Taft Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

September 30 - 6, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 30 - 6, 2011 • Volume 6 Issue 14www.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]

TUHS Homecoming

You Don’t Want To Get Sick In Taft

Movie Review: Contagion

508 Center Street • 765-6550

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!Black GoldCafe and Deli

Open Monday-Saturday • 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm

Spice Up Your Day! Try Our Seasonal

Pumpkin Spice LatteTry It Hot, Iced or Blended

Taft Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic Tees Off SaturdayTournament Organizers Ken McMinn and Jon Neumann

Best of Taft 2011 Ballot

On Page 7

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT September 30 - 6, 2011

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

Candies • Candles • And More!

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Nail Services:Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic

Metalic Flakes • Rock Star (we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

Get Ready For Back To School with Next Step!

Anderson Business ServicesBookkeeping • Income Tax • Notary

Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Sandy AndersonNotary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments & Jurats

$10 per signatureMortgage Documents

$150 per setMobile Notary Service

$1 per mile

Call For Appointment 765-7665 Sandy 577-6790 • Greg 577-6032

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

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

(661)745-4913

Ben’s BooksThe Largest, Cheapest and Only

Used Book Store in TaftFiction • Non Fiction • Paperback

Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

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

SAN JOAQUINAutomotive Center

$199.99

Billy MessengerVoted Best

Mechanic for2009 and 2010

Cooling System Flush(includes up to 2 gal coolant, flush kit, conditioner)

A/C Service(includes up to 3oz of Freon, 2oz dye)

Overall Vehicle Inspection(visual inspection of all external components)

(tax, haz waste fee included)

EVERYDAY OIL CHANGES

DIESEL ENGINE $71.99 OR LESS

531 Center Street • 763-1123

Back To SchoolSPECIALS!Get Your Car Ready For The New School Year!

GAS ENGINE $35.99 OR LESS

(up tp 7 qts oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

(up to 3.75 gal oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

WE COME TO YOU!

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

We Can Haul Away Most Large Items Roll Off & Small Bins Available Call Us Today • (661)765-6752

Recycling is OUR Business

J & D Recycling1277 Kern Street

All Hard Bound books, Cookbooks & VHS Tapes

Only $.25!

HCG Solution$39.99

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

Personal Style

Personal Style

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

Come in for our Back To School Membership Specials

& Savings! $25/mo

ITEM OF THE WEEK

A Hint of Class Name Brand ClothingShoes • Jewelry

Accessories & More

Inside The Historic Fort915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

(661)623-1783

We Carry the Juicy Couture Line

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

2995*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. Sept. 30, 2011

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Miller’s Direct Beauty Supply Outlet

510 Center Street763-5445

Tuesday - Friday 10am-7pm Saturday 10am-3pm

Always the Best Deals3 for $1 Sidewalk Sale Saturday 10am-4pm

Acme Jewelry will be closed on Tuesdays when Ray is in LA.

Please call first 763-5451Thank You

Visit Our New Website!taftindependent.com

Nice gifts for any occassion!

Fall Into Fashion!New ArrivalsOn the Way!

Hooded Tees,Sweaters, Jeans,

Boots, Clogs and more!

New Corky’s Styles!

Like Us on Facebook


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

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

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

Letters To The Editor....4

West SideRecreation Report..........5

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

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

Community Voices..........8

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

Westside News...............11

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 order are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Managing EditorAdvertising

Jessica Skidgel

Layout & DesignJessica Skidgel

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris,

Nicole Frost

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins,

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

Taft California“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument”

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm

The VFW will hold Bingo Night every Tuesday at 6:30pm at 600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa. Doors open at 5:30pm, buy in is $5 a pack, food will be served. Come on out, bring a friend and support our vets!

End of Times Gallery Fall Art Classes

The End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is offering the following Fall classes: Tuesdays - Adult drawing class, 1-2:30pmWednesdays - Adult Painting Class (acrylics) 1-2:30pmThursdays - Adult Water Color Class, 1-2:30pmSaturdays - Children’s Art Class, 10-11:30am. Supplies provided for a $3 fee per class.All classes are $12 per session, $40 per month.Please call for supply lists.For more information, please call Jane at 661-765-4790 or 661-623-0494.

Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic Saturday, October 1st

Teams are forming now for the Taft District Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic being held on Saturday October 1, 2011 at Buena Vista Golf Course spon-sored by Westside Waste Management in Association with Area Businesses. We are also looking for additional sponsors for this event! Contact the Chamber to sign up your team! Tournament begins with shotgun start at 1:00PM with Putting and Pitching contests (start at 8:00AM.) 4 person team (form your own teams) Scrabble Format, 2 flights: Handcapped or Open. Registration is $100 per player ($400 teams). Entry fee includes Green Fees, Cart, Drinks, Goody Bag, Dinner, & first round par-ticipation in putting & pitching contests. This event is sure to sell out. Reserve your teams today! Contact shannon.taftchamber@gmail. com for more information or stop by 400 Kern Street to get your entry form.

Taft ARC Barbeque Saturday, October 8th

The Taft ARC will be holding a BBQ on Saturday, October 8th from 11am to 2pm at the Taft ARC, located at 204 Van Buren St. $10 a plate and includes tri tip, salad, beans, roll, drink and dessert. Lunch ticket includes a drawing for Harris Ranch Meat Basket. Raffle tickets for other prizes. 6 tickets for $5 or $1 each.

Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 5th

Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 5th 8am-1pm at Peace Lutheran Church. Tables are available to rent to sell your wares- crafts, yard sales, farmers market or whatever. Bake sale and eats are available- chili, hot dogs, chicken on a stick, popcorn and drinks. Call to reserve your table jean at 765-6248

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday October 4th, 2011 – 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.

News BriefsCommunity Events

Visit Our New Website!www.taftindependent.com

Taft Farmers MarketRain or Shine

Thursdays 5pm - 7pm

5th Street Plaza

For more information please contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 765-2165

Only 2 Markets Left! October 6th

and 13th!

Fruits, Vegetables, Fish, Plants, Herbs, Arts,

Crafts and more!

