing In:

MASSAGE

101 B. Street • Taft

(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

Monday - Buy 1 Dinner and get the 2nd FREE*

*On dinner combos 1- 102nd dinner must be of equal or lesser

value From 4pm - Closing.

Wednesday - Kids Eat FREE*

*Kids under 10 years old eat free from Kids Menu with paying Adult

From 4pm - Closing.

Saturday - Noche MexicanaSteak or Chicken Fajitas

$9.95From 4pm - Closing.

All Specials Subject to Change

Specials

R ‘N CRibbonz ‘N Curlz Bowtique

“From classy to sassy. We have Bowz and Clothez for you”

Buy 2 Get 1 FREE!On All Hair Accessories!

All Winter CLothing now 50% off!

We Have Moved to 415 Center Street!Tuesday -Friday 10am-5pm

Saturday 10am-2pm415 Center Street • (661)345-BOWZ

407 Harrison Street • TaftShop: 661-745-4915 Fax: 661-745-4916

Clem: 661-979-5057 Roman: 661-599-0520

Tires • Commercial Vehicles Industrial • Alignment

Kids Stop

419 Center Street

Personal StyleSalon & Boutique

Summer Kick Off Sale!

Check out our booth at the Car Show

Saturday, June 12th

We carry sizes newborn to 6T in boys and girls

Check out our Men’s and Women’s classic car tees and shirts

Just in Time for the car showJune 12th

Get Your Car Show Shirts!

Stop by our booth at the Car Show, Saturday, June 12th and find even more savings!

Father’s Day SpecialOver 10 Years Experience

Personal Style's

Rite Away Carpet Cleaning

Finished with Your Spring Cleaning?Now it’s Time to do the Carpet!

(661)765-4191

June 4 - 10, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

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

News Briefs......................3

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

Ballot Propositons..........5

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

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

It’s About Taft.................8

Westside Horoscopes.....9

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

Inside Community Events

The Taft Independent

508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

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 3,250 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 Indepen-dent 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 mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 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: [email protected].

ADVERTISING.Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representa-tive at (661) 765-6550.Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone order are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Assistant Managing EditorAdvertising Sales Manager

Jessica Wallis

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller

Jessy McCulloch

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins

Staff PhotographerSara Bravo

Circulation ManagerJobe Edgar

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

News BriefsTaft California

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Taft AYSO Soccer Sign Ups Saturday, June 5th

Saturday, June 5th will be the first round of soccer signups for the Taft AYSO region 842. Come out between 9am and noon to register your kids! Registration will be held at the soccer fields behind Albertsons. Boys and Girls ages 4-13 are eligable for registration. AYSO teaches the beautiful game of soccer, ensures physical activity and most of all encourages fun! Every kid is guaranteed to play every game!

Westside Christian Minister’s Association Fundraiser BBQ to benefit Taft Salvation Army Sunday, June 6th

Sunday, June 6th from 11:30am-1:00pm at Veteran’s Park, located at Kern St and hwy, 119 will be a fundraiser BBQ to benefit the Taft Branch of the Salvation Army. Tri-tip of bbq chicken sandwich with chips, drink, and dessert for $10. Hot dog with chips, drink and dessert for $3. Tickets may be purchased at West Side Community Resource Center.

Taft Chamber of Commerce 2nd Annual Rails to Trails Car Show Saturday, June 12th

The 2nd Annual Chamber of Commerce Rails to Trails Car, Truck and Bike Show will be held on Saturday, June 12th on the Rails to Trails. Pre-registration is $25 and includes event t-shirt. There will be live bands, 50/50 Drawing, Beer Garden, Food and Vendor booths, raffle, poker walk, participant judging, dash plaques and awards for more information contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 765-2165

Next Step Cardio Strong Man Competition Saturday, June 12th

The first ever Strong Man Competition in Kern County will be held in Taft on Saturday, June 12th at Next Step Cardio from 9:30am-1:00pm Sponsored by D.S. Nutrition. The Strong Man Competition will feature events as seen on ESPN, vehicle pull, stone flipping, tire flipping and more! Vendor space and food vendor space still available, contact Wendy at 205-5579 to sign up and for more info! Are you interested in sponsoring the event or participating? Contact Wendy at 205-5579 to sign up!

Cuyama Valley Booster ClubSummer BBQ, Barn Dance &

Horseshoe Tournament

Taft AYSO Soccer Sign Ups

Kern County’s First Strong Man Competition to Take Place in Taft

Come join us at the

AtThe Place, Ventucopa(Alick and Vicky’s 661-766-2660)

Saturday, June 5th, 2010live Music by XStatic

Camping available- bring your RV, tent or just sleep in your truck

All proceeds go to the Cuyama Valley Booster Club, which helps support athletics and academics in the Cuyama Joint Unified School District

Horseshoe Tourny$10 buy-in starting at 1pm

Contact Laura 301-4192

BBQStarts at 5pm$12 per plate

This Saturday, June 5th will be the first round of soccer sign ups for the Taft AYSO region 842. Come out between 9am and noon to register your kids! Registration will be held at the soccer fields behind Albertsons. Boys and Girls ages 4-13 are eligible for registration. AYSO has six philosophies to the success of their program. 1. Everyone Plays. The program’s goal is for kids to play soccer so AYSO has mandated that every player on every team plays at least 50% of every game. 2. Balanced Teams. Every year AYSO forms new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it’s more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain experience of a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels. 3. Open Registration. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. There are no elimination try-outs and nobody gets cut! 4. Positive Coaching. Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment for the players and leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. A coach can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every boy and girl. 5. Good Sportsmanship. AYSO strives to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO. 6. Player Development. AYSO believes that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game. This is the first round for soccer sign ups for the season. If you can not make it out to register this Saturday another registration date will be posted.

Taft will be the first location in Kern County to host a “Strong Man Competition.” The Strong Man Competition will be hosted by Next Step Cardio and Fitness Club, located at 506 Center Street, on Saturday, June 12th from 9:30am-1:00pm. The event will be sponsored by D.S. Nutrition, if you are interested in helping sponsor this event there is still time! Contact Wendy Soto at 205-5579 for more information. The Strong Man Competition will feature events as seen on ESPN, vehicle pull, stone flipping, tire flipping and more! Next Step Cardio’s own Aaron Heid will be participating in the event. Aaron currently leads the Strong Man training class at Next Step Cardio. If you are interested in participating in the event, sponsoring the event, volunteering, having a vendor booth or a food vendor booth please contact Wendy Soto at Next Step Cardio at 205-5579.

Public Transit MeetingPlace: Taft City Council Chambers

209 East Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268

Date: Saturday, June 5th, 2010Time: 12:00 Noon

Persons interested in public transit in the community are invited to make comments and concerns on possible unmet public transit needs. Anyone

unavle to attend may submit written comments. Comments should be sent to the address below. For telephone testimony, please contact Mr. Jones at (661)763-1222. Electronic mail may be sent to [email protected]. Deadline for written, telephone and electronic testimony is no later than

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 at 5:00pm

Craig JonesPublic Works Manager

City of Taft209 East Kern Street

Taft, CA 93268

Used to be Paul’s

420 1/2 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268 • (661)745-4919

Bike ShopDad’s and Grad’s Sale!

40% Disc. on 26” Men’s Bikes IN STOCKEnds 6/15/10

Pre-Paid Unlimited Plans Starting as low as $40 mo.

