Document

January 15-21, 2010 • Volume 4 Issue 29www.Taftindependent.com

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

Oilworkers Monument Site Gets Ready!

Community Resource Center Feeds Families on Thanksgiving

[email protected]

City of Taft Honor’s Former Treasurer Art Carlton

The TaftIndependent

Taft Community Gardens Plant’s for the Future

Pioneer Mercantile Building Get’s Taft’s No. 1 Historic Designation

Your Health Column by Next Step Cardio’s Wendy Soto

Assembly Candidate Fights The Sacramento Oil Severance Tax Scheme

2010 is Taft’s 100th Birthday And Your Invited

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT January 15-21, 2010

Obituary and Memorial

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Our Angel in HeavenShaye Lee Fields

July 6, 1992 - January 16, 2009Taft Union High School - Class of 2010

Our Angel, His Big SisterLoving you is easy, we do it everyday,

Missing you is heartache that never goes away.If we could have one lifetime wish, One dream

that could come true, We’d ask with all our hearts, for yesterday and you.You are always in our hearts,

and forever in our minds.Love you always and forever,

Mom, Dad and Kyler

LILLIAN ALICE STROUD12/13/1926 – 1/13/2010

Lillian lived her 83 years with gusto!

A Funeral service will be held in the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. for longtime Taft resident, Lillian Alice Stroud, 83. A private burial will take place at a later date in the West Side District Cemetery.

Lillian was born on the family farm near Doniphan, Missouri. She passed away in her home in Taft at the very time when her nurse Kitty was to be back. She never wanted to be late or have anyone wait for her. She moved to Derby Acres in late 1946 with her husband, Carl Spell, then later to Taft where she made her home for 58 years. Her family and home were the main part of her life, but she always

worked as a waitress. She finished that career at the White Elephant where she was known to spoil many customers. She later became a caregiver and finally the owner of Taft’s last beer bar, Art’s Corner. Lillian was raised on the family farms in Ripley Co., Missouri, where she fell in love with that handsome Spell boy, Carl. They missed the Ozarks but knew the oilfields was the living. Each summer the trip was made to the Spell farm to visit and provide wonderful memories for their children. In 1965 Carl left for greener pastures. Broken hearted, Lillian became even more of a survivor. In 1973 she married her love and dance partner, Arthur Stroud. In this marriage she gained a truly wonderful son, David. As Art’s health declined she devoted herself to his care and making sure the “Corner” was taken care of. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Lionel and Ruth West; husband, Arthur Stroud; siblings, Mary, Bud, Barbara, Wanda, Evelyn, and Bonnie; and by her grandson, Nick Spell. Her survivors include her daughter, Gail Huffmon and Lewis Platt of Taft; son, David Stroud and Lisa of Bakersfield; absent son, Gary Spell of Arizona; brothers, Sony and Bette West of La Habra and John and Betty West of Banning; her very special grandson, Greg Spell, whom she always felt safe in his arms when he would move her; special caregivers, George Terry, who always made her smile, Kim Spell, Sonja Spell and Sue Hester; many more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and we would add a few more greats in the mix. A special thank you to the Optimal Hospice staff that made her life wonderful the last three months, Kitty, Tonya, Bridget and pastor Ken for the singing she enjoyed. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so on Friday from 3:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to service time at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. The arrangements are under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. www.EricksonAndBrown.com

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January 15-21, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Obituary\Memorial.......2

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

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

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

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

Westside News.............6-7

Your Health.....................8

Westside Horoscopes.....9

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

Inside Community Events

The Taft Independent

210 6th StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,250 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

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

We welcome contributions and suggestions. Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

Subscriptions. Subscription home or mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

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

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Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

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Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Justina Washington Wesley Morris, Jessy McCulloch

ColumnistsRandy Miller

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Printed in California

Taft is 100 in 2010Taft California

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Ashburn’s Mobile Office Hours Returns to Taft January 20th

A representative from Senator Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) will hold mobile office hours for Taft and the surrounding communities on Wednesday, January 20th from 10am to 12 noon at the Taft Chamber of Commerce offices.

Taft High Hosting Cash for College Workshop January 20

Taft Union High School is hosting Cash for College, a free financial aid workshop where officials will help parents sign up on-line for college aid. The workshop for high school seniors and their parents will meet from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday January 20th in rooms 160 and 161 upstairs in the main building. Staff members from the high school, community college, state college and university systems will be on hand to help parents apply for financial aid for their incoming college freshmen. Bilingual assistance will be available. The event will be open for 21/2 hours but it only takes about 20 minutes to fill out the forms, McCormick said. Additionally, attendees will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship by filling out the exit form, but they must be one of the evening participants. Last year’s winner was Briana Lemmons, who is attending Taft College. Other prizes will be given throughout the evening.The event “opens the door for federal money and Cal grants and for alumni funds at the college they plan to attend,” explained high school counselor Mike McCormick. Parents will be assisted in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form used by virtually all two- and four-year colleges, universities and career school for awarding government aid.He said parents should get on-line beforehand at “www.pin.ed.gov”to obtain a pin number they can bring with them on Wednesday.Parents may also get more information at “www.fafsa.ed.gov”.Parents should bring their 2008 income tax information, social security numbers for themselves and their child and W-2 forms. If not a U.S. citizen, they should bring their alien registration cards. If the student and parent are undocumented, school officials will talk with them about AB540 support.If you have questions, call McCormick at 763-2326.