Pancake And Waffle Breakfast Saturday At Taft Veterans Hall The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce invites you to their monthly pancake and waffle brakfast Saturday, Ocrtober 1st from 7am to 11am at the Taft Veter-ans Hall, located on the corners of Cedar Street and Tyler Street in Ford City. To go plates will be available. The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce is also asking for your donations of clean, gently used or new clothing for the Veterans stand down October 13th for the homeless Veterans of Kern County. We ask that if you bring donations to please bag or box them. See you there!

Grandma’s Attic, Preschool Story Times Begin At Taft Library The fall session of Grandma’s Attic Storytime has begun at the Taft Branch Library and will continue every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. through November 19. Aimed at 5 to 8 year-olds, Grandma’s Attic offers an old trunk full of surprises and stories presented by a different volunteer reader each week. Children who participate will receive a form to return to their teacher for credit in their school reading program. Preschool Storytime, for 3 to 5 year-olds, takes place weekly on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Parents are always welcome to attend, or may enjoy some library or computer time while their child is occupied. For more information, call 763-3294 or visit the library at 27 Emmons Park Drive.

Oktoberfest Coming To Taft Save the Date! Oktoberfest is comingto Taft, October 21-23, 2011! There will be food vendors selling german food including brats, sauerkraut, andsausages as well as other local food favorites. A beer garden with severalmicrobreweries and a full bar will be set up along the Rails to Trails stage areawith live entertainment all weekend. Located along the Rails to Trails down to5th Street Plaza, a craft and vendor faire, bounce houses, a large carnival, andgames are some of the activities for this weekend event. Kicking off the festival, a carnival opens Thursday, October 20 and runs untilSunday, October 23. You can buy presale booklets of tickets for $15 for 25 tick-ets. Tickets can be redeemed at the carnival, Thursday-Sunday and are good onall of the rides. One ticket booklet can be redeemed for a wristband on Thursdaynight for unlimited rides 5:00-10:00pm only. You can purchase tickets at theTaft Chamber of Commerce, Hayden’s Hope, Personal Style, State Farm JulieFranks, Ten Percent Firearms, Westside Furniture and the Westside Recreation. On Saturday, October 22 at 10AM, join us as we Dedicate the Newest BronzeSculptures to the Taft Oilworker Monument. Sculptor Benjamin Victor will behere to unveil the woman and son figures that are being added to the Monument.There is no charge for the dedication and a luncheon at the Taft Petroleum Club will follow. Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased at the Taft Chamber. For information about the event or to become a vendor for Oktoberfest, stopby 400 Kern Street, Taft, or email [email protected], or call765-2165.


Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 4:30pm to Close

Every Friday is Ribeye Steak & Chicken Dinner Night

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 7 am to 4pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 10 am

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineOpen Monday to Saturday

Lunch served 9am-1pmDinner served 5pm - 8pm

Wine Tasting on First Thursdays508 Center Street

765-6550

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

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Your Restaurant ListedHERE

Call 765-6550

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

Live Music Saturday Nights

Always Fresh!

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

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

Sagebrush Annie’s

Wine TastingDinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

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

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call765-6550!

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

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.

Monday Night Football Subscribe for home delivery of the Taft Independent today!

Delivered weekly to your home or business only $6.50 per month!

Name_________________________________Address________________________________Start Date____________End Date__________

Please complete and mail with your check to: The Taft Independent, P.O.

Box 268, Taft, CA 93268Please make checks out to Taft Independent

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call 765-6550!Starting as low as

$12 per week!

Letters to the Editor

Every Monday is football at the club with great drink specials and free food. 3 large screen TV’s so you don’t miss the action

from any seat.

The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversary’s. The hall holds up to 200 people

and the bar can hold 70.

Helping Hands:

Ever since the local hospital and nursing homes closed down, I have heard several name and blame comments about the West Side District Health Care Board. I wish to commend them! These are elected officials, not paid employees. They live in this community and want the same services available for their families that the rest of us do. For the last several months I have had the privilege of see-ing them in action. They have been diligent, caring, self sacrificing and constant in assisting in order to bring about more health care services to our area. In the last 2 weeks, I have also seen several local people rearrange their busy schedules on short notice to offer their services no mat-ter how committed or tired they were, in order to make the move of the West Side licensed Senior Care facility happen. Staff were also working their 12 hour shifts and then work another 4-6 hours volunteer in order to pack and transfer necessary items or deal with the many agencies and issues involved. In the Bible when Moses’ “arms became so tired he could no lon-ger hold them up” Aaron and Hur found stone to sit him on, then “they stood on each sode...holding up his hands.” (Ex 17:11-12) No worthwhile project is completed by one person...it takes MANY hands to help hold up the arms of dedicated workers. When you meet a WS Health Care Board member, thank them, don’t criticize them. When you see a volunteer helping on a proj-ect, don’t just praise them, offer a few moments of your time. You will be amazed at the difference a little bit can make. In the process you will find yourself blessed beyond measure.Kitty Shinn

Dear Editor:

I would like to say a huge “thank you” to the person who found my credit card on the floor at the Post Office and turned it in at the counter. I had used it last on Friday and did not discover it missing until Monday, which could have resulted in a large amount of damage! I have always felt that Taft was full of wonderful, honest people and that was confirmed when my card was returned to me and panic turned to great relief ! THANK YOU whoever you are- you are a treasure in our community!Lynne Woodward

In reply to last weeks article, Is Social Security Constitutional by Dr. Harold Pease

According to what I have just read, it is unconstitutional for the government to have been taking Social Security Taxes from the employers and employees, yet it could be constitutional by making it an amendment. To avert the past practices policy, that could ruin or constitution, why hasn’t this occured thus far? There are too many civil liberties that have already been destroyed and/or undermined by this practice. It worries me when the voice of the people, who are supposed to be giving government its power to gavern, are overruled in a court of law rendering a decision with the arguement of it not being constitutional. Thank you for this article, as it has widened my understanding as to why our society is on the track it is on.Earl Allen