510 Finley Drive (661)765-2500

Boost MobilePage Plus

AT&TH2O

Simple MobilePhones • Accessories • General Merchandise

Low Prices • And More


Editorial

Westside Watcher

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wed, Fri. 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pmSaturday 4 pm - 9 pm

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pmDinner by Reservation

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 1 pm

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.Saturday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Live Music Saturday Nights

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pmSaturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm

Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. Sat. 6 am-9pmSun. Wed. Fri. 6 am - 10pm765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

El Jacalito Authentic Mexican Dining

We do Catering for any Special Event!Orders to go.

Sunday - Thursday10:30 am - 8:00 pmFriday and Saturday10:30 am - 9:00 pm101 B. Street, Taft

763-9890763-9892 fax

Always Fresh!

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 2;30pmDine In or We Deliver

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

FOXTHEATER

All shows before 6 p.m.- $7.00 -

Late ShowChild and Senior $7.00

Adults $9.00www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St

NOW SHOWING

-Killers-Prince of Persia-Shrek- Forever After

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

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

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

Chilled & GrilledEvery Wednesday Night

Bike Night!Drink and Appetizer Specials from 7-9pm.

$1 Drafts!!!

765-2000621 Center Street

Get Your Events in the Westside Entertainment Guide. Call 765-6550 or fax 765-6556

Industries NightJune 9th

Have Your Next Event with Us!Wedding Receptions • Birthday Parties

BBQ • Reunions and More!Call Today • 763-3268

Your RestaurantListed Here.

Call765-6550.

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Every Friday is Ribeye Steak Dinner Night

Welcome Home From Iraq!Laura Macias

“Pepany”We love you so much, you are our hero!

You’ll never know how much we prayed for you and missed you!

We are so proud of you!- Love Mom,Your Family and Friends

Uncivil Liberties

Smash and Grab at Center Street Business G.S. Graphix & Hobbies on Center Street was the vicim of a smash and grab crime earlier this week when an unknow thief broke a storefront window and grabbed an electronic RC Car displayed int the window. Owner Brandon Frakas was contacted at home by Taft Police who said they had found the window to his Center Street hobby and sign making business broken. Only one item was taken, a 2 wheel drive valued at $247.00. Farkas said that the thief broke the window and grabbed the box that was displayed in the window, cutting themself in the process leaving a trail of blood on the sidewalk.

G.S. Graphix & Hobbies business owner Brandon Farkas cleans up broken glass in front of his Cener Street business where someone had broken the window and stole an RC car valued at $247.00

By Michael Long

The Kern County Grand Jury has released a new report critical of the City Council majority for violation of the Brown Act. The report entitled, City of Taft Brown Act Violation, was posted on the Kern County Grand Jury website today and said in its findings that the council majority had violated the open meeting law by signing a letter which was directed to an unnamed 4th city councilman “demanding silence on certain matters...” Last month, the council majority of Mayor Dave Noerr, and Councilmen Paul Linder and Randy Miller had consulted in closed session with the city attorney and outside legal council on employee harassment accusations against two councilmen and sent a letter to Councilman Craig Noble asking him to not publicly comment on the ongoing investigation because it could bring possible litigation against the City of Taft. The letter was disclosed by Noble in an interview in a Bakersfield television news report. Councilman Paul Linder, who said he was not contacted by the Grand Jury on the letter or interviewed on the issue, was surprised to learn about the new report. “Frankly, I am surprised that the Grand Jury did not ask us about the letter or look into the legal process we took to conform with the law,” Linder said. “We noticed the meeting on the council agenda, placed it on the closed session agenda and did everything according to the law.” Linder said that the council majority had consulted with outside legal council and the city attorney, both present in the closed session meeting when the letter was drafted. Linder said that the council was addressing serious personnel issues that could not be addressed in public and sought legal advise before

Grand Jury Accuses Council of Brown Act Violation

resolve the issues raised in the present report. Linder said that the council majority has been working in the best interests of the city to confront two members of the council on their conduct. “It’s totally unfair,” said Linder. “Our problems are being caused by the minority, and we are the ones being criticized.”

taking any steps. The letter was intended to caution a council member against speaking about personnel matters that were closed session items, which could bring a law suit against the city. Linder said he was disappointed that the Grand Jury was not asking the council about the process. “It’s a runaway Grand Jury,” Linder said. “They are being used politically by some members of the Taft City Council. If they looked into what’s happening here, they would discover how they are being used.” The report, on the other hand seemed to be blaming the council majority for losing sight of their role as council members. “The three members being investigated in the present report seem to be pursuing a vendetta against the other two members and have lost sight of the true role of a Council member (i.e., representing the citizens and the interests of the City of Taft),” the report read. “All members of the City Council must lay aside personal differences and return solely to the business of representing the citizens and governing the City of Taft in accordance with all laws and regulations.” The report further criticized the council majority on the letters’ language and attempt to silence a council member. “An attempt to silence an elected official has the effect of disenfranchising the people. The apparent actions of the three Councilpersons have violated the Brown Act and the interest of the people of Taft,” the report read. The report concluded with two recommendations. 1. That the three Council members should conform to all sections of the Brown Act and cease all illegal acts. Additionally, the three should attend a retraining class on the Brown Act immediately, and 2., within 30 days of release, the City Council should put on the agenda of a regular scheduled meeting the contents of the present report for the sole purpose of soliciting comments from the citizens of Taft on what actions to take to


Dear Fellow Citizens, I am a homebuilder, a business owner, and an elected High School District Trustee. I have spent much of my adult life as a citizen activist - defending the sanctity of life, the rights of private property owners and the value of traditional marriage. It is time to stop electing liberals and moderates. I am the only candidate who opposes the pork-filled water bond, who is a Tea Party Patriot and who will not compromise with liberals so that political machines can maintain their power. I would appreciate your consideration and your vote!

In Liberty, Ken Mettler

NOT the Political Machine’s candidateTea Party Patriot ‘Legacy Award’ recipient

Past President of the CA Republican Assembly Chairman of Prop 8 - YES on Marriage

The Conservative candidate for State AssemblyKen Mettler is Endorsed By:

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers AssociationGun Owners of CA

CA Taxpayer Protection CommitteeCA ProLife Council

Independence CaucusCA Young Republicans

CA Republican Assembly -

KEN METTLERThe Conservative Candidate

State Assemblyfor

KEN METTLER - THE PEOPLE’S CANDIDATE

“The conscience of the Republican Party”- President Ronald Reagan

by Wes Morris

It is that time of the year again for an election and that also means another barrage of ballot propositions to confuse us. Let’s take a look and see what we have.

Proposition 13Proposition 13 will provide that construction to seismically retrofit existing buildings will not trigger reassessment of property tax value, regardless of the type of building. Additionally it will set a statewide standard for the types of seismic retrofit improvements exempt from reassessment.As much as I hate government regulation, there is a reason we can have powerful earthquakes in California and our casualties are so low; we have stringent building codes. Having high quality public and private buildings saves lives. If we can encourage people to retrofit existing buildings by removing the tax penalty of doing so, then why not? Plus no one rebutted this proposition. Again, I am not sure why the legislature couldn’t just handle this and approve it. I guess we will have to do their job for them.