Taft Oildorado Inc. Community Meeting January 21st

Taft Oildorado Inc. will hold a community information meeting Jan. 21 for anyone interested in participating in next October’s Oildorado Days celebration.The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. in the main auditorium of the Westside Recreation District’s Community Center at 500 Cascade Pl. Oildorado President Eric Cooper said the event is a must for anyone interested in sponsoring an event, a queen contestant, selling food or memorabilia or volunteering during Oildorado.“This meeting is especially important for representatives of service clubs, fraternal organizations, churches, reunion committees, and food vendors,” he said.Information and agreement forms will be distributed to individuals or groups interested in sponsoring a queen candidate, selling food from a trailer or booth, sponsoring an event or reunion, hosting a barbecue, running a contest, selling imprinted items or entering a contest.“We will have a general information meeting followed by tabletop information areas staffed by Oildorado committee members,” Cooper said. These include rules, regulations and forms (Scott Niblett), queen contest rules, regulations and registration forms (Lisa Willhelm), parade registration (TBA), reunion committees (Stephanie House), food and beverage booth rules (representative from the Kern County Health Department), event sponsorship ( Jim Swearengin and Kathy Herm), volunteer sign-up sheet, and headquarter store merchandise solicitation. Planning and promotion for the Oct. 15-24 100th birthday event moved into high gear last week with the launching of the whiskerino contest. The Oildorado Board of Directors will meet Thursday at Taft College to review committee assignments, finalize plans for the community meeting, and review the official sponsorship packet.

Taft Roughnecks Fundraiser-Slow Pitch Softball Tournament January 30th Along with the West Side Recreation & Park District, the Taft Roughnecks 12U travel baseball team is hosting a Co-Ed Slow-pitch softball tournament. Men and women 16 years of age and older are asked to form teams of ten, 5 men and 5 women to play in the one day event to be held on Saturday January 30th, 2010. Games will begin at 9:00am at the Franklin Field Complex, 281 East Cedar St. in Taft. A fee of $150.00 is required by Thursday January 28th to guarantee a spot in the tournament. All proceeds will go to benefit young athletes and help offset expenses throughout the season! To register your team please contact Shelly at [email protected] or [email protected].

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday January 19th, 2010 – 7:00 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.

Yates’ Detailing600 Center Street

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

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How To Contact Us.Send us you letters to the editor, photos, calendar events and

interesting stuff to:[email protected]

or call (661)765-6550 or mail us at P.O. Box 268, Taft, CA 93268

by Jessica G. Miller

Some birthdays pass without notice, like turning 23 or 37. Other birthdays are milestones. 2010 will prove to be the most unforgettable birthday for Taft yet as our fair city reaches triple digits. Joining the illustrious ranks of people such as George Burns, Bob Hope and the Queen Mother, Taft will be turning 100 years old. Around the turn of the 20th century, three thousand miles to the west of the turmoil caused by the Civil War, a small town called Moron was gaining popularity as another gold rush came to California – a black gold rush. The drilling camp and train station that pumped the land for oil, a fast growing commodity, was originally called Siding Number Two then renamed Moro and eventually dubbed Moron to avoid confusion with Morro Bay. By 1910, tired of being mocked by outsiders for the town’s rather degrading name, the town’s people decided to rename their city in honor of the rotund Commander in Chief at the time – William Howard Taft. Over the years, our city and the surrounding areas have evolved and established a strong and major oil producing industry worthy of more than just a pat on the back. As Taft reaches its hundredth year of incorporation, it brings a most opportune time for celebration. The Chamber of Commerce, as well as the community, will be pulling out all of the stops, not just for Oildorado in October but for the entire year. Over the course of the next 12 months, during annual and new events all over town will be birthday cake and singing the traditional Happy Birthday tune to our beloved city, starting with The Fort’s Installation Dinner this month. While every month each year in Taft holds various entertaining and exciting occasions, this year will be the mother of them all. In February, WSRPD will hold its Father/Daughter Dance and the Rotary will host its Ladies Night. March promises St. Patrick’s Day fun with the Fort’s annual dinner as well as the premier of the WSRPD’s community theater production. April will be jammed full of things to do, from the Rotary’s Health and Peddlers Fair to various barbeques and fundraisers as well as Taft High’s Hall of Fame event. May, like April, is filled with a myriad of events to attend and participate in like the second annual Relay for Life, The Fort’s Wine Tasting, and the Oil Museum’s Pioneer Days. June holds the return of the Rails to Trails Car Show and in July, for our nation’s birthday, things may be spiced up as plans for the annual fireworks to be shot off from the high school football field are in the works. August and September slow down in big events around town as everyone will be gearing up for the biggest party of the year in October – Oildorado. So, who said there wasn’t anything to do in Taft? This year’s quinquennial party will be the biggest and grandest of any Oildorado past. With plans for an Oildorado Midway at Rails to Trails, an art show, another car show, as well as traditional events getting amped up, like the Whiskerino, Grand Parade and Queens Contest, this entire year will be a fitting homage and celebration for Taft and promises to be an unforgettable time for all natives and residents of the Westside. If there is an event that you or your business would like to add to the Birthday Celebration Calendar, contact the Taft Chamber at 765-2165.


Editorial

Westside Watcher

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.