Reining in Regulations and Challenging High-Speed Rail

Congress has been back in ses-sion for a few weeks now, and I wanted to provide you an update on what I’m doing in Washington to represent you and our com-munities. As many of you know, I started my first small business, a deli called “Kevin O’s,” 26 years ago in Bakersfield. I had limited cu-linary skills, but people liked my sandwiches enough that I could hire a few employees, and after a while sell and use the money to put myself through college. In today’s regulatory environment, I wouldn’t even consider taking the risk to open Kevin O’s. And that’s one reason I intro-duced the Access to Capital for Job Creators Act (H.R. 2940), which would make it easier for entrepreneurs to access capital by repealing a Depression-era Securities and Exchange Com-mission (SEC) regulation prohibiting ‘general solicitation’ for companies seeking capital from a broader class of investors, including institutional investors. This regulation limits the pool of potential investors to those with whom an entrepreneur has an existing relationship, unless the entrepreneur goes through the cumbersome and costly process of registering with the SEC. By nullifying this rule, my legislation would create a larger pool of potential investors and open another door for small business owners from Atascadero to Bakersfield to Lancaster to at-tract capital to their businesses so they can create jobs and expand, while also preserving anti-fraud provisions. This is just one of the many bills my colleagues and I are working on to ease the regulatory environment that is stalling hiring and contributing to our stagnant

economy. On Friday, we passed the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Na-tion (TRAIN) Act, which would require an analysis of specific EPA rules to determine their impact on the economy and job creation, as well as delay other costly rules that could increase electricity prices up to 24 percent annually. If you’re interested in learning more about the kind of legisla-tion we’re pursuing to reduce the costs and burdens of doing busi-nesses in America, click here. It’s important to note that these bills are in addition to the 11 bills the House has already passed that could create hundreds of thou-sands of jobs, but remain stalled in the Senate. Just as important as promot-ing private investment is ensuring your taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. That is why I am particularly concerned with California’s high-speed rail project. There are simply too many unanswered questions, and the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (CHSRA) recently-released Environmental Impact Report (EIR) only raises more. The EIR shows that the rail line would have profound impacts on many members in our communi-ties, and I want to ensure that anyone with concerns and com-ments has ample opportunity to share. That’s why I sent a letter to the CHSRA last week requesting a 30-day extension of the public comment period, so that you have until November 12th to make your voice heard. I am working hard in Wash-ington to ensure that government does not stand in the way of job creation in our communities. My colleagues and I are fighting to remove unnecessary government regulations that increase the costs of doing business, but we need more ideas and I want to hear from you. If you have a story about how government overregulation is af-fecting you, or just want to share a comment or concern on how I can better serve you, write me at my Bakersfield Office at4100 Empire Drive, Suite 150Bakersfield, CA 93309.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy


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/[email protected]

West Side Recreation ReportLetters to the Editor

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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 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.

SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOPSaturday, October 8, 201110:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Community Center Activity BuildingAges 15 and older$5 per personWe provide the room – you provide the supplies!

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSEMonday, October 3 through Wednesday, October 56:30-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium500 Cascade Place, Taft$5 per person (facility fee)With cooperation from the Taft Sportsmans Club and volunteer instructor Larry Heptinstall, materi-als and instruction for obtaining a California Hunting license are available approximately every three months. Registration begins the first night of class and a minimum of 10 paid students is required or the class will be postponed until February. 2012 class dates are February 6-8, May 7-9, August 6-8 and October 1-3.

ART IS FUN!Tuesday, October 43:00-4:00 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-6$2 per personDrop by for an hour of painting, drawing, coloring and more! Kids are welcome to come create their own work of art using crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, paper and more.

ICE CREAM & MOVIE SOCIALTuesday, October 113:00-4:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-8$3 per person Escape from your couch and bring a friend to eat ice cream and watch the family movie “Rio.” There will be ice cream and a variety of toppings available for you to make the perfect sundae.

MID-WEEK MADNESSWednesday Afternoons1:45-3:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-8FREE!Come by the Community Center on Wednesday afternoons for crafts, games or even just a chance to hang out with your friends or get help with your homework. This is a weekly drop-in program that takes place during the school year. Please note: A minimum of 5 participants is needed by 2:00pm each week or the program may be cancelled for that day.

DANCE CLASSESWho: Ages 3 and upWhen: Mondays or WednesdaysSeason: September 2011 – May 2012Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $20 per monthInstructor: Vicky WaughParticipants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes take place one day per week either on Monday or Wednesday. A full class listing is available in the District Office or on our website. Class enrollment is limited so register now!

PUNT, PASS, KICK & CATCHWho: Ages 3-5When: SaturdaysSession: October 22 – November 19Fee: $35 per childRegistration deadline: October 20Kids will discover the joys of football without the contact. This program teaches the basics of the game, teamwork and fun.

KARATE & JUJITSUWhen: Tuesdays and ThursdaysAges 5-12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.Ages 13+, 6:30-7:30 p.m.Classes begin: October 4Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per monthInstructor: John Dodson, 2nd Degree Black BeltAssistant: Trent Unruh, 1st Degree Black BeltKarate and Jujitsu classes focus on technique, strength, self-defense and self-control. All skill levels will be covered; beginner to advanced. Classes operate on a monthly basis and new students are always welcome.

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALLWho: Ages 6-10When: Practices on Tuesdays, Games on SaturdaysSession: October 18 – November 19Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $35 per childRegistration deadline: October 13This program is for boys and girls ages 6-10 who want to learn the basic fundamentals of football. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork.

YOUTH BASKETBALLDivision I: Ages 7-9Division II: Ages 10-12Division III: Ages 13-15Division IV: Ages 16-17Registration deadline: December 2Fee: $40 per personPractices start the week of December 13, 2011This basketball program gives kids the opportunity to have fun while developing and strengthening their basketball skills during practices and games.

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.

RECREATION CENTERThe District’s new Recreation Center is now open! The Center includes a full-size gymnasium, weight room, 4-lane bowling alley, preschool room, activity room and restrooms/locker room. For more information, including operating hours and programs offered, visit the Recreation Center page on our website (www.wsrpd.com) or give the Center a call at 765-6677.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALSMake your reservation now!Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at the bowling alley in the new Recreation Cen-ter. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday. Rental fees start at $100 for 2-lane rentals. Rental prices include shoes, balls and use of the party room. The Center and bowling alley are slated to open in early September. Call 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.