Proposition 14Proposition 14 will change California election law and allow candidates (other than for President) to run without party affiliation. During the June primary, all voters will be eligible to vote for any candidate in any party. The top two candidates will then run against each other in the November election. First off this sounds like a bad idea. As it stands now, we still have an option to vote for candidates in other parties in the final elections and each registered political party is guaranteed their candidate in the final election. Under this system, in California’s horribly gerrymandered assembly districts, most races will have a final run off between two candidates for the same party.For example, Nancy Pelosi is usually re-elected in the 8th district with over 80% of the vote. Under this system, in the primary election she might get the largest number of votes and another Democrat would probably get the second most votes. In the final election, the choice would be between two Democrats. In conservative areas like ours, the final elections would probably be between two Republicans. It would appear to me that third party candidates would effectively be banned under this new system. The top two candidates would almost always be either Republicans or Democrats. Our current electoral system is not broken in regards to party affiliation. The reason the Green Party, Independent Party, or Libertarian Party are not winning elections is because their candidates are simply not getting the votes. Eliminating their party labels and allowing two Democrats to run against each other in the final election is not going to solve this issue. In fact, it would eliminate any chance of these people being on the final ballot. I will be voting no on Proposition 14. I still want a third party option regardless of the primary elections. I am sure the Democrats wouldn’t mind eliminating our choices.

Proposition 15Proposition 15 seeks to provide public funding for the Secretary of State elections in 2014 and 2018. Candidates that accept these public funds would be subject to strict regulation and be mandated to participate in debates. This program would actually generate revenue by charging new fees on lobbyists to register as lobbyists in the State of California.Part of me thinks we shouldn’t waste tax payer’s dollars on political campaigns. At the same time are we surprised when candidates seem to buy elections with huge party machines or a vast personal fortune? Probably the vast majority of my readers will never have the money to run for a political office. This proposition seeks to increase the fee for being a lobbyist in order to fund public elections. If this passed, candidates would suddenly have an interesting choice. They could vow never to spend a dime of their election at the tax payer’s expense and simply collect all of their money from special interest groups willing to buy their campaigns. Or a candidate could vow to never take a dime of private funds from special interest groups and run a fair campaign based on ideas, open debates, and fewer attack ads on TV, radio, and the telephone.My only question is if we were to pass this, would there continue to be as many lobbyists in Sacramento? Like most other government taxes on business, would we drive lobbyists out of Sacramento and on to greener pastures? Would that then decrease the number of lobbyists and thereby decrease the amount of funds available for these public campaigns?Should we try a scheme to make elected positions more accessible at the expense of Sacramento lobbyists? I think so.

Proposition 16Proposition 16 would require local governments to receive 2/3 majority vote before providing local electricity service. The supporters of Proposition 16 are claiming that this 2/3 majority vote is necessary to protect the tax payers from local governments wasting tax dollars on the electricity business. The interesting thing is that PG&E is heavily in favor of Proposition 16. Now why would PG&E want to make it harder for local governments to compete with them in the electricity market? It wouldn’t be to protect their profits would it?The energy crisis of 2001 was complex and to this day the blame is thrown around all sides. The people in support of Proposition 16 are arguing that when the government gets involved in the energy business, the disasters of 2001 happen. That might be, but we the people can still hold local governments accountable for their decisions. If local representatives advocate entering the electric business against our will, then we can fire those representatives. Adding a more difficult challenge through a 2/3 majority seems to only benefit one group: PG&E. I’ll be voting no on Proposition 16. All one has to do is follow the money. PG&E wouldn’t spend millions to try and pass this proposition unless it directly benefited them.

Proposition 17Proposition 17 changes current law to permit insurance companies to offer a discount to drivers who have continuously maintained their auto insurance coverage, even if they change their insurance company. Additionally it will allow insurance companies to increase cost of insurance to drivers who do not have a history of continuous insurance coverage.There has to be a reason the insurance companies want to see this pass. Clearly they have done their homework and the number of people who do not have continuous insurance coverage must provide less revenue than the number of drivers who have maintained continuous coverage. Now you might want to ask yourself, have you had continuous insurance coverage? If so, this proposition will save you money. If you move out of the state or country or have any other lapse in your “bodily injury liability coverage” then this proposition is going to cost you money. Interestingly the Secretary of State Voter’s Guide states, “If an insurance company chooses to provide such a

discount.” There is no guarantee your insurance company has to offer this discount.I don’t trust insurance companies. Out of principle I might have to vote no on this one. However, since I have had “bodily injury liability coverage” continuously for the past 10 years, it would benefit me, especially since I have changed carriers three times in that period. If you have not had insurance coverage, then this proposition is definitely going to cost you some money, and probably quite a bit. This proposition actually would depend on your past insurance coverage. The sad thing is the insurance companies will always get our money no matter which way you vote on this one.

Wes Morris’s PicksProposition 13 YesProposition 14 NoProposition 15 YesProposition 16 NoProposition 17 Yes (but no is fine too)

Wesley Morris is transferring from the Kern High School District and will be starting as a history teacher at Taft Union High School in the fall. He also owns Ten Percent Firearms here in Taft. You can send him comments at [email protected] or leave a comment on the Taft Independent Facebook Page.

June Election Ballot Propositions


CookhouseOT

& SaloonSpecializing in Steak & Seafood

Lunch DinnerTuesday - Friday11a.m. - 2p.m.

Tuesday - Thursday 4p.m. - 9p.m.Friday & Saturday 4p.m. - 10p.m.

CLOSEDSUNDAY/MONDAY

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

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 6-8-10 thru 6-12-10)

Tues.6-8-10Lunch

Tues.6-8-10DinnerWed.

6-9-10Lunch

Wed.6-9-10Dinner

Thurs.6-10-10Lunch

Thurs.6-10-10Dinner

Fri.6-11-10Dinner

Fri.6-11-10Lunch

Sat.6-12-10Dinner

Chili Burger

BBQ Beef Ribs

Roast Pork Loin

Prime Rib$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

Chicken FettucciniAlfredo

Veal Liver with Bacon & Onions

Shrimp Sandwich

BBQ Pork Ribs$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

Corned Beef with Cabbage

$8.95

$9.95

$8.95

$13.95/$15.95

$9.95

$9.95

$10.95

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

$15.95/ $18.95

$10.95

Westside News Business Briefs

Saturday June 12, 2010

2nd Annual Rails to Trails Car, Truck & Bike Show

2nd Annual Rails to Trails Car, Truck & Bike Show

Watkins Construction - Johnstons Vaccum - State Farm - Personal Style - Asian Experience - Southern SierraTumbleweed Cafe - Taft Chevrolet - Taft Crude Coffee House - Oilfield Rental Equipment

Sponsored by:

100th 1910-2010

by James Carnal

Motivational speaker Scott Greenberg used an elastic face and melodramatic gestures to tell tales of optimism and perseverance to the Taft Union High School student body on May 19. Greenberg, 39, of Los Angeles, knows about adversity. Twenty years ago, he was diagnosed with a softball-sized, cancerous tumor in his chest. Speaking on the auditorium stage, he said, “Cancer. It made no sense. I’m one of you. How could this be happening to me? I’ve since learned it’s not just me. Every one of you will also get your cancer. I know you’re thinking, ‘I thought he was a motivational speaker.’ “You’re all going to get some thing. The one thing in this world that does not discriminate is adversity. Your cancer might me an abusive household. You abuse yourself, cut yourself. You think other people have it OK, but you have no idea. Others of you have little problems that you blow out of proportion.” He told his teen audience that how they proceed in life is up to them. “If you have not enjoyed your time at Taft High that was your fault and if you have enjoyed your time at Taft High that was your fault. There are two types of people, those who light up the room when they enter and those who light up the room when they leave. You can either contribute or you can take away.” He told students to build bridges, not walls. “If you’re smart, you’re making friends, cultivating relationships. Don’t miss out. The computer dorks of my day are the millionaires of today. You are stronger than you think, better than you think.” Greenberg compared their young lives to hot-air balloons about to soar but warned them of three potential sandbags holding them down: mental heckling (internal insecurities); appearance interference (worrying about what others think of you); and, comparisons to others. When you do run into something too difficult to handle, get help, he said. If things are going well, give help to others. “Don’t sit around and complain. Don’t sit around and blame. Even the greatest leaders have advisers. Even the greatest athletes have coaches.”