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

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

Live Music Saturday Nights

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

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

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

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

Hot Stone PizzaPizza, Subs, Ice Cream

Family ArcadeSunday-Thursday 11am-10pm

Friday and Saturday 11am-11pmLunch Buffet Monday-Friday

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765-6424

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765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

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765-2000621 Center Street

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

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Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

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Asian Experience Restaurant

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The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

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Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza can certainly be counted among the brand’s fans. The franchisor was recently rewarded with extremely high satisfaction ratings in a survey conducted by www.franchisebusinessreview.com” Franchise Business Review. The national franchise market research firm recently announced that Papa Murphy’s scored as one of the top food franchises for 2009 based on overall franchise owner satisfaction. Papa Murphy’s is one of only 11 food companies out of nearly 100 major brands that can make this claim. “Franchisee satisfaction and performance is one of the most critical pieces of information for any prospective franchise investor to consider,” states Eric Stites, President of Franchise Business Review. “We have surveyed thousands of franchisees from the food industry and the Papa Murphy’s franchise system has some of the highest owner satisfaction in their segment.” The survey asked franchise owners 20 questions related to their franchise ownership experience, from franchisee training and support to system quality issues, franchisor relationship, financial opportunity and overall satisfaction. In all five categories, Papa Murphy’s outscored the average of all other food industry participants. “No consumer-voted award or business-press honor measures up to a franchise owner giving you high marks,” said John Barr, chairman and CEO of Papa Murphy’s. “The path to our success depends on the satisfaction of our franchisees. This achievement reflects the overall organization’s continuing efforts to better serve our customers, our franchisees, in order to insure their success.” Papa Murphy’s is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer and leader of the take ‘n’ bake pizza segment. Papa Murphy’s operates over 1,150 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 32 states and Canada. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made pizzas featuring high-quality fresh toppings generously layered on pizza dough that is made fresh each morning in each store. By baking Papa Murphy’s pizzas at home, customers get to experience the home-baked aroma of a convenient, delicious meal that the brand is known for. In addition to handmade pizzas, the company offers a growing menu of take ‘n’ bake items, including Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheels, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Papa Murphy’s has been voted “Best Pizza Chain in America” for seven consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions “Consumers’ Choice in Chains” survey and is a four-time recipient of Pizza Today’s Chain of the Year award, most recently in 2009. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com. Franchise Business Review is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. The firm’s services include commissioned franchise research projects leveraging proprietary survey processes and software, as well as industry-wide studies of franchisee satisfaction open to all North American franchise companies.

Papa Murphy’s Named 2009 Top Food Franchise

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Happy New Year?

Well, now that all the holidays are behind us and things are getting back to normal, sort of, we wonder what kind of new year a few politicians down at City Hall have in store for those unfortunate city employees who received raises in the past year and a half. Last July, the Taft City Council was suppose to pass the city budget and get on with the business of the city. Well, its now January 2010 and the City Council has still not passed a budget and we were wondering “why” and “how” a city the size of Taft could operate without a budget. The “how” is anyone’s guess. As you know, most government entities in California are broke, are going broke or are deeply in debt. Not Taft. Good financial planning, a conservative approach to governance and a healthy city reserve has kept the city, for the most part, able to avoid the awful employee layoffs and deep cuts in program funding other cities have experienced. Still, a city just can’t spend money without a budget and one can only wonder how an employee or department head obtains approval to pay for anything. Councilman Randy Miller said that even the state of California has a budget, why not Taft? Just how do day-to-day operations work when no one knows what they can and can not spend? You can be sure that not having a city budget has caused some uncertainty - on capital item purchases, the permanent hiring of personnel, and putting off important expenditures until - well later.

The “why” is simple. Councilman Cliff Thompson has somehow convinced the council majority to put off approving the budget because to do so would make permanent the employee raises City Manager Gorson made last year. If the budget gets approved now, Thompson would not be able to reverse those raises and make his point that the raises were illegal. Thompson is waiting for the Kern County Grand Jury to say weather the raises were illegal. The city attorney said they were illegal, but the council decided to get a second legal opinion (at a cost of $15,000) and that opinion said that the raises were not illegal. Another law firm has been retained for special services (?) and to investigate this and other matters, including the hostile work environment allegations against Thompson. Thompson was to meet at City Hall in December with the new law firm’s investigator, but was an unexplained no-show. In the meantime, Thompson, and Councilman Craig Noble are very confident that the Grand Jury will find that the raises were illegal, that Gorson broke the law, and the raises will have to be rescinded. Only problem is that the Grand Jury only issues opinions and recommendations and so the Kern County District Attorney would have to decide to prosecute - which could take many more months - without a budget. But if that does not work in Thompson’s and Noble’s favor, and the Grand Jury doesn’t find against Gorson, Thompson and Noble plan to go directly to the District Attorney and the state Attorney General to prove their point. Moreover, just so you know, Thompson is not just taking it out on City Manager Bob Gorson, he also has it out for city employees. Not just those who got raises, but the entire city for that matter. You see Thompson is upset that some city employees have complained about his conduct when he visits City Hall during work hours - creating the hostile work environment. So to get even, Thompson has filed a 1/2

million dollar claim against the city (you and me) for defamation of character. This would be a very laughable accusation, except it is just another one of Thompson’s ways of causing problems for the city and staff. Thompson has single-handedly brought the city to a halt because of his personal vendetta against Gorson. In the past, the council had been slow to reprimand Thompson, although they have recently taken several good steps - removal him from all committees and limiting his ability to place frivolous items on the council agenda.

Still, Thompson is a big problem - for Taft residents, City Hall and the city employees who Thompson aims to reverse their hard earned - and legal - raises. The council should censure him for his conduct. Now that the holidays are over, maybe someone will get on with the badly needed recall campaign against Thompson, if only to slow his momentum of the slow demise of city government, and all the good things that 2010 has in store for our great little city. Have a Happy New Year.


by Stephanie House

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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

West Side Recreation and Park ReportBE OUR FRIEND!

Want activity email updates?Send me a note [email protected]

Or check us out on the web…www.facebook.com/wsrpdwww.myspace.com/wsrpdwww.twitter.com/wsrpd

MID-WEEK MADNESSWednesday, January 201:30 – 3:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades K-8FREE!Come by the Community Center for some crafts, board games, Wii, or even just the chance to hang out with your friends and get help with your homework.