PARTY PACKAGESMake your reservation now!Need help planning a birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower? We can help! For one low fee, we will provide a room, plates, napkins, forks, cups, balloons and invitations – all to match your theme or colors. And for a little extra, we can help with activities, too! Package prices start at $130. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call the District Office at 763-4246.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOWFriday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3, 2011The District’s 33rd Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Community Center this Decem-ber. Vendor registration is currently underway in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. The fee is $40 per space. All vendor types are welcome; no pre-made food may be sold. For more informa-tion, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or [email protected].


Westside News & Business Briefs

CookhouseOT

& SaloonSpecializing in Steak & Seafood

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

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

CLOSEDSUNDAY/MONDAY

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

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 10-4-11 thru 10-8-11)

Tues.10-4-11Lunch

Tues.10-4-11Dinner

Wed.10-5-11Lunch

Wed.10-5-11Dinner

Thurs.10-6-11Lunch

Thurs.10-6-11Dinner

Fri.10-7-11Dinner

Fri.10-7-11Lunch

Sat.10-8-11Dinner

Deluxe Chicken Sandwich

Prime Rib$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

BBQ Beef Ribs

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

$8.95

$10.95

$9.95

$8.95

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

$15.95/ $18.95

Sauteed Pasta with Marinara Sauce

$10.95

Braised Pork with Veggies

$10.95

Veal Liver with Bacon & Onions

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

$8.95Deep Pit Sandwich

The Taft Chamber will be handing out as much as $100,000 in prizes at the Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday. Prizes are awarded for the top 9 teams in the tournament with the top team taking home $1,600. There are four par 3 holes; in which

Taft Chamber Annual Golf Classic Tees Off Saturday

golfers have an opportunity to win $20,000 for a hole in one, with $200 for the closest to the hole on each par 3. The putting contest winner receives $200, with $10,000 for making a 50’ putt. Other contests include pitching and men and women’s long drive. For more information. please contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau at 765-6550.

Taft Union High School Homecoming 2011

Last Friday night Taft High celebrated their 100th anniver-sary as well as their 2011 Homecoming. Overall, it was a night full of excitement and surprises. Before the game, the floats were presented to the crowd and the judges. First in line was the freshman float, themed after the 1920s. Next, the seniors showcased the 1950s with their float. The third performers were the juniors who had a 1970s themed float and, finally, the sophomores depicted the 1990s with theirs. After the judges compiled the scores, the junior class was announced as the winner. Following them in second place was the sophomore class, third place was the freshman class and the senior class took fourth place. The coronation of the2011 Homecoming Queen was the next event. The five court members were driven in front of the crowd, in classic cars, while a short biography was read about each of them. After they were all on stage, they prepared for the announcement of the winner. A few moments of silence passed before we heard, “Your 2011 Homecoming Queen is….Daisy Guitron!” There was a deafening roar of applause as all of the nominees congratulated the winner with smiling faces. The football game started shortly after the crowning. The band played the Star Spangled Banner, with trumpet soloist Ashley Ramos, before the game began. The Wildcats started the game out strong, scoring the first touchdown. They remained ahead, but then Corcoran caught up. There were scattered booms of thunder and lightning strikes, but

BBQ Pork Ribs$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full

$13.95/ $15.95

they were more or less overlooked. During halftime, the Varsity cheerleaders performed a spe-cial Homecoming routine before the band marched their Blues Brothers-themed field show. While wearing Wayfarer sunglasses, the band played four of the Blues Brothers’ most famous songs: “Shake a Tail Feather,” “Green Onions,” “I Can’t Turn You Loose” and “Sweet Home Chicago.” The lightning and thunder became more and more frequent, so the game was called off in the third quarter. The Wildcats were in the lead with a score of 28-20, but the game ended up counting as a tie. Even though the game ended, the dance was still on. Rain or shine, nothing stops a Wildcat. Go ‘Cats!

Homecoming Queen Daisy Guitron

Royal Court: Lauren Melton, Rochelle Rahe, 2010 Queen Nicole Frost, Daisy Guitron, Hadley Pitman and Mariah Melton.

Freshman Class Float

Sophomore Class Float

Junior Class Float

Senior Class Float

Ken McMinn and Jon Neumann

By Nicole Frost


Westside News & Business BriefsSign-Ups Underway For Taft Sportsmen’s Club 17th Annual Junior Pheasant Hunt The Taft Sportsmen’s Club is hosting the JC Chitwood Memorial, 17th Annual Junior Pheasant Hunt on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 & 20, 2011. This is a free pheasant hunt for all hunters with a junior hunting license (16 and under). Sign-ups are presently underway and will continue until November 14 or until the hunts are filled. These hunts are a family event, and they give young hunters a chance to become acquainted with safe practices, learn respect for the environment, work with hunting dogs, and practice gun skills necessary to become a safe and successful sportsman. The Taft Sportsmen’s Club is pleased to offer this Junior Hunt in conjunction with the California Fish & Game – Game Bird Heritage Program, and their biggest supporter, the Taft Friends of the NRA. For more information, to donate funds, or to exercise your well-trained hunting dog, contact Tom Brown by e-mail at [email protected], by phone at 661.765.2704, or by mail to Taft Sportsmen’s Club, P.O. Box 1245, Taft, CA 93268-1245. Applications are also available from the club’s website, [email protected]