“Find someone with a bigger problem and help them. … The ultimate joy in life comes not from getting but from giving. Serve others.” Some of life’s greatest gifts come from tragedies, he said. His cancer forced him to drop out of New York University Graduate Film School, where he hoped to tell stories through movies. But different doors opened and, for the past 17 years, he has told stories as a motivational speaker and he said he couldn’t be happier. While he was introduced as a successful speaker and author of his three books on leadership and a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the College Soul, he said a less-flattering introduction could have gone like this. “Please welcome the worst athlete at his school, a boy who once headed the soccer ball into his own team’s goal, a boy, who on a skating date, knocked over his date causing paramedics to arrive, the junior high prom planner who had no date for prom, a man rejected by most colleges and dumped by his fiancé.” “Become an expert at failure. The most successful people have failed a lot because they have tried a lot.” Now, Greenberg’s cancer is in remission and he is happily married to his wife, Rachel. “I couldn’t choose my situation but I could choose my reaction, and so can you.”

TUHS Speaker Talks Optimism and Perseverence to Students

By Kent Miller

The City of Taft’s Personnel/Administrative, and Finance committees held back-to-back meetings Wednesday, with both groups delaying a decision concerning adding an enterprise zone program coordinator position. Staff had recommended to the Personnel Committee that it: support adding the full-time job to the city Position Classification Plan; send a recommendation to the Finance Committee that it fund the position; and urge the City Council to approve a request to fill the position.Staff had recommended to the Finance Committee that the position be placed in the 2010-11 budget. Instead, the Personnel Committee – which met first – delayed any decision on the position until its next meeting. The Finance Committee then voted to delay its decision until the next meeting on that position and a staff recommendation to add a planning information system analyst position to next fiscal year’s budget. The enterprise zone position request was based on staff being unable to meet work demand due to more than $2 million in awards, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grants and the Enterprise Zone designation, Lucille Holt, city enterprise zone manager, told Personnel Committee members Mayor Dave Noerr and Councilman Randy Miller.

After discussing the position – including whether it should be a full- or part-time post, and how much of the salary would come from grant money -- Noerr and Miller decided that they needed more information. Any decision was delayed until the next committee meeting.That also meant that the Finance Committee had to delay any decision on the position. The Finance Committee also received reports on the city’s financial conditions as of March 31 and April 30 for the current fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.As of March 31 – the end of the third quarter of the fiscal year – the city had a deficit of expenditures over revenue of $717,148, said finance director Teresa Statler. Following a normal fiscal year pattern that sees city finances improve in November and April as property tax revenue comes in, the deficit fell to $270,383 by the end of April, Statler said.As of April 30, of nine city income sources (property tax, sales taxes, property tax in lieu of sales tax, other taxes other than property, licenses and permits, revenue from other agency, charges for services, other revenues, and revenue from use of money), projected remaining revenue to be received in May and June was about $1.6 million, according to Statler’s figures. Revenue from use of money (investments) had been projected at nearly $340,000 for the fiscal year but was just under $230,000 as of April 30. Revenue from use of money declined because: there was less to invest; and investment interest

City Finance, Personnel Committees Discuss Hiring, City Finances

rates were lower this year, she said. More than 70 percent of the anticipated property tax revenue for the fiscal year of about $744,000 had been received by the end of April.But the continuing recession is hurting Taft. Of the projected sales tax revenue for the year of nearly $1.5 million – the biggest income item for the city – only 52.5 percent had been collected as of April 30. That is a running shortfall of more than $707,000. Property taxes in lieu of sales tax received as of April 30 was at 51 percent, with $220,000 remaining revenue, Statler’s figures show.


We are an Independent Agency WithMany Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies

To Best Suit Your NeedsWe Represent You To Give You The Best Service

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

www.edherrerainsurance.com

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public

Our Friendly Staff

Westside News Business Briefs

Anderson Business ServicesWE COME TO YOU!

Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Sandy AndersonNotary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments and Jurats

$10 per signatureMortgage Documents $150 per setMobile Notary Service $1 per mile

Office: 661-765-7665Greg’s Cell: 661-557-6032

Sandy’s Cell: 661-577-6790

Advertise with The

Taft Independent! Call Today!

765-6550

The Taft Camera Club will feature two progam attractions at its Tuesday, June 8th meeting. Leading off the meeting will be a member showing of a number of images fitting the theme of “Curves.” Each of the summer meetings will feature similar member showings of themed images – the July meeting theme being “Landscapes/Seascapes” The highlight of the meeting will be a special presentation by Mr. Bob Griffith on shooing wildlife. He will discuss the appropriate use of lenses and other equipment and the importance of composition and other camera techniques to get the best wildlife shot. Taft Camera Club meets at the Chevron Valley Community Room at 1092 West Kern St. The public is invited to attend this outstanding program. Members and guests will gather at 6:00 with the meeting starting promptly at 6:30.

It was a wonderful day out in the Cuyama Valley last Friday where nerly 50 Cuyama kids got an early start to their Memorial Day Weekend with a jump into the new Joseph Centeno Cuyama Pool & Aquatics Complex. The pool complex was recently build in the rural eastern Santa Barbara community of Cuyama. On hand for the ribbon cutting was Santa Barbara County Fifth District Supervisor Joseph Centeno (left) and Fourth District Supervisor Joni Gray while the very excited Cuyama kids wait for their chance to get into beautiful new pool.

