Mayor miller passes the gavel

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December 7 - 13, 2012 • Volume 7 Issue 22 www.Taftindependent.com “Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taſt, South Taſt, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley” [email protected] FREE Weekly e Taft Independent (661)763-1123 WE SERVICE MOST MAKES AND MODELS FALL SPECIAL 3 IN 1 SERVICE Transmission & Cooling Flush Plus Oil Change All 3 Services for $350 plus tax* Offer good 11-30 to 12-31-12 Up to 5 quarts of oil, up to 12 quarts trans. fluid *Most makes and models SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00am - 5:00pm SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS *Must ask for discount Camacho Sings in Central Valley Women’s Choir By Jane McCabe Eubank Named AD of the Year Ramos Recruited by American International Sports Team Mayor Miller Passes the Gavel Westside Watcher

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mayor miller passes the gavel

Transcript of Mayor miller passes the gavel

Page 1: Mayor miller passes the gavel

December 7 - 13, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 7 - 13, 2012 • Volume 7 Issue 22www.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”

[email protected] TaftIndependent

Dennis McCall Marks 50 Years in Journalism

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers531 Center Street

(661)763-1123WE SERVICE MOST MAKES AND MODELS

FALL SPECIAL 3 IN 1 SERVICETransmission & Cooling Flush

Plus Oil ChangeAll 3 Services for $350 plus tax*

Offer good 11-30 to 12-31-12Up to 5 quarts of oil, up to 12 quarts trans. fluid

*Most makes and models

SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

MONDAY - FRIDAY8:00am - 5:00pm

SENIOR & MILITARY

DISCOUNTS*Must ask for discount

Camacho Sings in Central Valley Women’s Choir

By Jane McCabe

Eubank Named AD of the Year

Ramos Recruited by American International Sports Team

Mayor Miller Passes the GavelWestsideWatcher

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2 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 7 - 13, 2012

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

3995*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. October 30, 2012

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Nail Services:HOLIDAY SPECIAL

10% OFF $20 SERVICE OR MORE.OFFER GOOD UNITL 12- 31-12.

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

(661)745-4913

CHECK-IN TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND GET $1 OFF

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

24 Hours/ 7 Days a WeekSe Habla Espanol 661-301-4660

Residential • Commercial

Fast • Friendly • Affordable661-765-4377

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

A Hint of ClassInside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700

915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Christmas Designs In

StockGifts!Comeand

See Us

Fine Jewelry • Gifts 14K Gold • Sterling Silver Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair • Watch Batteries

Candles • And More!

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.We can save you money on quality jewelry!

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

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

If You Don’t Have The TimeWe Do - Clocks, Clocks, &

More ClocksCoffee Mugs $8.00

Candles $4.99

Blue Jeans & BlingHats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

Monday - Friday 11am to 6pmSaturday 10am to 5pm

Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes

Children’s Jeans & Shirts

763-9100Host a partyVisit us on [email protected]

415 Center Street

Personal Style BoutiqueWomen’s and Woman’s Plus Sizes - Junior - Infant Wear

Happy Holidays!Come and Check Out

Our

New Holiday Clothing

Lines and Gifts

Remember To

Shop Taft

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527608 Center St.

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

745-4919

The New 2013 bikes are here! Start your Christmas shopping

now with our lawaway plan.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

610 Center Street • 661-745-4954Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

Christmas Sale

$10.00 Off AnyAT & T Phone

That Cost $99.00 or More

With This Coupon AdJackson’s Automotive

Smog Testand

General Repairs

Front End RepairsTransmission Service

Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service

and Repairs

Call Today for an Appointment763-1055

Corner of 3rd and Center Street110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

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December 7 - 13, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

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

Recreation Report..........4

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

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

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

Movie Review...................8

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

Opinion and Feature....11

Shop Taft........................12

Inside

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 3,500 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: [email protected].

ADVERTISING.Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representative at (661) 765-6550, or email to [email protected]: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone orders are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Advertising

Contributing Writers June Woods, Kent Miller,

Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost

ColumnistsRandy Miller

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Subscriptions\DeliveryTim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

News Briefs

Taft California“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument”

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument” Have a community event that you would like to include?

Email it to us at [email protected]

Community Events

Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com

Taft Lions Club would like to thank those who helped make this years Haunted House the great success it was. The following people and busi-nesses were very generous and we would like to recognize them for their generous contribution:

Bob Archibald of A & A Express Charlie Comfort of T.R.C. David Noerr of Huddleston Crane Kenny Beard Gene Watson Construction Ron Sousa of Albertson’s S&D Supply Westside Furniture Chilled & Grilled

Thank you so much to all who worked so hard to make it successful: 4H; TAFT MIDWAY SUNSET LIONS, SOROPTIMIST, ROTARY AND MANY FROM THE TAFT LIONS CLUB, AND A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO FLOYD ADAMS WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE!

Bike Shop

TaftMidway Sunset Lions

Adopt a Senior for ChristmasWant To Be Part of the Magic?

Program for Low Income,

Homebound and/or Isolated Seniors

“Elves” Needed to Provide Gifts!

Go to Participants Listed Below,

select an ornament to adopt a senior.

Albertson’s 1044 Kern St., Chevron Valley Credit Union 1092 W. Kern St., Coopers True Value Hardware 407 9th Street, Fastrip 903 Kern Street, Personal Style 403 Center

St., Seventh Day Adventist Church 401 Harrison St.

Packages delivered on 12/15 by Midway Sunset Lions and Taft Longhorns

It is a Joy you will never forget!Contact Carol Jackson at [email protected]

or (661) 765-5541 for more information

Soroptimist International of Taft

Presents

Homes for the HolidaysHome Tour, Luncheon & Fashion Show

Saturday, December 8Home Tour: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Luncheon & Fashion Show 12 p.m.At the Westside Believers Church

Tickets on sale at $25.00 each

and can be purchased from:

Hint of Class, Old’s Kool, The Fort,Personal Style, or any Soroptimist member

It is a great way to get in the holiday mood,

see some beautiful homes and a fabulous new business,

have a chance to win beautiful raffle prizes, eat a great lunch, and help raise funds to meet local needs!