Taft College Awarded $10 Million In Grants FromThe United States Department Of Education On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, Taft College will hold a Press Conference to celebrate the awarding of two grants from the United States Department of Education; $870,000 per year in an Individual Development Grant and $1.2 Million per year in a Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant for five years. These grant monies are part of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Articulation program authorized under section 371 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) to assist Hispanic Serving Institutions to develop and carry out activities to improve and expand their capacity to serve Hispanic and other low-income students. Taft College, located in the western Kern County part of the San Joaquin Valley of central California, is a two-year public Hispanic serving community college with a critical and difficult mission to attract and increase the number of Hispanics choosing STEM majors while providing increased support to ensure successful outcomes, retention and degree completion. Taft College is the only institution of higher education in a 45-mile radius and the only avenue to education for students in an expansive service area, which is undergoing dramatic demographic and economic change and, which by most measures, is severely underserved education-ally. Engineers are critically needed and through this project, Taft College and its partners, CSU Bakersfield and the University of La Verne, will combine expertise and resources to address the critical need for well-trained STEM specialists locally and regionally to service the energy/oil and agricultural industries that are becoming increasingly dependent upon technology and require technology literate employees. Please join the staff of Taft College and local community and business leaders as we celebrate the awarding of these grants and their future potential for Taft College to become a leader in STEM education and program development. The official program will begin at 10:30 a.m. with light refreshments immediately following. The public is cordially invited to attend. For more information, please call Sheri Horn-Bunk, Executive Director, Foundation & Development, at 661.763.7936 or [email protected].

The Place4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa(661)766-2660

$1.50 Domestic Drafts5pm Until Close

Pork Ribs, Bratwurst, Sour Kraut, Red Potatoes

and SaladNO TO GO’s

Starts at 5pm Until Gone

OktoberfestSaturday, October 8th

$10.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT

The Taft IndependentBest of Taft 2011

What’s your favorite Restaurant? Who makes the best pizza?The best Burger? Or, what is your favorite business?

The Independent is seeking your vote for the Best of Taft 2011.Submit your nomination and vote today for the following categories or make up one of your own.

Vote your choice for The Best of Taft 2011 Best Pizza_____________________________________________________

Best Mexican Restaurant ________________________________________

Best Burger ____________________________________________________

Best Coffee ____________________________________________________

Best Breakfast _________________________________________________

Best Restaurant, Period __________________________________________

Best Meal for your Money_________________________________________

Best New Business/Company ______________________________________

Best Salon ____________________________________________________

Best Stylist ____________________________________________________

Best Mechanic or Auto Body Shop _________________________________

Best Health Club/ Gym __________________________________________

Best Teacher/Professor ___________________________________________

Best Sales Clerk ________________________________________________

Best Waitress __________________________________________________

Best Tourist Destination (What brings people to Taft)__________________

Best Property Management Firm/Real Estate Agent ____________________

Best Bank/Credit Union _________________________________________

Best Local Band ________________________________________________

Best Convenience Store __________________________________________

Best Place to Pamper you Pets/Groomer/Grooming_____________________

Best Customer Service/Friendliest Staff ______________________________

Best Person/Place for Home Improvements ___________________________

Best Place to People Watch _______________________________________

Best Non Profit Organization______________________________________

Best Community Event ___________________________________________

Best Elected Figure ______________________________________________

Best Community Volunteer_________________________________________

Best Law Enforcement Professional__________________________________

Create Your Own Category. Best____________________________________

Best of Taft Rules: Submit your nominations to the Taft Independent on this official form. Mail this form to our office located at508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 or drop in our door mail slot, or fax the form to 765-6556. Nominations will only be accepted on this form.

DEADLINE to file your form is Friday, October 14th, 2011 WINNERS will be announced on Friday, October 21st, 2011.

Best Of Taft 2011 It’s that time of year again, we are so proud to announce our 5th annual Best of Taft read-ers poll revealing what you, ourreaders, consider to be the top businesses, organizations, nonprofits and people in your community! But first, you need to fill out this ballot. It has to be at least 30 percent filled out to be counted. Make your marks, then drop it off or mail it to us by Friday, October 14th. The Taft Independent will announce the winners on Friday, October 21st. You won’t want to miss it, and we don’t want to miss your input! One ballot per person, please. All submitted ballots must be at least 30 percent completed. If mailed, no more than two ballots are allowed per envelope. And if dropped off, no more than two bal-lots may be delivered by one person. And please, no photocopies. Drop your ballot by our office or mail to 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268.


You Don’t Want To Get Sick In Taft

You don’t want to get sick in Taft, but, if you do, here’s what you can do: If it’s an emergency, of course, you should call 911. Taft has a very good ambulance service, Hall’s Ambu-lance, so, if your illness is life threatening or requires that you be hospitalized, the ambulance will come to your home in a few minutes and you’ll be taken to the appropriate hospital in Bakersfield. Ambulances are equipped with life support mecha-

nisms, like oxygen, and attendants are trained in basic resuscitation techniques, though, of course, they do not have the number of amenities an emergency room has.

Workers can call ahead to alert the hospital of your eminent arrival and of the services that will be required to treat you. An ambulance ride to Bakersfield will cost you and your insurance carrier about $1200 so you shouldn’t employ one unless necessary. For non-life threatening illnesses (say, you’ve broken your arm or spilled hot coffee on your legs, say you’ve suffered a cat scratch or dog bite) you can go to Taft’s Urgent Care Facility at 100 E. North Street, but you’d better hope your situation occurs during business hours, which are Mondays through Fridays, from 12 to 9 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Its phone number is 765-1935. The care facility is staffed by two doctors, Dr. Washington and Dr. Slanger (substitute doctors rotate when needed), two nurses, assistants, and office work-ers, a staff of about a dozen people. Donna Warnock is the administrator and has been running the facility since it opened in 2004. Urgent Care sees between 25 and 50 people a day. To use the facility you must have an acceptable health care providers (Kaiser and Health Net are not among them) and present your insurance card and a photo identification at the time of your visit. Co-payments are also due then. Currently, flu shots are available for $25. The facility is equipped with an InstyMeds medication dispenser. To use it, you must inform your provider that you will get your prescription through InstyMeds. Your provider will give you a sheet of paper containing a unique code. You’ll use the dispenser’s touch screen to enter your code and your birth date, then follow the instructions on the screen to get your prescription within minutes. If you have insurance, you will pay the same co-pay that you would at a phar-macy. If you do not have insurance, the cost of the medication is comparable to a pharmacy. The dispenser will accept credit or debit card payments. A telephone is mounted on the dispenser and a live person will immediately be available to assist your questions on your prescription, payment, or how to use the dispenser. Everyone in Taft wishes we still had our own hospital, which closed in 2003. If put to a vote, they would vote overwhelmingly to reinstate one. Unfortunately, a vote cannot bring about the reopening of a hospital. The problem is that hospi-tals are very expensive to open and maintain, and the city simply doesn’t have the funds necessary. The Rotary Club is exploring ways to help. Dr. David Cothrun thinks it’s too early to discuss reopening a hospital and doesn’t want people to get their hopes up. In the meantime members want Taft to have a “total health system.”