By Kent Miller

A dream - what was once a nearly impossible dream – is taking shape at Westside Little League’s Blanco Field. Sometime later this month, a trio of batting cages, two of them featuring Iron Mike pitching machines, should be ready for use. The more than two-dozen teams in Westside Little League will be able to use the cages for practices in coming seasons. While pitching machines that the teams now use require being fed a ball for each pitch, an Iron Mike has a ball reservoir and is self-feeding, said Howard Matney, former president of the league’s board and the batting cage project coordinator. An Iron Mike is also more accurate and can throw a ball at the appropriate speed for each age level. “This thing has been kind of like a dream from its proposal,” Matney said. “We have been talking about it for about four years. “(The Iron Mikes) are top-of-the-line. They have more of the natural look of a ball coming from a pitcher.” One of the league’s former board presidents, Randy Taylor, first suggested the idea, Matney said.“Then, you needed to go to Bakersfield for a batting cage,” he said. As one of the final acts of his presidency, Taylor earmarked $5,000 to go for the Batting Cage Project Fund. “That’s what planted the seed,” Matney said of the $5,000. But no one realized how much the dream would require in terms of effort and money. “It takes time, effort, money,” said league President Robert Tarpley. “Howard has been a real go-getter in this. He will not take no for an answer.” Matney found that “there are a lot of hurdles that have to be met that you don’t think about. All the work here is by volunteers. “We can’t afford to pay people to do the work.” Synagro, which operates a biosolids composting facility on county land near Taft, donated $35,000 for the project. But then a Southern California firm that builds facilities like the Little League wanted came up with an estimated cost of $110,000, Matney said. But that was with no volunteer labor, no free use of heavy equipment, and paying full-price for all materials. But with the generosity of local businesses and individuals, total cost to the league will be $40,000 to $45,000, he said. In addition to Synagro’s donation, major examples of that generosity include: * Gene Watson Construction did the grading of the site at no cost to the league, starting early the next morning after Matney inquired about the price of having the work done. * Doug Jamison, engineering technician/project manager for West Kern Water District, did the preliminary engineering work for the site at home on his own time. * Layne Ingram’s Final Phase Electric and Instrumentation is donating the labor for the wiring installation for the cages. * Jeff Cooper’s True Value Hardware is donating use of a trenching tool to be used for the underground wiring. * Taft Union High School is donating four area light poles and will transport the poles to the site. Once the electrical work is done, concrete will be poured, fencing placed and the two Iron Mikes will be moved into position. The third batting cage will be for T-ball, Matney said. But it will also have a portable pitcher’s mound so the cage can be used for batting practiced with a person throwing the balls, he said. “I hoped an oil firm will help out with (the cost of ) the concrete,” Tarpley said. “We are further along now than I thought we would be. I hope it is finished within a month. Two weeks would be nice.” The league’s regular season ends next week but a Tournament of Champions in which Westside and other leagues in Kern County compete starts June 12 and All-Star play runs into July.The league’s four fields were recently revamped, including having metal bleachers replace the old wooden stands that often sent spectators home with unwanted souvenirs of the game – splinters.However, even after work on the batting cages is complete, the league still has some improvement plans, Matney said. The main proposal is to asphalt much of the dirt area between fields to cut down

on dust problems that have lead to game cancellations in the past, he said.“We have

feelers out for additional contributions (of labor, money or materials) from anyone who would like to help,” Matney said.

Cuyama Gets New Pool Facility

Camera Club To Show Curves and Wildlife

Westside Little League Blanco Field Getting New Batting Cages Soon

Make a Splash! at the Kern County Library this summer. The 2010 Summer Reading Program will kick off on Thursday, June 10 at 2 p.m. with Jammin’ Island Hula and a splash of South Pacific fun. This free program will be held in the Cougar Room of the Taft College Library, directly behind the Taft Branch. The Taft Branch will offer Summer Storytime every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for 3 to 8 year-olds in addition to the weekly entertainment for all ages on Thursdays at 2 p.m. All Thursday programs are free and will be held in the Cougar Room of the Taft College Library. They are funded by The Westside Friends and the Kern County Friends of the Library and co-sponsored by the Taft College Library. Thursday programs include:June 10 Jamm’n Island HulaJune 14 The Magic of Christopher LopezJune 24 Storyteller Jim Cogan with Stories to “Whet” the ImaginationJuly 8 The Sounds of Mexico with Martin EspinoJuly 15 The Omnipresent Puppet Theater presents “The Fisherman’s Wife”July 22 Roaming Reptiles Kids who read 10 or more books of their choice during June and July can earn rewards, including a free paperback book provided by the Kern County Friends of the Library. Children who are not yet readers can participate by having stories read to them. Reading Records will be available at the Taft Branch after they have read their first book. For more information, visit the Taft Branch Library at 27 Emmons Park Drive, call 763-3294 or check out the website at www.kerncountylibrary.org.

Taft Library Summer Reading Program


TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

Pastor Cindy BrettschneiderSunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM

Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AMAdult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PMWednesday Night Service 6:00 PM

Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley DriveWe invite you to join us

each week as we worship

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 amSunday Morning Worship 11:00 amSunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

Bible StudyThursday Nights 7 p.m.

395 California Street, Pastor Maricopa, CA 93252Bill LeBarron (661) 619-5372

Lighthouse Foursquare Church210 Harrison Street 763-1518

Home Of The Good News BearsHugs On WheelsFood In The ParkCode Blue Youth

Sunday Service 10 AMPastors Mark and Kathy Fitzsimmons

For More Information on Service Times Go ToWWW.TAFTLIGHTHOUSE.ORG

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service 6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

Jennifer, Charlie, and Angie Dedicated • Professional • Experienced

All Are Licensed Funeral Directors

The Trusted Name Since 1939

HOT MEALS & FREE CLOTHINGTuesdays & Thursdays

11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street

765-7472 www.nlctaft.org

UTURN Youth GroupWednesdays 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.At The Spot, 201 Harrison Street

Sunday Service at 10:00AM

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

When its Hotor Not....

Espresso Yourself Today

Open 7 Days - 763-51561010 6th Street • Taft

Immaculate Conception Parish

Mass Saturday 7pmSunday 9am

Everyone WelcomeDeacon Ricardo Barragan

Weddings - BaptismsQuinceañeras

4595 Highway 166 - New Cuyama(661) 766-2741

It’s About Taft

FREE WIFI AT THE TAFT INDEPENDENT PRINTING ALSO AVAILABLE

508 CENTER STREET(661)765-6550 OFFICE

(661)765-6556 FAXEmail us at:

[email protected]

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

(661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

$39.75 *

for Smog Check ‘96 or Newer plus

certificate

Ask about $500.00

Free Smog RepairRestrictions Apply

* must present ad at time of service

1/2 offDiagnostics

1150 4th Street • Taft • FD 1220661-763-1594

CommunityChristian

Fellowship631 North Street

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’sEpiscopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.Rev. Linda Huggard

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

PLASMADONORS

Earn extra cash and save lives...

Become part of our life-saving team and

start enjoying the benefits of extra cash.

What MattersMost...People!

For information call661-863-0621

(Central Bakersfield)Increased fees for

return clients

NEED A MEMORIAL MARKER?SAVE 20% IF YOU ORDER BEFORE

JULY 30th 2010Special Limited Time Pricing on allGranite Markers... Call Today!

West Side Memorial ServicesPorteous Family

by Randy Miller

Hi Everyone,

Hope that you had a chance to reflect on the meaning of this past Memorial Day weekend. We honor our fallen heroes who in our time of need gave the ultimate sacrifice to insure our freedoms and our way of life. I personally stop to remember my two childhood and high school friends who lost their lives while serving in the military during the 60’s: David Coke who joined the Navy with me and was tragically