CANDY BAR BINGOWednesday, January 273:00 – 4:00 p.m.Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades 1-8FREE! Join us for an hour of Bingo fun with candy bar prizes. Be sure to bring a friend!

Wii BOWLING TOURNAMENTSaturday, January 236:00 p.m.Community Center Auditorium500 Cascade Place, TaftAll Ages$10 per person (includes play, pizza and drinks) ** registration deadline – January 21

KITCHEN KAPERS: HOLY HAMBURGERTuesday Afternoons ( January 26 – February 23)3:30 – 5:00 p.m.Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftAges 7-11$35 per person ** registration deadline – January 25Over the course of a 5-week session, kids will learn to make a variety of unique and creative dishes – using ground beef as a main ingredient! Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.

GYMNASTICSWho: Grades K and olderWhen: Monday EveningsTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $30 per month ($20 for each additional family member) Instructor: Suzanne Hale

Family PJ StorytimeThursday, January 286:30-7:00 p.m.Community Center Activity BldgAges 3-7FREE!Wear your pajamas & bring the family!

Boys CampoutFriday, February 127:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.Community Center AuditoriumAges 6-11$15 per personRegistration deadline - February 11

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCESaturday, February 67:00-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium500 Cascade Place, TaftGirls ages 4-13$30 per couple ($10 each additional daughter) Join us for our 2nd Annual Father/Daughter Dance – this event is sure to be a memorable evening. Girls ages 4-13 may be accompanied by their father, guardian or adult relative. The special evening includes DJ music, photographs, a dessert buffet and more fun surprises. Tickets are limited and may be purchased December 1 through February 4. No tickets will be available the night of the event, so buy yours now – don’t miss out!

CHEERLEADINGGrades K-1Thursday Evenings5:15-5:45 p.m.Grades 2-5Thursday Evenings6:00-6:45 p.m.When: January 28 – March 18, 2010 Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $25 per person *poms and shirts are available at an additional costInstructor: Roia Liljeroos

KIDS CHOIR: ROCKIN’ TO THE 50’sWho: Ages 7 and olderWhen: Monday EveningsTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Session: January 25 – March 22, 2010Where: Community Center Activity BuildingFee: $45 – before January 15, $50 – after January 15 Instructor: Danyel Bevan

BIRTHDAY 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 $110. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call the District Office at 763-4246.

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSEMonday, February 1 through Wednesday, February 36:30-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium500 Cascade Place, Taft$5 per person (facility fee)With cooperation from the volunteer instructors Ray Mortimer and Larry Heptinstall, materials 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 May. Upcoming class dates are May 3-5, August 2-4 and October 4-6.

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.

REGISTRATION NOW UNDERWAY FOR…Instructional VolleyballYouth Volleyball • Youth TrackPonytail Softball • Babe Ruth Baseball

Chefs Rylee and Alison create some treats in Kitchen Kapers cooking class.


CookhouseOT

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

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

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

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 1-19-10 thru 1-23-10)

Tues.1-19-10Lunch

Tues.1-19-10DinnerWed.

1-20-10Lunch

Wed.1-20-10Dinner

Thurs.1-21-10Lunch

Thurs.1-21-10Dinner

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Fri.1-22-10Lunch

Sat.1-23-10Dinner

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Westside News


Call Today(661)765-6550

Rowlands Southwest Documentation and Research Service

We research all kinds of files at the Hall of Records

• Deeds • Birth Certificates

• Marriage Certificates• Property Transfers

We will do the documentation on the following

• Divorces • Guardianship • Child Custody

• Sales Agreements

More than 350 persons gathered in Sacramento at the Capitol to oppose AB 656, the proposed new oil severance tax of 12.5% on the gross at the wellhead. Most in attendance were from Kern County, which is responsible for about 70% of the state’s oil production. Small, family owned companies are responsible for about 17% of this production. “Passage would make oil extraction more costly in California than any other state and would drive business from the state,” reported Fred Holmes, a leading independent oil

Dr. Harold Pease Supports Kern County Oil Field Workers in Sacramento, Opposes AB 656 Oil Severance Tax Scheme

417 1/2 Center Street Call 623-7254 or 763-3623 Anytime

Gary Joyce (left) and Taft City Manager Bob Gorson stand in front of the Taft Pioneer Mercantile Building which has received the first local Historic Building Designation from the City of Taft. Congratulations to Gary Joyce of Joyce Properties and the City of Taft. A Party to Celebrate the event will be held on March 17th.

The Taft Pioneer Mercantile building has received a special honor from the Taft City Council designating the restored structure as a local historic building. The building, which was built in 1926, was purchased from the Taft Historic Society by Joyce Properties in 2007. Gary Joyce of Joyce Properties said that when he first discovered the vacated building, he knew that he had to save it and restore it to its original beauty. Joyce made the commitment to restore the building to the Taft Lions Club, its then current owner. “The Pioneer Building holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the community,” said Joyce, preservationist and owner of the building. “We are honored to be part of Taft’s Centennial Celebration and receive this recognition designating our building as part of Taft’s Historic Downtown District on March 17th, 2010.” Joyce plans to offer the use of the first floor commercial space to Oildorado during the 2010 citywide celebration. He also plans a Taft Chamber of Commerce dediction and ribbon cutting on March 17, 2010.