TUHS Christmas Concert Tuesday, December 11th The Taft Union High School concert band and jazz band will perform a Christmas concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday<Dec. 11> in the high school auditorium. The concert band will perform an “African Bell Carol” (a drummer’s take of “Carol of the Bells”), “All Is Calm” (an arrangement of “Silent Night”) and “Sleigh Ride,” an American classic by Leroy Anderson. Then the jazz band will play: “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer” featuring trumpet soloist Ashley Ramos; “Jingle Bell Boogie” featuring soloist Ben Pitts on tenor sax; and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring Macy Bratcher on bass guitar, Zack Fearon on piano and Isaiah Sharp on alto sax.The concert is free and open to the public.

Letters to the EditorDear Editor,

My dog got out of my yard on Woodlawn Ave. on Monday 11-26-12 and she is listed in your paper under Lost Dog by the name of Rexxi. I was told that a medium sized dog was hit on Taft Highway coming from Maricopa to Taft, when you first come over the hill into Taft by the Welcome sign. Someone thought it may have been her, because it was black and white, but some nice person removed the dog on Wednesday the 28th before I could see if it was her. Then that same night someone called and said they had seen her after the other dog had gotten killed, plus Rexxi is black, white and gray with a touch of tan. We just don’t know what to think and we miss her so much. Could you please ask your readers if anyone knows about the little dog hit on the highway? We hope it was not her, but we need to know. Please help us find Rexxi.

Vicki Jacobs Taft

Editor: Vicki, we hope someone will help you find your Rexxi!

Kids Grief Connection Offered by Optimal Hospice Care. 6pm-7pm, First Baptist Church, 220 North Church. Please call 661 371-2102 for more information.

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4 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 7 - 13, 2012Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

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

Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineCraft Beers

Open Monday to Friday6:30am to 8pm

Saturday7:30am to 8pm

Sunday10am to 2pm

508 Center Street765-6556

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. 6 am-8:30 pmSun. Wed. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm

765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wed, Fri. Sat. and Sun. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

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

TAFTFOX.COM

Week of Friday, December 07, 2012 through Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (NR) Midnight Pre-miere! All seats $7.50 for premier showing

Thu: 12:05 AM

Red Dawn (PG-13) Fri: (5:00), 7:00, 9:00

Sat: (3:00), (5:00), 7:00, 9:00Sun: (3:00), (5:00), 7:00Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:00

Rise of the Guardians (PG) Fri: (4:30), 6:45

Sat & Sun: (2:15), (4:30), 6:45Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:15

Flight (R) Fri: (5:15), 8:00

Sat & Sun: (2:30), (5:15), 8:00Mon - Thu: (4:30), 7:15

Acme JewelryNew Arivals

What is in Your Heart Lockets

Kershaw - KnivesSpyderco - KnivesTactical Flashlights

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

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

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

Congratulations to Glen and Peggy Davis of Pismo Beach, California, who are celebrating their 69th wedding anniver-sary on December 11, 2012. Glen served in World War II as B-26 pilot completing 48 missions. In 1980, Glen and Peggy retired from the oilfields in Taft and moved to Pismo Beach where they have enjoyed many trips in their motor touring the United States.Congratulations from your loving family, Carole Voliva, Leroy Millican, Mike and Tracy Chitwood, Chandra Chitwood, Chris Minks, Zack Chitwood, Chuck, Connie, Courtney, Chelsey and Chuckie Voliva.

Congratulations Glen and Peggy Davis of Pismo Beach

From the Former Mayor....Hi Everyone,

After every two-year election cycle, the City Council meets the first week in December, after the election results have been certified by the County Recorder’s office. The Council then goes through a reorgani-zation of the Council, meaning we appoint a Mayor and a Mayor Pro Tem. Your new Mayor for at least the next two years will be former Mayor Paul Linder and your new Mayor Pro Tem will be Orchel Krier. Orchel was elected in his own right, after being appointed two years ago upon the resignation of Craig Noble. Congratulations also goes to Councilman Dave Noerr for his re-election to the Council for his third term. If you look closely at the council make up, you have quite a bit of experience going for the City. Ron Waldrop was a former Councilman and Mayor, coming back after a hiatus and was re-elected two years ago. Dave was Mayor during our fabulous Oildorado Celebration and yours truly has been on the Council for the past twelve years. Orchel has learned a great deal in the past two years and is very much up to speed on the inner workings of the City. He is doing a great job by attending all the meetings he can although he is very involved in his many business ventures. He is a great City representative by being out in the community attending all the events that he can, while also hold-ing down the post of President of the Rotary Club of Taft. Mayor Linder recently retired from his job as Head of Transporta-tion, that he daily commuted to, at the Superintendent of Schools transportation facility on Union Ave in Bakersfield. Most of you remember him as head of Facilities and Maintenance at Taft Union High School. Paul has brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and especially patience to his 12 years on the council. Unfortunately, his last round of being Mayor wasn’t much fun as the City was going through some very trying times. Most of that is behind us now, but we are facing some bleak news regarding our budget for the rest of this year and next fiscal year. We look forward to Paul’s leadership as he helps guide us through these troubling times. The good part for him being Mayor is that we have the Family Dollar store rising up, a new Starbucks, Dollar Gen-eral is still on track for 10th and Supply Row, and we are hearing good news about the motel planned for 6th and Main Street. Hopefully, we can get through with all the requirements for our Hillard Street hous-ing project and finally get some new housing going for Taft. We are on track, stay positive as we move forward.I really enjoyed my time as Mayor. Seems that a lot of folks got a kick out of it too. It was fun being introduced to different people as the Mayor of Taft. I didn’t realize what a big deal that is for certain people; that they got to meet the Mayor or talk to the Mayor. It is very humbling. I always tried to take being Mayor very seriously and I’ll let you be the judge on how I did. I tried to attend to as many events as I could, tried to put on a good face as your representative of Taft, and tried to be always positive whenever I could to promote Taft. When you are Mayor, in a way, you are also representing the whole Westside of Kern County. Many of the issues we face are the same as for the three areas attached to Taft. We try to be a major unifying voice when we are dealing with the Feds, State, or County government

officials. Also, we work with our local special districts and school dis-trict officials to make sure that we are on the same page when we are moving projects, ideas, and concerns thought the various processes we must go through. I’m not trying to pat myself or any of the Council members on the back, but there is much that we have to know and make decisions on every week. Those decisions will affect your lives and that is a heavy burden. Gratefully you have noticed that the rancor that we once had on the Council has gone away, albeit it doesn’t make the front page like it use to. Still we are all our own men and we have made a pact, publicly, that we conduct ourselves as professionals, even when we disagree. We think that you may find it a little more boring but we need to get the peoples work done. Thanks for letting me be your Mayor, it is a very short list of people who can claim that honor and I am proud to done have my part and represented my family’s name for the City of Taft I want to thank Bill LeBarron for being our City Treasurer for the past 8 yrs. He did a yeoman’s job to help protect and make secure your city tax dollars. We welcome on board Ben Magnum, the owner of Ben’s Books on Center Street as your new City Treasurer. Ben ran on the promise that he would look after our City finances and we’ll hold him to his word. City Clerk, Louise Hudgins, was re-elected to another term as she brings extreme professionalism to her office and keeps us all on our toes to make sure all our documents are properly processed. I kinda wanted to go on a rant over this past national and state election, but we’ll see how it all plays out; who promised what, to whom, and at what cost. I’ve said it before, it all comes down to dol-lars in and dollars out. The City of Taft can’t print money so we have to live within our means and that is what we intend to do. Please say a prayer for City employee Mark Golleher, who was seriously injured last week, not life threatening, but a nice gesture would be to donate blood in his name. I hope this finds you and yours in a state of joy, peace, and good health this Christmas Season. See you around Town, Randy Miller, Former Mayor of Taft

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December 7 - 13, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

WEST SIDE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT500 Cascade Place, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-4246

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!EAGLE MTN. BUS TRIPMonday, January 7, 20137:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Bus leaves from Community CenterAges 21 and older$3 per personCall 763-4246 to reserve a spot on the bus!

BINGOThursday AfternoonsGames start at 1:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomAges 21 and olderBuy-in varies, $10-15 averageCash pots! Pull-tabs also sold.

West Side Recreation Report

by Stephanie House

Check us out online!Need more information on

programs, classes or facilities?Visit us on the web:

www.wsrpd.comwww.facebook.com/wsrpd

www.quickscores.com/wsrpdwww.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd

[email protected]

LETTERS TO SANTAChildren ages 8 and younger can write letters to Santa Claus in care of his helpers at the Recreation District. We will make sure that he gets your letters and writes back. Please write to Santa between November 15 and December 14. (Groups and schools – please be sure that Santa gets your letters no later than December 4.) Don’t forget to include your address! Send letters to:Santa Clausc/o WSRPDP.O. Box 1406Taft, CA 93268

LITTLE ELF’S BAKERYWednesday, December 123:00-4:15 p.m.Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, TaftAges 4+$3 per personIn this cookie workshop, we will make jumbo sugar cookies and then decorate them. While the cookies are baking, we will watch holiday cartoons and drink hot chocolate. Little elves will need to bring along an older helper.

KIDS NIGHT OUTFriday, December 216:00-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades K-6$10 per person ** pre-registration required by December 19Join us for a fun evening of games, movies, crafts, pizza, snacks and more! The more the merrier, so be sure to sign-up with a friend. This is a chance for parents to get some time to themselves during the busy holiday season. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by Wednesday, December 19.

JR. HIGH “GOODBYE TO 2012” DANCEFriday, December 287:30-10:00 p.m.Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades 6-8$5 per personAll 6th-8th graders are invited to bring their friends to another fun Jr. High Dance. Music and lights will be provided by DJ Brandon & Amazing Sound. Dress is casual. Drinks will be sold.

AEROBIC KICKBOXINGWho: Ages 14+When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday – beginning January 7, 2013Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per monthInstructor: Amy SteersThis fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense. Classes will be held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.

YOGA & PILATESWho: Ages 14+Morning Flow Yoga – Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 5:15-5:45 a.m.Pilates – Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.Yoga – Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00-8:45 p.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per month ** register prior to attending classInstructor: Valerie Taylor, R-HYIPay one low monthly fee and have access to all three classes! Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Class space is limited – registration is REQUIRED prior to attending class.

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

ATTLES ALL-STARS BASKETBALL TRY-OUTSWho: Men, ages 16+Try-Outs: Saturday, December 9Check-In: 6:00 p.m.Try-Outs Begin: 6:30 p.m.Place: Recreation Center, Aera GymnasiumFee: $5 per person (if you do not make the team, you will be given a voucher for a FREE admission to the game)All-Star Game: Saturday, December 29Try-out to play in a competetive basketball game! West Side Recreation & Park District is looking for experienced basketball players to play in the inaugural Attles All-Stars game to be played on December 29. **Attles All-Stars is a team comprised of former Division 1, 2 and 3 college players who are still actively involved in basketball by playing, coaching or teaching.

NIGHT BINGOFriday, December 145:45 p.m. – Doors Open6:30 p.m. – Games BeginCommunity Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftAges 18 and older*Minimum $5 buy-in is requiredJoin us for Bingo! We will have monthly specials and complimentary coffee and bottled water. Bring your own snacks along!

FRIENDS OF TAFT HOCKEY NIGHTBakersfield Condors vs. Idaho SteelheadsFriday, December 14Puck Drops at 7:00 p.m.Rabobank Arena, BakerersfieldTerrace (upper) Level: $10 eachExecutive (lower) Level: $15 eachTickets are available in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft or at the Taft District Chamber of Commerce. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the District’s STOP Scholarship Program.

SECRET SANTA NO-TAP BOWLING TOURNAMENTWho: Ages 16+When: Saturday, December 15Check-in: 5:30 p.m.Starts: 6:00 p.m.Place: West Side Lanes, Recreation CenterFormat: 4 games (keep the best 3 scores), max score 300, no handicapPrizes: Paying out top 10%Registration deadline: Thursday, December 13Fee: $20 per bowler, plus one unwrapped toy – toys will be donated to Alpha House

WEST SIDE LANES BOWLING SPECIAL EVENTSGLOW BOWL – Saturday, December 8FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL – Friday, December 21RAINBOW BOWLING – Saturday, December 299 PIN NO TAP DAY – Wednesday, December 26THROWBACK THURSDAY – Thursday, December 27FOLLOW FRIDAY – Friday, December 28More info: www.wsrpd.com, Twitter, Facebook or call us at 765-6677

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALLWho: Ages 4-6Practices: 1 day during the weekGames: Weeknights or Saturdays (varies by team)Session: January 22 – March 2, 2013Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation CenterRegistration deadline: Thursday, January 10Fee: $35 per person