killed in an automobile accident in San Francisco in 1966 and Larry Gotcher, my high school buddy who was killed while on patrol above Saigon in 1968. I’m sure that you have your own remembrances of friends and family members who served and who maybe now serving in the military. Freedom is not free, as the old saying goes. I am fortunate to still have some close ties with my old Navy buddies after three tours to Vietnam and I say to them, “God bless my brother in arms and thanks for having my back”. If you know of a veteran say thanks, they’ll appreciate it. Have you been by the Oil Workers Monument lately ? It is really taking shape and is going to be an impressive addition to this community. The landscaping is getting in shape, light standards are in place, and the derrick pieces are going to be delivered soon and set in place. Now if we can just keep the vandals off the property. There are enough of us walking the trail every day, if you see anything suspicious, contact 911 immediately so we can protect our valuable piece of art and the memorial to those that have served in our great oil industry that has made Taft the heart of the California oilfields for the past 100 years. The West Kern Oil Museum has a new addition. The Wood Street intersection has finally received a well deserved repaving. It has been a pain in the rear these past few years to come off the highway from the south and to make the turn on to Wood Street. The holes, rocks, and dust made the transition quite an adventure. Thanks to CalTrans and the County for making it happen, finally. That part of town doesn’t fall into the City, so no kudos to the City. But, then take a look at 6th Street and the accessible sidewalks, and with more to come. Thanks City of Taft ! The Kern County Grand Jury has been pretty busy on the Westside lately. They gave good reports on the Taft Police Department and the West Side Health Care District, which are extremely well run and staffed by very dedicated managers and employees. The rumor is that they are also looking at the West Kern Water District. As you may know, they gave a the City of Taft a going over a couple of months ago, and again released another report just two weeks ago regarding what they say was a Brown Act violation against myself, Councilman Linder, and Mayor Noerr. Our contention is that the Grand Jury did not do a thorough enough investigation. They ignored the fact that we were guided by our legal team. We were advised to issue letters to Councilman Noble and Thompson reminding them that they were placing the City in a libelous situation if they were to continue making certain remarks during open session regarding City personnel. The issue was duly noticed for closed session discussions. There was no intention to silence these two councilmen, only to remind them on this issue they needed to choose their words wisely. I have all the respect for the Grand Jury and welcome their oversight. We can always learn something new from another set of eyes, but you need to be objective and thorough when you issue your recommendations. I just happen to believe, in the City’s case, this did not happen. You can go to their website to get the report or watch the council meeting on Brighthouse Channel 11 when the City Council meetings are televised for our response. I missed the Memorial Day celebration in Taft, for the first time in many years, as I was on a motorcycle trip up in the Gold Country: Angels Camp, Jackson, Sonora, Jamestown, Murphy’s. They have a whole theme going for the area with lots of shops, eating establishments, and souvenirs. This is what Taft needs and the City, with you help and thoughts, has embarked on a path of moving away from an aggressive, expansive sphere of influence and is now concentrating on our core downtown and rails to trails property. Of course, this is dependent on the economy and the foresight and entrepreneurial spirit of persons willing to invest in our community. Support the Chamber and the City in this effort, you live here, not just reside here don’t you?

See you around town.Randy


Westside Horoscopesby Jessy McCulloch

370 CALIFORNIA 769-8580

Beginning Sewing Classes Starting May 1, 8 and 15. Call Now to Sign-Up. 769-8580.

TUES.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-4:00 FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

Beginning Sewing and Quilting Classes Available. June 12,2010. 10:00-?

G&S CARPET Service & Selection

Knowledgeable SalesExperienced Installation

Laminate

398-30447000 District Blvd BakersfieldContractor’s Lic. #352844

Hours:9-5 M-F10-2 SatEve By

Appt.

D.I.Y.starting at 1 .29

sq. ft.

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5 pm.

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

www.sagebrushannies.com

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

Now Celebrating Our 20th Year

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of TaftWednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS

All green waste must be bagged. Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTEDConstruction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/

Hazardous Waste/Tires

If Missed… Call Office at

763-5135

Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich MillerLicense # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131

531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX

Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Adam’s Custom Upholstery

(661)623-4744 608 Center Street

Cars • Boats • FurnitureOilfield Equipment SeatsFree Pick-Up & Delivery

Wow! I’ll Have What She’s

Having!

Her Preference:

Sugar FreeFat Free

Ice BlendedCaramel

FrappuccinoCindy, Owner of Cindy’s Hair Affair

1010 6th Street • Taft (661)763-5156

Taft Crude Coffee House

Aries (March 21-April 19): You’ve been changing your mind at a rather rapid pace lately, so you can’t honestly be surprised if others aren’t keeping up with your whims.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): It’s true you’ve made a rather large mistake, but you can only do the best thing you possibly could under these circumstances – be honest about it.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): You and a close friend have felt a little off lately, but with a little extra effort on both of your parts, and more than a little blunt honesty, things can be fixed.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): You may be able to stop kicking yourself about that missed opportunity when another one presents itself this week. So be ready.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): This is looking like it’s going to be a slower, more laid-back week for you. Enjoy it while you can, as it’s only a matter of time before things pick up again.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): You can be honest about how you’re feeling, but grant a significant other the same opportunity, even if it’s not necessarily what you want to hear.

Libra (September 23-October 22): While it’s totally understandable for you to be frustrated right now, try looking at things through a different point of view and they may seem understandable.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): A lot has been on hold for a long awhile, but this could be the week to turn things around and get that proverbial ball rolling again.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): While your health may not be up to par, there are certain things you can do to help improve the outlook. So why aren’t you doing them?

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): Sometimes everything clicks easily into place and sometimes not. Unfortunately, this week will be more of the latter.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): You’d be surprised how much more happy you’d be if you ceased caring what others think. And you’d also be surprised how easy it is to do.

Pisces (February 20-March 20: You’re going to have to face and conquer one of your biggest fears for a dearly loved one this summer. It won’t be easy, but you can and will handle this.

If your birthday is this week: You may think you understand or know about what a family member’s gone through, but in truth you don’t even know the half of it. Try to refrain from making assumptions no matter how clear you think things are. It’s really not your or anyone else’s business.

After serving our country in Iraq, Josh Tims is home and ready to get involved and have his voice heard. At the weekly Chamber of Commerce Sit and Sip on April 28, he gave a presentation to the attendees explaining what is going on overseas. “My presentation was about my time in Iraq and setting the record straight on what is going on over there,” he said. “It’s not all the doom and gloom that the media portrays. It still is war and, of course, with that all the bad things that happen in war happened while we were there, but we are making progress with the Iraqis and they are taking measures to take their country back.” Tims was born and raised in Taft and graduated from Taft Union High School in 1998. Influenced by his grandfather, a Marine Corps Veteran of Iwo Jima and Korea, he decided to join the Air Force. “His stories of fighting for this country inspired me to do the same,” Tims said. “Unfortunately, I was a kid who thought I knew everything so my grades in high school were not that good. The military changed that attitude very quickly. Now, if I’m not learning something new, I think I’m being lazy.” Tims was deployed to Iraq with the Air Force in September of 2006. “I knew it was going to be interesting since we landed the day Saddam [Hussein] was found guilty.” He was sent to work in Hussein’s hometown, Tikrit, where members of the dictator’s family still resided, adding an extra challenge to Tims’ mission. “Surprisingly, it went pretty well despite all the complications of working with Saddam’s tribesmen,” he said. In Iraq, Tims was involved with the reformation of the Iraqi police and building their force up to 13,000 members. “It was a challenge to take an Iraqi and train them to gather intelligence and patrol the streets to make the people of the city trust them,” he explained. “To protect and serve is the main objective of any police force whether it is Iraq or right here in Taft.” Since returning home in June of 2007, Tims has turned his