Preserving Taft’s History, Pioneer Mercantile Get’s No. 1 Historic Building Designation

producer whose family business has been a pillar of stability on the West Side for decades. He has already been forced to move parts of his operation to Arkansas and Colorado, “to a much more business friendly environment” to survive. Other small oil producers will most likely have to follow suit for the same reason. Assembly member Jean Fuller agreed, and attacked AB 656 as being the “wrong tax in the wrong place at the wrong time.” She spoke of the potential 10,000 jobs that would inevitably be lost throughout the state as a result. Her answer to the budget crisis was for Sacramento lawmakers “to get leaner and meaner” with respect to budget cuts. Allan Krauter, Kern County’s Legislative Analyst for the Board of Supervisors, reminded the news media and those gathered, “This tax is on the gross not the net. Why not give a similar tax to the Silicone Valley or to the fortunes made in Hollywood?” he argued, but quickly recanted as he opposes this also for the same reason: “It is unfair to single out one industry.” Attendees agreed that this tax unfairly targets a single county and a single industry. Among them was Dr. Harold Pease, 32nd Assembly candidate, who has vowed to work with Fuller and others to protect the tax paying middle class worker. “The state’s irresponsible spending of the past should not be laid on the backs of the working class of Kern County,” said Dr. Pease. “The county already has a 15% unemployment rate—some places over 35%. Adding to this the loss of thousands of jobs is more than irresponsible, it’s sabotage.”Still others spoke of how big oil could dodge the new proposed tax law by simply importing more foreign oil. Such a move would leave thousands more Americans unemployed. However, small producers do not have the means of paying the tax or leaving the country, they just go under and so do their employees. Other industries would also be devastated by this tax increase, as almost all industries are affected by the availability of oil and energy costs.This new tax leaves us wondering which industry will be sacrificed next because the government decides to extract needed funds as it grows bigger and bigger? For these reasons, our local oil producers are calling on other small businesses take a stand with them.

IOPA Director Les Clark (left) with Assembly candiate Dr. Harold Pease in Sacramento last week to oppose AB 656, the Proposed Oil Severance Tax

Taft businessman Fred Holmes (left) and Assemblywoman Jean Fuller speak at a Sacramento rally opposing AB 656.


Westside News

www.301S6Th.comSouth Valley Realty

301 S. 6th Street.3 Bedrm 1.75 Bath

Garage and Shop3 Car Carport

RV Parking$145,000

Stephen Wright’s MUST SEE HOMES!

Realtor, GRI, E-PRO (661) 765-5274 503 6th St. Taft, CA

DRE# 01415460

Go To: www.TaftHomes.com

The PlaceVicki and Alick

Invite you Saturday January 16th

All-You-Can-Eat

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

• Monday: All you can eat Spaghetti and garlic bread. 5-7pm $5.00

• Tuesday: Hamburger. 5-7pm $3.50

• Wednesday: All you can eat pizza. 5-7pm $8.95

• Thursday: Carne Asada tacos with beans and rice. Served all day. $7.50

(single taco $2.50)

Top Sirloin, beans, salad and bread$10.00 Per Person • BBQ Starts 5:30 p.m.

$1.00 Domestic Drafts 5 to 7 p.m.(No to-go’s)

• Saturday: Steak and Chicken with soup or salad, baked potato, veggies and bread served from 5pm-Closing.

$15.00

• Friday: Rib eye Steak BBQ’d over red oak coals served 5pm- Closing $13.95

Become the Taft Independent’s Fan on Facebook!

The Taft Independent is Now on Facebook

For late breaking news around the Westside check out The Taft Independent on Facebook. Now you can send us your mobile downloads, calendar events, and favorite pictures from around town. Become our fan today!

Program to repeat on Sunday, January 24 with an additional hour of content January 11, 2010

KVPT-Valley Public Television is pleased to present a two-hour, prime time salute to Kern County on Thursday, January 21 at 8 pm with back-to-back episodes of ROAD TRIP WITH HUELL HOWSER. On Sunday, January 24 at 6 pm, the block will re-air with an additional hour of content at 8 pm.Each program includes a special introduction from Huell shot at the Kern County Museum exclusively for KVPT viewers. Following is the program lineup.

ROAD TRIP WITH HUELL HOWSER

Oildorado Thursday, January 21, 8 pm and Sunday, January 24, 6 pm Huell attends the city of Taft's 95th anniversary, a celebration filled with food, parades, dances and many other activities. It's a tribute to the families which make up the community, as well as its rich oil history.

ROAD TRIP WITH HUELL HOWSER

Bakersfield Thursday, January 21, 9 pm and Sunday, January 24, 7 pm Bakersfield is the destination and Huell samples Basque food, visits a Tule Elk reserve and tours country music legend Buck Owen's Crystal Palace.

CALIFORNIA'S GOLD

Lopez-Hill House Sunday, January 24, 8 pmJ.J. Lopez, the longtime manager of the Tejon Ranch who helped shaped Kern County's history, built his Victorian-style home in Bakersfield in 1909. In the 1960s, the home was occupied by Arlin and Lavern Hill, who migrated from Oklahoma after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl. Now, this long-overlooked California landmark has finally been renovated and preserved thanks to local fundraising efforts. Huell meets the descendants of the Lopez and Hill families, who share their story of how their house was moved to its permanent location at the Kern County Museum in Bakersfield.

CALIFORNIA'S GOLDEN PARKS

Red Rock Canyon State ParkSunday, January 24, 8:30 pmLocated just off highway 14, Red Rock Canyon State Park features scenic desert cliffs, buttes and spectacular rock formations. The park is not only rich in natural beauty, but has a deep human history as well.

Jacks

FlowerShop

430 Center Street 661-765-2442

Teleflora’sHeart of Hearts Bouquet

FREE Delivery on all orders placed by February 6th!

Valentine’s Day is Sunday, February 14th

Paik’s Ranch House“Where Everybody Meets!”

200 Kern Street 765-6915

Breakfastserved 8am-10am $3.95

Lunchserved 11am-1pm $5.50

Includes: Omelet, hash browns, toast with coffee or tea.*

Includes: Full Sandwich, soup, salad and drink.*

Breakfast and Lunch Specials Start 1/18/10* Specials subject to change daily.

Public's Assistance Requested by Kern County Sheriff 's Department in Two Possible Attempted Abductions.

On January 5, 2010, at about 2:30 pm, a ten year old girlwalking to Parkview Elementary School in Taft reported a white car stopped next to her in the 100 hundred block of 5th Avenue. The driver and only occupant of the vehicle rolled down the passenger window and yelled "hey" to get the girls attention. The suspect told the girl that her mother was sick and in the hospital. The suspect told the girl that her mother had sent him to pick her up and take her to the hospital. The girl began walking away and the suspect told her again to get into the car so he could take her to the hospital. The ten year old became fearful and ran towards Parkview School. While running she saw the vehicle make a u-turn and drive south bound on 5th Avenue. The suspect in this case was described as a Hispanic male 30 to 40 years old, medium complexion, short black hair, small goatee, wearing an off-white baseball cap, and white t-shirt. The car was described as a small white four door car with a cracked driver's door window. The rear passenger door window was covered with gray duct tape. On January 6, 2010, at about 1:30 P.M., another ten year old girl was walking home from school north on 6th Street towards Ash Street in Taft, when she noticed a white compact four door car following her. She turned onto Ash Street and the car turned continuing to follow her driving very slowly. The ten year old turned onto another street and began to walk faster toward a friend's house. The ten year old said as she watchedthe car it accelerated and drove away west bound. The ten year old described the white car has having a duct taped rear window on the driver's side. The driver of the vehicle was described as a white male, medium complexion 30 to 40 years old. The suspect and vehicle description in both cases is similar. The Sheriff 's Office is asking for the public's assistance inidentifying the suspect in these cases. Anyone with informationregarding these cases is asked to call the Detective Kevin George at 763-8552, or the Sheriff 's Office at 661- 861-3110. The Sheriff 's Office would like to remind parents to talk with their children regarding "Stranger Danger". More information on this topic is available online at www.kernsheriff.com

Sheriff ’s Department Composite Drawing of Suspect

KVPT Presents Huell Howser’s “Salute to Kern County” on Thursday, January 21


Call Today(661)765-6550


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 DriveWe invite you to join us

each week as we worshi

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

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

Bible StudyThursday Nights 7 p.m.

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

Lighthouse Foursquare Church210 Harrison Street 763-1518

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

Sunday Service 10 AMPastors Mark and Kathy Fitzsimmons

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

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning Worship Service10 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

HOT MEALS & FREE CLOTHINGTuesdays & Thursdays 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

New Life CommuNity ChurCh

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street

765-7472 www.nlctaft.org

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

Jennifer, Charlie, and Angie Dedicated • Professional • Experienced

All Are Licensed Funeral Directors

The Trusted Name Since 1939

Sunday Service at 10:00AM

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

When its Hotor Not....

Espresso Yourself Today

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

Immaculate Conception Parish

Mass Saturday 7pmSunday 9am

Everyone WelcomeDeacon Ricardo Barragan

No Appointment Needed For Smog Check!

QIKSmog & Tune

500 S. 10th Street • Taft661-763-4445

• Certified Gold Shield

& C. A. P. Station

• General Automotive

Repair

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

Tyler and Cyndy are Back!

Airbrush • Waxing • Pink and White Glitter Powder • Silk Wrap • U.V. Gel

We are Specialists!

Gift Certificates AvailableMon.- Fri. 9am-7pmSat. 9am-6pmLocated at 1080 West Kern Street

(661) 763-3111

Veterans Burial ServiceIncluding American Made Military Gray or Brown

SteelCasket, Burial with Honors, Bakersfield National Veterans Cemetery

$2,295.00West Side Memorial Services

Porteous Family763-1594 Taft, CA. FD 1220 EST: 1969

www.westsidememorialservices.com

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

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

$39.75 *

for Smog Check ‘96 or Newer plus

certificate

Ask about $500.00

Free Smog RepairRestrictions Apply

* must present ad at time of service

1/2 offDiagnostics

VISIT TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

Weddings - BaptismsQuinceañeras

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Jordan MillerLicense # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131

531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 • (661) 765-4798 FAXTaft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

Your Church Ad Here!

Call 765-6550

Your Health

Rev. Linda Huggard

by Wendy SotoM.S. Holistic NutritionNext Step Cardio

Your Healthy New Year’s Resolution

So the Holidays are over and now that we’ve eaten an entire turkey followed by a million different side dishes and sweets it’s time to start our New Year’s Resolutions. If you are one of the million Americans who have decided to lose those extra pounds, then put everything down and continue reading. The best way to start fresh and rid all those calories that are invading our bodies

is to start with a good Detoxification…No! It is not a surgical procedure. Detoxifying your body is feeding your body the right nutrients to help rid of anything that has been stored in the body and has not been excreted. There are different ways to Detox but I have found that eating liver-loving and colon-loving foods are the best way to Detox. You can do just a day or a week Detox which should include crucifer’s vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage. You can add “green leafy vegetables and herbs such as parsley, kale, watercress, chard, cilantro, beet greens, collards, escarole, dandelion greens, and mustard greens.” Vitamin C is also a liver-loving vitamin. Add a few drops of lemon or lime juice to your water, especially in the morning, which helps with bowel movements. Add sulfur-rich foods such as garlic or onions. Add artichoke, asparagus, beets, celery, dandelion root tea, whey, or nutritional yeast flakes to every meal; these are the most helpful in restoring a damaged liver. For liquids I recommend water or cranberry juice. Make sure the cranberry juice is pure and does not contain any other juices in it. During the Detox you can have the vegetables raw or slightly steamed. I prefer to blend them all together with cranberry juice or organic apple juice for a better taste. Also, keep in mind that detoxifying your body does not mean all the problems will be resolved. You should follow it with a balanced meal which should continue to include all the mentioned foods above. Hope this helps everybody out for the New Year, and don’t forget, a healthy body starts from the inside out!