Of Course, Social Security Is A Ponzi Scheme!!By Dr. Harold W. Pease

Governor Rich Perry is accused of referring to Social Security as a Ponzi scheme. To consider the authenticity of this claim we must return to the deceptive strategy of its origin. Since Social Security was not on the list of the qualifiers of general welfare—Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution—government had no power to forcibly extract a portion of a man’s wage and force his employer to match this fund—not even close. So they used the power to tax to justify this action. But Congress had no power to tax for powers that it did not have. Never the less the government took over the responsibility for everyone’s retirement and the people lost the right to their own money—the portion that was forcibly extracted as a condition of employment. More-over, since the federal government would now do this for them, they had no incentive to do it for

themselves. At the time the Supreme Court had ruled much of the New Deal legislation unconstitutional and Social Security probably would have met the same end had Franklin D. Roosevelt’s new Court Packing bill not been threatening the independence of the Supreme Court. They let this one slide. To do so they had to agree to place the new tax monies in the “Treasury like internal-revenue taxes generally, and … not earmarked in any way” (301 U.S. 619, 1937). They should have gone to Article V, adding an amendment to the Constitution empowering the federal government to do so, but they were uncertain that it would pass so enacted an end run around the Constitution instead. The money taken under the guise of taxes was not set aside for the giver’s future at all, as most believed, but just added to the general fund and spent. If private firms did the same thing, the federal government would call it a Ponzi scheme and perpetrators would serve time. When taxpayers do retire, they will have to depend upon the resources of future generations to cover what was promised. The system could never end without injustice to the “old” people. Each generation rightfully came to believe in their entitlement, having allowed FDR to spend their contributions on the previous generation. Payroll taxes and benefits payments began in 1937. Ida May Fuller, a legal secretary, paid a total of $24.75 into the system between 1937-1939. Her first monthly check issued Jan. 1940, was $2.00 short of this. “After her second check, Fuller already had received more than she contributed over the three-year period. She lived to be 100 and collected a total of $22,888.92 (Research Note #3: Details of Ida May Fuller’s Payroll Tax Contributions, Social Security Administration).” How can this not be a Ponzi scheme? Those receiving social security in 1935, never having paid a cent into the program, were grateful, of course, for the gen-erosity of the nation and became beholding to the party in charge of the handouts. This insured the democrats’ continu-ance in office for the next 17 years. Prosperity returned in the fifties and sixties, and a challenge to the now established and popular program was unthinkable. People saw Roosevelt as having saved the country. Only now, younger historians, not favorably conditioned to a worshipful response to Roosevelt, recognize and document that it was not the New Deal but World War II that pulled us out of the 21-year long Great Depression. Over time more groups that paid nothing or very little into the fund have received benefits: spouses, widows, children and the disabled—even illegals. I have a friend who brought his mother to America and she received benefits until her death. Government figures estimated in 2010 that 54 million were receiving Social Security benefits. Without significant changes the program will crash by 2036 say the Social Security Board of Trustees in their 2011 Annual Report. We agree that somebody does owe our elders the total of what they paid into the program, but it is not the new genera-tion. They did nothing wrong. Why should they pick up the tab for commitments made before their birth? How can government take their money, spend it on others, look them in the eye, and tell them that this isn’t a Ponzi scheme? They are its biggest victims. 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. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

Community Voices A View From Center Street

By Jane McCabe

Taft College TIL Program Selected By Rotary International For Group Study Exchange The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange oppor-tunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country’s culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families. In May of 2009 John Dodson had the honor and privilege to travel to South Korea with TIL Program staff and students, Taft College Board members, and local Rotary representatives to enhance the education and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. John Dodson, Vocational Specialist for the TIL program is 1 of 5 people selected from the region to partake in this tremendous exchange opportunity. The GSE team is scheduled to leave March 22, 2012. Taft College congratulates John Dodson and appreciates his devotion to the TIL program.

Remember To Vote For Your Favorite Restaurant,

Business and More for The Best of Taft 2011!

Ballot On Page 7

Taft Hospital


TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

Pastor Cindy BrettschneiderSunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM

Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 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 DriveWe invite you to join us

each week as we worship

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

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

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 Church

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

703 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

Angel Food Program Tues. 9am - 12pm Thurs. 3pm - 6pm

Sunday Services 10amUTURN Youth Service

Sunday 6pm1000 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 487-2416Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

Mary A. McWhorter

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

YOUR CHURCH

AD HERE! CALL

TODAY! 765-6550

Subscribe for home delivery of the Taft Independent today!

Delivered weekly to your home or business only $6.50 per month!

Name_________________________________Address________________________________Start Date____________End Date__________

Please complete and mail with your check to: The Taft Independent, P.O. Box 268, Taft, CA

93268Please make checks out

to Taft Independent

Subscription Form

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

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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

Check Out Our Website!maricopaquiltcompany.com

And Facebook Page!

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.