focus onto his family. “I’m taking full advantage of family time,” he said. For this veteran, renting a home for his family was out of the question and despite he and his wife’s search for a home to buy, there was nothing. “That left us with building what we wanted and needed for our growing family,” he said. “Ultimately this will be good for our family even though it had put everything else on hold for right now.” After finishing his house, Tims looks forward to getting involved with the city. “I’m looking to start taking steps to play an active role in this community,” he said. With his job at Occidental in Elk Hills as a compressor operator, he is able to understand the significance of the oil industry. “I enjoy working there and seeing how important the oil fields are to our community,” he said. “I found that the only way to fix things is to get directly involved.” Although Tims is happy to be home with his family, he does miss military life. “I’m still missing the camaraderie that we had as a unit defending this country,” he said. “My time in Iraq was very gratifying. There are many bad images that I will never get out of my head, but there are good memories that I will always remember and take with me in my future endeavors.” Among those endeavors include hopes to one day open a bowling alley and Child Development Center in Taft and a possible venture into politics. “I’m looking more at local first to get a firm understanding of the way things are done,” Tims explained. The idea came to him by observing the democratic presidential nominees while he was in Iraq. “Very few of these politicians have a clue what it is to serve their country [and they] are making decisions for us in the military and on the ground in a war zone,” he said. One day, he would like to run for congress, “So I can help fix some of the problems between the military and our politicians.” There are many up and coming young men in the Westside and Josh Tims definitely proves that he is worth his salt with his impressive résumé and optimistic outlook on Taft, a place that he believes holds a lot of opportunities.

Interview with Josh Timsby Jessica G. Miller


ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

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

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

Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $2.00 per line. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Sale ads are free, up to 3 lines.

Classified ad deadline is Thursday at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268, 765-6550.

PLUS- grandmas homemade banana nut bread!

2 bdrm sets, Lg + XL women’s clothes, new mens tennis shoes, lots of old costumes, jewelry, childrens clothes and free shoes. 6/4-6/7. 765-6064

Yard Sale on the corner of Crystal and Montview St. 300 Montview Ave. College textbook! Very nice ladies, men and baby boy clothing.

June 12th Multi Family Yard Sale: Kids clothes, furniture, Misc., 701 Front Street. 7-12

ANNOUNCEMENTSThanks for the

signatures. Proponents also needed for other [County Supervisor &

Judge] Notices of Intent to Petition for Recall. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108531169171123&v=a

pp_2392950137

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 1:30p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. And 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at First Baptist Church. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 220 N. First St. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Desktop and Laptop Repair. Virus removal. Moble & Inhouse. TaftPCServices.com. 623-5188.

Business ServicesYard Services

Handyman/ Lawn Serv. Tree TrimmingClean Ups & Hauling Call Luis RosalesCell: 661-623-3609Home: 661-745-3218English & Espanol

Cleaning Services

My Fair LadiesCleaning ServicesComm. and ResidentialServing the Westside661.477.3455Lic. No. 007657

Rite Away Carpet CleaningCarpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General CleaningOwner OperatedVisa\Master Card 765-4191

New Designer Nail Fashion.

Now in Taft by Jackie King.Studio 111

991.765.5758

YARD SALESAdvertise your FREE yard sale ad. Up to 3 lines free. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 2 p.m. Thursday.

Estate Sale. 501 Fillmore. Fri. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sat. 7 a.m. - ? Liquidating entire household. Everything must go!

27580 Maple Street - Valley Acres. Sat only 7 a.m. to noon. Clothes, baby items, and lots of HH items.

514 Ranier Street. Sat. 7 am to ? all must go. Furn., applicances, twin beds, clothing .10 ea. lots of misc.

975 Kristin. Sat. 7am - ? lots of misc.

Yard Sale Saturday June 5th 7a.m. to ? 605 Pierce St. Lots of plus size clothing, other sizes too, and household items

Yard Sale! 509 6th Ave.Everything You Can Think Of! 8am til noon Saturday June 5th NO EARLY BIRDS!

Yard Sale!!!! 621 D st. Baby items, clothes and lots more.

Yard Sale 331 Maple Ave. Taft. Lots of stuff! Come and see... alley entrance!

Yard Sale 214 B. St. Saturday 6-5-10 8:00 a.m. NO EARLYBIRDS! Lots of kids clothes and plus size womens clothes, toys, books and much more!

HUGE YARD SALE - 202 Pierce St. Saturday June 5th, 7am-? One family, 5 households combined. Lots of furniture including dining sets, entertainment centers. Lots of clothes-baby,adult,and plus size. A little bit of everything, and something for everyone!

HELP WANTED

TAFT COLLEGE

ADJUNCT LECTURERFALL 2010 SEMESTER

Early Care, Education and Family Studies 1521 – Cooperative Education

Field Experience

For more information about this position,

minimum qualifications and how to apply go to the college’s website

at www.taftcollege.edu. DEADLINE FOR FILING is Monday, June 7, 2010

at 4:00 p.m. EOE

TAFT COLLEGE

LIFE SCIENCE ASSOCIATE

PROFESSORFull-Time, Tenure-Track

Position

For more information about the position,

minimum qualifications and how to apply go to the college’s website

at www.taftcollege.edu. DEADLINE FOR FILING

is Monday, June 28, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

- - - Position: Administrative

SecretaryPART TIME

This position is assisting the Executive Director

of the Taft District Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau in the daily work of the

Chamber. All work will be handled in the most

confidential terms.

Must possess excellent computer and word processing skills.

Knowledge in the use of Windows-based

software required. Must have experience with PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, QuickBooks

and the Internet as well as customer service

experience DMV printout and background check will be required.

Email Resume and Salary History to:

[email protected].

No phone or walk-in applications accepted.

Administrative Assistant/Account ClerkConfidential classified

position for the Cuyama Jt. Unified

School Dist. Full time position.

Full benefit package. Application deadline

4pm 6/10/10. (661)766-2482

Help wanted. Bar Tender, no experience ness. Prep cook. 765-6909.

week as of 1-29-10 CARPET AND FLOORING

CARPET/HARD FLOORING REPAIR

No job too small. Call Jeff 623-5421 or

765-4676.

For Sale: Carpet Equip. Carpet stretchers, knee knockers, edger, trimer, cuter, hot iron, seamers. $350 obo(661)769-8887

SERVICESBabysitting: Reliable family daycare. Ages newborn to 12yrs. Lori 342-6351

Remodels, additions, home repair, tile, cement, plumbing, no job or repair too small. 661-342-3460 #564843

WANTEDJunk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

LOST & FOUND

FOR SALEAcer PC computer and moniter for sale. 1 year old. $225 obo 765-6550

Good couch. 102 Woodlawn. 765-6749.

Hotpoint Fridge/top freezer 19.5 cu. ft. $100. Kenmore upright freezer 20 cu. ft. $100116 E. Warren St. 765-5416

Oversize twin waterbed w/ headboard and 6 drawers. $300. 763-3618

AffordableResidential HomesOwner Financing

Available

Taft Construction,Air Conditioning and

Heating

We Do All Phases of Construction

Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

Place YourClassified Ad in the

Taft Independent Today!

$2 per line. The best Classified Ad price in Taft or the Westside.

Call 765-6550 or email your classifed ad text to

[email protected].

Large maytag dryer, wh.$150 obo 765-7958

LOST PETS

PETSFree Golden Lab. Courage. male, neutered, loves kids. moving - can not take. 763-1505.

FREE KITTENS 6 weeks old, feel free to call 6616232188

FOUND PETSFound. Desert Turtle. Call to claim. (661)858-9649

Found tan retriever puppy, pink collar. Found near Terrace and B. St. Call 577-6716 or 765-7362

AUTOMOBILES1988 Ford F-150 Auto., smogged and tagged. 765-2574. $2,100.

