Taft Til Program

April 12 - 18, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT

April 12 - 18, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 39www.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

QIK Smog and Tune

Contact us about California State Consumer Assistance Program

“Your Hometown Auto Care Center”

By Susan Vicuna

Taft College Transition to Independent Living

New State of the Art Facility forRevolutionary Program

A GARDEN AFFAIRPresented by Soroptimists of Taft

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Visit the beautiful and unique gardens

of Taftthen enjoy

a salad luncheon at the Historic Fort.

9:00 A.M. Start at Old’s Cool515 Center Street, to pick up

maps to the gardens.

RAFFLES FOR A FUN FILLED WHEELBARROW

AND ALL TABLE CENTERPIECES

Tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased at:

A Hint of Class - Jacks FlowersOld’s Cool

or from any Soroptimists member.

The Soroptimist fundraiser is for our Critical Care Transportation

and other projects.

9:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.Garden Tours

12:00 NoonSalad Luncheon

at the Fort

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT April 12 - 18, 2013

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 Fee

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

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

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

915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

Elaine Arnold, OwnerPedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing

Dee Morgan, EstheticianFacials Waxing and Microdermabrasion

Samantha HagstromMassage Therapist

European and Hot StonePrenatal Massage

510 6th Street, Ste. A - Taft(661) 765-2335

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

Watch Batteries Replaced

Most $4.00Some $8.00

608 Center St.

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

745-4919

Taft’s Best and Only Bike Shop.

Come on in and seeour Inventory.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

Spring Arrivals! Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

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

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]

401 Center Street

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

iphone 4 as low as $295

NO CONTRACTS

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

Personal Style

Women’s WearJeweleryPursesShoes

Gift Items

Boutique

Infant and Toddler Wear and more Shop Taft!


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

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

Recreation Report..........5

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

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

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

Miller Time.......................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]

[email protected]

Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins

ColumnistsRandy Miller

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Subscriptions\DeliveryTim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday April 16th, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA

(661) 763-1222AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD

OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ANDPOSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE

www.cityoftaft.orgTELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11:

Wednesday 8 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.

Taft CalendarTaft 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 us at [email protected]

Bike Shop

Events

Baldock Golf Tourney set for April 19 The Taft College Foundation’s annual Al Baldock Memorial Athletic Golf Classic has been scheduled for April 19 at the Mifflin-Buena Vista Golf Course.Tourney chairman Brock McMurray said the event, held in memory of the leg-endary Cougar football coach, raises money for the college’s athletic program.It is sponsored by AP Architects. Cash prizes based on net score will be awarded to the top four teams -- $1,200 for first, $800 for second, $600 for third and $400 for fourth.Other prizes include $10,000 cash for a hole-in-one on No. 2 and No. 13 spon-sored by Roger Miller Insurance Agency, $5,000 for hole-in-one on No. 6 and No. 17 sponsored by Dr. Loretta Garcia Lipscomb, $100 for closest to the hole on each par-3 sponsored by Dr. Charles Walker, and $100 longest drive (men and women) on the seventh hole. Registration for the four-person scramble tournament begins at 11 a.m. with the shotgun start scheduled for 12:30 p.m. The fee is $100 per player ($400 per team) and includes green fees, cart, on-course beverages, dinner and tee prizes. The Taft College Alumni Association is sponsoring a dinner following the tournament. Cooper’s True Value Home and Garden Center is sponsoring the drawings for prizes. Sponsorship opportunities at various levels ranging from $100 to $5,000 are available, McMurray said. For more information call Sheri Black at 763-7746.

Taft Soroptimists Annual Garden Tour April 13th The Taft Soroptimist Club is holding its annual Garden Tour on Saturday April 13. Three beautiful local gardens are on the tour. A luncheon at the His-toric Fort is part of the day’s activities. Garden Tour tickets are $25 and includes the salad luncheon following the garden tours. In addition, a “Wheelbarrow Full of Gardening Surprises” will be raffled off during the luncheon. The winner need not be present to win. The wheelbarrow is filled with wonderful things for your garden – perfect for spring! The $5.00 ticket for the raffle is a donation to the Soroptimist Club for its Critical Care Transportation program and other community projects. You may purchase tickets for either the Garden Tour, or the Raffle, or both – by contacting Patti Bench, Becky Roth, or me. Tickets are also available at Hint of Class, Jack’s Flowers and Old’s Cool retailers, or any member of the Soropti-mist Club.

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

New Shipment of Black Hills Gold Tungston Carbide Rings $70

With Diamond $150Hand Made

Greeting Cards by DonnaSterling Silver Knuckle Rings $5.00

Body JewelryNose Rings and Belly Button Rings

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

Alpha House Annual BBQ & Auction 2013! Saturday, April 20th, 2013. Dinner @ 5pm. Dine in or Take out Adults $10 Children (5-12) $5 Under 5 FREE Auction @ 6pm Westside Recreation and Park District 500 Cascade Pl, Taft.Tri-tip or Chicken Dinner, Salad, Beans, Bread, Drink & Dessert! Live Auction, Silent Auction, Disneyland Raffle & Quilt Raffle!!! Lots of fun for a great cause!! For questions call (661)763-4357