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

Fat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

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

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 4:30 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 22nd Year

Marketingisimportanttoyourbusiness.TheTaftIndependenthasmarketingopportunitiesforeverybudget,

largeorsmall.ByadvertisingintheTaftIndependent,youwillreachover7,500potential

customerseveryweek.Tomakeasmallbudgetgoalongway,callustodayat765-6550

Get a Lot for a Little

ADS STARTING AT 10$ PER [email protected]

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131

531KernStreet-P.O.Box985(661)765-4798FAX

Taft,CA93268•(661)203-6694Cell

E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store


given on October 4.Application and JobDescriptions may be

picked up at the DistrictOffice, 820 Sixth Street,and must be returned by

Monday, October 3 at4:00 p.m. EOE

Taft City School Districtis accepting applications

for one Bus Driverposition- 4 hours perday, 12 months and

ASES Activity Leaders.Employment process

includes written exam,application screening,

interview, DOJfingerprint clearance,and physical examwith drug screen. A

written exam for thesepositions will be givenon Tuesday, October

4. Application and JobDescription may be

picked up at the DistrictOffice, 820 Sixth Street,and must be returned by

Monday, October 3 at4:00 p.m. EOE

The Taft Indepenent is looking for a part-time

individual to solicit subscriptions and make

weekly home and business deliveries. CDL and Insurance

Required. Experience Preferred.

Incentive Based Com-pensation.

Call 765-6550

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WantedWANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661-293-0359 or 661-765-6497. We will pick up!

For SaleFOR SALE

Pickers Buy & Sell 428 Center Street. Tools, Furniture, Household, Collectables.

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

114 Franklin $40K (Contingent)106 Lee St 3bed 2 bath $129,500

Wondering how buying a house works? Set an appointment with Karri to watch a FREE video on the process.

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list or drop by the office.____________________

106 E. Warren. 2 bed-room, 2 baths, pool, lg garage, spa, spacious kitchen. $135,000.

MOBILE HOMES

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550 www.BuySellManage.com.

FOR RENT200 1/2 Van Buren 1/1 $500601 4th 2/1 $650709 Kern 3/1 $900340 F St 3/1 + 1/1 $1,200516 Grant Terrace 4/2 $1,350

FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!Complete list of homes for Sale and Rent avail-able!

House in Maricopa 2 bd + den, 1 ba, laundry room, fenced yard. 501 Klipstein $700 mo + $1,200. 805-929-3185.

4 bd/2ba, 2 car garage, AC, $1,050 mo + dep. 110 Wood. (661)717-9056 (909)239-8337.

523 Naylor St. 3 bd/2ba $1,100 mo + dep.408 Jackson St. 3bd/1ba $950 mo + dep.707 1/2 Filmore 1bd/1ba $430 mo + dep. (661)343-0507.

3bd/2ba 719 Fresno St. in Maricopa $500 mo call (760)912- 7888

2bd/1ba indoor W&D hookups, fenced yard. $550 mo + dep. (805)325-0256.

MOTORCYCLES

AUTOMOBILESWelding truck for rent, like new, Ford diesel w/ cat diesel welder 745-4177

Pets & Livestock

FOUND PETS

PETS

LIVESTOCK

LOST PETS

Real EstatePROPERTY

MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

PROPERTY FOR RENT

BUSINESSFOR SALE

FOR SALE

Established local Taft business. Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli. Excellent location, near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $25,000. Room to ex-pand product offerings. Good family business. Call 661-623-4296.

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971

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

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

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

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

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

Yard Sale ads are $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 ServicesCleaning Services

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

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

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.

Yard Sale. Sat. 9:30 am. Sun. 410 Lucard in the alley.

Yard Sale at 210 Madison Street on Saturday October 1, from 7am to 1 pm

Multi-family yard sale. 100 Sage Stret. Sat 7 a.m. to Noon. Tools, housewares, misc.

Saturday 10/1 8am-12 noon. 310 E. Woodrow.

436 Phillippine St. Saturday & Sunday. Floor buffer, organ, household items, bar stools.

Garage sale 132 Lexington Sat & Sun 6:30am-? Misc, baby clothes, household items and more

BusinessServices

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Back to School PC Tuneup

Special For $27661-623-5188

Affordable Rents

We’ve Got em!

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

COOLERSERVICES

Cooler Service: Motors, pumps, pads, cleaning, installations. New & Old

Scott 661-900-0917.

EmploymentHELP WANTED

Need caretaker for senior couple 745-4177

CITY OF TAFTPART-TIME TRANSIT

OPERATOR$13.20/hour

Under general supervision operates a transit vehicle up

to and including a 20 passenger bus. The system is a Dial-A-

Ride and Fixed Route service. Candidate must be dependable

and able to work varied shifts including split-shifts and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications - High School diploma

or GED certificate. Must possess a State

of California Class B Driver’s License

with Passenger Endorsement and will be required to obtain

a General Public Paratransit Vehicle (GPPV) operator

certificate. Application Process: Application and job description may be

obtained at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, or www.cityoftaft.org. Final Filing Date:

5:00 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2011.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of

application. Postmarked applications will not be

accepted. EOE.

Taft City School Districtis accepting applications

for substitutes forfood service, crossing

guards, and instructionalaides. Employment

process includes writtenexam for each job

description, applicationscreening, and DOJfingerprint clearance.

Written exams forthese positions will be

Yates’ Detailing600 Center Street

Taft, California(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting. Call for Appointment Today!

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

Community

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

Plumbing • Septic • Roto-RooterFraming • Electrical • Concrete

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Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’s Pool,lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333.


Rosy’s ClosetHombres y Mujeres

Ropa y Zapatos401 Center Street

Mar. - Sáb. 10am-8pmDom. 11am-8pm

Cerrado los Lunes

The Cell Fone StoreMóviles y Accesorios y

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Negocios de venta

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

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

www.edherrerainsurance.com

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Advocates For Californians With Developmental Disabilities File Lawsuit Against State Of California Budget Cuts Endanger Health And Safety Sacramento, CA - The Arc California and UCP San Diego (United Cerebral Palsy) will file a lawsuit against the State of California Wednesday, accusing the State of abandoning individuals with developmental dis-abilities and exposing them to health and safety risks by failing to provide reasonable support services. The suit alleges the State is violating federal and state law by failing to fund services needed by Californians with devel-opmental disabilities. Advocates for Californians with developmental disabilities will partici-pate in a Statewide conference call to announce details of the new lawsuit. After a decade of unprecedented rate freezes, funding cuts, and program closures, community-based services for Californians with developmental disabilities are collapsing, leaving 245,000 Californians at serious risk. The State’s own experts warned of this crisis as far back as 1999, when the De-partment of Developmental Services reported that continued budget cuts would jeopardize health and safety.