1996 Dodge Ram 2500, V-10, 8 Liter, 3/4 Ton, 4WD, 5th wheel hitch,$6,000.00 OBO, Ask for Louie 661.766-2397 or 805-448-5836

1955 Dodge Pickup. Great project car for a dad or grad! $1,500 Call 623-2978

PERSONALS

Magic Touch. New Vacancies Available. Email to [email protected].

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

04417057661-577-7136

OPEN HOUSE HOUSE FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALENOW OPEN

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Preserving for the Future

Taft Manna 4 U

Free Hot Lunches and ClothingTuesday and Thursdays11:30 - 1:30

201 Harrison Street(661)205-3376

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

Purchase

615 Taylor. 2bd. 1 bath. Large back yard, fenced with detached garage. (661) 765-2875.

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

First time home buyer tax credit extended. Houses available from $13,000 to $370,000. Gorgeous 3/2 granite, pool, $217,000. Completely remodeled 3/2 with studio in back. $139,900. Residential commercial bank owned HUD and Investment. (661) 763-1500. www.BuySellManage.com.

420 McKinley

4bd, 2.5 ba. New cabinets, granite counters, carpet and paint. Approx. 2,200 sq. ft. $1,500 mo. 763-3517

210 Naylor St. 3 bd. 1 ba. Remodeled house. $700 mo. plus dep. 909-239-8337.or 661-717-9056.

Remodeled. 3bd, 1ba, garage + extras! $1,150 mo + $1,000 dep. 622 San Emidio. 661-549-0154

2bd, 1ba, office, laundry, fenced yard. 1100sq. ft. Avail. 7/1 $725 + dep. 342-2485 or [email protected]

3bd, 1ba + office. Big fenced yard. Pets ok. 308 8th St. $850mo + dep. 213-2702

1 bd, 1 ba Apt completed remodel $500.00 a month Call Jeff 805.455.5403

Commercial Store fronts Next to Fox Theater. $ 450.00 month Call Jeff 805.455.5403

Ice cream shop for sale.$ 25,000.00. Owner financing. Next to Fox Theater. Call Jeff 805.455.5403

Two BR/one bath for rent. $700 per mo./$700 security Call (661) 623-0453

3bd, 2ba, with garage, W&D hookups, fenced yard, and fresh paint. $1,100 mo + $1,000 dep. Avail. 4/1/10 763-8941

2 bd,1 bth. 429 Rose. Laundry rm, garage. $660 monthly. 343-0507

1st Month Free! $100 move in. 108 Center Street. 1 bd., 1 ba. apt. (661)846-6403. Equal Housing Opportunity.

FOR LEASE 2 bedroom 1 bath house in Taft heights washer and gas dryer hook ups $700 a month contact Rick at either (661)765-2328 or (661)342-5877 section 8 ok available now.

Beautiful, lrg, well maintained 2 bdr condo. Private yard, prof. landscaping, private carport and entrance. 555 Front St. Excellent

NOW OPENReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri Christensen

LIC# 01522411 & #01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales & Purchase

ref req. $875 mo. 745-4650 (805)226-8463

2bd, 1ba, condo 533 Front St. W&D hookups + yard. $850 mo + dep. 661-577-7020

House for Rent - Clean 2 bedroom/1 bath $650 per month plus $500 deposit call (909)851-4228.

For rent 2 bdrm, 1 bath, $600+500 cleaning/security deposit. No inside pets. 118 Lincoln, Taft. 661-589-9130

Cozy, 2 bed/1 bath plus office/dinning room, large fenced yard, new paint and new tile floors. 144 North St. $750/Mo. & $750/Dep. 623-1378

Large 2 bd, 1 ba, stove, dish washer, laundry facility, pool and car port. $600 month. 765-4299 or 300-1616. 424 Woodrow St. 1bd also available.

APART. FOR RENTCreekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool,


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

western shop & PET SUPPLY

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

ADAMSFlea & Tick

Visit our website for more informationwww.shawswesternshop.com

Somos una Agencia Independiente Con Varias Aseguradoras Prominentes Para Darle El Mejor Servicio

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

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

www.edherrerainsurance.com

Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios

Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public

NuestroPersonalAmable

No Appointment Needed For Smog Check!

QIKSmog & Tune

500 S. 10th Street • Taft661-763-4445

• Certified Gold Shield

& C. A. P. Station

• General Automotive

Repair

Free Retest with our repairs!We Certify Test- Only Vehicals

Biospot for CatsSpot ons: FRONTLINE Plus

Advantage TRI Force

Ad

vert

ise

in t

he T

aft

Ind

epen

den

tC

all T

od

ay!

76

5-65

50

4 Bedroom 2.5 bath home on a large cul-de-sac lot w/a court-yard entry, game room, 3 car shop w/cooler, pool, covered patio w/wet-bar and RV parking! Newer tile roof, paint, A/C, dual-

pane vinyl windows, granite in kitchen, custom oak cabinetry, banquet breakfast nook, formal dining room, indoor laundry, ceiling fans, sola-tubes, recessed lighting, tankless water heater & hardwood floors. A 1000 sq. ft. detached garage! Lots of storage including a 10x20 shed, pool

storage structure and enclosed exterior storage!

Contact: (661) 809-1782

$255,000 • 4 Bed/2.5 Bath • 208 Robin Way • Taft

No • BiteFlea & Tick

ZODIACFleatrol

New Products Just in Time for Flea Season!

1001000

Better teen driving,bigger discounts.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL

Check out our Steer Clear® Program.

When your teen gets ready to drive, we’re there. They learn safe driving and you get lower rates. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

CALL ME TODAY.

Kathy Herm, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 0749871

1018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268

Bus: 661-763-4300

Place YourClassified Ad in the

Taft Independent Today!

$2 per line. The best Classified Ad price in Taft or the Westside.

Call 765-6550 or email your classifed ad text to

[email protected].

AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 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.

For rent studio with bath $350 ready 6/4/10 email [email protected] or CALL 866 367 8171

1bd, 1ba, newly remodled. $550 + dep. Call Leora 302-1333. Se habla espanol Armondo (805)889-4003

Ad

vert

ise

in t

he

Taft

Ind

epen

den

tC

all T

od

ay!

76

5-65

50


Randy’s Trucking, Inc.Now Renting

U-Cart Away Concrete MixerStarting at $44

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street, Taft, CA 93268

• Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer

• Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling

• Large Internal Blades

• Rear Operator Control PanelCement Available 7 Days A Week

(661) 763-4773

Advertise in the Taft Independent Call Today (661)765-6550

Stephen Wright

503 6th St. Taft, CA • (661)765-5274 • South Valley Realty

DRE# 01415460216 E. Lucard Street • Taft 10605 Odyssy Way • BV Estates

FREE WI-FI AT THE TAFT INDEPENDENT

4 Bdrm, 2 Bath, 3 Car Garage, Spa $349,000 1:00pm - 2:30pm

MARK YOUR CALENDARThe Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

Open 7 Days a WeekBreakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Full Bar - Restaurant - Catering - RV Parking Available

24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum HighwayDaily Lunch

SpecialsAmerican and Mexican FoodExotic Crusine

We CaterYour Place or OursFull Bar AvailableFor You Special

Event

3 Bdrm, 2 Bath, 3 Car Garage$179,9000 11:00am - 11:45am

Tour of Homes Saturday, June 19th

Document

Documents

Transcript of Document