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August 27 - 2, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 9www.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]

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1018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268

Bus: 661-763-4300

Become A Fan Of The Taft Independent

Remember to vote for Best of Taft 2010Ballot Inside

Ventucopa’s ‘The Place’ CelebratesThree Years This Weekend

By Jessica G. Miller

Meet the New Teachers at Taft Union High School

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 27 - 2, 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

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

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

Males & Females Needed!

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:

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* 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

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

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

(661)745-4913

Personal StyleFamily Boutique

Come See Our New Changes!Bigger Boutique

Kids Room •Juniors Room Mens Corner

Clearance Room

Your One Stop Shop for the Entire Family

423 & 421 Center Street • 763-3527Watch for our Grand Opening!

August 27 - 2, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Community Events........3

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

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

The Place Anniversary.....................5

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

New Teachers at TUHS ................................7

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

Westside Horoscopes.....9

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

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

Best of Taft Ballot........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”

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.

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.

Taft High Hosts Back to School Night Taft Union High School officials are inviting parents and community mem-bers to join them for a free hot dog barbecue as partners in educating students at Back-to-School Night on Monday, Aug. 30. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the quad. The school band will perform from 6 to 6:25 as parents eat dinner in the quad. Associated Student Body students will serve as guides and also will provide childcare in the cafeteria for children old enough to walk. At 6:25 p.m., Superintendent/Principal Mark Richardson will welcome parents, introduce school board members and give an overview of the evening’s events during a five-minute orientation. “We want to emphasize that parents are our partners in education and give them a chance to see what their children are doing at school. They will get to see the positive accomplishments of their children,” Superintendent Richardson explained. The format is designed to make the school more open to parents so they feel comfortable. “We want parents and guardians to be involved in their child’s education. Without their help, the education of the child cannot happen to the fullest extent.” The week beginning Aug. 30 has been designated MyCats Week by school officials and parents will have access to the library from 6 to 8 and may sign up for a MyCats account. A Verification Pass Code or VPC code was mailed home Monday, Aug. 23. The account allows parents to check their child’s grades. From 6:30 to 8:10, the evening will follow the traditional format where parents follow their child’s class schedule from Period 1 through 7. Each class visitation with teachers will last 10 minutes. Passing periods are five minutes each. Period 1 will be from 6:30 to 6:40; Period 2 from 6:45 to 6:55; Period 3 from 7 to 7:10; Period 4 from 7:15 to 7:25; Period 5 from 7:30 to 7:40; Period 6 from 7:45 to 7:55; and Period 7 from 8 to 8:10. Teachers will provide a course overview including expectations, goals and objectives, textbook and materials, and grading and homework policy. Parents with specific questions about students are asked to contact the Guidance Center in the main administration building to make an appointment. Counselors will be available in the Guidance Center.

On Thursdays, students will start school at 8:30 instead of 7:45. Planning days continue every Thursday through Dec. 3, except for Veterans Day Nov. 11 and Thanksgiving Day holiday on Nov. 25. A regular bell schedule will be held on Dec. 9 because it is “dead week” where activities are “dead “ prior to finals week. A finals schedule will be in effect on Dec. 15-17. Planning days will resume every Thursday from Jan. 6 through May 24, 2011, except for spring break April 18-22, state-required testing March 31 and April 7 and 14, and “dead week” May 26.

Mc Kittrick Hotel Restaurant Closed by Health Department

The McKittrick Hotel Restaurant was closed last Thursday by Kern County Environmental Health after a formal complaint was filed with the health depart-ment. According to Donna Fenton of Kern County Environmental Health, the restaurant was closed after county health inspectors found rodent and cockroach infestation in the popular local restaurant. “We found significant health reasons to close the facility,” Fenton said. Fenton said that significant roach and rodent infestation were observed by inspectors and that the restaurant was ordered closed on Thursday, August 19th. Restaurant owner Mike Moore blamed a former pest control company for not taking care of the problem. “We have hired Eco Lab Pest Control, the best pest control company in the business, and they are working on the problem,” said Moore. Moore said they had been working for 7 days to clean up the infestation prob-lem and planned to have the county inspect the restaurant on Friday and open for business following the inspection. Fenton said that Moore was working “very hard” to get the restaurant ready for inspection and reopening.

TUHS Planning Days Resume Every Thursday

By Kent Miller Maricopa’s interim police chief, Derek W. Merritt, has extensive education and experience in law enforcement dating back to his days as a Police Explorer and then a police cadet with the Irwindale Police Department in Los Angeles County. Merritt spend five years with the Police Explorer program and then three-and-a-half-years as a cadet. Then came two-and-a-half-years as a reserve officer with West Covina Police Department. In September 1995, Merritt started a nearly 14-year association with El Monte Police Department as a full-time officer. He served as a patrol officer, motor officer/major accident investigator, and detective covering such areas as property crimes grand theft auto, special investigations and selective enforcement.Assignments along the way included senior officer/field training officer, supervi-sor – school enforcement/traffic safety officer and bicycle enforcement team member. So, what enticed a veteran officer from a medium-sized city in Southern Cali-fornia to come to one of the smallest cities in the state? “The sergeant’s position,” Merritt said. “It was an open position and the de-partment I was working for (El Monte Police Department) was laying off. “They laid-off 17 officers and lost 23 positions due to attrition. I didn’t see the opportunity (in El Monte) to be promoted in the near future.” The interim chief, whom will be promoted to chief at the September Maricopa City Council meeting, has been aggressive in advancing his career in law enforce-ment. Since September 2002, Merritt has been part of the faculty at Rio Hondo (College) Police Academy. He manages the Emergency Vehicle Operations and Law Enforcement Driving Simulators for the academy, Merritt said. He also is a classroom instructor.Since February 2004, Merritt has served on the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Along the way, he has attended Citrus, Golden West and Rio Hondo commu-nity colleges, earning a total of 88 units in administration of justice and general education; and is working toward a bachelor of vocational education in criminal justice at California State University, Long Beach. Merritt also has Basic, Inter-mediate and Advanced POST certificates.