Contagion - A Movie Review

Mankind has always been afflicted with various plagues. Passover is the celebration of the angels passing over the homes where the blood of lambs has been smeared on the lintels of the doorways when they visit the plague on the firstborn of the Egyptians. The Middle Ages were visited several times by the Black Death or the bubonic plague caused by a virus carried by rats that traveled from Asia Minor throughout Europe, killing one forth of the population. The Great Influenza Epidemic of 1918 killed 1% of the population of the world. AIDS was the modern plague of the 1980’s. The worst of plagues are those that are airborne—people can become infected by touching an object left by a carrier—a hand on a doorknob, an empty glass. That is the kind of pan-demic described in Contagion, a pandemic that kills millions of people in a matter of months. Steven Soderbergh is a good director—he doesn’t insult his audience’s intelligence by taking a good story and inserting into it an invasion of space aliens or a chase scene. He lets the material speak for itself and films the story as the screenwriter intended. Because of this Contagion is a movie worth seeing. A woman, Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) is on a business rip in Hong Kong and has a night out in Kowloon, where she eats a delicious pork dish in a restaurant and then goes to a casino where she gambles and gets a little drunk. Then she flies to Chicago where she sleeps with an old boyfriend and then returns to her husband (Matt Damon) in Minneapolis, where she suddenly becomes sick and dies. In a short time the virus that killed her has spread from Hong Kong to Chicago to Minneapolis and everywhere in the world! At the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in Atlanta, Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne) takes charge of tracking the disaster. He sends a medical intelligence specialist, Erin Mears (Kate Kinslet) to the Minneapolis hot zone. Meanwhile, in a CDC lab Dr. Ally Hexall ( Jennifer Ehle) tries to isolate the virus and develop enough of fit to create a serum.Contagion evokes the bafflement, outrage and helplessness that greeted the HIV and Ebola viruses in the 1980’s and the swine flu scare of a few years back. Panic engulfs the country and civil society dissolves. Crowds assault banks and stories; people des-perate for a cure attack pharmacies. Inevitably there will be those who seek to exploit the misery of others, and in this film the honor is given to loose cannon of madman, a blogger by the name of Allan Krumweide ( Jude Law.) Allan complains on line the CDC is ignoring his homeopathic cure, Forsythia, and pretends he has infected himself and is being cured by taking it, with the intent of making millions selling it to gullible people. The gorgeous Marion Cotillard plays a French doctor who works for the World Health Organization who is kidnapped in Hong Kong and held by a Chinese group, the ransom being enough serum to prevent an entire village from succumbing to the disease. Mankind recovers from the most horrendous catastrophes—the movie ends on the hopeful note of Beth’s daughter going to the prom with her boyfriend. Noteworthy is that among all the brave scientists who risk their lives to fight this contagion none of them nor among those afflicted pray to God for assistance. In this Brave New World there is no room for the power of the Almighty.

By Jane McCabe

Zombies To Invade Blood Bank Why should vampires get all the fun at blood banks? Zombies are ex-pected to invade Houchin Community Blood Bank on Thursday, Septem-ber 29 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm to kick off the Talladega Frights Blood Drive continuing through October 31, 2011 at 5901 Truxtun Avenue. Not only will blood donors enjoy a free spooky dinner during the event, they will be entered to win weekly four packs of free tickets to Talladega Frights and the grand prize: a private Zombie X Wagon Party for 20 people, courtesy of Talladega Frights. Zombie X is the latest attraction at the annual fright fest. In addition, all donors will receive a coupon for free admission to Wicked Dark, a $5.00 value with the purchase of another Talladega Frights Attraction. For more information or to make an appointment to give blood with the zombies call Peggy Smith at 661-323-4222, toll free at 1-877-364-5844, or log on to www.hcbb.com.

CHP’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Grant Enjoys A Successful Ride In California Awareness through education was a big factor in the success of theCalifornia Highway Patrol’s (CHP) motorcycle safety grant, “Look Twice, Save a Life.” The overall goal of the two-year, federally-funded program was to increase motorists’ awareness of motorcyclists on California roadways.“Although this campaign is coming to a close, we’re pleased with the encourag-ing results,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “California is starting to see a decline in the number of motorcyclist-involved collisions; however, there is still more work to be done, and our efforts to raise awareness through education and enforcement will continue.” According to preliminary figures for 2010 from CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, the number of people killed in motorcycle-involved collisions last year was down 9 percent from the previous year; the number of people injured in motorcycle-involved collisions appears to be down 8.5 percent. “Safety on the road is a shared responsibility; all motorists are reminded to be extra vigilant when on the road to help keep everyone safe,” added Commis-sioner Farrow. Throughout the campaign, CHP placed an emphasis on the “Share the Road” message. To help get that message across to the motoring public and to reach the goals set for the grant, the CHP held several road sharing presentations and conducted several highly publicized motorcyclesafety enforcement operations. Additionally, the CHP in conjunction with the California Department of Transportation arranged to display “Share the road – Look twice for motorcyclists” on changeable message signs on highways across California on several occasions throughout the grant.Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-tion.


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The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

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General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

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Event

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway

Randy’s Trucking

(661) 763-47731050 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 •

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

Qik Smog & Tune

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

western shop & PET SUPPLY

Each additional dog or cat $9

$24.

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Shaw’s Pet WashFall

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www.shawswesternshop.com

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Phone (661)763-4420

FAX (661)763-1389

Cell (661)577-6785

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417 1/2 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

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Our Friendly Staff

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608 Center St.

2012 Bikes are Arriving NOW!

745-4919

September & October

Specializing in flea treatments, medicated baths and soar foot care

Saturday Appointments Available!Sept. 24th, Oct. 1st, Oct. 15th,

Oct. 22nd & Oct. 29th

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vanilla facial, nails, ear cleaning, perfume spritz and your choice of nail color or hair color accent.

Nails clipped and filed $12

Meat 1st40 lbs

HARRISON STREETAUTOMOTIVE

Taft Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

Documents

Transcript of Taft Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament