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August 20 - 26, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 8 www.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] FREE Weekly e Taft Independent Oildorado Store Grand Opening 201 Kern Street • 763-9999 $3.99 Hot & Ready 12” (8 slices) Pepperoni Pizza Customer Appreciation Day Monday and Tuesday August 23rd and 24h The Place Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa (661) 766-2660 4014 Highway 33, Ventucopa, CA Prime Rib, Baked Potato, Salad $1.50 Domestic Drafts Starting at 12:00 to Close (No to-go’s) Saturday, August 28th Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. until Gone! The Place Vicky & Alick Invite you to a $10.00 All-You-Can-Eat Help Us Celebrate Our 3rd Anniversary! Oilworker’s Monument Dedication
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Page 1:

August 20 - 26, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 8www.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]

Oildorado Store Grand Opening

201 Kern Street • 763-9999

$3.99Hot & Ready 12” (8 slices)

Pepperoni Pizza

Customer Appreciation DayMonday and TuesdayAugust 23rd and 24h

The PlaceBeautiful Downtown Ventucopa

(661) 766-26604014 Highway 33, Ventucopa, CA

Prime Rib, Baked Potato, Salad

$1.50 Domestic Drafts Starting at12:00 to Close

(No to-go’s)

Saturday, August 28thDinner starts at 5:00 p.m.

until Gone!

The PlaceVicky & Alick Invite you to a

$10.00All-You-Can-Eat

Help Us Celebrate Our3rd Anniversary!

Oilworker’s Monument Dedication

Page 2:

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 20 - 26, 2010

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Gift Certificates AvailableNail Services:

Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

(we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

423 Center Street • (661)763-3527

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

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

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

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

Handmade Hammond’s Candies

The Perfect Gift!

Next Step Cardio and Fitness Club

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

Body Building & Fitness Competition Coming Soon!

Shop Taft

(661)763-3030

Miller’s

661-763-5445 510 Center Street • Taft

Beauty Supply

Call for an appointment Today

Glam Squad on Premises

Beauty Supply • Salon • Boutique

Barbara Van Pelt • Melissa ThornsberryLaci Rodart • Christine Dunning

Carolyn EasleyShop Manager - Jessica G. Miller

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

Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Pictures & Prints • Massages

101 B. Street • Taft

(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

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

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

value From 4pm - Closing.

Wednesday - Kids Eat FREE*

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

From 4pm - Closing.

Saturday - Noche MexicanaSteak or Chicken Fajitas

$9.95From 4pm - Closing.

All Specials Subject to Change

Specials

Personal StyleSalon & Boutique

We are Expanding!

You do not have to be a member to participate!Sign Up Today for $20!

Males & Females Needed!

Something for the Entire Family Under One Roof!

Anderson Business ServicesWE COME TO YOU!

Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Sandy AndersonNotary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments and

Jurats$10 per signature

Mortgage Documents $150 per set

Mobile Notary Service $1 per mile

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

Sandy’s Cell: 661-577-6790

$491 HOUR

MASSAGE*

Soleil Tanning Studio303 Gardner Field Rd. St. B.

By: Tonya White

745-4896

Pregnancy MassageDeep Tissue

Pain ManagementSports Therapy

Specializing In:

Over 10 Years Experience

MASSAGE

* Must bring in this ad

Sizzlin Summer Special

Rite Away Carpet Cleaning

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

(661)765-4191

Stop by to see the New Changes!

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

Save yourself a trip to Bakersfield, come in and

browse at your leisure!

Over 6,000Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback

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

Selection ofVinyl Records & Old Radio

Shows

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Page 3:

August 20 - 26, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Community Events........3

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

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

Best of Taft......................5

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

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

Obituary...........................8

Westside Horoscopes.....9

News Briefs......................9

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

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

Inside Community Events

The Taft Independent

508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Assistant Managing EditorAdvertising Sales Manager

Jessica Wallis

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller

Jessy McCulloch

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins

Staff PhotographerSara Bravo

Circulation ManagerJobe Edgar

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

News BriefsTaft California

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Taft Roughnecks Car Wash Saturday, August 21st

The Taft Roughnecks 12U Travel Baseball team will be hosting a fundraising Car Wash on Saturday August 21, 2010. The car wash will take place from 9am-2pm at the Westside Recreation Center, 500 Cascade Place. The players are ask-ing for a $5.00 donation per vehicle. This non-profit organization depends on funds from local businesses and community members in order to participate in out of town games/tournaments. If you are interested in making a tax deduct-ible contribution and/or purchasing car wash tickets, please contact Chrissy at 577-6833. The Roughnecks are looking forward to another great year with the support of our community! ARC Barbeque Saturday, August 21st

The ARC will be having a BBQ on Saturday, August 21st from 11am to 2pm at 204 Van Buren St. Tri tip, salad, beans, roll, drink and dessert. Lunch ticket includes a drawing for Harris Ranch Meat Basket. $10 per plate. Raffle tickets for other prizes are available. 6 tickets for $15 or $1 each.

War of State’s Final Show Saturday, August 21st

Local Taft band, “War of State,” will play their final show at Reyes Creek Bar & Grill on Saturday, August 21st at 8:00pm

Back Pack Giveaway Monday, August 23rd

Backpacks will be given away at the Needs Center on Monday, August 23rd at 6:00pm for students grades 1-8. The backpacks are being donated by Buckoles. First come first serve.

A Western BBQ and Fashion Show Thursday, August 26th

The Historic Fort presents A Western BBQ and Fashion Show. Thursday evening, August 26th. Social hour begins at 5pm, dinner at 6pm followed by the fashion show. Tickets are $20, advance tickets are recommended. Vahnitas famous Western BBQ will be served for dinner with Titianian Rush as the eve-nings entertainment. Fashion and accessories will be provided by Personal Style, A Hint of Class, Close Quarters, Shaw’s Western Shop and My Blues. For more information contact The Fort at 765-7371.

Vegetarian Luncheon Fundraiser Sunday, September 12th

Sunday, September 12th a Vegetarian Luncheon Fundraiser will take place at The Fort from 1pm to 3pm to raise money for The Fort, The Abused Women’s Shel-ter, and SDA Community Service. Tickets are $10 and available at Dr. Walker’s, 700 Center Street, All in the Sandwich, 700 Kern Street, and J&D Recycling, 1277 Kern Street.

SEE US ONLINE VISIT

WWW.TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

There will be a Rabies Clinic at Ford City Park on Saturday, August 28th from 9:00am to 12:00pm. This clinic is for dogs only please and the rabies vaccination fee is $5.00. All dogs must be leashed, and aggressive dogs must be muzzled. At this clinic, you will also have the option to license your dog. Licensing benefits the dog owner in more ways than one. Owners are more likely to get their lost dog back if it is wearing a current tag. Injured dogs wearing a license will be transported to a veterinarian, and licensed dogs are kept longer at the shelter.

City of Taft Dog License Fees

Kern County Dog License Fees

Annual 3 Years 1 Year Natural Dog

Altered Dog

$20.00

$5.00

$50.00

$12.00

$60.00

$15.00

Rabies Clinic Saturday, August 28th

If you have any questions regarding licensing contact: City of Taft at 763-1222 or Taft Animal Shelter at 763-1227 or Taft Animal Control at 763-3101.

by Jessica G. Miller

Thursday, August 26, Taft’s Historic Fort will be putting on the Western Bar-becue and Fashion Show that will feature a dinner and a showcase of the various fashions from around town. The event will begin at 5:00pm with a social hour followed by dinner provided by the infamous Vahnita Hooker at 6:00 during which Titanium Rush, a group of high school students similar to the hit television show, Glee, will perform. “They sing and they dance,” Executive Director for The Fort, Edith Laurin, explained. “They want to get some experience in front of a group because they’re going to be performing at the fair.” After the dinner and entertainment, the fashion show, commentated by Judy Olson, will begin. With a handful of western themed events coming up in the next few months for Taft and Kern County alike, the timing for the fashion show couldn’t be better, especially for the Fort. “I was approached by one of the business owners downtown and she asked if we would do it again,” Laurin said. “August is real slow for us here at The Fort and I thought it would be the perfect way to pick up our income.” The show is drawing in all kinds of people. “We are attracting several people who don’t normally come to our events,” Laurin said. “And I think that’s because of the fashion show part.” With the western fashions that will be on display, people from all around can get an idea of what can be found in Taft to wear to these upcoming events like The Fort’s Okie Dinner on September 9, The Kern County Fair and, of course, Oildorado. The event will be held in the auditorium at The Fort where a raffle will also be held in conjunction with the show. Tickets are $20 per guest and reservations are encouraged.

The Fort Presents a Western BBQ and Fashion Show

by Jessica G. Miller

The Taft Union High School Marching Band spent part of their summer away at band camp to prepare for their Beatles themed field show for the com-ing season. The band and their instructors spent four days at Camp Condor honing their craft. “We prac-ticed about six hours every day on marching and the field show music,” Instructor and leader, Amanda Posey explained. “The time we practice at band camp is equivalent to 24 hours which is about three weeks of regular practice during the school year. The band is much stronger, the music sounds great and we will bring a whole new level of school spirit to the field this year.”

However, band camp wasn’t all work and no play. The students also spent the week swimming, telling ghost stories, playing capture the flag and flashlight tag and even going on a night hike. “Spending five days with each other at camp brings us closer together as a band family,” Drum Major, KimBeverly Alita said. The show will consist of three well-known Beatles songs, Can’t Buy Me Love, Hey Jude and Eleanor Rigby that not only emphasize the talent of the band as a whole but also spotlight two students, Tim Casteel and Krystle Holder, during their respective solos. Next year, the TUHS band combined with the junior high’s band plans to take a trip to our nation’s capitol as The All Star and to perform in two events out of the many honoring the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Not only will these students be able to be a part of making history, they will also be able to see the historic elements housed all over Washington D.C. that made our country what it is today. “The students will need the help of the community and businesses to raise the funds but I know Taft can do it,” Posey said. “This is a big opportunity for our band to serve our country in a big way. The students will also get to see historical places and documents that they study in class. The trip will be educa-tional and a tribute as the All Star Band represents Taft at our capitol.” The TUHS Marching Band’s homage to the Fab Four can be caught this fall during the half-time at any of the Wildcats football games.

TUHS Band Is Ready for the New School Year

Page 4:

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 20 - 26, 2010

Editorial

Westside Watcher

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wed, Fri. 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.

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

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

Live Music Saturday Nights

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

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

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

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

El Jacalito Authentic Mexican Dining

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

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

763-9890763-9892 fax

Always Fresh!

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

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

FOXTHEATER

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

Late ShowChild and Senior $7.00

Adults $9.00www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St

NOW SHOWING

-Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore-Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World-Nanny McPhee Returns

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

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

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

Chilled & GrilledEvery Wednesday Night

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

$1 Drafts!!!

765-2000621 Center Street

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

Karaoke NightFriday, August 27th

at 8:00pmDon’t miss out on Industry Night

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010Sponsored by the

2010 Taft Oildorado Committee

Your RestaurantListed Here.

Call765-6550.

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Every Friday is Ribeye Steak Dinner Night Residential • Commerical • Senior DiscountsInterior and Exterior • Specialty Coatings • Floors

Wrought Iron • Power Washing

(661)203-6677CA License # 784342P.O. Box 612 • Taft,CA 93268

FREE ESTIMATES - NO OBLIGATIONS

Letters to the Editor

Editor and the People of Maricopa: I think Chris Oxford does not know what he is talking about. The unfortunate people who did not have drivers license, insurance, and registration or who were speeding or disobeying the law are not complaining at least not out loud. They are most of the time do not speak English and need assistance of an English speak-ing person. They do not want to get into more trouble than they already are. It is laughable if Chris seriously thinks all the people who are complaining are breaking the law. I believe Chris Oxford’s opinion is asinine. Cynthia Tonkin

To the Editor,

The City Manager of Maricopa says, “It is a definite revenue source, it’s a legal revenue source,” in relation to the excessive traffic stops in Maricopa. Since when is a Police Departments role to be profitable like a business? Is it not their duty to protect and serve the community? Their partnership with Randy’s Towing is very similar to insider trading, placing business interests over the interests of the community as a whole in general. If the interests of the community is at heat, perhaps the City of Maricopa should purchase their own tow truck for impounds and donate the pro-ceeds to local children’s charities. The monies generated for a com-munity are not for City Employees to vote themselves in raises, or to purchase additional Police Vehicles for an already para-military size police force. Maricopa could use an ambulatory sub-station for emergency vehicles if the interests of the peopple are truly at heart. Why does it take multiple patrol units to pull over one vehicle? If officer safety is the concern, then they should be what are known as Bravo units which have 2 patrol officers per vehicle. In addition, GPS units should be purchased and managed by an outside agency for patrol vehicles, which monitor speeds, and directions of travel. Oilfield contractors do it for their vehicles to monitor whether or not their employees are abiding by the law. Law enforcement officers are not exempt from the law, that is a misconception. The exempt plate allows them to park in emergency parking areas during emergencies, and excludes their vehicles from smog regulation. If they are going to enforce the law, then they shall abide by it as well. Countless times in route to Santa Maria via 166 I must travel through Maricopa, and count-less times I have been passed at a high rate of speed by a Maricopa Police Vehicle, without lights or siren, and more often than not, not en route to a call for I would see them in town at the local ser-vice station. Does their illegal action of not abiding by the posted speed limit put the general public and potential families traveling at any less risk than that of a Joe average speeder? The common excuse that the ball hitch was obstructing the view of the license plate to pull a vehicle over is absurd. Then the Police Department should be taking that up with the Department of Transportation for allowing Manufacturers to place a ball hitch on vehicles bum-per in the first place shouldn’t they? But we all know its not about public safety, its about generating profitable revenue for the City, per the Chief of Police and the City Manager. This debate only

becomes old news and repetitive if the people of the community allow it to do so. The Maricopa Police Department says this new aggressive policing is in its infancy...which incurs that they plan for growth and an exceedingly large Police force. Concerns from citizens being ignored and fearing travel in their own towns is an outrage, it mirrors that of the Nazi Gestapo forcing their will upon the people.

Jason Swaim

Councilman Thompson Suing City of Taft, City Clerk Slow to Deliver His Document RequestBy Michael Long

According to undisclosed sources at Taft City Hall and a publi-cally posted closed city council session agenda, Taft City Council-man Cliff Thompson is suing the city for an undisclosed sum of money because the Taft City Clerk was to slow in repsonding to his request for public records. Thompson, who is seeking re-election to the Taft City Council this November, has brought a lawsuit against the city which was presented in closed session to the other 5 members of the council. Details of the suit are not yet public, but it has been suggested that the council will settle with Thompson who will receive be-tween $3,000 and $5,000 to pay his attorney fees. Some member of the the council are reportedly furious with Thompson over his “wasting” of taxpayer dollars in his attempt to embarass city staff. No councilmen would comment on Thompson’s lawsuit, except to confirm that the item was on the closed session city council agenda. Thompson has been in sometimes heated arguments with city staff over employee raises. According to city staff, Thompson has made numerous requests for public records, which some on the council suggest has has sought to prove city staff wrongdoing. City staff have confidentially told the Inependent that Thom-spon’s requests for public records, which must be provided with in 10 days of the request, have overwhelmed the city manager and city clerks office. The council will meet again in closed session to consider ap-proval of the proposed lawsuit settlement.

Page 5:

August 20 - 26, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 5

Taft vs. Bakersfield ALUMNI FOOTBALL GAMESaturday, October 23, 2010Interested players please contactLes Clark at 763-4246 or [email protected] is $100 per player

West Side Recreation Report

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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

by Stephanie House

SATURDAY SWIMSaturday, August 21Saturday, August 2811:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Admission: $2 per personNatatorium Swimming Pool, 821 4th Street, TaftChildren ages 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult during Open Swim sessions

INSTRUCTIONAL SOCCERWho: Ages 3-5When: Practices on Mondays, Games on SaturdaysSession: September 13 - October 9Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $25 per childRegistration deadline: September 2Kids will learn basic soccer skills with emphasis on fun and socialization with others their age.

NFL YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALLWho: Ages 6-10When: Practices on Tuesdays, Games on SaturdaysSemester: September 7 – October 16Where: ‘A’ Street ParkFee: $35 per personRegistration deadline: August 26This league teaches 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.

PUNT, PASS, KICK & CATCHWho: Ages 3-5When: Saturday MorningsTime: 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.Session: October 23 – November 20Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $25 per personRegistration deadline: October 14This instructional program is designed for boys and girls ages 3-5. Your kids will discover the joys of football without the contact. This program teaches the basics of the game, teamwork and fun.

GYMNASTICSWho: Grades K and olderWhen: Monday Evenings, beginning September 13Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $30 per month ($20 for each additional family member)Instructor: Suzanne Hale

DANCE CLASSESWho: Ages 3 and upWhen: Mondays and TuesdaysSeason: classes begin the week of September 13Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $20 per monthInstructor: Liz MillerParticipants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and ballet. There is also a Beginning Hip-Hop class. Please contact the District Office for class times.

LATE FEE POLICY When registering/paying for a program, a $5 late fee will be assessed for:* Classes not paid by the 10th of each month* Any registrations, including scholarship applications, received after the program registration dead-line. A more detailed copy of the Late Fee Policy is available on our website at www.wsrpd.com.

CHEERLEADINGGrades K-1Thursday Evenings4:30-5:00 p.m.Grades 2-3Thursday Evenings5:10-6:00 p.m.Session: September 16 – November 18 Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $30 per person *poms and shirts are available at an additional costInstructor: Brittney Odle

PRESCHOOLThe West Side Recreation & Park District’s Preschool program is now enrolling students for the upcoming 2010/2011 school year. Preschool Director is Nancy Buzzell and teachers are Rene Adamo and Stefany Ginn. Classes begin the week of August 23. The program is for children ages 3-5. Fees vary per class. As of now, there are still a few spaces available in both of the Tuesday/Thursday classes. We are also able to put your name on a waiting list for the other classes. For more information, please phone 763-4246 or send an email to [email protected]. Monday/Wednesday/Friday Class (4-5 year olds): 9:00-11:15 a.m.Tuesday/Thursday Classes (3-5 year olds): 9:00-10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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 3 and Saturday, December 4, 2010The District’s 32nd Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Community Center this De-cember. Vendor registration will begin Tuesday, August 31 in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. The fee is $40 per space. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or [email protected].

S.T.O.P.Strive to Optimize ParticipationWorking with schools, churches and other organizations on the Westside, we want to target disadvan-taged and disabled youth who may need a financial scholarship to participate in District programs. The S.T.O.P. Program enables youth who normally cannot participate in programs, a chance. A chance to be involved and take part in outstanding recreational opportunities. The West Side Rec-reation & Park District thrives on education, fosters human development and increases self-esteem. And with financial assistance from local companies such as Chevron and Synagro, is helping children become productive members of society and leaders of tomorrow, no matter what their circumstances. If you are the parent/guardian of a child who would benefit from a S.T.O.P. scholarship, or if you know of other potential children, please contact the District Office. The application process is simple – just complete a Youth Scholarship Application prior to program/activity registration deadlines. S.T.O.P. Scholarships may be used to pay for classes, sports programs, swim lessons and other youth activities that require pre-registration.

JR. HIGH DANCESaturday, September 117:30-10:00 p.m.Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, Taft. Grades 6-8 $3 per person ** drinks will be sold

EAGLE MTN. BUS TRIPMonday, September 67:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Bus leaves from Community Center$3 per person ** Ages 21 and olderCall 763-4246 to reserve a spot on the bus!

Page 6:

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 20 - 26, 2010

Westside News and 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 8-24-10 thru 8-28-10)

Tues.8-24-10Lunch

Tues.8-24-10DinnerWed.

8-25-10Lunch

Wed.8-25-10Dinner

Thurs.8-26-10Lunch

Thurs.8-26-10Dinner

Fri.8-27-10Dinner

Fri.8-27-10Lunch

Sat.8-28-10Dinner

Grilled Smoked Pork Loin with Potatoes & Corn

BBQ Beef RibsRoast New York

Sandwich

Prime Rib$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

Pork Chops

Charbroiled Chicken Burger

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

Braised Beef Shanks

$8.95

$9.95

$8.95

$8.95

$8.95

$10.95

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

$15.95/ $18.95

Whole Roasted Chicken with Vegetables

$12.95

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614 Center Street

$9.99Large

1 Item

Pizza

765-5311

“We Toss’em,They’re Awesome”

MARK YOUR CALENDARThe Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

Open 7 Days a WeekBreakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Full Bar - Restaurant - Catering - RV Parking Available

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

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

SpecialsAmerican and Mexican FoodExotic Crusine

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REYES CREEK BAR AND GRILLAT CAMP SCHEIDECK

WAR OF STATESATURDAY, AUGUST 21st

8:00 PM • FREE

Final Show

Taft Oilworker Monument Dedication Held Friday

The Taft Oilworker Committee and the Taft Chamber of Commerce has presently sold over 1200 bricks and close to 100 bronze plaques to help pay the cost of the Oilworkers Monument. The bricks are available in two sizes. A 4 X 8 brick for $100 and a 8 X 8 brick for $175. Bricks and plaques will be placed at the base of the monument and some plaques will be on the free standing walls surrounding the monument. Bricks and plaques will be available indefinitely and may be purchased in the future from the Taft Chamber of Com-merce at 400 Kern Street, or by calling 765-2165.

Taft Oilworker Monument Memorial Bricks Still For SaleLeft: Carolyn Hosk-ing, of the Oilworker’s Monument Committee and Cherie and Virgina Napoleon with memorial family bricks they pur-chased to be placed at the Oilworker’s Monument.

Right: Workers install personalized memorial bricks purchased to help support the creation of the Oilworker’s Monu-ment

Vic Killingsworth (left), Chairman of the Taft Oilwork-ers Monument Committee and Taft Mayor Dave Noerr, owner of Huddleston Crane which placed the 20,000 pound bronze oil derrick on the monument pedestal on Wednesday this week.

The Taft Oilworker Monument Committee marked a historic milestone Wednesday morning in their effort to honor local oilworkers by installing a nearly 40 foot tall, 20,000 pound bronze derrick on historic Supply Row. The committee gathered at the monument on Friday morning at 10 a.m. to dedicated the monument and recognize donors and supporters who helped finance the all-volunteer project. The derrick is the first of several bronze figures that will be placed on the monument platform before the unveiling of the monument on Friday, October 15th during Taft Oildorado Days. Monument committee members on Wednesday watched as Dave Noerr of Huddleston Crane directed two mobile cranes lift the two assembled portions of the derrick, each weighing approximately 3,900 pounds, and place each structure on stainless steel foundation plates where they will bolted onto the monument’s permanent foundation. Noeer was assisted by Warren Sauer of St. Louis Fabrication Arts who built the derrick from a design by monument artist Benjamin Victor.

The Taft Oilworkers Monument Committee dedicated the placement of the bronze oil derrick on Friday.

The derrick is the first of several sculpted bronze art figures from the $1 million monument to be installed, with a large bronze bull wheel and 3 human figures to installed in the next 2 months. After the derricked was placed on the monument platform of Wednesday, workers bolted the derrick to the already completed foundation which will serve as the monuments permanent home. The monument will be unveiled on Friday, October 15th at 10 a.m. during the Taft Oildorado Days festival.

Page 7:

August 20 - 26, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 7

Westside News and Business BriefsCity Council

CERTIFIED MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANJOHN SEEGER 661.204.2571

X-FactrCoolingInstallation

&Service

The Taft Oildorado Store Grand Opening to be held Saturday, Aug 21. Located on the first floor the historic Pioneer Mercan-tile, dozens of local businesses and volunteers have contributed hundreds of man hours in to the completion of the building. Many companies have donated products and services to make this an exciting store with lots of great amenities! The store will open at 10:00am with something unique to the oil fields. Instead of a ribbon cutting, there will be a PIPE CUT-TING by local welder Brian Jameson. The Posse, Wooden Nickel Gang and the Maids of the Petro-leum as well as the 2005 Maid of the Petroleum Queen, Kayla Hillygus will all be on hand. The Little Red Wagon and the Lions Club will be on hand selling all kinds of great food. Faststrip is sponsoring free coffee

Commemorative Oil-dorado Water now available for sale at the Oildorado Store

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By Kent Miller

The mood was pithy at Tuesday’s Taft City Council meeting, with the elected officials clashing over the need to audit two years of credit card purchases and certain California Department of Transportation projects. Councilmembers jumped into both sides of a debate on an agenda item “to discuss and consider retaining an auditor to review and verify backup documents and purpose of expenditures” for credit card purchases for Fiscal Years 2008-09 and 2009-10; and “to discuss and consider an audit of CalTrans work,” with a focus on 6th Street and Rails to Trails projects. The item was on the agenda at the request of Councilmembers Craig Noble and Cliff Thompson. Noble had sought information on the credit card purchases but felt he didn’t receive all of the statements, he said. The councilmember also questioned whether city reimburse-ment for the 6th Street and Rails to Trails projects was in jeopardy. “We need to be transparent,” Thompson said.City Manager Bob Gorson said, “It is prudent to see if resources are being fully used.” An audit showed that some CalTrans projects in Kern County were in danger of losing reimbursement – but that is not the case in Taft, Gorson said. Public Works Director Craig Jones said there has been a delay in filing for CalTrans reimbursement because the contractor has been slow in supplying the city with needed information. Concerning the credit card bills, City Finance Director Teresa Statler said: “The auditors do examine the credit card bills; they do it every year. They (the auditors) are back in house Oct. 4-8.”However, the city won’t get the audit report immediately. “We will get it (the report) by Dec. 31,” Statler said. “The audi-tors check to see that we are following procedures. “(Councilmembers) can meet with the auditors. They are open to meeting with them.” Councilmember Paul Linder questioned the wisdom of spend-ing “another $44,000 for a second audit” when the regular audit will start in less than two months. Thompson urged that the item at least be tabled until the next council meeting, but that motion lost with Noble and Thompson voting yes and Councilmembers Randy Miller and Linder, and Mayor Dave Noerr voting no. A motion opposing an audit then passed 3-to-2, with Noble and Thompson again on the losing side.

Change in grant writers The city has changed its grant writer. But it wasn’t without coun-

Continued on Page 9

Oildorado Store Grand Openingand there will all kinds of goodies to purchase including the debut of the 100th Anniversary Oildorado Dewars chocolate Chew with peanut butter filling. They will be available to purchase individually , or by the bag or box. Many items are still being made and shipped in daily. The store will be fully The store will feature the largest selection of merchandise ever assembled for Oildorado. Everything from a .05 piece of candy to a $200 limited edition clock and $125 shop stool will be available for purchase. There is even a special area to purchase snack treats and to relax. Be sure to check out our special Oildorado Anniver-sary edition bottled waters, Sandy Creek Private reserve and Center Street Cruisaliscious. The store will also have a special section dedicated to all things relating to the Oil Worker Monument. As Oildorado draws closer, they will host special events and Benjamin Victor, the artist chosen to sculpt the monument will be on hand demonstrating his sculpt-ing skills and interacting with store visitors and school children. Bricks will be sold from that location as well as Oil Worker souvenir merchandise. On Sunday, August 22, the store will play host to former Taft restauranteur Leonard Gentieu. He will be in the store starting at 11:30am with a live food cooking demonstration using products from his new line of spices. He will offering food samples of his new Madagascar Spice & Trading’s Wildwood Blends Pork & Poul-try Marinade and All Purpose Seasoning. He will be offering the chance to sign up to win a free cruise on his charter boat in Morrow Bay known as the Papa Gallo. The store is located at 430 Main Street and will be open from 10-5 each day and closed on Sunday. The store will open longer hours in October during Oildorado Days. For more information, contact : Eric Cooper, President, Taft Oildorado, Inc. at 661-747-2605 or email at [email protected]

Cindy Patterson attatches tags to polo shirts.

Mariah Melton, one of the Maids of Petroleum, affixes price tags to T-shirts in preparation for the store opening.

Taft Oildorado water available at Oildorado Store

Page 8:

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 20 - 26, 2010

TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

Pastor Cindy BrettschneiderSunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM

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

Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley DriveWe invite you to join us

each week as we worship

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

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

Bible StudyThursday Nights 7 p.m.

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

Lighthouse Foursquare Church210 Harrison Street 763-1518

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

Sunday Service 10 AMPastors Mark and Kathy Fitzsimmons

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

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Special Father’s Day Service and 4th Annual Car Show.

Sunday, June 20thBring your HotRods, Pickups, and

Motorcycles. 10:00 am Morning Service

with BBQ following

Jennifer, Charlie, and Angie Dedicated • Professional • Experienced

All Are Licensed Funeral Directors

The Trusted Name Since 1939

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street

765-7472 www.nlctaft.org

UTURN Youth GroupTuesday 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

At The Spot, 201 Harrison Street

Sunday Service at 10:00AM

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

Fat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

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

Immaculate Conception Parish

Mass Saturday 7pmSunday 9am

Everyone WelcomeDeacon Ricardo Barragan

Weddings - BaptismsQuinceañeras

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

1150 4th Street • Taft

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

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TAFT GRAVESIDE SERVICE

The CA. Dept. of Consumer Affairs Suggests:“Compare Prices and Services”

West Side Memorial ServicesPorteous Family

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 8:30 a.m. led by Pastor

Jim Beilstein. Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays

Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m.Wednesday Evening at 6:30 is our mid-week Bible study.

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

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by Randy [email protected]

Hi Everyone,

Well the day has finally arrived. If you drive by the site of the Oil Workers Monument, for you that live on another planet, it’s located at 6th and Supply Row, the derrick portion of the monument went up this past Wednesday

morning. What a site it was; two huge Huddleston Cranes lifting the sections up and gently placing them on their supports while workers were lifted to secure the cross beams in place. It was welded in place on their footings and it is all secure. There are more pieces that are coming soon to finish it out to resemble a work-ing oil rig from the 1910’s. The three cast bronze figures will be the last pieces to be put in place for the unveiling on Oct 15th , the start of the Taft’s Oildorado Days Celebration. We expect to have around a 1,000 people that day to attend the luncheon afterwards. When you look at the monument remember that it is a piece of art, the vision of the artist, the rig reaching to the sky; there will be no crown added to the derrick.Charlie Beard and his company, General Production Service, has been a driving force behind this project that started four years ago. He told me that the original design for the monument called for a height of 34 feet but it needed to be a tad taller to garner bragging rights as the tallest (biggest, baddest my words) bronze work of art, atleast in California. So, with the artist’s permission they designed and added on another 6 feet. There we will have it, a reason for many people want-ing to travel down the Petroleum Highway to come to Taft to visit and admire our all bronze monument to the men and women who have served in a great industry since the turn of the century. Maybe while they are here, they’ll wander down the Rails to Trails to visit the West Kern Oil Museum. Then maybe they’ll go check out Historic Downtown Taft and maybe get something to eat or buy a souvenir. Then maybe they’ll go check out the Chamber of Commerce who can give them information and directions to our other sites like: the Historic Fort, Carrizo Plains, Tule Elk Preserve, Wind Wolf Preserve, Honolulu Hills Raceway, and they can go jump out of a perfectly good plane at Sky Dive Taft at the Taft Airport. The Chamber is also working on bragging rights as the nearest City to the San Andreas Fault. If anyone says there is nothing to do or see in Taft, now you know the rest of the story. We are a destination city. They can even stay the night.There have been many donors to help the monument committee to fulfill this dream. Over a million dollars was raised, in Taft ?? You betcha !! It was a good project from its inception and it will be a lasting legacy for this community for far longer than any one of us who will still be around. But not everyone shares the same pride of accomplishment that most of us do. In fact, there are some, who see it as a target to destroy or to leave their ugly marks or scars to defile what many have worked so hard to bring to this community. Already, cameras have caught two skateboarders climbing the fence doing their best to leave their mark on the monument. Unfortunately for them, the police know who they are because the cameras who caught them are very high tech and provide clear images even in low light conditions. They will be arrested for vandalism and trespass and if there is any damage, the City will pursue them or their parents for monetary damages what the full extent of the law will allow. Our local court and judge is ready to throw the book at anyone who is caught. So you idiots out there you are fore-warned. The monument and the Trail will be monitored 24 hours a day but it will still take you and your phone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. As a matter of fact, the two thugs caught on tape also could be seen calling a passerby some names and using vile language as the passerby was calling 911. Try to destroy City property; expect to go to jail and provide restitution and have your name announced in the local newspapers for all to see. Don’t allow your monument to be a target. There are 1200 bricks, with inscriptions on them honoring their love ones who worked in the oil industry, that have arrived and will be installed. The bronze plaques are coming for the major donors that will also be installed on the walls surrounding the monument. If you should want to be a part of this project by purchasing a brick or a plaque, contact the Chamber for details and forms. Where else will your name or names of your family or the history of your family be im-mortalized when you are long gone except at a cemetery somewhere?? Buy a Brick !! By the way, if you see Vic Killingsworth out and about, he’s the guy who came up with the idea and has carried it through. A big thanks and a pat on the back is due him and his committee. See you at the Oildorado Store. Drop by and get yourself a souvenir before the hordes that are coming in October snatch them all up.Randy

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Page 9:

August 20 - 26, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 9

Westside Horoscopesby Jessy McCulloch

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WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday

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Business Briefs

FE# 1220

W e b s i t e R o u n d U p

Aries (March 21-April 19): There are some problems that need to be faced by you and now. Ignoring them won’t make them go away; in fact they’ll only get worse.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): You have a lot of extra energy this week and, happily, plenty at which to direct it. Don’t waste a single minute.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): You can’t help but attract attention this week, but be careful that it’s the kind of attention you want. Don’t subscribe to the “any press is good press” mentality.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): Don’t worry about interfering this week, as your help is sorely needed and will gladly be accepted. Only be careful not to let your helping hands get too high-handed.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): It’s understandable that you’re rather frightened, but having said that there’s really nothing to be afraid of. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): The winds of change are blast-ing through your life this week. Nothing will look the same when they’re done, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Libra (September 23-October 22): Manual labor will do your soul a lot of good this week, so roll your sleeves up and dig in.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): Letting go of a bit of that iron-fisted self control could do quite a lot of good for you. You’d be surprised how much you can learn by just relaxing a little.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): As long as your health cooperates, it would be worth the travel to see a loved one this week. They’d like nothing more than for you to just be there.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): It’s one thing to change your mind; it’s another to do it so often that no one can possibly have any hope of keeping up with you.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): Frustration has been snapping up every last drop of your energy lately. This will be the perfect week to recharge your batteries though.

Pisces (February 20-March 20): If you don’t like the direction your professional life is taking, then grab the wheel and change course. Don’t be so content to be a passenger to your own life.

If your birthday is this week: If you feel badly about something, there’s no time like the present for squaring your shoulders and apologizing. It’s not enough for people to know you’re sorry. You need to actually say the words and they need to actually hear them. It’s the only hope to repair the damage caused.

cilmember comment.The council voted 5-to-0 to cancelled a contract with California Consulting for services, including lobbying and assistance with grant writing. “In recent months, staff has encountered problems with the inexperienced staff at California Consulting both with the quality of grant writing and errors,” Grant Administrator Lucille Holt informed the council. In the last three months, two grant applications totaling more than $1.2 million were submitted late due to errors by California Consulting and so disqualified, Holt said. “Last week, one application for $500,000 was not submitted despite numerous calls, e-mails and faxes,” she said. “(City) staff was given the explanation that the grant writers, despite staff calls, just didn’t understand the grant requirements. “Staff spoke with (owner) Steve Samuelian on the phone and mutual agreement for an immediate cancellation of the contract plus the waiver of July and August charges (was reached).” Councilman Thompson, while supporting the cancellation of the contract, questioned whether city staff can cancel a contract.“Only the council can cancel a contract,” he said. Gorson pointed out that he, Mayor Noerr and Holt had dis-cussed the problem and the sending of a letter of contract cancella-tion before council action was taken.

City Council Continued from Page 7 Later in the meeting, the council approved a temporary contract for grant-writing services with Passantino Andersen Communica-tions, LLC. The cost would be the same as that with California Consulting and would only last one or two months until a stan-dard contract for the services with Passantino or another firm was approved.

In other actionsTuesday evening the council approved:* The use of city-owned residential lots for affordable housing in the City of Taft Housing Programs. Ten properties were listed in connection with the resolution: 155 Center St.; 324 Kern St.; 418 Lucard St.; 418 North St.; 230, 324 ½, 613 and 723 San Emidio St.; 619 Woodrow St.; and 416 6th St. Councilman Thompson approved of the actions by city staff but asked if purchase of each property was approved by the council. Holt said that she would have to check on one or two of the properties and would get back to the council with the answer.* A memorandum of understanding between Taft Police Depart-ment and Kern County Sheriff ’s Department for the RUOK System program to monitor the welfare of residents in the unin-corporated areas near the vicinity of the city limits of Taft. RUOK is a free, computer-operated telephoning system to check-on and assist the elderly, shut-ins and others should they need emergency physical assistance in their homes. * Use of the building at 201 Supply Road by the Oildorado Com-mittee for various activities during Oildorado, including an art show by Taft Art Council.* Closure of the 400 block of Center Street from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday for the filming by Green River Sales Inc. of a portion of the motion picture “Dave’s Story.”

BLM Plans Oil and Gas Competitive Lease Auction The Bureau of Land Management will conduct an auction of oil and gas leases on federal land on Sept. 8 at the Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield. The room will open at 8 a.m. to allow bidders to register and obtain a bid number. The competitive oral auc-tion will begin at 9 a.m. The competitive lease auction involves 12 parcels for a total of 4,205.19 of public lands in Kern County. A detailed notice of the lease auction with parcel descriptions, acreage, lease terms and conditions, oral bidding procedures and requir ments, and other sale information is available on the Internet at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/energy/og/instructions/leasesale.html. If you are not able to access this site, copies of the Lease Sale Notice will be available at the California BLM State Office and the BLM Bakersfield Field Office for $5. BLM is required by law to periodically offer federal land for lease for oil and gas exploration and development. The oil and gas in-dustry is encouraged to submit an "expression of interest" for federal land parcels in California that have potential for development. An “expression of interest” is a letter or a form listing the legal description of lands an individual or company is interested in seeing offered for lease. For those lands that are split-estate, please provide the surface ownership (name and address) in your expression of interest. Expressions of interest to be included in the September 2011 lease auction should be sent to the BLM, Attention: Laurie Moore, 2800 Cottage Way Suite W-1618, Sacramento, Calif. 95825 no later than Nov. 3, 2010. For questions regarding the Sept. 8 lease auction or to obtain a form to submit an expression of interest, contact Laurie Moore at (916) 978-4377 or Nora DeDios at the BLM Bakersfield Field Office, (661) 391-6129.

Page 10:

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 20 - 26, 2010

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.

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.

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

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

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

We fix computers, laptops, PDAs

and cell phones. TaftPCServices.com.

623-5188.

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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 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.

Moving Sale. Saturday Aug. 21st. 7am-1pm 107 Polk St. Everything must go!

Yard Sale Saturday 7-? 105 Polk Street. Furniture, Little Tikes, misc. items

211 Adams St. Aug. 21 & 22.yard sale and bake sale 7am-? Lots of stuff

11761 Wildharber Street. Fri-Sun. 8 a.m. to 5p.m.

Yard Sale. Sat. 7am-? 923 2nd St. Alley entrance. t.v., carpet shampooer, 10 speed bike, golf clubs.

Huge Yard Sale. 116 North Street in the back. Saturday and Sunday 6am-? Tools, camping stuff, and hosehold items.

Yard Sale Saturday 7am-noon. 308 E. Woodrow, alley entrance

Garage Sale. Second time around everything must go, priced to sell! Sat. only 7am-? 334 Pine Dr. use alley entrance. A few new items!

Yard Sale Saturday and Sunday Aug 21 & 22. 503 Van Buren Street. 8am-2pm

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

NEED TO BRING PHONE NUMBERS

AND ADDRESSES OF PREVIOUS

EMPLOYERS WHEN COMING TO APPLY, WE CHECK REFERENCES

IF COMPANY IS CLOSED WE WILL NEED ONE OF THE LAST CHECK

STUBS

For more information call: (661) 721-1900

Apply at 1426 High St. Unit A Delano CA. 93215. Exit Cecil Ave off the 99 FWY going North. Make

a left on High St - We are next to Autozone

TAFT COLLEGE

CAREER EXPLORATION

PATHWAY ADVISOR

For a complete job description and

application forms you can access the college’s website

at www.taftcollege.edu. DEADLINE FOR

FILING: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 4:00

p.m. EOE

DAYCARECHILDCARE

EOEBUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

week as of 1-29-10 CARPET AND

FLOORINGCARPET/HARD

FLOORING REPAIRNo job too small.

Call Jeff 623-5421 or 765-4676.

WANTEDJunk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

FOR SALETwo old Victor and Diebold floor Safes. 3 1/3 foot fall and 4 foot tall - heavy safes. Combinaton type. 765-6550.

GE Large Capacity Washer and Electric Dryer in good condition. $250 for set. Contact 763-5919 after 5pm.

FOUND PETS

Found small golden brown dog, male, neutered. Found near Shasta and Hillard Street. 763-3858 or 444-8795

AUTOMOBILES2008 CANAM Spyder. Prem. ed. 1,100 miles. $12,600. 765-5566 or 805-3780

PERSONALS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

04417057661-577-7136

PROPERTY FOR RENT

230 center streetbusiness office space for rent 4000 sq. foot. retail or restaurant 661-343-0507

HOUSE FOR SALE

2 small homes, 1 small price! 1/1, walk in closet & 1/1 rental/storage $17K. 661-343-7267.

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

Purchase

HOMES FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

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

FOR RENT315 7th St. 1/1603 Fillmore St. 2/1504 Lucard St. 3/1704 Phillippine St. 2/1127 Franklin St. 3/1Other Rental Properties Available!

FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!218 Suzanne 4/1.75

Affordable Rents

We’ve Got em!

completely remodeled!400 Buchanan 3/1.75 well cared for!Contact us for details and a complete list of homes for Sale!--------------------------------

MARK KING

- 115 Kern Street$690/Month. Convenient Downtown Location 2/1 + Small Office. Large Living Room, Indoor Laundry Hook-Ups New Interior Paint. Huge Yard (Double Lot) Available Now. - 509 4th Street $690/Mo. 2 Bedroom House, Indoor Laundry Hook-ups, Water Incl, Huge, Fully fenced Yard Avail. Aug. 1st. - 515 4th St 1Bd 1 Bath w/laundry hookups, huge yard, 550/mo. incl. water. Avail. now.- 107 Pierce VERY nice 2/1 on a big Ford City lot. Huge living room, covered front porch, maintained lawns front and back, fully fenced, pets ok. W&D hook ups in covered back porch. Avail. now. $825 mo. + dep. for information, contact Mark King at (805)689-4122__________________

325 Lierly 800/mo plus desposit, 2+1 + den, dining room, lg. liv. rm. breakfast room, call Eddie 818-585-9796

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

Very clean. 1 bd. house.$475 mo. 319 1/2 North Street. 661-623-5188

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

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

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

2/1+ office Taft Hgt, clean, no smoking, fully applianced, $1000mo + $1000sec. dep. Avail. now, 706-2509

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

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

Taft Community Garden Raised Garden Beds for Rent. Partial Scholarships

available. Call Kathy Johnson

770-7202

Gardeners Wanted

410 Buchanan st. 3 bd, 1 bath. $1000 month + $500 dep 661-765-7701

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

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

Imperial Gardens. 2 and 1 bd. rm. avail. Comes w/stove, dishwasker and refrig. Pool and manager on site. Water, sewer and trash incl. 661.300-1616.

MOBILE HOME FOR RENT

West Kern Water DistrictNotice Inviting Bids

Notice is hereby given that West Kern Water District hereby invites sealed bid proposals for

the following:

Janitorial Services for the District Office and Warehouse located at 800 Kern St., Taft. A Re-quest for Proposal is available for pickup at the

District Office.

Sealed proposals or bids should be delivered to the District Office on or before August 31,

2010 at 2pm at 800 Kern Street, Taft CA 93268. Representatives of the District will at said time publicly open, examine and declare said bids.

Note: A mandatory job walk will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 2:00pm at the

District office located at 800 Kern Street, Taft. All prospective bidders must be present in order

to receive consideration for the bid.

Yard MaintenanceResidential and Commercial

Over 10 Year Busines in Taft

Urias Gardening Service

(661) 293-0219 or (661) 577-7891

V I S I T W W W . T A F T I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

Advertise withthe Taft

Independent!

CallToday!

765-6550

Page 11:

August 20 - 26, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 11

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

1001000

Better teen driving,bigger discounts.

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

Check out our Steer Clear® Program.

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

CALL ME TODAY.

Kathy Herm, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 0749871

1018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268

Bus: 661-763-4300

ADVERTISE WITH THE TAFT INDEPENDENT (661)765-6550 OFFICE • Email us at: [email protected]

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

Visit our website for more information: www.shawswesternshop.com

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

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

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

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

www.edherrerainsurance.com

Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios

Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public

NuestroPersonalAmable

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 Repair

Restrictions Apply

* must present ad at time of service

1/2 offDiagnostics

western shop & PET SUPPLY

New Lower Prices!Same Superior Nutrition!

On Science Diet Products

The Taft IndependentBest of Taft 2010

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 2010.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 2010 Best Pizza_____________________________________________________

Best Mexican Restaurant ________________________________________

Best Salsa_____________________________________________________

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 Weekend Getaway (Within 50 miles of Taft) _____________________

Best Tourist Destination (What brings people to Taft)__________________

Best Facebook Page (Taft Person or Organization)_____________________

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 1st, 2010 WINNERS will be announced on Friday, October 8th, 2010 in our Special Oildorado Issue.

Page 12:

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 20 - 26, 2010

430 MAIN STREET

• LIONS BBQ • FREE FASTRIP COFFEE • LITTLE RED WAGON • SPICE SAMPLES •

Pipe Cutting Ceremony Saturday at 10Store Previews Saturday & Sunday 10 to 5

<GRAND OPENING>OILDORADO STORE

Meet the 2010 Maids of Petroleum & 2005 Queen Kayla Hillygus

Saturday, August 21st

Appearances by Sheriff Billy White and his Posse and The Wooden Nickel Gang