By John Swearengin The weather is nice, so it is time to get out and enjoy Taft’s upcoming events. The Westside Little League is now in full swing, so stop by and get a hot dog, soda, and enjoy a game. Taft College and Taft High Baseball and Softball are also in full swing. It is also Track, Golf, and Swimming season. Stop by and cheer for these Taft Athletes. The Taft Tigersharks season is beginning. If interested, call Greg Golling @ 301-2125, or April Ashmore @ 330-2499. Saturday April 13th-West Side Recreation Track Meet is at the Taft High Track at 8:30am.West Side Recreation Ponytail Softball Opening Day Ceremonies at the Franklin Field Complex at 10am.Ron Shipe/Bob Bledsoe Fundraiser Motorcycle Races at Honolulu Hills Race Way Saturday and Sunday. Raffles, food, drinks, and much more. Free Camping. Gates open at 6am.Maricopa Gusher Days- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Carnival, games, food, drinks, bands, etc. Taft High “Evening of Jazz.” 6-8pm. Tickets $25.00 Great Music and Dinner. Every Wednesday is Bike Night at Chilled n Grilled.Every Thursday is “Last Chance Showing” at the Taft Fox Theatre. If it is the last night a movie is playing, tickets are only $4.00. Thursday April 18th-The Fort-Til Wine and Jazz Festival 5-8pm. Several wines, microbrews, and Hors d ‘ oeuvres. Live and Silent Auction. Advance Tickets $25.00. Night of $30.00 Friday April 19th-Taft College Al Baldock Golf Tournament at Buena Vista Golf Course. Contact Sheri Black @ 763-7746. Saturday April 20th-Alpha House BBQ and Auction at the West Side Rec at 500 Cascade Place. Starts at 5pm. Tickets $10.00, Children $5.00. Call the Alpha House for tickets and donations 763-4357. Cuyama High School Car Show. Saturday April 27th-Taft Community Clean Up on Wood Street. 8am-noon. Lunch provided afterwards.Relay for Life Bunco Fundraiser at the Taft Veterans Hall at 218 Taylor Street. $20.00. Contact Chrissy Rodart @ 577-6833.The Cuyama Booster Club is Teaming up with Pizza Factory and Pizza Factory Alumni from 4-9pm. A percentage of their profit will be donated to Relay for Life. Please support Taft Businesses, Taft Chamber, The Fort, The Taft Fox, The Oil Museum, Alpha House, West Side Little League, West Side Recreation and Park District. Use them or lose them!

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT April 12 - 18, 2013Editorial

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. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm

Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm765-6915 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

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

TAFTFOX.COM

Week of Friday, April 12, 2013 through Thursday, April 18, 2013

Scary Movie V (PG-13) No Passes AllowedFri & Sat: (5:15), 7:15

Sun: (1:15), (3:15), (5:15)Mon - Thu: (5:15), 7:00

Evil Dead (R) No Passes AllowedFri & Sat: (5:45), 7:45

Sun: (1:30), (3:30), (5:30)Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 7:30 PM

Sun: (3:00 PM)Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM

The Croods (PG) Fri & Sat: (5:00 PM)Sun: (1:00), (5:15)

Mon - Thu: (5:15 PM)

Letters to the Editor

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

One of the newest classes that are being offered at the Westside Recreation a

Experienced Writers and Photographers

Wanted

Taft Independent

Experience Required.

Please call 765-6550.

Taxes! Enough Is Enough. by Glenn Mollette I wish we could abolish the Internal Revenue Service and eliminate all taxes for every American. It’s a nice dream. I think we are stuck with taxes but we should not give up the dream of cutting taxes and continuing to be creative in looking for taxes that we can eliminate. As long as we have Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid we will have taxes to pay. I am opposed to increasing taxes on any group in America, poor, middle class or the wealthy. Everybody is harnessed with way too much payroll tax. People work their heads off every week and then when their paycheck is issued there is not enough to buy a tank of gasoline. The payroll tax is like a cancer devouring Americans’ pay-checks. We need a decrease in taxes across the board. A thriving American economy can only occur by people paying less tax. The poor working class suffers from taxation. A person making only $20,000 still has payroll taxes as well as state and local taxes, even if the individual pays very little federal income tax. Let’s say this person works at a local fast food restaurant. Consider how much of their paycheck goes to buy gasoline. This depends on the state but there could be a federal excise tax, state excise tax, state sales tax, city tax, the dealer markup and then the state sales tax on the dealer markup. Sound crazy? It is. It’s a lot of tax for the hardworking American. Americans pay taxes on other goods and services depending on the state. I don’t know them all. We pay telephone federal excise taxes and telephone state and local charges. We pay school taxes, state income taxes, toll road taxes, toll tunnel taxes, utility taxes, vehicle license registration taxes, vehicle sales taxes, watercraft registration taxes, recreational vehicle tax, traffic fines, capital gains taxes, cigarette taxes, dog license taxes, fishing license taxes, hunting taxes, inheritance taxes and IRS penalties, (taxes upon top of taxes). There are liquor taxes, luxury taxes, food license taxes, building permit taxes, federal unemployment taxes, federal income taxes, road usage taxes on truckers and sales taxes. The list goes on and on it seems. We need to reduce the percentage of taxes that people pay across the board. Limit tax deductions to charity, health care savings, educational expense, retirement savings, home mortgage interest and business deductions. If we reduce the overall taxes that people