Learn all aspects “As a police officer, my intention was to work as many assignments as possible early in my career,” Merritt said. “(That would) afford me the opportunity to learn all the aspects of the department and help me understand how to supervise and manage the department. “In every assignment and position I entered I was able to take the position further than was expected of me and developed standard operating procedures and policies to help move the department forward.”

Maricopa Police Chief, Derek W. Merritt Profile

Continued on page 4


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.

765-6915

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

-The Expendables-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 is CANCELLED for Friday, August 27th and will return

September 10th and will be every Friday to fill spots for for the

Contest during OildoradoDon’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

CITY OF TAFTREQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FORFEDERALLY AND STATE FUNDED HIGHWAY

PROJECTS

The City of Taft (the Agency) requests sealed Statements of Qualifications for Professional Services for services associated with State and Federally funded highway projects

The scope of this proposal will be to assist the City of Taft in all aspects of the projects, including but not limited to design plans; CEQA/NEPA coordination or compliance documentation; State and Federal grant sub-mittals as required, Design, Planning, Construction Drawings, General Contractor bidding /selection and Construction Engineering.

Any firm selected must demonstrate experience in providing professional services, and must be exceptionally capable of producing the desired services in a highly professional and cost-conscious manner.

The contract term is anticipated to be a 3-year period beginning October 4, 2010 and concluding September, 31 2013. This timeline may be extended.

Final Proposals can be mailed or hand delivered but regardless of the post-mark date, must be received by the Agency by 3 PM September 20, 2010. Electronic transmission either by fax or email will NOT be accepted.

Any questions or requests for clarification about this RFQ must be sub-mitted in writing to Craig Jones, Public Works Manager at (661) 765-2480 fax or [email protected].

A full copy of this RFQ can be obtained at:City of Taft209 E. Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268(661) 763-1222 ph

In July 2009, Merritt left El Monte for Maricopa where he joined a five-member department as a sergeant, second in command behind the police chief.One of the five officers served as a part-time patrol officer and part-time animal control officer, Merritt said. “We covered the city with one officer from 7 a.m. to midnight and covered on-call from midnight to 7 a.m. – unpaid,” he said. “As a sergeant, I started the Reserve Officer Program and began to hire reserve officers to fill in shifts and ride with officers to give more coverage and provide two officers at night (2 p.m. to midnight). “I started a Citizens on Patrol to assist with crossing guard du-ties and provide additional patrol and visibility.”He has no immediate plans for any change with the department. “We will continue to go the way we are going now,” Merritt said. “I know there is a lot of controversy but we are comparable to larger cities. “We issue about 6.4 citations a day, or one ticket a day per officer on duty (four); and two impounds a day, divided by four officers on duty. It is less than one impound per officer, per day. “All we are doing is general police work.” The budget problem the city faces is the main negative he faces. “The lack of funds,” Merritt said. “At one time Maricopa could fund six full-time positions. Now we have just two. And I don’t make anywhere near what the previous chief made.” That has lead to what he sees as the major positive for the department: bringing in reserve officers to do the job for free or at a very reduced cost to the city. “I have so many guys who want to volunteer their time, so many officers who want to put in their time,” he said

Below budgetThe department budget then and now is $300,000.“And I am far below my budget,” Merritt said. As interim police chief since January, he has “continued this effort of community assistance” by hiring additional Citizens on Patrol officers and starting the Maricopa Police Explorer Program, Merritt said. The nine volunteer Citizens on Patrol officers work during the day shift in the Police Department and City Hall lobby, handle records and court filings and patrol the city. In the afternoons, the eight Police Explorers assist with customer service in the depart-ment. “Our budget became a major concern and I was requested to not fill open police officer positions,” Merritt said. “This left us with two full-time paid employees. “I hired and trained additional reserve officers. We currently have 20 reserve officers, one full-time sergeant and myself. We cover 24 hours a day and have two officers on duty per shift.”

Questions, answers In the past several weeks, some Maricopa residents have contacted The Taft Independent with questions, concerns and complaints about their police department. Some of the comments regarded traffic citations that the individuals felt they should not have been given because they “were not speeding,” “stopped for

Maricopa Continued from page 3

Maricopa Continued on page 9

BEST OF TAFT BALLOT ON

PAGE 11

VOTE TODAY!!

BLM Advisory Council Plans Meeting in Coalinga

Land management issues for Central California will be on the agenda when the Bureau of Land Management’s Central California Resource Advisory Council meets in Coalinga on Sept. 17-18. The RAC will meet Sept. 17 at Harris Ranch, 24505 West Dorris Ave. in Coalinga beginning at 9 a.m. Time for public comment is reserved from 11 a.m. to noon. Agenda items include resource man-agement plans for the Carrizo Plain National Monument and BLM’s Bakersfield Field Office, an update of statewide BLM issues, and reports from BLM Central California managers. On Sept. 18, RAC members will tour lands managed by BLM’s Hollister Field Office west of Interstate 5. The meeting and tour are open to the public, but individuals who wish to attend the tour must provide their own vehicles, food and water. The 12-member council, one of 24 such advisory councils in the western states, is comprised of members who represent broad natural resource interests including livestock grazing, environmental groups, recreation, wild horse and burro management, history and archaeol-ogy, the academic sector, local government and the public at large.


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!

Ventucopa’s ‘The Place’ Celebrates 3 Years This Saturday Night

Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the end of summer vacation.This year, Labor Day weekend will also mark the end of a Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza outlet in Taft.Rigo and Lidia Llamas, who have operated a Papa Murphy’s store at 1107 Kern St., Suite 12, in Taft since October 2002 have decided to close the Westside store. The Llamas will continue to operate a store at 3705 Columbus St. in Bakersfield, which they opened in 1999; and they are adding an outlet at 3900 Niles Ave. in Bakersfield. “Due to a significant remodeling investment that Papa Murphy’s International will require and the current sales level, it does not make financial sense to keep the Taft store open,” Rigo Llamas said. “We want to thank our customers, ... to show our appreciation. Come on over and visit us in our new location in Bakersfield. When you come in, let us know that you are one of our former Taft customers.

The Place, located in Ventucopa, is a haven for Cuyama Valley residents, movie crews, hunters and motorcycle riders and it’s also a place where some of the best barbeque on the Westside can be found. This weekend the restaurant is set to celebrate their third anniversary Owners, Vicki and Alick, took over The Place in 2007 after Taft Independent publisher, Michael Long, informed Vicki that the previous owners of the restaurant had it up for sale. Vicki had al-ready been in the restaurant business for nearly twenty years before deciding to run her own place (no pun intended). Having worked at the Buckhorn in New Cuyama for many years, she built a great rapport with the locals and amassed talent and a passion for baking cinnamon rolls and pies. The Buckhorn is also where she met her husband and business partner, Alick. “He was a once a week regular and he was always friendly,” Vicki explained. “We always talked. He was like a friend you saw once a week.” One day, after their weekly chat, Alick called the restaurant to speak with Vicki and the rest is history. “I finally found someone to take me fishing,” Vicki said. When the pair decided to take over The Place, they kept things mostly the same. “We didn’t want to change the name,” Vicki said. “If you change the name, everything else changes. People like to come back and remember the good times they have shared here at The Place.” However, of the old menu, only the old restaurant’s sig-nature burger, The Place Burger, remains. The rest of the revamped menu consists of recipes brought in by Vicki and Alick, many of which were influenced by the cuisine at The Buckhorn. While Vicki bakes all of the infamous homemade pies, like the 130 pies she made for the Taft Crude Coffee House last year at Thanksgiving, Alick mans the outdoor barbecue, grilling the irresistible barbecue that The Place is known for. “I don’t want to work with anyone else,” Vicki said. “We are there when we need a shoulder to cry on.” Vicki and Alick’s restaurant may be located in a very isolated area, but they have built a positive reputation for themselves with their icy cold beer, the Elk Burger and Buffalo Burger. “People love it,” she said. “They keep coming back for it.”The Place is also known for their comfortable and quaint family atmosphere where everyone is on a first name basis. “It feels like

by Jessica G. Miller

coming home. You are greeted when you get here and we treat you like family…sometimes worse,” Vicki said with a laugh. “You can laugh out loud at the top of your lungs. It’s a good time.”For their third anniversary, The Place will be holding a celebration on Saturday, August 28 featuring live music and Prime Rib carved and cooked and ready to order. Vicki encourages everyone to “come out, listen to music, dance, have some homemade desserts and have a good time.”

Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza Says Goodbye to Taft After 8 YearsBy Kent Miller

“Thank you very much ... as much appreciation as we can give the community for their eight years of support.”Rigo and Lidia have a long association with the fast-food industry. Originally from the San Gabriel Valley area in Los Angeles County, Rigo went from Southern California to Denver, Colo., with McDonald’s, then to upstate New York then back to Illinois and McDonald’s Hamburger University in Oakbrook. Then it was back to Denver, to Seattle and a return to Southern California in 1985. Lidia is a naturalized American citizen from Mexico. She worked in Santa Maria, Sacramento and in Denver, where they met. Leaving McDonald’s, they joined Pepsico (later to become Yum Brands) and were there until joining Papa Murphy’s in 1999.Rigo and Lidia have many fond memories of their eight years in Taft. “We really appreciate the staff we have worked with, a lot of great young people,” they said. “We have had a great experience with the young people who have worked with us over the years and the community organizations we have worked with.” They mentioned former staff members Richard Gatewood, who is now serving in the Marines in Virginia. His dad is a teacher at Taft High school. “Richard was here for three-and-a-half years before going into the military,” Rigo said. “He was quite a customer draw, being know from high school and college and going into the military.” The Figueroa family was also prominent with Papa Murphy’s.“Rebecca Figueroa, who is now with the clinic in Taft, joined us at 16 while in high school,” he said. “Her sister, Lupe, worked for us. She is now a staff member at Taft college. “Lupe was one of our first staff members with her sisters, Maria and Rebecca, and for a short time their mother, Sabina.” All four didn’t work at the store at the same time, Rigo said. But the three sisters were all employees of the store at the same time for awhile, he said.

“Thank you very much ... as much appreciation as we can give the community for their eight years of support.”

- Rigo and Lidia Llamas


The Taft Camera Club has recently concluded its three months of summer photo programs with three creative mem-ber presentations. In recapping the summer, presiding of-ficer, Barbara Wheeler, observed, “It has been a very successful summer with three outstanding member image presenta-tions of selected themes and with the addition of

three new members.” Beginning with the “Curves” theme in June and “Landscapes/Seascapes” in July and finally “Lone Tree” in August, the three show-and-tell programs provided an opportunity for member comment. The club also enjoyed member showcase programs featuring patriotic themes and photo shoots at the college library and a local church. The club will return to its fall schedule in September with a competition and a member show-and-tell. Members will compete in both print and digital image categories and then will participate in a “Nite Lites” member show-and-tell where they will comment on how they were able to produce challenging night scene images of lights or images illuminated by night lights. The October meeting of the club promises to be both interest-

ing and challenging as members establish that the viewfinder is the most important component of the camera by contributing 15 repeat theme images of “Curves,” “Landscapes/Sea-scapes.” “Lone Trees,” and “Nite Lites” that they have taken with an inexpensive disposable camera – forcing the members to utilize their photographic skills in a very low-tech way. The Taft Camera Club

returns to its regular fall schedule at 7:00 on September 14th with the door open at 6:15. The club will meet the second Tuesday of every month at the Chevron Valley Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St. Visitors are always welcome.

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 8-31-10 thru 9-4-10)

Tues.8-31-10Lunch

Tues.8-31-10DinnerWed.9-1-10Lunch

Wed.9-1-10Dinner

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This fall, the city of Maricopa will welcome two new businesses. Westside Guns, owned by Darlene and Tom Rodden has a target date to open of October 1st. They will be located at 360 Califor-nia Street. Contact Westside Guns at 769-8933. LB’s BBQ and Mini-Mart, owned by Alan Anderson, is expected to open next week on September 1st at 616 Poso Street. Contact LB’s BBQ and Mini-Mart at 805-944-2893. “We look forward to the new businesses,” said M.L. Gregory, Maricopa Chamber of Commerce President, “they will be a great addition to our community.”

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The ARC held a BBQ on Saturday, August 21st from 11am to 2pm at 204 Van Buren St. They served tri tip, salad, beans, roll, drink and a dessert. The ARC also held a drawing for a Harris Ranch Meat Basket.

Taft Little League held a Baseball Barbecue on August 19th at the West Side Recreation and Park District to celebrate the opening of the newly finished Batting Cages.

Ceremonial Pipe Cutting at the Grand Opening of the Oildorado Store.

Taft Little League Baseball Barbecue

ARC Barbecue

The Grand Opening of the Taft Oildorado Store was held last Saturday, August 21st at the Oildorado Store location, 430 Main Street. Stop by and pick up your souvenirs for Taft Oildorado Days 2010!

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A football star, a baseball star, a tennis star and a single mom who raised three children are among the seven new teachers and coun-selor in the Taft Union High School District this year.Sophie Rasmussen has the most dramatic life story among the new hires. The teen bride married her high school sweetheart, Chad, and had three children in four years. Just when they were building their life together, he unexpectedly died of cancer at 22. She raised Mosiah, 16, England Ty, 15, and Liberty, 12, by herself while earning two bachelor degrees, a teaching credential and two masters. The Bakersfield native attended Foothill High School where she participated in just about every club and sport. She was band presi-

dent, ASB vice president, art club vice president, a four-year member of the Future Farmers of America, in the Gifted And Talented Education program and she took AP classes. She played left forward in soccer for four years and tennis for two. Consequently, she knew a lot of students from a variety of clichés and was elected homecoming queen, winter formal queen and prom queen. The Rasmussens started a family right out of high school. He had just finished college and was starting his first teaching job when he passed away in 1998, leaving her with three preschool-age

children. Raising children while going back to school and working as a substitute teacher “was quite a juggle,” she said. Her children, she said, “have seen the value I’ve put on education and they’ve done the same thing.” She earned bachelor degrees in liberal studies and art at CSUB, as well as her teaching credential. She also earned masters degrees in student affairs and school counseling there. She worked as a substitute teacher in the Kern High School Dis-trict for six years but his is her first contracted job. An oil painter, she replaced art teacher Mike Colen, who retired.Rasmussen has found Taft students to be “so respectful. They greet you. They welcome you complete. They’re awesome. I’m really ex-cited to create art with them. I really like it here. Everyone has been very helpful.” Jarudd Prosser thought he had the dream job coaching football and baseball at his alma mater, Frazier Mountain High, the past three years, but now he is at Taft and couldn’t be happier.

He was born in Fresno when his mother went into labor on an outing to Bass Lake, but he was raised in Frazier Park. He played offensive and defensive line and was the kicker on the football team, a forward on the basketball team and catcher in baseball. He was most inspirational and best offensive lineman in football and most outstanding offensive player in baseball. He played one year as catcher for the College of the Canyons JC baseball team but then had to

quit to get a job. Prosser earned his BA in kinesiology from Sonoma State and his teaching credential in P.E. at National University. He returned to the scene of his high school glory to be the head football and baseball coach. He led the football team to a 7-3 record last year and into the playoffs. He was living his dream. Then came the budget cuts and the Reduction In Force letter. Ad-ministrators, fearful for their jobs, gave him a RIF letter, just in case they might have to bump down and teach P.E. He went to a job faire to support his girlfriend of five years in her quest for an elementary school teaching job. “I wasn’t even looking for a job,” he remembered. “Taft was there with a P.E. job posted. I ended up getting offered a job and she didn’t.” She got a job later at McFarland Junior High. It wasn’t an easy decision leaving the home he had known all his

life and the job he desired and finally obtained. But he realized the same scenario could repeat itself every year. “So many things fell into place to make this seem like this is the place I was meant to be. There are not very many PE jobs. A lot of people try to get to Taft. It is a coveted place to be. A lot of things were very appealing,” he said. “Two weeks after I committed to Taft, they (Frazier Mountain)

offered me my old job back.” Too late. “I love it (here). It is a night-and-day difference between the two districts. Taft is very supporting. Taft is also more organized and has a clear vision of where it is going. I couldn’t be happier.”Prosser, 31, teaches five PE classes and one health class at BV and serves as the defensive coordinator for JV football. “I forgot how fun being an assistant is. It makes you appreciative of being an assistant.” In his spare time, he likes being out-doors, gardening at his Pine Mountain

Club home and hiking near it. Anthony Reed has been hired

as a special education teacher. The 25-year-old Hemet native was a star baseball player for North High and an all-American at TC.At North, he played the big three sports and was ASB commissioner of athletics He was an all-league utility player in football. He played running back and linebacker and returned punts and kicks. “I never came off the field. That’s what you do when you play at a small school.”He also was an all-area center fielder in baseball. He played guard in basketball. After TC, he played left field at Cal State Northridge, but unfortu-nately, “I broke my wrist playing touch football and I was never the same.” He still plays baseball in an adult league for fun and he plans to help coach JV baseball. He lives in Bakersfield and is dating 2005 TUHS graduate Hali Gunter. He enjoys hiking in Yosemite. He earned his BS in kinesiology at Northridge and his teaching cre-

dential at Point Loma, where he is completing his special education credential and his master’s degree in education. He really likes Taft High. “It’s great. It’s like a little college, the facilities, the variety of classes. They’re very lucky compared to most high schools.” This is the first teaching job for Courtney West, who replaced retired math teacher and basket-ball coach Mark Hudson. She is teaching pre-algebra, algebra and AP statistics. She was the MVP and captain of the tennis team at Wasco High, playing No. 1 for three years. She was No. 2 her freshman year

because her sister Lindsey was No. 1. Her father Fred, is a tennis player, and also has served as the mayor of Wasco. She led the tennis team to the South Sequoia League title and they were runner-ups in the Valley. The lefty also played first base in softball, guard/small forward in basketball and ran the four-by-100 and four-by-400 relays in track. In softball, she led the league in triples her senior year. She was most scholastic (top student) in tennis, basketball and softball and was Tiger of the Year (best female athlete) her senior year. Now she runs, plays softball in adult leagues and plays tennis with her roommate, Erica Ward, who was No. 2 at Wasco High.

She earned her BS in mathematics and her teaching credential in at Long Beach State. The single 23-year-old said, “I like how the math department collaborates. Everybody is really nice. Taft is a good place with a friendly small-town atmosphere. I’m excited about working here.” Wesley Morris is a 1995 TUHS grad who worked his way back. The 33-year-old Bakersfield native lives in Taft and co-owns Ten Percent Firearms. His wife, Kelly, is the Taft High drama teacher. The Morrises have a 14-month-

old son, Elijah. At Taft High, he played midfield in soccer and was active in the Interact, AFS, Key and chess clubs. He earned his BA in political science at UCLA, where he roomed with TUHS swimming coach and history teacher John Usrey. Morris earned his teaching credential and masters of edu-cation through La Verne University. He taught English as a Second Language at the Taft Federal Prison for three years, taught world history and contemporary issues at Vista West

Continuation High School in Bakersfield for five years, and

also worked as a substitute teacher for another two years. He served as a long-term sub at Taft High teach-ing freshmen basic skills. He planned to work in law en-forcement but “God put me toward the direction of teaching instead. Now I thoroughly enjoy teaching history. The resources here at Taft are amazing and so are the culture and the atmosphere. Most of the teachers are excited to be here. They don’t describe it as the 11th year of their prison sentence. It is refreshing.” A Rotary member, Morris is helping Pete Lango with the Interact Club, the student version of Rotary.

In his free time, he enjoys hunting and shooting and

geocache (global scavenger hunting). He grew a red beard for Oildorado, but skipped the mustache because he said eating was too messy. Biology teacher April Ashmore replaced Wendy Berry, who ac-cepted a teaching position at TC.

The 30-year-old native of Louisville, Ky., is a 1998 TUHS grad.April Desrochers, as she was known then, played back row in volleyball, sweeper and goalie in soccer and tennis here. Now she does yoga, runs and bicycles. She earned her BS in biology at Cal State Bakersfield, her teaching credential through La Verne and her MS in biology through the University of Nebraska.She taught at Lincoln for two years and

Meet the New Teachers at Taft Union High SchoolBy James Carnal

Sophie Rasmussen

Jarudd Prosser

Courtney West

Wesley Morris

Anthony Reed

April Ashmore

Monica Toro

Tracy Merickel


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.

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

At The Spot, 201 Harrison Street

Sunday Service at 10:00AM

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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

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The War We Should Have Never HadBy Dr. Harold Pease

Immediately following the 9/11 attacks, George W. Bush seemed eager to attack Iraq instead of Afghanistan. After all, Afghanistan was the home of al Qaeda, the organization credited with the travesty. Something smelled bad. Every night we seemed closer to attacking Iraq, and the media was clearly an accomplice. Both par-ties became “sheeple” in support. Even Senators John Kerry and Hillary Clinton, Democratic Party presidential candidates, voted for it. Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, as was Osama bin Laden. Not one was from Iraq. Later we learned that 80% of the prisoners held at Guantanamo were Saudis (“Our Enemies the Saudis,” U.S. News and World Report, June 3, 2002, p. 49). So why were we not attacking Saudi Arabia instead? Nor did any evidence exist linking Saddam Hussein with al Qaeda or Osama bin Laden. Actually bin Laden was a religious fanatic and Saddam non religious and afraid that the clerics would gain power in Iraq as they had in Iran. Both Bushes hated Saddam Hussein, and Bush Jr. had a personal vendetta against the horrible dictator for the unsuccessful assassination attempt on his father at the Kuwaiti Airport. The dictator in question used chemical warfare against his own people, the Kurds (Congressional Record 9-13, 1988, p. E2914). But if we went to war against every human rights violating dictator, we would be at war with half the world. Prior to Bush Sr.’s confrontation with Saddam, the US provided him with equipment that later fortified his bunkers (“Building Baghdad’s Arsenal” The New American, Nov. 17, 2003, p 6.) Still, as my friend and colleague Dr. John D. Eigenauer starkly put it, “Iraq did not declare war against the United States: Iraq’s military at no time took up of-fensive positions against the United States or its citizens. The government of Iraq did not attempt to sabotage American interests abroad, damage American industry, harm US nationals, or hinder US growth.” He continued, “The United States attacked a nation a fraction the size of itself, with only a fraction of the population of the US, with only a small fraction of the Gross National Product of the US, and a tiny fraction of the military strength of the United States…. Iraq had no hope of defending itself in any serious sense, no chance of inflicting meaningful casualties, and no opportunity to negotiate a truce or advocate compromise.” He concluded, “The government of the United States of America—my government—conducted an unprovoked war of aggression against an essentially defenseless nation.” But almost as troubling as attacking without proven provocation was the decep-tion surrounding the reason. We were “hell bent” on entering this war no matter what. First we argued that Iraq was linked with al Qaeda and therefore an ac-complice to 9/11. When that argument lost credibility we argued that we needed to make the UN relevant—put teeth into her—as Iraq had defied her. Then we moved to the “Weapons of Mass Destruction” argument. Finding none after insist-ing such existed, our leaders argued that as soon as developed they would be used against us; all the time Saddam Hussein was villainized by our government and me-dia amazingly, far more than was Osama bin Laden, the real enemy. We were told that a preemptive strike was necessary to protect us from the inevitable Iraqi attack, ironically the philosophical argument used by the Japanese for their attack on Pearl Harbor beginning World War II. The final argument was that we were fighting for democracy in Iraq. Who could oppose our extending to them what we had? Left out of the argument was the fact that Iraq was the second largest oil produc-ing country in the world after Saudi Arabia, and that the oil company Halliburton, with strong links to the Vice President, benefited greatly with some plush oil contracts. To the 4,415 who gave their lives in Iraq, I commend you for your service so honorably provided. To those who intentionally provoked a war for personal gain or power and deceived the American people in so doing, this moment in history is not a proud one. As combat operations end August 31 and our troops return to the shores they should be protecting, I will be delighted. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedi-cated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.


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Aries (March 21-April 19): Don’t be so quick to make judg-ments on a person you barely know. Perception isn’t always reality, especially in this case.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): It’s been an understandably stressful few weeks for you, but now you can start trying to relax and focus on the things that are more important.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): A big event this week may bring out emotions and feelings (for someone else) that you never even knew you had. It’s too late now to do anything about it.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): Your advice is very much appreciated right now by some family members, so don’t hesitate to dole it out. They may not take it, but they want and need to hear it.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): If you genuinely want to do better at work, it would behoove you to listen more to what your co-work-ers are saying. They’re more knowledgeable than you think.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Erratic is not a word that any-one wants to have attached to their name, but lately it’s become synonymous with yours. You’ll need to make some changes.

Libra (September 23-October 22): It’s going to be a fairly long week for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a bad one. You’ll be busy, but you’ll love every minute of it.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): It won’t be easy but you need to try and calm down this week while everything around you remains busy. You’ll have to be the eye of the storm.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): Things may not go perfectly, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be going badly. You just need to adjust and take things as they come.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): It will be an exercise in patience at work this week, but you are more than up to the task.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): If you’re thinking this is just too good to be true, unfortunately you’re right. You may think you’ve struck gold, but I’d look closer if I were you.

Pisces (February 20-March 20): It’s a pretty good feeling when everything’s going so well on the personal front. Soak up every minute of bliss, because you most certainly deserve it.

If your birthday is this week: Making a decision of this magnitude in a rash manner is about the worst thing you can do. Try to slow down and think of the consequences before you take any action. Certain things can never be undone and this definitely falls into that category, so be careful.

Actis Junior High in Bakersfield for four years. She has been married for 10 years to Curtis. They live in Taft with their two children: Brooke, 7, and Blake, 5. “It’s nice to be back,” she said. “I’m really excited.” She is the adviser to the science club, which takes an annual trip to Catalina Island. Ashmore plans to do some coaching in soccer or volleyball.In her spare time, she enjoys photography and painting.Monica Toro was hired to teach English at BV, replacing Jacque White, who moved to TUHS. Toro, 33, was born in Lancaster and graduated from Garces in 1995. She played point guard and wing on the basketball team. She did peer counseling and campus ministry and also started the Garces chapter of the club, LUCHA: Latinos United in the Culture and History of Aztlan (the Southwestern U.S.). The club focused on scholarships and academics. She remembered that Garces was in the SSL. “We had a big rivalry with Taft.”She earned her BA in communicative sciences and disorders with an emphasis on deaf education at Fresno State, her teaching credential at Cal State TEACH Fresno, and her masters in education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction from Point Loma Nazarene University. She taught at Our Lady of Guadalupe School, a private Catholic school for five years, Lincoln for two years, Mountain View Middle School in Lamont for two years and she also taught English as a Sec-ond Language for four semesters at TC at night. She has been married to Daniel, co-owner of JR Design Group in Bakersfield, an architectural firm, for 13 years. They recently experi-enced “a miracle. I wasn’t able to have kids.” But six months ago they welcomed Joseph into the world. “He was a surprise, a miracle.” The family lives in Dustin Acres and she is glad to be working closer to home. “It’s nice to be back in Taft. I’m enjoying the students. I love the campus and the faculty is awesome, real supportive. This is the right place for me.” As for hobbies, “my baby is my spare time now.”Tracy Merickel is back for her second time as the counselor at Buena Vista High School. “Claude ((Bradford) replaced me and I replaced him,” she said. Merickel had been the BV counselor for 21/2 years but found the drive from the mouth of the Kern River Canyon too long for a young mom. She took a similar job at Garces and Bradford, a math teacher/counselor, replaced her. When Bradford moved to Taft High this year, she moved to Taft and got back her old job. The 39-year-old San Jose native said, “It really is my dream job. I absolutely love it here. It feels like coming back home.”She graduated from Kern Valley High School in 1989 where she was ASB president and a three-sport athlete. She was a hitter and setter on the volleyball team, forward on the basketball team and threw discus and shot put in track. The track MVP was the first Kern Valley High athlete to make it to state. She earned her BA in psychology at Fresno Pacific, a Pupil Personnel Services degree in school counseling at La Verne and another PPS degree in school psychology at Fresno Pacific. She earned her MS in

TUHS Continued from page 7

the stop sign,” or “signaled for a turn.” In those cases it was a “he said, she said” situation: the driver, with passenger support, claiming the stop and citation were not justified; vs. the two officers in the MPD vehicle claiming the stop and citation were justified. But other communications from the public to The Independent posed questions for Chief Merritt and the department. Following are several of the questions that the public asked and his answers:1. California law gives you authority to respond to an emergency situ-ation anywhere in the state. Is citing for a traffic violation that takes place outside of the city an emergency; or is an emergency situation, something such as a felony being committed?Under California law, “we are police officers anywhere within the state and have jurisdiction. Otherwise, we couldn’t have joint operations in other jurisdictions. We have authority anywhere in the state (to arrest or cite).”2. What are the requirements to be a MPD reserve officer? They must go through the basic academy training, the same as any other officers. And they must compete field training with a state-certified training officer.3. What are the requirements to be a volunteer, or Citizens on Patrol officer?They must be 21 or older and in general good health.3a Are they paid?No.3b. Are background checks, such as fingerprinting, done?The volunteers must pass FBI and Department of Justice fingerprint checks and minor background checks.3c. What training do they receive?Citizens on Patrol officers receive in-house training from the sergeant, who is in charge of the volunteers program. But there is no state required training. The in-house training covers the work they will be doing.3d. Can they make traffic stops?No. They don’t have the authority to make an arrest or to issue a cita-tion.3e. Are they required to call for back-up on stops?They can call in for an officer to make a stop.3f. Can they issue citations?No; and an officer must see the violation, not just go on the word of volunteer.4. Do your officers use radar or LIDAR (light detection and ranging) in all speeding situations; or can they stop a vehicle because they feel it is going too fast?“You must be very well trained to eyeball a vehicle (to determine its speed). We pace a vehicle at a distance and maintain the same speed as they do.”Pacing is also some of the reasons why his officers make stops outside of the city, as they follow a vehicle while its driver maintains a speed above the limit.5. Are impounds and citations a revenue source for the city?“Yes.” But it hasn’t benefitted his budget, which is the same as last year.6. Who can ticket?The chief, the sergeant and the reserve officers.7. Who can arrest?The chief, the sergeant and the reserve officers.8. Is a new police department facility being built at the site of the impound lot? And if so, who is paying for the construction?“Randy’s Towing is building a facility that possibly we will lease from him. There are a whole lot of rumors, but there is no commitment on our part. He may offer it to us, but it depends if we can afford the lease on the building.”9. Who owns the impound yard?Randy Winkle, of Randy’s Towing, owns the yard.

Maricopa Continued from page 4

school counseling at La Verne. She worked as a deputy probation officer for seven years, and as a counselor at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, as well as BV and Garces. Her husband T.R. is a probation department supervisor. They have two children: Grace, 7, and Paige, 5. They enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming and visiting zoos and muse-ums. “Our kids really like science,” she explained.


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[email protected]

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.

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.

HELP WANTED

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

TAFT COLLEGE

Is Currently Accepting Applications For The Following Positions:

TIL Weekend Support Staff - Women’s Residence Hall

TIL Security Guard/Maintenance

Financial Aid Outreach Clerk

For a complete job descriptions and application forms

you can access the college’s website

at www.taftcollege.edu. DEADLINE

FOR FILING: Friday, September 10, 2010 at

4:00 p.m. EOE

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.

Yard Sale Saturday and Sunday 7:00-? 114 Wood St. Lots of Kids Clothes, Videos

Garage Sale. Saturday Aug, 28. 330 Parkview cir.

Yard Sale 503 Van Buren 8am-4pm Saturday. Good Stuff!

Yard Sale 105 Woodlawn. Saturday 7am-11am. T.V., furniture, toys.

Girly Garage Sale. Saturday 7am-Noon. 503 Tyler St. New items from Crystal Lee’s Clothing

ESTATE OF BILL MAYO. Antiques, furniture, lots of misc. Soleus upright airconditioner. Friday Sept. 3rd 6-9pm, and Sat. Sept. 4th 8am - 12pm. 208 E Street. 765-2087

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 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

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.

Pair of rocking chairs $25 Twin bed $45 Dining Table $15 765-2713

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

MOTORCYCLES2008 CANAM Spyder. Prem. ed. 1,100 miles. $12,600. 765-5566 or 805-3780

Like New 2005 1800 Honda Goldwing. 765-5858

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 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

Affordable Rents

We’ve Got em!

(805)689-4122__________________

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

123 E. San Emidio St. 3bd. 2 ba. Wash/Dryer incl. $1350 mo. plus dep. (818) 355-8633.

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

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

Clean 1 bedroom unfurnished apt., all utilities paid, pest control service, laundry furnished, NO PETS. $450/month, $250 deposit. Call 661.765.4786 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

APART. FOR RENT

Creekside 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.

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

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.

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 Years of Business 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


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.


City Business Promotion is being Sponsored by our Platinum

Sponsors: Nestle Purina, Synagro Corp., Aera Energy L.L.C., Grapevine

M.S.P. Computer Outsourcing, and the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce.

“We appreciate your support of our community!”

- M.L. GregoryChamber President

During the month of September the merchants of Maricopa wish to show their gratitude for your patronage throughout the year!

Motel 8

Shell Station

EME Recycling

Subway

Sandi’s Jewels- Gems Rock Shop

Maricopa Quilt Company

Tina’s Diner

Jolly Cone

Participating Businesses:• Tina’s Diner, 346 California Street (661)769-9495

• Sandi’s Jewels-Gems Rock Shop, 339 California Street• Maricopa Quilt Company, 370 California Street (661)769-8580

www.maricopaquiltcompany.com• Bob & Lorrie Archibald’s Shell Deli Foods & Fuel, 615 Poso Street• Subway Sandwiches, located inside Shell Station, 615 Poso Street

• EME Recycling, 621 Ventura Street. Open Mon., Wed., Fri. 9am-1pm• Maricopa Jolly Cone Drive In, 555 California Street (661)769-8385

• Motel 8, 600 Poso Street (661)769-8291• C&C Construction Asphalt Paving & Sealing Commercial Concrete

Jim Caples, owner (661)293-0287

Maricopa Customer Appreciation Month

RAFFLE PRIZE - NEW GAS BBQ

Each purchase made from our local businesses throughout the month of September will earn you one free ticket for a drawing to win a

New Gas BBQ. The drawing will be held the first week of October. Need not be present to win however we will not ship the BBQ and you must

pick it up within 30 days after we notify you or you will be disqualified.

All employees are exempt from getting raffle tickets at their place of employment, however you may purchase something at a

different store and still receive a ticket for each purchase you make.

The Tumbleweed Bar and RestaurantOpen 7 Days a Week

Breakfast - Lunch - DinnerFull 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

We CaterYour Place or OursFull Bar AvailableFor You Special

Event

SEE US ONLINEWWW.TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

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