Call Today(661)765-6550


Westside Horoscopesby Jessy McCulloch

209 Harrison Street • Taft (661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

370 CALIFORNIA 769-8580

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

tuES.-fRi. 10:00-5:30 Sat. 10:00-4:00 Fabric • NotioNs • GiFts

MARICOpA QuILT COMpANy

LONG ARM QUILTING AVAILABLE .

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

G&S CARPET Service & Selection

Knowledgeable SalesExperienced Installation

Laminate

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

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

Appt.

D.I.Y.starting at 1 .29

sq. ft.

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.

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

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

www.sagebrushannies.com

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

Now Celebrating Our 20th Year

WINNERIndependentThe Taft

Best Of2009READER’S POLL

Fine Jewelry • Candles Gifts • 14K Gold

Sterling SilverBlack Hills Gold Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries

It’s Time to Start Thinking of Your Sweetheart!Valentine’s Day is Sunday, February 14th.

Aries (March 21-April 19): There will be some extremely unexpected news this week that will drastically affect your schedule and your life.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Sometimes, no matter how badly you want it for yourself, the good news goes the way of the other guy. How you respond shows your true character.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): When you are asked to step it up this week, you will have that uncanny ability to do so – and you may even impress the unimpressable.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): New people will be entering your life this week and at least one of them will be very helpful for you on a professional level.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): It will be extremely difficult to hold your head up and take the high road this week, but it’s very important that you do so…now more than ever.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): It is not too late for you to turn this thing around. The outcome could still turn out to be one that’s satisfactory to you, even if it’s not your first choice.

Libra (September 23-October 22): Now that the holidays are truly officially over, it’s time to get yourself back on track with exercising. You need to just start a routine and stick to it.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): Don’t insist on always believing the worst in people. No matter how much you think they deserve it, you just need to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): Taking the easy way out can be underrated and in this case, well, that’s the case. Why add extra work and stress when there doesn’t need to be any?

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): As much of a right as you have to be upset, it would behoove you to step into someone else’s shoes and try to understand where they’re coming from.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): Don’t get too excited about this latest victory of yours. The un-humble have a way of being brought down a peg so just be careful.

Pisces (February 20-March 20: Work could not be going better: You’re doing a lot of the extra legwork with no complaining and it is definitely attracting notice from the right people.

If your birthday is this week: It’s time to stop living in denial and start facing facts. Just because this hasn’t worked out the way you wanted it to does not mean you’ve failed. It just means that this isn’t the right thing for you. The right thing may in fact be staring you in the face as you read this though, so don’t stop trying.


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

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

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

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

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

Yard Sale ads are free, up to 3 lines.

Classified ad deadline is Thursday at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

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

FARM EQUIPMENT

LIVESTOCKEmu eggs and spotted lambs.661-763-1329 or 661-203-3276.

WANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

BUSINESSOPPORTUNITYCABINET SHOP

FOR SALEGreat Investment or a

new career.Owner retiring soon.

WILL TRAINIncludes equipment, inventory & supplies.Serious inquires only

(661) 340-4354

FOR SALECustom Cabinets

for Sale. 15 ft. uppers and lowers with all the latest hardware. Retail

$10,500. Sale price $4,000 - You move.

FREE GRANITE COUNTER

Beautiful Sales Counter or Snack Bar. Retail $7.900. Sales price $2,800 - you move.

Used in showroom only.(661) 340-4354.

Moving sale. Sofa and love seat 1 y. old $300. Dining Rm set and Buffet $400. Queen bedrm set. $1200. 661.623-4879.

LOST PETSLost male rotweiler. Bell Avenue area. contact Bill at 699-6298.

PETSDoberman pincher puppies. 2 red, 3 blk, docked, declawed, wormed, 1st shots, ready Jan 15th. Parent on site. $300. 745-4090.

Chihuahau puppies. Pure bred. Small toys. 1st shots, papers. $150 to $250. Will deliver. 903-0724.

MOTORCYCLES

AUTOMOBILES

Business ServicesCleaning Services

My Fair LadiesCleaning ServicesComm. and ResidentialServing the Westside340-8611Lic. No. 007657

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

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

Garage Sale. Every Sat. and Sun. in January. 512 Tyler St.

ANNOUNCEMENTSTUHS Class of 1985. Seeking Alumni for 2010 Reunion. Sherry 332-2229. [email protected]

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

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

A.A. Womens Meeting. Tuesdays 6:30-7:30. 703 5th Street. 889-8011.

– 763-3856.COMPUTER SERVICES

Desktop and Laptop Repair. Upgrades. Home Theater Installation. See price list at TaftPCServices.com. 623-5188.