pay then there isn’t the need to have to scramble all year to figure out ways to lessen our taxes. We should limit capital gains taxes to no more than 15% to encourage financial investment and growth. It is time abolish the death taxes. Why tax a grieving family on money and property that someone else spent their entire lives pay-ing taxes on? Eliminate taxes on tips that are earned by college students and graduate students. Eliminate taxes on tips earned by seniors 65 and older. Eliminate the requirement that seniors have to include Social Security benefits in their gross income at tax time. Eliminate taxes on all military service men and women their first year of service. Eliminate taxes on all service people their first year after leaving the military. This will help our Veterans as they rebuild their lives. Reduce taxes for companies that will bring the majority of America’s jobs home (this means at least 70% of their employees are Americans). Also, for foreign corporations who want to come to America and hire 70% of their employees in America, offer them the same tax rate of 15%. Again, this is a long way south of what corporations are paying now and will not likely happen in one or two years. The goal is to bring the tax rate lower for corpo-rations that are helping America. Corporations who want to move most of their operations and employees to Mexico and China should pay the current high corporate tax rates. A lower tax rate will make it more meaningful for people to work jobs. It’s unfair for people who want to work and make money to pay it all in taxes. Currently we reward people to not work. For example if a family is not working or underemployed we will pay for their children to go to college. How much is this worth - $25,000 or more a year? Plus we reward them with medical care, food stamps and welfare. In the meantime we have a neighbor who is working his socks off to scrape up $45,000 a year. He has to pay his health care, buy food and pay for college for his children. On top of this he has to pay taxes. The more he works, the more he makes, the greater percentage he pays in taxes. People are very discouraged to work 50 or 60 hours a week and then pay 35% to 45% of what they make in taxes. We want to encourage people to work and take care of themselves. We should not penalize people for working hard. A lower and fairer tax rate will encourage people to work. If people are making money they will spend more money, which will only help our economy. Corporations will bring jobs back to America if there is a fair tax rate deal. I am also in favor of the right to work. Unions have their place. My dad was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. People should have the freedom to make that decision about join-ing without harassment. Unions must be realistic in their attitude toward employers. The Union that demands more and more from a corporation that may already be struggling will push that corporation to either close or leave the country. There must be balance. My father was a coal miner. He would never work in a coal mine unless it was affiliated with the United Mine Workers of America. That was his personal decision and it was good for him. I had other family members who chose to work at mines that were not union affiliated. Their decision had nothing to do with whether they had a union or not. They needed jobs and where they worked treated them fairly. Asking Americans to pay more taxes is like asking someone who is dying from bleeding to give more blood.

Dear Editor:

Even though my husband and I live in Cuyama Valley, we were born and raised in Taft and are still very much affiliated with the community of Taft. Our parents along with many friends are buried at the Westside Cemetery, and it has always been a place of beauty and pride. We try to keep flowers on our parent’s graves, but this last year or so these flowers are gone within a few weeks. I can’t imagine anyone stealing flowers from a grave, hope-fully not. My second thought would be the lack of care taken by the cemetery workers to replace the flowers after mowing. If this is the problem, I surely think it could be remedied so that the cemetery will look like it did a few years ago. We are not the only ones who have noticed the problem.

Judy and John Kidd Cuyama, CA

TAFT PETROLEUM CLUB 450 Petroleum Club Road – 763-3268

Come out for the Club’s Monthly Friday Night Steak/Chicken Dinner on

Friday, April 26, 2013 Just $13.00 The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversaries.

We do bar and food catering to fit your event! Monday – Thursday the Club has hourly rates in bar area for

Business Meetings, Baby Showers, Scentsy Parties etc. Hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

Call Deanne to book your special event 661-577-6950 or 661-763-3151 ext. 130


Letters to the Editor 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]

SENIOR REC ROOMWho: Ages 55+Where: Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, TaftHours: * Monday-Thursday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.* Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 6:00-10:00 p.m.* Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (1st and 3rd week of the month)The Senior Rec Room is located in the Community Center Activity Building and includes televisions with cable programming, computers with internet access and basic Microsoft programs, comfortable furniture, games, magazines and books. The Rec Room is a great place to socialize and spend time with others.

SENIOR MOVIE WEDNESDAYSWho: Ages 55+When: Every WednesdayTime: 12:30 p.m.Where: Community Center Senior Rec Room (Activity Building)Fee: FREE!Join us for a movie and microwave popcorn every Wednesday!April 17: The Three StoogesApril 24: The Blind SideMay 1: Pearl Harbor

SENIOR CHEAP & EASY BINGOWho: Ages 55+When: Monday, April 22Time: 12:30 p.m.Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $3 per personJoin us the 4th Monday of the month for some cheap and easy bingo! For one low price, we will play 12 games of straight bingos on hard cards. All money collected will be paid out; the more players we have, the bigger the pots! We need a minimum of 10 players each week; please sign-up in the Senior Rec Room or give us a call at 763-4246 if you’re interested.

SENIOR CARD MAKING WORKSHOPWho: Ages 55+When: Friday, April 26Time: 9:00 a.m.Where: Community Center Senior Rec Room (Activity Building)Fee: $1 per personWe will provide paper, envelopes, markers, rubber stamps, ink, scissors, glue, stickers and all kinds of fun materials that you can use to make cards for any occasion – birthday, anniversary, get well, sympathy and holidays. Please sign-up in the Senior Rec Room or give us a call at 763-4246 to put your name on the list.

