Taft Plan for Future Economic Growth

September 2 - 8, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

September 2 - 8, 2011 • Volume 6 Issue 10www.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]

First Annual Taft Bike Fest Kicks Off For Labor Day Weekend

Meet Your Public Servants, Paul Gorte City Of Taft

Welcome To Taft’s Bike Fest!

Planning For Taft’s Future

By Jessica G. Miller

Taft’s Rails-to Trails Development

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT September 2 - 8, 2011

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Nail Services:Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

(we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

Get Ready For Back To School with Next Step!

Anderson Business ServicesBookkeeping • Income Tax • Notary

Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Sandy AndersonNotary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments & Jurats

$10 per signatureMortgage Documents

$150 per setMobile Notary Service

$1 per mile

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

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

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

(661)745-4913

Ben’s BooksThe Largest, Cheapest and Only

Used Book Store in TaftFiction • Non Fiction • Paperback

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

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

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

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.We can save you money on quality jewelry!

SATURDAY, September 10thSIDEWALK SALE

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

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

SAN JOAQUINAutomotive Center

$199.99

Billy MessengerVoted Best

Mechanic for2009 and 2010

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

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

Overall Vehicle Inspection(visual inspection of all external components)

(tax, haz waste fee included)

EVERYDAY OIL CHANGES

DIESEL ENGINE $71.99 OR LESS

531 Center Street • 763-1123

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

GAS ENGINE $35.99 OR LESS

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

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

WE COME TO YOU!

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

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

Recycling is OUR Business

J & D Recycling1277 Kern Street

All Paperback Books $.10 During the September 10th

Sidewalk Sale!

HCG Solution$39.99

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

Personal StyleCheck Out Our New Arrivals!Clothing, Purses, Jewelry, Shoes and Much More!

Personal Style

Specials!Check out our Perm & Haircut Specials with

Linda & AngelaWomen • ContemporaryJunior • Toddler • Infant

Men • And More!

Come in for our Back To School Membership Specials

& Savings! $25/mo

ITEM OF THE WEEK

Miller’s Direct Beauty Supply Outlet510 Center Street Taft, CA

763-5445

A Hint of Class Name Brand ClothingShoes • Jewelry

Accessories & More

Inside The Historic Fort915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

(661)623-1783

Step Back Into SchoolIn Style!

New Arrivals of Backpacks & Shoes

Back To School Daze...August 1st-31st

10% off professional lines New Arrivals Weekly!10-15% off 100% Human Hair Extensions

10-20% off Feather Extensions and Earrings20-50% off Storewide Deals

We will meet or beat any price!If we don’t have it we will get it!

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

2995*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. Sept. 30, 2011

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Wicks N’ More Candles 40% OffMugs 25% Off

Night Lights 25% OffWatches (Not Time X) 25% Off

Stop by to see ALL the Savings!Saturday, September 10th Only


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Negocios Hispanos........11

Inside

The Taft Independent

508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,500 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

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

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscription home or businessdelivery of the Taft Independent is available for $6.50 per month or $78.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

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

ADVERTISING.Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representative at (661) 765-6550, or email to [email protected]: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone order are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Managing EditorAdvertising

Jessica Skidgel

Layout & DesignJessica Skidgel

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris,

Nicole Frost

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins,

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

Taft California“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument”

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm

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

End of Times Gallery Summer Art Classes

The End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is offering the following summer classes: DRAWING - Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.CHILDREN’S ART LESSONS - Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.WATERCOLOR - Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.ACRYLIC PAINTING - Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.All classes are $10 per session, $40 per month.For more information please call 765.4790.The End of Times Gallery is taking artists’ work on CONSIGNMENT for $5 per item. The gallery earns a 30% commission on work sold. If you would like to have your work considered for representation, please call for an appointment - 765.4790.

Taft Bike Fest Labor Day Weekend, Friday-Sunday, September 2nd-4th

2 Wheel Production presents The First Annual Taft Bike Fest which will take place this Labor Day Weekend, Friday (12pm-9pm), Saturday (9am-9pm) and Sunday (9am-2pm), September 2nd-4th at the Rails to Trails located at 6th St. and Main St. This three day event will feature concerts, beer garden, multiple vendors, motorcycle bike show and contest, tattoo contest, and motorcycle stunt show. There will be dry tent camping and RV/Trailer parking on site. Vendor space is available for food, crafters, commercial and business vendors. To apply for vendor space stop by the Taft Cham-ber of Commerce for event form and more information or contact Shannon with the Chamber at [email protected] or 765-2165. For more information on the Taft Bike Fest email them at [email protected] or check them out on Facebook.

Ladies Night Dinner & Social Wednesday, September 7th

Looking for an excuse to go out and get together with your girlfriends? Join us for Ladies Night Dinner and Social from 6pm to 8pm at Black Gold Cafe and Deli, located at 508 Center Street. Tell your friends!

Fourth Annual TIL Casino Night Saturday, September 17th

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, the Taft College Foundation, Team Oxy and TIL cordially invite you to attend their Fourth Annual TIL Casino Night at the JAM Event Center, 1400 Norris Road, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with gaming beginning at 7:00 p.m. Evening activities will include catered buffet from Café Med; libations; gaming, including black jack, roulette, craps and Texas Hold ‘Em Poker; and a silent and live auction. VIP Tables can be reserved at three levels. For more information, please contact the Taft College Foundation at 661.763.7961 on or before Monday, September 5, 2011.

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

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

Taft ARC Barbeque Saturday, October 8th

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

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday September 6th, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA

(661) 763-1222AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD

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

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

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

News BriefsCommunity Events

Visit Our New Website!www.taftindependent.com

West Kern Oil Museum Fun-Fund RaiserSaturday, September 17th

All Proceeds Go To Support Your Local West Kern Oil Museum

Gates Open 4:15 p.m. Early Bird Bingo 5 p.m. Don’t Be Late!!West Kern Oil Museum

1168 Wood Street, Taft, CA

Please RSVP to Carolyn Fuller (661) 765-4642Seating by Reservation Only - $5 Entrance Fee

Fee Includes auction Paddle, 1 Bingo Card & Snacks/drink

Maricopa Chamber Pancake & Waffle Breakfast Saturday There will be a pancake and waffle breakfast this Saturday, September 3rd sponsored by the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce at the Taft Veterans Hall lo-cated on Taylor & Cedar Streets from 7am to 11am. A percentage of the profits will go to benefit the Taft All Star Band as they travel to Washington D.C. this December. To go orders are available.

Kern County College Night The 12th annual Kern County College Night will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at the Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. in Bakersfield. College Night is free and open to the public. Representatives from about 100 colleges, universities, trade schools and the military will answer questions and offer information. High school and college counselors will be available. Informational sessions on financial aid, scholarships and public and private colleges will be offered in English and Spanish. Parents are encouraged to attend with their high school students.

Taft Farmers MarketRain or Shine

Thursdays 5pm - 8pm

5th Street Plaza

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

Over 15 vendors and we

are still Growing!

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

Crafts and more!


Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

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

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 7 am to 4pm.

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

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineOpen Monday to Saturday

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

Wine Tasting on First Thursdays508 Center Street

765-6550

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

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

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

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. 6 am-8:30 pmSun. Wed. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm

765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Your Busines ListedHERE

Call 765-6550

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

Live Music Saturday Nights

Always Fresh!

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

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

Sagebrush Annie’s

Wine TastingDinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

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

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call765-6550!

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Subscribe for home delivery of the Taft Independent today!

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

Name_________________________________Address________________________________Start Date____________End Date__________

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

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

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call 765-6550!Starting as low as

$12 per week!

www.taftindependent.com

Industry NightSeptember 7th

opens at 3:30 dinner at 7:30 Sponsored by

Taft Chevrolet Buick50/50 door prizes and great food!

Have Your Next Event At The Club!

First Annual Taft Bike Fest Kicks Off Last Night At The Pioneer Saloon

The board of directors of 2 Wheel Productions stand in front of the Pioneer Bar at the bar’s opening last night. The bar will be open throughout the weekend during the First Annual Taft Bike Fest which will take place on the Rails to Trails. Over 35 vendors and thousands of visitors as well as hundreds of motorcycle riders will celebrate the Bike Fest on the Rails to Trails. The all volunteer board organized and planned the first annual three day event which will feature concerts, a beer garden, vendors, a motorcycle bike show and contest, a tattoo contest, and motorcycle stunt show. Pictured here are board members Gene Jones, Andrew Murch, Ron O’Boyle, Mike Clark, Mike Jewell and Jack Hedrick. Not Pictured: Donnie Schwerdetfager and Larry Disney.

Boehner foils Barack

The administration’s ar-rogance has no limits. President Obama called on Congress to convene in joint session next Wednesday so he could read a speech about jobs. The idea was to have the major televi-sion networks carry his remarks live, diverting the attention of politicos from the Republican effort to provide Mr. Obama with firsthand experience of the growing unemployment lines. Like millions of Americans mired in the Obama economy, the president knows his own jobremains in danger in 2012. The White House spokes-man insisted it was coinciden-tal that the joint session was to be scheduled at the precise date and time that CNBC, MSN-BC and Telemundo had set for a debate among eight Republi-can presidential candidates at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. “There were a lot of considerations that once you decide you want to do a speech to Congress, and you have to deal with congres-sional schedules, and there are many other factors here,” said Mr. Obama’s press secretary Jay Carney, not very convincingly. “And obviously one debate of many that’s on one channel of many was not enough reason not to have the speech at the time that we decided to have it.” Traditionally, the com-mander in chief uses a joint session to deliver the State of the Union address and rally the country on extraordinary issues of national concern. President George W. Bush addressed the war on terror in the week

following Sept. 11. Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which kicked off World War II. Woodrow Wilson delivered several speeches leading up to World War I. John Adams updated Congress on relations with France. Now Mr. Obama wants to give a political speech calling for more spending. Fortunately, House Speaker John A. Boehner saw through the baloney. The Ohio Republi-can decided the speech could just as easily be given a day later, on Sept. 8, and so it will be. Expect the presidential teleprompter on that day to be loaded with the usual rhetoric about the need for “invest-ment” (i.e., more spending) and “fairness” (i.e., more taxes). The classic Democratic tax-and-spend message will be dressed up as “infrastructure”

and “winning the future,” but it’s the same old failed Jimmy Carter ideas. Mr. Boehner’s agenda, available at jobs.gop.gov, calls for abandoning this disastrous course. The speaker wants less spending, less regulation and lower corporate taxes - the agenda of President Reagan, who restored America’s eco-nomic prosperity. The only way for Mr. Obama to revive the economy and avoid elec-

toral defeat is to fundamentally change course and embrace limited government. Oth-erwise, with luck, one of the GOP hopefuls assembled at the Gipper’s library on Wednesday will be ready to repeat Reagan’s success by overturning all the Carter-Obama big-government policies after the next election.

Reprinted from the Washington Times.


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

Check us out online!Need more information on

programs, classes or facilities?Visit us on the web:

www.wsrpd.comwww.facebook.com/wsrpd

www.quickscores.com/[email protected]

West Side Recreation Report

BEADS & MORE BEADSTuesday, September 133:00-4:15 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-6$2 per personBring your imagination to this fun hour of designing and making a variety of projects using beads. We will have supplies to make necklaces, bracelets and the popular fuse bead iron projects.

MID-WEEK MADNESSWednesday Afternoons, beginning September 141:45-3:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-8FREE!Come by the Community Center on Wednesday afternoons for crafts, games or even just a chance to hang out with your friends or get help with your homework. This is a weekly drop-in program that takes place during the school year. Please note: A minimum of 5 participants is needed by 2:00pm each week or the program may be cancelled for that day.

GYMNASTICSWho: Grades K and olderWhen: Monday EveningsTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Sessions: September 19 – October 24 and November 7 – December 12Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional family member)Instructor: Suzanne Hale

DANCE CLASSESWho: Ages 3 and upWhen: Mondays or WednesdaysSeason: classes begin the week of September 12Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $20 per monthInstructor: Vicky WaughParticipants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes take place one day per week either on Monday or Wednesday. A full class listing is available in the District Office or on our website. Class enrollment is limited so register now!

CHEERLEADINGGrades K-1Thursday Evenings4:30-5:00 p.m.Grades 2-3Thursday Evenings5:15-6:00 p.m.Session: September 22 – November 17 Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $30 per person *poms and shirts are available at an additional costInstructor: Nicole Cleveland

INSTRUCTIONAL SOCCERWho: Ages 3-5When: Practices on Mondays, Games on SaturdaysSession: September 12 - October 8Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $25 per childRegistration deadline: September 8Kids will learn basic soccer skills with emphasis on fun and socialization with others their age.

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

COMPETITION CHEER SQUADWho: 7th Grade to 18 years old (as of the 2011/2012 school year)When: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.Season: Practices resume September 6Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $50 per monthRegistration deadline: Coaches: Brittney Odle and Kristina HammonsCompetition All-Star Cheerleading is here! The SVX cheerleading squad formed this summer and is holding open enrollment through September 8. All interested guys and girls are invited to participate in this sport that requires dedication and the love of competition. Monthly class fees do not include uniforms or competition fees – those costs are separate.

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

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALLWho: Ages 6-10When: Practices on Tuesdays, Games on SaturdaysSession: October 25 – November 19Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $35 per childRegistration deadline: October 20This program is for boys and girls ages 6-10 who want to learn the basic fundamentals of football. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork.

S.T.O.P. PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS(Strive To Optimize Participation)Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? Children in low income, single parent or multiple participant households are eligible! For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced program fees, give us a call in the District Office at 763-4246.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALSMake your reservation now!Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at the bowling alley in the new Recreation Center. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday beginning September 16. Rental fees start at $100 for 2-lane rentals. Rental prices include shoes, balls and use of the party room. The Center and bowling alley are slated to open in early September. Call 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.

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

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

BINGOThursday AfternoonsGames start at 1:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomAges 21 and olderCash pots! Pull-tabs also sold.

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSEMonday, October 3 – Wednesday, October 56:30-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium$5 per personNext class: February 6-8, 2011


Westside News & Business Briefs

CookhouseOT

& SaloonSpecializing in Steak & Seafood

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

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

CLOSEDSUNDAY/MONDAY

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

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 9-6-11 thru 9-10-11)

Tues.9-6-11Lunch

Tues.9-6-11Dinner

Wed.9-7-11Lunch

Wed.9-7-11Dinner

Thurs.9-8-11Lunch

Thurs.9-8-11Dinner

Fri.9-9-11Dinner

Fri.9-9-11Lunch

Sat.9-10-11Dinner

Deluxe Chicken Sandwich

Prime Rib$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

BBQ Beef Ribs

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

$8.95

$10.95

$8.95

$8.95

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

$15.95/ $18.95

Chicken Burger

$10.95

Korean Style Short Ribs

$10.95

Veal Liver withBacon & Onions

Chicken FettuccineAlfredo

$8.95

BBQ Pork Ribs$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full

$13.95/ $15.95

Deep Pit Sandwich

www.kcphotographyandframing.com

Seniors! It’s Portrait Time!

CALL NOW 763-5429

*offer only available with this coupon limit one coupon per package

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

Proof # Date

1 4/6

Now offering “inspired” portraits, as unique as you are.

Free Clothing Changes, Unlimited package poses & 24 Extra Wallets

You may have heard about some of Taft’s up and coming redevelop-ment projects, but do you know who is behind it all? Paul Gorte, Taft’s Acting Community Development Director and Redevelop-ment Manag-er, is the man who handles the redevel-opment and planning that makes these large projects possible. Gorte is a Detroit native who also claims New Orleans as his home town. He successfully obtained an undergraduate degree in History and Math in order to start a career in teaching. Unfor-tunately, there was a job shortage so he decided to refocus his interests. While in college, Gorte worked as a janitor. His roommate was also a janitor, but he worked in a planning building on campus. After hearing his roommate talk about all of the interesting things he had learned, Gorte also became interested in the subject of planning and he decided to pursue it. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University, Gorte began his planning career in Wyoming. He spent a short amount of time there before returning to New Orleans. He has worked with planning and redevelopment in Illinois, Wyoming, Michigan, Ohio, Louisiana and California. He spent 25 years in the Chicago area and he came to Taft in 2008. “California wasn’t foreign to me because I used to come here to visit family,” said Gorte. “I’ve also been in smaller towns so Taft wasn’t a shock, either.” When Gorte came to Taft, the City was working on the general plan. He helped bring the City’s vision to life. “Taft is a small city with big plans,” said Gorte. “It was fun to become a part of it.” Gorte is involved with the American Institute of Certified Plan-ners and he is also the Chamber Board Treasurer. Gorte’s workday could involve helping people who want to locate in town or helping someone build on their own vision of development. There is a lot of diversity and each day is different. “What I do day to day varies,” said Gorte. “It all depends on who comes in. I could be working with a developer, on subdivi-sion plans, or maybe with a resident who wants to put in a garage. Things can change in 10 to 15 minutes and my job involves plan-ning, zoning, economic development, redevelopment, CEQA work and much more.” Gorte’s favorite aspect of his job is helping people with their own visions. “When you can see in someone’s eyes that they understand what you’re saying, that’s fun for me,” said Gorte. “The work we do helps people. We help with job opportunities and community develop-ment, such as the apartment plan.” By being a development director and redevelopment manager, Gorte is a catalyst for positive environmental, physical and socio-economic change. He is one of the people who serve Taft to make it a better place now and in the future.