HELP WANTED

1988 Ford F-150 Auto., smogged and tagged. 765-2574. $2,100.

RV’S

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

04417057

661-577-7136

OPEN HOUSE HOUSE FOR SALE

Amber Street HomesBrand New 3 bedroom and 2 bath homes(Front Street between 6th and 5th Streets)

For Private Showing Call 763-3517For More Information Please Call 763-3517

March 29th and 30thSaturday and Sunsay

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 29th and 30thSaturday and Sunday

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From $220,000

Brand New Homes in Taft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, granite counters, Fully Landscaped, Covered Patios. Call (661)763-

3517

HOMES FOR SALEHouse for Sale. 505

D. St. 3 bed, 2 bath. + Studio. $60,000. Call

(323) 752-3649

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE

HOMES FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

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

For rent. 3 bd, 1 ba. Lndry rm, dining rm, large fenced yard, garage, covered patio. $800 mo. plus dep. (661) 623-5188.

2bd. 1 1/2 ba. newly remdl. $550. + dep. (661) 577-7756.

Large 2 bd, 2ba. Fam room, indoor W&D. $850 mo + dep. 661-769-8176.

2 bd 1 ba, $650 mo. + $600 dep. Apt. located at 424 Woodrow. Car port, laundry, dish hook-ups. Large front and back yard. 1 car garage. Hablo Espanol 805-746-5410. Avail 12/6.

4bd 1 ba. 2 car garage. Lg yard. 109 Harrison St. New renovated. No Sec. 8, no pets. Credit check, job verification. ref. req. $850 mo. + $900 dep. By appt. only.765-9145 or 549-2065.

2 bd. 1 ba. Very nice modern and private garden apartment in duplex. Fenced private front yard in quiet neighborhood with sm. fenced back patio. Central a\c. Incl wash and dryer, stove, refrig. dishwasher, carport. Must have good ref. xlnxt credit. $650 Plus Dep. Renter pays all util. Michael 765-6550 or 623-4296.

REWARD OFFERED

Stolen Bruno and Ruger Rifles and Stevens Shotgun on 12/30 Ford City. Phone: 623-3514.

1970 VW Van. $1000 obo. Sacrifice.

Is your old beauty for sale?Place your For Sale ad in our Classifieds

Only $2 per line per week,Ad your favorite photo for $5 more.

PLUS!Your Ad appears on our Website FREE!

Run your ad for 3 weeks or more and get 15% off

The Taft Independent Your Best Classified Value on the Westside

Call 765-6550 or [email protected]

visit our website at www.taftindependent.com

FOR SALE

Ask about our Daily and Weekly Specials!• Over 3,500 Copies printed and distributed each Week!

• The Best Way to Promote your Business on the Westside!Visit www.Taftindependent.com over 11,000 hits each Month!

Commercial Space Available Up to 5,000 sq. ft.Will Divide

Run Your Home or Busines Services ad in the Taft Independent!

Call 765-6550.

Advertise in the Taft Independent.

We Get it Ready. We Get it Right.Call 765-6550 Today.

Taft Construction,Air Conditioning and

Heating

We Do All Phases of Construction

Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

STOP FORECLOSUREFree Report

www.stopkernforclosure.com

“STOP FORECLOSURE IN 48 HOURS!”Free Report reveals how you can “Stop

Foreclosure in its Tracks in 48 Hours or Less.Go To

www.stopkernforeclosure.com

Don’t ruin your credit, we have a 93% success rate in Kern County stopping

foreclosure!!!

Download this free report and call us today. 661-310-1777

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Jordan MillerLicense # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131

531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 • (661) 765-4798 FAXTaft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Place YourClassified Ad in the

Taft Independent Today!

$2 per line. The best Classified Ad

price in Taft or the Westside.

Call 765-6550 or email your classifed

ad text to

[email protected].


Ask about our Weekly

and Monthly Specials!

Call Today to get your

special event or calendar item in the

paper!

765-6550

BARRON PROPERTIESManagement/Sales

“Putting Management back into your Property”

Ethele M. Barron325 Kern Street

[email protected]

(661) 763-9000 • Fax: (661) 763-9001 DRE# 01812075

RV STORAGE1124 4th Street, Taft (661) 765-4352

Open 7 Days a Week

4 Bedroom 2.5 bath home on a large cul-de-sac lot

w/a court-yard entry, game room, 3 car shop w/cooler, pool, covered patio w/wet-

bar and RV parking! Newer tile roof, paint, A/C, dual-

pane vinyl windows, granite in kitchen, custom oak

cabinetry, banquet breakfast nook, formal dining room,

indoor laundry, ceiling fans, sola-tubes, recessed lighting,

tankless water heater & hardwood floors. A 900 sq. ft. detached garage! Lots of

storage including a 10x20 shed, pool storage structure

and enclosed exterior storage!

Contact: (661) 809-1782

$270,000 • 4 Bed/2.5 Bath • 208 Robin Way • Taft

ANDERSON BUSINESS SERVICESBookkeeping and Income Tax Preparation

TAX TIME IS HERE!Make Your Appointment Early.

10% OFFWITH THIS AD

NEW CLIENTS ONLYVisit

ABSTAFT.com

Sandy Anderson

Call for Appointment: 765-7665 or 577-6790

Buy A Brick Buy A Plaque

Call the Taft Chamber of Commerce to purchase your part of history in the making.

(661)765-2165

That Lasts Forever

Give A Gif t

Be a part of the history-making Oilworker Monument


Randy’s Trucking, Inc.Now Renting

U-Cart Away Concrete MixerStarting at $44

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

• Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer

• Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling

• Large Internal Blades

• Rear Operator Control PanelCement Available 7 Days A Week

(661) 763-4773

Lasagna... It only looks expensive.

1107 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-5959Expires 9/30/09. Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at participating locations. Coupon cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

$999

LasagnaNow With...More Ricotta Cheese & Beef,

Egg Noodle Pasta, and Zesty Herbs.

2/28/10.

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