SENIOR CASSEROLE DINNERWho: Ages 55+When: Sunday, April 28Doors Open: 4:30 p.m.Dinner: 5:00 p.m.Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $2 per person**Please RSVP (763-4246) for dinner by Thursday, April 25You’re invited to join us for fellowship and dinner. We will have a variety of casseroles, green salad, drinks and dessert.

ICE CREAM & MOVIE SOCIALWednesday, April 173:00-4:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-8$3 per personNeed to get out of the house for a bit? Bring a friend and join us for an ice cream social. We will make sundaes and watch the Disney movie “Wreck-It Ralph.”

BEADS & MORE BEADSWednesday, April 243:00-4:15 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-6$3 per personBring your imagination to this fun hour of designing and making a variety of projects using a variety of beads. We will have all of the necessary supplies you’ll need to create necklaces, bracelets, and fuse bead iron projects.

PLAY & GROW WITH MEWho: Ages 10-30 months (kids should be walking to participate)When: Tuesday & Thursday MorningsTime: 9:00-9:45 a.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per month or $5 per dayInstructor: Adrienne CloudThis class is designed specifically for interaction between mothers (father, grandparent, guardian or other adult) and their babies in a fun activity-type atmosphere. We play on the mats and have a tunnel, parachute, balls and other fun gadgets. Children should be walking to participate. Classes will be held on a monthly, ongoing basis. Register for a whole month or just pay by the day!

TINY TOT P.E.Who: Ages 2-4When: Monday - FridayTimes: * 10:00-11:00 am, Session 1* 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Session 2* 12:00-1:00 pm, Session 3Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation CenterFee: $25 monthly (includes t-shirt) or $3 per day/visitTiny Tot P.E. is an open gym format designed exclusively for Tiny Tots. It’s a great way to burn off some energy before naptime, and/or for mom to get a chance for a workout! The program operates on a monthly, ongoing basis. Join us at any time! For more information, please contact the Recreation Center at 765-6677.

YOUTH BASEBALLWho: Ages 12-15 (league age as of June 30, 2013)Tryouts & Draft: Saturday, May 11Practices Begin: May 20Session: March 15 – April 5Fee: $50 per playerRegistration deadline: Thursday, April 25

NATATORIUM POOL PARTIESMake your reservation now!Reservations are now being accepted for private party rentals at the Natatorium swimming pool. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday between June 7 and August 18. Rental fees start at $165 for 2-hours. Call 763-4246 for more information.


Westside News Briefs

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

Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Ben’s Books

Closed April 16 to April 24 for Vacation

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

From Grid-Iron Glory to Nurturing Life Change: The Taft College TIL ProgramBy Susan Vicuna

Taft College is expecting a new addi-tion this spring: The Taft College Center for Independent Liv-ing. This new build-ing will provide state of the art facilities for the college’s revolu-tionary Transition to Independent Living (TIL) program. The TIL program, which provides education and resources to autistic and intellectually disabled students, was started in 1995 af-ter the cancelation of the college’s football team. The college lacked the funds to continue the football team, much to the disappoint-ment of the community.

Jeff Ross, the direc-tor of Student Support Services at Taft Col-lege, did not see this as a disappointment, but an opportunity. He suggested that the dorms used for the football players be used for students with intellectual disabilities to learn how to live in-dependently. Thus, the Transition to Indepen-dent Living program

was born. “It was a no-brainer,” says Ross. Since 1976, Taft College has been teaching students with intel-lectual disabilities…in classrooms. Ross felt this was not enough. “When they go home, they’ll probably have Mom or someone to cook for them.” Ross felt the students needed to learn practi-cal application of important life skills along with the classroom instruction. Not only does the TIL program at Taft College teach these practical life skills to its students, but it also spreads its innova-

OTCookhouse & Saloon

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu

Come in and check out our new items!!!

We are also proud to offer our“Chef ’s Personal Creations & Selections”

Five Specials Available Daily

OT Cookhouse can accomodatesmaller or larger Private Dining Events

Reserve your Banquet today!!!661.763.1819

Lunch Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-2pmDinner Hours: Tues-Sat 4-9pm

Closed: Sunday and Mondaywww.otcookhouse.com

find us on facebook205 N. 10th Street 661.763.1819

Hall Critical Care Transport Re-ceives International AccreditationHall Critical Care Becomes The Eighth California Service To Receive Prestigious Recognition On April 6, 2013 The Board of Directors of the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) approved the application for accreditation for Hall Critical Care Transport (CCT). The Commission believes that the two highest priorities of an air or ground medical transport service are patient care and safety of the transport environment. Hall Critical Care Transport becomes the eighth medical transportation provider in California to receive this internationally recognized accreditation. The accreditation comes after a three part review process of the Hall Critical Care Transport operation, including - an intense self-inspection according to CAMTS guidelines - a thorough review of the application by the CAMTS staff - an onsite evaluation consisting of CAMTS evaluators spend-ing several days going over every aspect of the Hall CCT opera-tion. The 21 members of the CAMTS Board of Directors then took action to approve the application for accreditation. Some of the items reviewed during the process included capabilities and resources of the service, communications, safety, training, com-munity outreach, mission types, and maintenance. Hall Critical Care Transport Founder & President, Harvey L. Hall, said “This accreditation validates the work everyone does every day to make Hall CCT a premier provider of medi-cal transportation services.” Hall CCT provides ground and air critical care transport services, and is an integral part of the Hall Ambulance Service family. Hall Ambulance Service Inc. has been serving the medical transportation needs of Kern County residents since 1971.

tive ideas to other communities, on national and international levels. The program provides training for teachers and curriculum development for schools that desire a similar program. In addition, the program also tracks its students for ten years after graduation, monitoring progress and implementing necessary changes to make the program better. “We will continue to refine the program,” says Ross. The new building will provide thirty-two dorms, four class-rooms equipped with kitchens, offices, as well as a student lounge. But more than that, it will provide a sense of accomplishment and pride to an often overlooked group of students. Any college can have a football team, but it takes an extraordinary college to have a TIL program.

TIL Program Director Jeff Ross

New Bakery “Get Your Sweet On” Opens On Center Street

Dee Dee Sparks has reopened and rebranded her Bow Wow Bakery at 420 Center Street as “Get Your Sweet On”, a people food bakery where you can get fresh baked cupcakes, Cannoli, candy and coffee. Sparks originally opened the store as a doggy bakery.

Find the Misspelled Word on the Rails to Trails Sign

An astute observer noticed the misspelling on the Rails to Trails walkway sign that has been posted for quite some time. Can you find the misspelled word? Good luck. Email you guess to [email protected] or facebook us. We’ll send all of your responses to city hall.

Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com


HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVEComplete Automotive Service

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

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

All Dishes1/2 Off!

A GARDEN AFFAIRPresented by Soroptimists of Taft

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Visit the beautiful and unique gardens

of Taftthen enjoy

a salad luncheon at the Historic Fort.

9:00 A.M. Start at Old’s Cool515 Center Street, to pick up

maps to the gardens.

RAFFLES FOR A FUN FILLED WHEELBARROW

AND ALL TABLE CENTERPIECES

Tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased at:

A Hint of Class - Jacks FlowersOld’s Cool

or from any Soroptimists member.

The Soroptimist fundraiser is for our Critical Care Transportation

and other projects.

9:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.Garden Tours

12:00 NoonSalad Luncheon

at the Fort

Fifty Shades of Color Exhibit and Reception at Taft College On Friday, April 12, 2013, beginning at 3:30 p.m., a recep-tion will be held for the Fifty Shades of Color Exhibit at the Taft College Art Gallery, which will feature the works of Art, Drama and Creative Writing by the Taft College Faculty. Colors are the recurring theme of the exhibit, with works ranging from digital photos printed on photographic paper and aluminum to mixed media works of representation and non-representation images. Of particular interest is Debora Rodenhauser’s large-scale “Connec-tivity, which is a playful visual metaphor for our telecommunica-tion habits and devices. The works on exhibit demonstrate the rich diversity of ap-proaches our faculty teach their students, whose works were recently on exhibit in the “Best of Fall 2012.” A work created by John Rodriguez received the most votes for the People’s Choice Award and Alexandria Reinken’s “Sunset Sweetheart” mixedmedia design spoofing covers of New York Magazine captured the Faculty Award. Both works were created in Rodenhauser’s Art 1600 Basic Design Class. The recipient of the President’s Award is “Lye” by Kimberly Williams, a photograph. Dr. Dena Maloney stated, “I can re-ally sense the joy of the youngboy playing in the leaves. The lighting is wonderful and the artist truly captured the spirit of the young boy.” Two Honorable Mention distinctionswere given to Amy Sanchez for her painting “Tuscany” and to an “Untitled”photograph by Ariel Barham. Williams and Barham were students in GaryGraupman’s Photo 1510 Basic Photography class and Sanchez was a student in Dacey Vanderwal’s Art 1640 Painting class. While the student exhibit is no longer on view, the award winners are viewable at the Taft College Gallery Facebook page. Leigh Golling, Drama, and Geoffrey Dyer, Creative Writing, will perform at the opening reception, which will be held on Fri-day, April 12, 2013, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. The event is free and all ages are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Mosquito Abatement Season Begins Spring has officially started, the weather is beginning to warm and mosquito activity has begun. The West Side Mosquito and Vector Control District would like to inform everyone that mos-quitoes are active and present in our area at this time. Although rain has been sparse this winter, enough water remains to attract and breed mosquitoes. District personnel have already discovered several sources, many of which are a result of rain water that has accumulated in various objects around local residences. The District would like to ask for your help to eliminate mos-quito breeding sources in our community. Tires, buckets, flower pots, trash cans, and other containers may hold rain water and should be dumped to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Toys left outside may also hold water and should not be overlooked. Swimming pools should be properly maintained and emptied if regular maintenance is not performed. Troughs and other containers used to provide water for animals should be kept clean and changed regularly. Fountains and orna-mental ponds should also be kept clean and may be stocked with mosquito fish at no expense to the owner. Water leaks (especially those that may be present underneath structures) should be re-paired. In addition, septic tanks and cesspools should be complete-ly covered to prevent mosquitoes from entering and breeding. As a rule of thumb, standing water should be avoided to prevent mosquitoes from completing their life cycle. Please remember that Kern County is home to several mosquito species that may carry Malaria, West Nile Virus, and Encephalitis. Mosquitoes complete their life cycle in standing water and can emerge as adults in less than a week. Diseases are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. If you find a possible source of mosquito breeding or have adult mosquitoes around your home please call our office at 661-763-3510. Office hours are 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. We also have mosquito fish available for those who may have ponds, fountains, or water troughs. Again, we need everyone’s help to ensure that mosquitoes don’t impact our lives and daily activities.


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By Randy Miller

Hi Everyone,

Well here we go again, just when things are starting to happen for Taft, we get kicked in the pants again and take a step back. Stark Bucks is finally here; the Family Dollar is open and appar-ently doing very well; Rite aid is on track for their modernization; Popeye’s is getting their special paint job on the outside done for an opening very soon; Pizza Hut is on track to open; we are look-ing to get some model homes in place by the summer on Hillard Street. So what kick in the pants could I be talking about ?? To some, in may not seem important but the powers that be, mainly our inept State Legislature, is running our entire state justice system right into the ground. They have determined that our local court can be sacrificed to keep the Bakersfield court-rooms up and running. Beginning in September this year, our local justice court will be only open once a week, probably a Thursday. If you have any justice that needs to be done, you’ll be heading to Lamont to have your day in court. No jury cases will be tried in Taft anylonger, and all those tickets issued up on I-5 will be settled in Lamont instead of Taft as they have always been. Another local service going by the wayside. So what, you’re thinking. Well it is a big deal. Many cases are handled in our court by Judge Phillips every day with speed, cour-tesy, and professionalism. The court brings in tons of out of town folks to take care of business here. We are talking police officers, court officials, lawyers, the innocent and the guilty, and a myriad of other people. Many arrive early and stay late. They don’t bring sack lunches, so many of them head around town to find lunch, a snack, a drink, and maybe to buy some gas. This happens five days a week. That is a lot of sales tax money that won’t be coming our way anymore. It is a very busy court and its loss to our economy is huge.The real sad part of this mess is the loss of jobs of the half dozen or so court employees that work in Taft and we find that most of them live in Taft. They will have bumping rights based on date of hire and can bump another person out of their court job in another city in the county, but that job could be in Delano or as far as Ridgecrest. Most will take the lay off because of the commute and the costs associated with the travel time. These folks are the clerks of the court and as you can imagine they aren’t the highest paid people in the court system.

This court has been holding its own and been doing a tremen-dous job as the lack of funding from the state has been chipping away at the budget for the court system. When it was built, it was too small the day they walked into the facility and it of course has only one courtroom. If you have ever been down there and really looked around, it was really appalling the conditions that the staff and the persons in custody had to put up with. It didn’t even have a jury room until a mobile office trailer was installed out in the park-ing lot. How many jurors made that trek across the parking lot to serve justice, rain or shine ?? We put up with a lot of inconvenience in Taft, but we always have made it work to the detriment of the bean counters in far away places. Kern County Court Manager Terry McNalley assured us at our most recent council meeting, that all other options were consid-ered before the decision to cut back at the Taft court. Judge Phil-lips didn’t have much of a say in the decision as it was driven by lack of funding. Now for you that have no vehicle to get to court, how are you going to get to Lamont ?? We have no direct transit to get you there and the court doesn’t have the funds to help get you there. They are not allowed to have teleconferencing because that would violate your rights to a fair trial where you can meet your accuser in person. We will be looking at increased costs for our Taft PD officers to show up in court in Lamont by way of overtime, they can’t teleconference either. Lamont has two courtrooms and gratefully Judge Phillips will be stationed there with Judge Witt. How Mr. McNalley is going to work out the logistics of getting staff and all the paperwork out to Taft one day a week is vexing. If you have any sense of predicting the future, if increased funding isn’t forthcoming, our court will eventually close. Fresno County has closed all of its regional courts and consolidated them in the old federal court building downtown. Those folks in the outlying towns are up a creek just like we are. Is there anyone happy about this situation, well of course, it is the criminal minded folks that live among us. They won’t easily get their day in court either, they are already using the revolving door created by AB109, prison realignment, to continue to steal and plunder among us with little or no time in jail. Justice will not be served in the State of California any longer and we are the blame because we continue to allow our state legislature to bring us to our knees in every way socially, economically, and politically as they spend this state in to a huge gaping hole. Our local reps Jean Fuller and Shannon Grove understand and get it; it is the other folks that need to hear your voice. In closing, I want to say thanks for those of you that come up to me and tell me that you read my little column, I appreciate your comments. If you have suggestions for future columns let me know. See you around town,