TINY TOT BASKETBALLWho: Ages 2-4When: Thursday EveningsTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Session: January 24 – February 14, 2013Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation CenterRegistration deadline: Thursday, January 10Fee: $25 per person

Page 6: Mayor miller passes the gavel

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 7 - 13, 2012

Westside News & Business Briefs

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Camacho Sings In Central California Women’s Honor Choir Taft Union High School senior Viviana Camacho sang alto in the women’s choir of the Central California honor choir Nov. 15-17 in Stockton and is awaiting news about whether she qualified to advance to the state honor choir. When she found out she had qualified for the regional honor choir, “I had to sit down. I was crying when I told my mom because I was so excited.” Five Taft students auditioned for the regional state honor choir and she was the only one who made it. She had to learn an Ital-ian aria, sight-sing, display her vocal range, and pass a listening test in order to qualify for the prestigious event, explained choir direc-tor Amanda Locke. After two days of rehearsal, the 200-member women’s choir and the even-larger mixed choir performed a public concert on the third day in Stockton. “It was a great experience. (Including rehearsals) we sang for 20 hours. I learned how to open my vocal tone and how to stretch my breath. It was the first time I was out of town on my own. I got to know Mrs. Locke better. I made a bunch of new friends.” Viviana has been winning singing competitions since she was a tween and sings with what some have described an “old soul” befit-ting her love of old country and Hispanic songs. When she was 11 or 12, Viviana won a signing competition at La Movida nightclub in Bakersfield. She ended up getting paid $40 a night to sing a few songs on weekends for almost a year. Then Buck Owens discovered her, she said. “He sent me to learn to play guitar.” But before that opportunity advanced very far, “Buck Owens passed away (in 2006).” Her next break came when an Avon saleslady listened to her sing, at her aunt’s prodding. “I made her cry and she told me, ‘You have an old soul.’ “I like music that means something. I love Patsy Cline and old country music and really old Hispanic music.” The Avon saleslady told Viviana that she will set her up with her sister who is in the recording business in LA. Viviana plans to attend Taft College and then transfer to a four-year college, all the while pursuing her singing career as far as it will take her.

photo by Jim Carnal

New Council Sworn-in, New Mayor Selected, 10 Vacant Jobs Eliminated as Cost Saving MeasureBy Kent Miller

Taft has a new mayor, mayor pro-tem and trea-surer. The city also has 10 less positions after Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Paul Linder, a coun-cilmember for 10 years and former mayor, was unanimously elected by the council to a two-year term as Taft mayor. And Orchel Krier, who was appointed to fill out the last two years of Craig Noble’s term as council-member and was elected to a four-year term of his own in November, was elected mayor pro-tem, also by a unanimous 5-to-0 vote. Krier; Councilmember Dave Noerr, who was elected to his third four-year term in the November election; and City Clerk Louise Hudgens, who was reelected to a four-year term, were administered oaths of office. Ben Mangum, who defeated incumbent Bill LeBarron in the general election, was sworn in for a four-year term as city treasurer.

Positions eliminated As part of cost-savings measures, the council voted to elimi-nate 10 positions that became vacant through attrition and have remained unfilled. Three of the positions had no budgeted cost for the 2012-13 fis-cal year but the other seven were budgeted for salaries that totaled about $470,000. Position benefits such as health insurance would have substantially increase the budget impact. The reduction leaves the city with 62 regular and four tempo-

rary positions, said Lonn Boyer, director of Human Resources.The 62 positions are: six in ad-ministration, five in the Finance Department, three in the Plan-ning Department, 29 with the Police Department, and 19 with the Public Works Department.

RecognitionThe council presented cer-tificates of recognition for jobs well-done to four people:* Outgoing treasurer LeBarron, who had served for eight years;* City employee Janice Strong, who is retiring after 32 years with the city;* Fourth District Supervisor Ray Watson, who is retiring after 10 years on the Kern County Board of Supervisors.CCF marketing With Los Angeles County supervisors at least two months away from possibly voting on a contract to house Los Angeles Sheriff ’s Department poisoners at the vacant Taft Community Correction-al Facility, the council voted to spend about $1,000 for materials to market the CCF to all 58 counties in California and counties in Arizona and Nevada. Los Angeles County supervisors have repeatedly removed ap-proval of the contract with Taft from their agenda, which contin-ues to have a major negative impact on the city’s budget.Enfinity contract At the urging of Krier, the council voted to have City Attorney David Prentice review the city’s contract with Enfinity solar energy company. Krier expressed his displeasure with the length of time it is tak-

ing Enfinity to finishing instal-lation for all of the planned solar positions in the city.

Prentice will examine the contract, deter-mine if there has been any energy-savings and/or income produced for the city yet, make any pos-sible recom-mendations for changes, and report back to

the council.

Other mattersIn other matters, the council :* Approved cancellation of its meeting scheduled for the first Tuesday of January, which is New Year’s Day;* Approved the emergency purchase of two desk-top computers for Taft Police Department after the computers stopped working and prevented access to files.

Retiring Taft Treasurer Bill Lebarron is presented with a resolution honoring his service to the city by Mayor Miller and Councilman Waldrop.

Taft Police Officers Association spokesperson Adrienne Villarreal speaks out against potential police officer layoffs.

Taft’s new city treasurer Ben Mangum is sworn into office by City Clerk Louise Hudgens.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

Page 7: Mayor miller passes the gavel

December 7 - 13, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion

Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Ben’s Books

New Shipment ofChildrens

Books Just Arrived for Christmas!

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

HAYDENS HOPE“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

428 Center Street • TAFT

THRIFT STORE

God Bless!

745-4963

New School HoursMon. & Tues.9am - 2pm

Closed WednesdayThur. & Fri. 9am - 5pmSaturday 10am - 2pmClosed Every 2nd Sat.

of the Month

T-Shirts .25 centsPants .50 cents

TUHS Honors Students, Staff at Renaissance Rally Taft Union High School junior Cheyenne Vera Torres was honored as most im-proved student and custodian Gary House was feted as the staff member of the year at the fall Renaissance rally Wednes-day, November 28th in Mullen gym. The rally celebrates academics. Cheyenne improved her grade point average by 1.57 points, according to Greg Goossen, Renaissance team coordinator. Her mother, Mary Vera, said she suffered a stroke in August and noticed the change in her daughter shortly thereafter. Cheyenne helped care for her mom, now in a wheelchair, and her two younger sisters at home, and improved her grades. “Someone had to step up and she’s the one. She’s a terrific kid. She deserves this. I’m proud as a peacock.” So is her father, Efren. “I tell her, ‘whatever your dreams, just follow them. Make up your mind and you can be something in the future.’ We are proud of her.”

House, 41, loves his work and it shows. “He had 50 or 60 nomi-nations. He won by a huge margin,” Goossen said. House has a positive attitude and enjoys filling in wherever needed. He likes his coworkers and the students and he particularly enjoys being on-site as his five children pass through the high school. Three have gradu-ated, the fourth, Casey, is a senior, and the last one is on deck. When Casey, got involved in Future Farmers of America and welding, his dad, a handyman, pitched in where he could. “It’s just really cool to plunge into their activities and see them every day. It’s cool watching them evolve. One turned out to be an actor. Casey is a welder. Not every parent has that opportunity and it is a remark-able thing for me,” House said.

TPOA Offers Holiday Safety TipsThe Taft Police Officer’s Association (TPOA) is proud that Taft is the safest city in Kern County, and they are committed to keeping it that way. However, Taft is not crime-free, and many Taft citizens will be traveling or shopping in other cities during the holiday season. Therefore, the TPOA offers the following reminders to help ensure your Christmas is merry. Shopping: • Be aware of your surroundings in parking lots. Criminals will

target someone who looks like easy prey. If you are focused, aware, and undistracted, you are less likely to be targeted by criminals. • Park in well-lit areas and remember where you parked • Do not talk on your cell phone while walking to or from your car. • Do not “flash” large amounts of cash while paying at the register. • Have your car keys in-hand and ready to go before you leave the building. This way you won’t be fumbling for your keys. • Don’t be shy about asking for a security escort to your vehicle. • If you must leave packages in your vehicle, lock them in the trunk or otherwise out of sight.

Home: • Always lock your residence. • Always lock your vehicle. • If possible, never leave any-thing valuable in your vehicle, even if you lock it.

The TPOA wishes all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You can contact the TPOA at [email protected].

Happy Holidays from All of Us At Bangs and Tangles

Gift Certificates Now AvailableOpen Sunday December 23rd

Noon to 4 p.m.For Last Minute Holiday Shopping

Featuring Our Jewelry Selections and

Come and see our exciting holiday gift selections

Taft Largest Full Service Salon Hair - Nails - Color - Massage - Waxing - Hair Products Jewelry and Womens Accessories

Open 6 Days a Week - 404 Center Street 765-2800

photo by Jim Carnal

A.I.S.T. (American Inter-national Sports Teams) has recruited number 21 on the Taft Union High School varsity volleyball team, Ash-ley Ramos, to represent the U.S.A in the National Vol-leyball Tournament. She will be traveling to Austria, Italy, and Germany. As you may know this is a chance of a lifetime and she needs help sending her on this trip. If you would like to help out with donations or would personally like to speak with Ashley you may call (661)932-6034 or if you would like to send a check, make it payable to Ashley Ramos, to the address of 328 Phillippine Street in Taft California 93268. Thank you to everyone who is helping her make a dream come true and God Bless.

Ashley Ramos Recruited by AIST

Ideal Stocking Stuffers1 pound copper bar .999 fine

US State Quarters By The Roll

US Mint and Proof Sets Misc. Dates

5000 Wheat Back Cents

3 coin Oildorado set 90th Anniversary

2012 Taft Oildorado Belt Buckle

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

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

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

Most Improved Student Cheyenne Vera Torres is all smiles with her bouquet and balloons.

Staff member of the year Gary House (left) thanks the audience as Renaissance coordinator Greg Goossen watches.

Photos by Jim Carnal

It was also remarkable that no one breathed a word. “You talk about a surprise,” House said. “I had not a clue. The funny thing is, people all around me knew and kept their mouths shut. My wife (Shelley) knew for a week and didn’t say noth-ing.” The well-execut-ed rally included overhead balloons that dropped when the winners were announced, plus a variety of games from sling-shooting basketballs to zorbing to Gangnam style dancing.Fifty-three Top Cats — students with a GPA above 4.0 in the spring 2012 semester — dined on candy in their own section on the south side of the gym. Renaissance students liberally sprinkled candy among the bleachers. Cheyenne received a 32-inch Samsung HDTV and a 10-karat gold ring from Jostens, Goossen said, while House received a $250 Visa gift card from the Renaissance club. Students nominated by staff for good attitudes and staff nomi-nated by students wore T-shirts they received for their positive attitudes.

Senior Michael Larson competes in the hula-hoop competition. He held on for at least a half hour before falling to winner Sierra Holmes.

Travis Brewer launches a ball by slingshot at the basketball hoop as Ashley Ramos and Kayla Spoonemore assist.

Page 8: Mayor miller passes the gavel

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 7 - 13, 2012

Liberty Under Fire

Is it time states use a little known, but previously used, constitutional check to stop Obamacare? By Dr. Harold Pease Presently 17 states have chosen not to setup insurance exchanges with respect to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Law, commonly cited as Obamacare, primarily because they fear that doing so would bankrupt their state and they remain convinced that it is a serious intru-sion on their constitutional jurisdiction—even freedom. Some were among the 26 states that suede the Federal Government for exceeding its constitutional authority. They may not know that they have one constitutional check left to exercise if they but have the will. Those who spend any time with the Constitution know that the federal government is limited to a list of specific areas wherein Con-gress can legislate (Art. I, Sec. 8) and if a wanted power is not on that list, or not added thereto by way of an amendment to the Constitu-tion, they are prohibited from legislating therein. All other powers not provided in that document are left to the states and to the people as per Amendment 10 of the Bill of Rights. Checks and balances were created in an effort to keep the federal government from creating its own authority and taking over everything. The Founding Fathers saw going off the list and doing something not authorized as tyranny. Senators were especially charged to protect state sovereignty, the list, and the 10th Amendment, but Progressives in the early 20th Century weakened that protection by ratifying the 17th Amendment, which favored a popular vote for this office rather than, as it was be-fore, having Senators selected by state legislatures who were purposely far more state sovereignty centered. State power was thereafter left un-protected and measures clearly of state jurisdiction and unlisted, such as healthcare, got through the badly damaged shield and became law. The Supreme Court was also one of those checks and balances, but it too has become damaged when previous small perversions of the Constitution become leverage for yet other larger perversions, and original intent the intended interpretation, was replaced by past practice, a philosophy also accentuated by the Progressives Movement. What do we do when the Court too is compromised as in the Patient Protection and Affor able Care Law? The Supreme Court also has one other problem. Think of our government as the founders did, as two parts, with power divided between two government teams—the federal and the state. The Supreme Court can never be the arbitrator between these two teams as it is a valued player on the federal team, and thus not neutral. It will always tend to favor the federal team. What can the states then do to stop federal intrusion into their arena even when such intrusion is blatantly clear to anyone reading the Constitution? Nullification. The Founders left us with one final check on tyranny, but it is not well known and is little used. If the 26 suing states, or even the 17 who have rejected creating the insurance exchanges, instead just said “No! “The law is clearly unconstitutional and will not be implemented, in part or whole, in this state without a constitutional amendment so au-thorizing.” “If this law, which virtually destroys the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, is allowed to stand the states have no protected jurisdictions from the federal government and are merely appendages to it.” If enough understood that this law is the death of the philoso-

phy of shared power they would oppose it. If even a minority of states stood together on this point it would stop this federal takeover of one-seventh of the economy in its tracks. State legislators. You are the last Constitutional Check. Are you listening? Nullification has two historical precedents. Thomas Jefferson (principle author of the Declaration of Independence) and James Madison (referred to as the father of the Constitution) attempted to nullify The Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798 created by their Federalist Party predecessors. These authors penned the Virginia and Kentucky Resolves objecting on the basis of the unreasonable empowerment of the president and the attack on the First Amendment, particu-larly freedoms of speech and press. The Supreme Court never took the case, largely because the bill was design to last only until 1801, (Federalists did not want it used against them should they lose the next election) thus the issue died naturally undoubtedly assisted by resistance of these states. Next to use the Nullification Doctrine was South Carolina with respect to the 1828 “Tariff of Abominations,” believed by them and neighboring states to be unconstitutional. Opponents to it declared it to be “null and void” within their border and threatened to take South Carolina out of the Union if Washington attempted to collect custom duties by force. President Andrew Jackson prepared to invade the state. A compromise Tariff of 1833 gradually lowered the tariff to acceptable levels and the issue faded away. States standing firm brought compromise. Unfortunately for power-hungry federal politicians, the word health is not in Section 8, nor has it been added to the Constitution by way of amendment through Article V, which is the process for “change that you can believe in,” and thus our Founders would have considered it devoid of constitutional authority. If we are to follow the Constitution as intended, and not make a mockery of it, health related concerns are state functions at best and cannot be moved to a federal jurisdiction without a 3/4th affirmative vote of the states as per Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The last acceptable Constitutional check to federal tyranny is the state legislatures. Will states stand with the Constitution and its authors?

Marsha Eubank named Taft High’s first Central Section AD of the year Taft High has another Valley champion!

Athletic Director Marsha Eubank became the first AD from Taft High to be selected as the Central Section’s Athletic Director of the Year. The annual award dates back to 1974. “This award goes annually to an athletic director for their outstand-ing leadership and achievement at their school site,” explained Ryan Tos, the AD for Central Valley Christian High School and a member of the selection committee. Tos, who won the award in 2010, told Eubank, 49, “Your name came up quite a few times in the meeting (of the selection committee of the California state athletic directors).” “It’s an honor being selected by your peers,” Eubank said. “I have a lot of help at Taft Union High School. It’s not just a reflection of me. I think it’s a reflection of our district.” Superintendent Bill McDermott, said, this is a “wonderful honor for a member of the staff ! I had the pleasure of working with three of the people who have received this award!! She is in great company!” David Dennis, a longtime cross-country and track coach who set Billy Nelson on his path to the Olympics in the steeplechase, praised Eubank, “The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Marsha’s performance as AD is her commitment to all of the students in every sport. She puts her best effort into improving the situation for every student-athlete in every sport. Additionally, we often see the success of the teams but don’t recognize the organizational work that begins months in advance to be sure that a season runs smoothly. Marsha always prepares well in advance. Rarely is the important work behind

the scenes given its due. I am pleased to see that she has been recog-nized for her accomplishments.” Jim Carnal, who recently coached the girls’ team to the school’s first Valley championship in tennis, praised, “I’ve coached varsity tennis for 18 seasons and, from my perspective, Marsha has always been extreme-ly fair, supportive and knowledgeable. If there is a dispute with another school over rules, I’m always confident when Marsha represents Taft. She always plans ahead and is the best AD I’ve ever met.” Eubank serves as the South Sequoia League representative to the Central Section board of managers as well as a state CIF representative for basketball. Awards are nothing new for Eubank. As a junior, her Ankeny High School basketball team won the Iowa state championship and was runner-up her senior year when she a member of the state all-tourna-ment team and was the leading rebounder. Back then, in high school softball there was a fall and spring season and her team won six state championships. The 5-foot-101/2-inch guard/forward played for Simpson Univer-sity in Indianola, Iowa, as well as first base on the softball team. She snagged a head-coaching job in basketball at DeWitt High School straight out of college, which was unprecedented at the time. She was coach of the year there her last year in 1988-89, and also coached an all-star basketball team that played in South America. The next year, she came to Taft High, where she coached JV teams and was an athletic PE teacher. In 1998, she moved up to varsity basketball coach and in 1999, she led the team to the Valley champion-ship. She did it again in 2000 and then again in 2003. In 2004, she was promoted to athletic director. In 2009-10, the California Coaches Association named Eubank female athletic director of the year. As the newly designated Central Section’s Athletic Director of the Year, she will be honored at an awards banquet on April 20, 2013 in Reno.

Page 9: Mayor miller passes the gavel

December 7 - 13, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”Pastor Cindy Brettschneider

Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AMAdult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AM

Adult 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 Drive

We 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

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning WorshipService 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening WorshipService 6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Gateway Temple CommunityChristian

Fellowship631 North Street

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

St. Andrew’sEpiscopal

ChurchSunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard703 5th Street - Taft

(661) 765-2378

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMSTaft- 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

Sunday Services 10am1000 6th St.

Weekly Classes Mon - ThursPlease 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 [email protected]

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45Sunday Evening Worship 5:00

Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30

For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

Mary A. McWhorter

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

The Only Mortuary On The West Side Where All Arrangements And

Funerals Are Personally Directed ByLicensed Funeral Directors

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

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.

Black GoldCafe & Deli

Ice Blended MochaFat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

Open 7 Days - 765-6556508 Center Street • Taft

St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft

661 765-4292

Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 8:30A.M. English

11:00A.M. Spanish

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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

Check Out Our WebsiteMaricopaquiltcompany.com

And Facebook Page

Advertise

In

The Taft

Independent

Call Today!

765-6550Visit Us Online

taftindependent.com

Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5:00 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 23rd Year

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985

(661) 765-4798 FAXTaft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Rich Miller • Jordan MillerKathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

600 Center StreetTaft, 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.

Yates’ Detailing

First Baptist Church

Pastor Scott Pearson

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

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens ProgramWednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft661 763-3138

Page 10: Mayor miller passes the gavel

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 7 - 13, 2012

Qualified candidates are encouraged to

pick up and complete applications in person at 101 B St in Taft on

Thursday Nov 29 or Fri Nov 30 between 9am

and 1pm.

Be punctual. Be prepared. Be

professional. 11-30

NOW HIRING MACHINIST.

Candidates will be required to successfully

complete a pre-employment physical

and drug screen. Southern Sierra offers a competitive salary and benefit package.

Applications may be picked up at our business office or

resumes may be faxed or emailed to:

Southern Sierra General Engineering, Inc.

P O Box 1113857 Oleander Road

Taft, CA 93268661-765-6182 Office661-765-6155 Fax

www.southernsierrainc.com

[email protected]

HELP WANTED

TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACCEPTIING APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYEES to work in Custodial, Food Service, Clerical, Instr. Asst., and other classifications as needed.

Substitute Pay range is $13.50 p/hr. Substitute positions are paid hourly. NO hours are guranteed. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, Background Clearance, DOJ Clearance, Physical, and Drug Screen.

Applications, Job Descriptions and Salary Schedule are available at the TUHS Business Office, 1 Wildcat Way, between 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. M-F. Please note that the District Office will be closed November 22 and 23. Applications must be received in the Business

Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27. Test will be given in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Wednesday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m.

CHILD CARESERVICES

WANTEDReloading equipment and supplies. Also lathe and milling machine. 661- 205-8706.

Junk Cars Wanted. Cash Paid. 805-0552.

FOR SALE

AUTOMOBILESPETS

FOUND PETS

LOST PETS

LOST DOG. BLACK LAB. BUDDY. Reward. Missing since 10-15. 333-1740 or 763-4937.

$100 REWARD. Pebbles lost on 11-17. Tina tan Chihauhua last seen by Taft High School. Please contact Trish 745-4307 or 623-3948.

Lost Mini Aussie. Black\grey\white w/tan spot on

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 $5 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 $2 for 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon)

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 508 Center St., Taft, CA 93268

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

YARD SALESAdvertise 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.

306 Eastern - inside house. Sat.

Moving sale. Sat. Dec. 8 2012. 7 am - 2 pm 236 General Petroleum Ave. Furn., bedroom set, sofas, table, stove. exercise equip., kids stuff. Everything must go.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New AA meeting just started in Taft at the Chevron Valley Credit Union Community Room. 7:30 am every Saturday morning. We read a topic from As Bill Sees It. 9-19.Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-379-0848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

YARDSERVICES

Tree Trimming Service. 661-900-0917. 12-7

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.By Appointment

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

HELP WANTED

LVN,RN,MAP/T or Per Diem

For West Side Urgent Care.

Qualifications:experience required

IV/phlebotomy/injections

CPR & bilingual a plus.Must be able to

work days, nights & weekends.

Please send resumePO Box 81673, Bksfld,

Ca 93380

Help Wanted (Part time)

Taft City School District is accepting

applications for Substitute Custodians, Food Service and Bus Drivers. Employment

process includes written exam, application

screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint

clearance, and physical exam with drug screen. A written exam for these positions will be given on Monday, December 17th. Application and

Job Descriptions may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Friday, December

14th at 4:00 p.m. EOE 12-14.

Midway Elementary School is hiring a Special Education

Resource Aide. Must have an A.A. and

experience although not required is a plus. Job will be part time approximately 22-25 hours per week. You

may get an application at: Midway Elementary School, 259 F Street,

Fellows, CA.

New, local, vibrant restaurant seeking high-quality staff.

Fiorina’s Italian is finally opening!

We are looking to hire experienced kitchen and dining room staff

to fill all positions. Applicants must be able to demonstrate positive customer service skills, common sense, and a desire to be part of a

team.

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

Plumbing • Septic • RooterFraming • Electrical • Concrete

For Rent 426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550

Paul Joyce 805-218-1686

Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

face. Blue eyes, female. Rexxie. REWARD. 661-765-5862.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

COMMERCIALFOR RENT

3 Spaces avail. 500sq.ft, 750sq.ft & 1,000 sq.ft. Corner of 10th St. and B Street. Rents staring at $400 per month, plus dep. Avail. Now. (661) 864-9254.

ROOMS FOR RENTRooms for rent. Furnished and unfurnished. For more info. 745-4211. 12-7.

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

By AppointmentKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

PurchaseCan’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short

sale!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.

Get It Rented!

Real Estate Services and Property ManagementListings – Sales - Property Management

Local Service You Can Depend On

322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268(661) 765-5000

Jackson’s Automotive

Smog Testand

General Repairs

Front End RepairsTransmission Service

Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service and Repairs

Call Today for an Appointment763-1055

Corner of 3rd and Center Street110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

Remodeled house. 110 Wood St. 4 bd. 2 ba. with central a/c. large house. fenced yard. 2 car garage. $1,000 mo. plus $1000. dep. (909) 239-8337 or (661) 717-9056. 12-14.

MOBILE HOMES

HOMES FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500Lic # 01525550

224 B St #A 2/1 $500205 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600

400 Woodrow #7 1/1 $625

501 ½ Jackson 2/1 $700307 Philippine 1/1 $700605 4th St 2/1.75 $750116 Franklin 3/1 $900306 Taylor 4/1.75 $900600 D St 4/1.75 $1,200

Nice house on one acre in Dustin Acres. $1300 mo. $1000 dep. 661-201-0032. 12-7.

28155 McClaren in 1bd. 1ba. Upstairs. $475 Mo. plus $475 dep. 155 1/2 North Street. (661) 477-9636. 12-14.

House for rent. 2bd, 1 ba. Very nice. $800 mo. plus dep. 203 Lucard. 765-4644 or 363-3005.

APART. FOR RENT2bd. 1 ba. laundry inside. $675. $675. dep. 765-6027. 12-14.

Creekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.

Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath. $99 move in special. 765-7678.

765-4191 or 549-1068

Page 11: Mayor miller passes the gavel

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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 Highway

Open 7 Days a Week

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Qik Smog & Tune

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

western shop & PET Wash

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

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

Diagnostic SpecialistsService & Repairs • Smog Repairs

Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front EndBrakes • Fuel Injection

$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad**1996 Vehicle or newer

Black GoldCafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6556

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor Your Special

Event

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available

FULLBAR

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

608 Center St. 745-4919

BMXBikes

Are Here!

Full Grooming Salon

www.shawswesternshop.com

Andy’s Septic Tank & SewerUNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

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

Randy’s Trucking

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades •

• Rear Operator Control Panel •

Storewide Sale Through December

Wrangler and Dickie JeansStarting at $10.00

All Women Apparel 20-50% OffIncluding Jewelery and Purses

Mens and Womens Dress Boots on Sale Now

Special Christmas Touch For every good dog!

Color: nails or hair coat bow, bandana or dazzle hair extention

Regular grooming includes:wash and dry and sheddinggrooming cut (when needed)

nails clipped and filedteeth checked

Page 12: Mayor miller passes the gavel

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 7 - 13, 2012

CALL TODAYTO SCHEDULE YOUR $19.00

FIBROMYALIGIA EVALUATION

Sparks Chiropractic1107 Kern Street, #7Taft, CA 93268 661-765-2225

Do you feel like every drop of energy is drained from your body and most days you just hurt all over?

Does going to the bathroom feel like a ten- mile hike?

Even after numerous tests with your doctor, do they say “we can’t find anything wrong ?”

You are not alone. Six million Americans suffer from the effects of fibromyalgia. But the sad fact is most of them have been told they’re crazy, lazy, or just depressed.

“You’ve Been Everywhere, Tried Everything, And You’re Still Suffering”

Maybe your doctor doesn’t even think fibromyalgia is a real disease, but you know it is. You suffer with it every day.

One fibromyalgia patient said it like this…

“I am so tired of the guilt of not being able to keep my house the way I like or fix dinner for my hus-band all the time. With the girls and the meds and pain I can barely just get that done, let alone clean and cook dinner most days.”

Another said…

“For people who take good health for granted, it’s hard to imagine a condition that makes simple tasks great tests of will and determination.”

Fibromyalgia is often called the invisible disease. You look fine on the surface, but underneath you’re often exhausted and in excruciating pain.

My name is Dr. Keith Sparks. Over the past fifteen years I’ve used gentle treatments to help hundreds of fibromyalgia patients feel better and live healthi-er, more joyful lives.

The more patients I helped get better, the more I realized that…

No Woman Should Have To Suffer The Way You Do.

I’ve made it my mission in practice to help those suffering with chronic pain like you.

Because of this, I’m running a special offer for women suffering from fibromyalgia.

For 10 days only, $19 will get you all the services I normally charge new patients $250 for!

What does this offer include?

• An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where I will listen…really listen…to the details of your case.

• A complete neuromuscular examination.

• A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or

symptoms… (NOTE: These would normally cost you at least $100).

• A special report complimenting your recom-mendations that reveals the foods you should and should not eat, the best way to sleep, and how to reduce stress.

I’ll provide answers to all your most probing ques-tions about fibromyalgia like…

…the best nutritional supplements proven to help with fibromyalgia.

…which position, mattress, and pillow you should use for a good night’s rest.

…the foods that can help you and which ones can make you worse.

…how to exercise the right way so you aren’t mak-ing your pain worse.

The offer is only good until December 21. The ap-pointment will not take long at all. And you won’t be sitting in a waiting room all day either. Finally, A Proven Solution For Fibromyalgia Pain

Why Haven’t Fibromyalgia Sufferers Been Told These Facts?

Do You Have Any of the Following Symptoms?

• Aching all over • Disturbed sleep • Tender points in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips • Recurring headaches • Fatigue & Stiffness

Medicare restrictions apply

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of chi-ropractic care in fibromyalgia patients.

Dr. Frederick Wolfe, a well-known investigator of fibromyalgia and clinical professor at the Univer-sity of Kansas School of Medicine, ran a study on fibromyalgia.

He asked patients to indicate drug or alternative treatments that best relieved their pain. Dr. Wolfe found that changes in lifestyle worked better than drugs and stated “Chiropractic treat-ment also scored among the most effective mea-sures.”

Another study examined the effectiveness of chiro-practic in relieving fibromyalgia symptoms.

After just a few chiropractic treatments, fibromy-algia patients suffered from less pain and fatigue, and actually enjoyed better sleep.(JMPT 2000)

For Many Women, There Is Hope. You Just Need The Right Plan.

Imagine how great you could feel without your constant fatigue and nagging pains.

Imagine waking up each morning, jumping out of bed, and enjoying the day…no more waking up and feeling like you got hit by a truck.

Imagine not having to take handfuls of pain pills that haven’t helped and can have side effects.

Imagine what it would be like to finally have hope again.

To have a doctor finally tell you what’s wrong and what you can do to help yourself feel better.

By working together, we can customize a treatment plan just for you. And best of all, there will be…

No Harmful Drugs, No Uncertain Procedures, And No Intimidation.

A woman knows her own body.

Internally you can sense that certain areas of your body aren’t as they should be.

Healing those areas will give you more energy, less pain, and a better life! Phone 661-765-2225

Call Monday through Friday and tell the reception-ist you’d like to come in for the Special Fibromyal-gia Evaluation before December 21, 2012.

I look forward to helping you get rid of your pain so you can start living a healthier, more joyful life.

Sincerely,Keith L. Sparks, D.C.

P.S. What Will Your Fibromyalgia Pain Feel Like 1 Month From Today?

One of the biggest myths about pain is that it goes away all by itself, without any treatment.

A May 1998 study in the British Medical Journal proved this myth false, showing that 75% of back pain sufferers who do nothing about it will have either pain or disability 12 months later.

Let’s face it, if the pain hasn’t gone away by now, it’s not likely to disappear on its own.

Don’t let this be you, call me today and see if I can help you.

661-765-2225

($250 Value) Available Until 12-21-12