Randy Miller Proud Taft Resident

How is it that so many get tax refunds when they have paid no taxes? By Dr. Harold Pease Take my talented friend Ellen who is a single mother with one qualifying child with a very modest adjusted income of $18,957. She paid no federal income tax in 2012, but did receive a “tax refund” of $3,500. With a college degree in Art she should have full-time employ-ment in some school but in hard times art is often undervalued and among the first cuts. “I know that with my small income, I have to make some hard choices about ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ and that often means doing without some things,” she said. “If I can’t pay for it, then I figure out how to do without it.” She drives a 17-year-old car. Certainly she can use the free money, and is grateful for any help, but she knows that having paid no taxes she should not be getting a “tax refund.” What is happening to Ellen is happening to hundreds of thou-sands of other “Ellen’s” throughout the nation and has for most of two generations. It is called Earned Income Credit (EIC) and was a provision of the Tax Reduction Act of 1975, introduced by Republican President Gerald Ford. Initially it gave only $400 per child for low-income taxpayers. The provision was made permanent under President Jimmy Carter in 1979 and has been supported and increased by every president since—Republican or Democrat—regardless of its ser ous questionable constitutional legitimacy. Eligibility depends on two variables, one, adjusted gross income, the other, number of kids ranging from none to three. Parents without children must be at least 25 years of age and under 65. For taxable year 2012 that income level must be less than 13,980 if single (married filing jointly $19,190) with no children. With one child it can go to $36,920 if single, $42,130 if married filing jointly. With two children it can increase to $41,952 and $47,162. With three children it increases to $45,060 and $50,270 (New American, April 1, 2013 p. 26). Basically as the IRS describes it, they pay the parent(s) when earned income tax credit “exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it re-sults in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.” Yes, I said this correctly. Amazing!! Only under socialism can this be explained. So, for a typical two child family this taxable year “they can make up to $27,104 and not only owe nothing in taxes, but get a $4,220 earned income credit plus a $1,000 per child additional tax

credit refund to them. This effectively gives them an artificial in-come of $33,324. This is better than a real income increase of that amount because the family’s income is still $27,104 when qualify-ing for public assistance and when figuring the taxable wages for Social Security and Medicare.” The maximum benefit is scheduled to rise this year “to $6,044, with a partial benefit available for taxpayers with incomes up to $46,227” and $51,567. This raises some very serious questions legitimately posed by the New American magazine: “If a tax credit ‘payment’ is more than the tax owed, the taxpayer receives a net payment from the government—a refund of money he never paid in.” Moreover, “how can the Earned Income Credit be called a tax refund when it is other people’s money that is refunded?” And, “Why do ‘low to moderate income working individuals and families;’ need a tax credit, when they generally pay no federal income taxes in the first place?” As we have reported before, almost 50% of Americans pay no federal income taxes. How can this be fair to the taxpayer who is forced to pay for another family when often he needs his own limited resources for his own kids—especially for those just above the qualifying lines for special government “goodies” known as the working poor? Ellen, though grateful for the help, asks the same question. “Why did I get money that I didn’t even pay into the system? My friends who don’t have dependents or other write-offs paid dearly.” She does not want a dole. “I want the government to get out of the way of free enterprise that might offer me better employment opportunities. I don’t want food stamps! I want opportunity! I don’t understand why people can’t see that this system is flawed.” She added, “What happened to the American Dream? President Barack Obama is offering us but low-end concessions. I don’t want to live like this!! I want to work!!” I told her if this column resulted in any job inquiries I would pass them on to her. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College.. www.LibertyUnderFire.org.


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.

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 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

Your Church

Ad Here!765-6550


Room for rent. Includes utilities and house privilges. $550. mo. plus sec. dep. 661

972-7807. 4-12.

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

For sale. Taft Heights. 2 houses $159,000. 701

and 701 1/2 B Street. Call (626) 485-7852.

MOBILE HOMESFSBO. Large 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile beautifully remodeled. Owner will carry. Own your own home for $800 month. Swimming pool. rec. room and more. Call 661-544-8238. 3-15.

HOMES FOR RENT407 Lucard. 3 bed, 2 bath family home with fenced yard, 2 car garage. central heat and a\c. newer construction. avail. May 6th. $1,050 mo. plus dep. (661) 623-

4296. credit check and ref. req.

Maricopa $1,100 per month + dep. 4 bdrm, 2 ba. garage, gazabo, auto sprinklers. Call

(626) 485-7852.

West ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENT(661) 763-1500

522 Center 1/1 $450224 B St #C Studio

$475119 ½ Madison 1/1

$500203 W Ash 2/1.5 $600

202 Philippine 1/1 $650522 Center 3/1 $700

400 Woodrow 2/1 $725104 North 2/1 $725302 Calvin St 1/1

condo $850315 7th St 1/1 fur-

nished! $850709 Kern St 3/1 $900512 D St 3/1.75 $900

507 Tyler 3/1.75 $1,000316 E Lucard 3/1.75

$1,300110 Village Way 3/1.75

pool $1,800

522 F Street. 3 bd. 1 ba. $750 mo. plus

$700. Dep.Avail. 4-5.

661-765-4016.

2bd, 1b, furnishedVery quiet, private,

new appliances, large yard. $600.00, first

and last with $300.00 deposit. Call 742-8679 between 7 am and 9

pm. Available by April 20. 4-5.

Nice. Private 2 bedroom 1 bath Apt. in newer duplex. Central

heat and air. Incl. washer and dryer in apt.. Very nice with

private yard. carport. $675. mo. plus dep.

Renter pays all utilities. Credit check

req. 623-4296. Michael.

Homes for Rent2bed. 1 ba.

411 Shattuck. $600.3bd. 1ba $750. 520 Shattuck.

3bd. 1 1/2 ba. $800.118 Crystal.

3bd. 1 ba. $800.220 Mont View

Call Paul Joyce (805) 218-1686

Joyce Properties(661) 765-6300

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

HELP WANTED

Part-time Waitress. Black Gold Brewing Co. Exp. Req. 508 Center Street.

Looking to fill part-time and full-time positions. Must have clean DMV. Must have a clean background. Must be flexible to work weekends. Must have reliable transportation. Visit abm.com to apply. Call 661.322.3289 if you have any questions.

SERVICES

Cooler Services. Swap Cooler services and repair. Pumps, motors, etc. (661) 900-0917. 5-5.

Real Estate eBroker Inc.By Appointment

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

Mechanic. Auto Mech.Will come to you. Hnest and reliable. (661) 745-4850. 5-10

Need Extra Cash?I need: Dust wiped from drywall. 3 walls to be drywalled and taped. Approx. 10 outlets to be installed. Someone strong to move items from yard and inside house. Call (626) 485-7852.

CHILD CARESERVICES

WANTED

FOR SALEKenmore electric dryer. $60. obo 765-2406.

AUTOMOBILES

PETS

LOST PETS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

ROOMS FOR RENTI have 2 Rooms

for rent in a nice 4 bedroom house in Taft Heights. $350

per month includes utilities, cable, internet and full use of house. Must have job and be clean, drug free and

respectful. Call if inter-ested (661) 809-3855.

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

Real Estate Services and Property ManagementListings – Sales - Property Management

Local Service You Can Depend On

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

Visit Us Online atwww.taftindependent.com

3 bd. 1 ba. large rooms. cvrd front porch. fenced

front and back yard. Huge laundry. $795. mo. plus dep $1,100. Mark King. (805) 689-4122.

4-9.

115 Kern St. 2/1. Large living rm. laundry, double

lot. $695. Avail 4/15.616 Lucard Str. 3/2 large

w/office, 2 car garage, $895. avail now. (805) 689-4122. 415. Mark

King.

Westside Real Estate765-5000

2bd. w/garage $650. mo 429 Rose.

319 1/2 San Emidio 1bd + office incl. utilities

$650 + dep. 402 Pierce 3 bd 1 bth w/

garage $825 + dep.1 bed. 1 ba. 155 1/2 North St. B. $450.

3bd 1 ba in Dustin Acres $800 mo + dep. Also,

for 155 1/2 North can we add “+ dep”765-5000

License 01914953

3bd. 1 ba. Fenced yard. Pets ok. $700 mo plus Sec. dep. Renter pays

utilities. 745-3211.

APART. FOR RENTAvail. Now! Nice. Prof.

2 bedroom 1 bath Apt. in newer duplex. Central heat and air. Very nice with private

yard. carport. $675. mo. plus dep. Renter pays

all utilities. Credit check req. 623-4296. Michael.

Studio 350 inc utilty866 367 8171 alintaft@

yahoo.com. 4-20

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 based on approved credit. No Pets Allowed. Call (805) 375-1458 or (661) 765-7678.

765-4191 or 549-1068

Be Seen!

Classified Ads

in the

Taft

Independent

$2 per line

Box your ad

for $5 more

call

765-6550

Writers Wanted

At the Taft Independent

Experience Required.

Please call 765-6550.

Preserving for the Future

For Rent 520 Shattuck

$750 monthPaul Joyce

805-218-1686 Joyce Properties

661-765-6300

For Rent 220 Montview

$795 monthPaul Joyce

805-218-1686 Joyce Properties

661-765-6300

AdvertiseWith TheTaft

IndependentCall

Today!765-6550

Classified

Ads

Starting At

$2 Per

Line!Classified Ad Deadline.Wednesday 2 p.m.

765-6550.

Monthly Shots

Available now atBlack Gold Brewing Co.

508 Center Street

By Mimi CollinsTaft Camera Club Lately, local folks may have seen people with cameras lurk-ing in back alleys and other odd places. The March photo theme for Camera Club was old buildings, so anything with rusty nails was fair game! Some thirty images were shared in the club’s bimonthly “show and tell” style, with members showing their photos in a preselected theme and telling about those photos. The March theme of old buildings was quite popular and subjects ranged from Conley School, soon to celebrate its 100th birthday, to the recently reno-vated Pioneer Mercantile building. Taft Camera Club, operating continuously since 1933, meets on second Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m., in the Chevron Valley Credit Union’s Community Room. Meetings are open to guests, and new members are always welcome.

Photos: Afternoon Light, by Tyrone MaddoxConley School, by Esther LivingstonGreen-Eyed Cat, by Mimi CollinsLines, by Mimi CollinsMy Fixer Upper, by Esther LivingstonOld, by Tyrone MaddoxPioneer Mercantile, by Mimi CollinsS and T, by Tyrone Maddox


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

Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe

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

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 •

Chicks are here!Barred Rock

Rhode Island Red$3.99 each - pullets

3/13 Sikies and SebrightsSilver Laced Wyanodottes

We Love Cats!Grooming and Washing(Include Wash, Cut and Nails)

Dog Nail Trim 12.00 2nd Pet $9.00

Birds - nails and Wings $9.00 with beak $14.00

Taft Til Program

Documents

Transcript of Taft Til Program