By Jessica G. Miller “We are the city west of the I-5, the city before the coastal cities. We are the city. The place,” Paul Gorte, Redevelopment Manager for the City of Taft expressed with excitement. And it’s with that determination and enthu-siasm that the City has implemented a General Plan that will change and advance business and industry in Taft for the next ten years and beyond. “We want to carry out the vision of the Council,” City Manager, Bob Gorson, ex-plained. “Not everyone will agree, but we’ll be making Taft a destination city.” Having already made headway with their General Plan by creating the beginnings of a 40 unit housing development on the Rails to Trails property, and bringing in new business to the industrial park which will eventually bring 6,000 more jobs to the Westside in a variety of areas including alternative energy, renewable fuels, and aquaculture, the City is well on the way to achieving the destination city dream. Not only are they executing the plans to bring in new jobs and homes, they are also taking into consideration what new homes and jobs will do for the community. Especially with the Sunset Rail Project. “Retail follows new roofs,” Gorte said. “We want to create a place for vibrant living,” Gorson said. “The Sunset Rail Project will make that happen.” “It will open the door for the downtown area, too,” Gorte continued. “People have to work,

eat and bank and those are the things that are related to industrial park areas. Workers will have these facilities close to them.” And if retail follows rooftops, recreation isn’t far behind. Within the next five years, the city will see an extension of the pedestrian bike trail that will be a five mile loop connecting Taft Union High School, Taft College, A Street Park and even South Taft. The Westside will also see the inception of a Regional Park that will encompass and preserve the natural habitat that surrounds us as well as including a camping facilities, hiking opportunities and the like not more than seven minutes from town. All of this, the jobs, the homes, and recreation are all backed up by the General Plan. “The General Plan is the vision for the future,” Gorte said. “We truly believe that Taft is a charming, unique community and a wonderful place to work, worship, raise a family and/or retire,” Gorson wrote in an article for the CAL ED Bulletin. “This is an investment that will return a thousand fold,” Gorte finished.

Meet Your Westside Public Servants - Paul Gorte, City of Taft Redevelopment ManagerBy Nicole Frost

Planning For Taft’s Economic Future

Paul Gorte, Redevelopment Manager for the City of Taft.

Bob Gorson, City Manager, and Paul Gorte, Redevelopment Manager with Taft’s Rails to Trails Redevelopment Plans.


Westside News & Business BriefsThe Place

4014 Highway 33Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa

(661)766-2660

For more information call (661)766-2660

Live Music by: Yester Year“Conrad & Bee Bee”

Horse Shoe Tournament starts at 2pm. Call ahead for sign ups.

$5 entry fee.

Full BarCuyama Valley Exchange Club

Country Barn DanceSaturday, September 10th

$10.00 BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, potatoe salad, corn on the cob & bread.

BBQ Starts at 5pm

Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast to Begin Weekend Activities The Kiwanis Club of Taft is announc-ing their upcoming community Prayer Breakfast slated for Thursday morning, September 8, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., at OT Cookhouse. (Doors will open at 6:30 a.m. and the program will start at 7:00 a.m.) “Kiwanis Prayer Breakfasts internation-ally are generally held in the month of May,” stated Taft Kiwanis President Greg Mudge. “However, because this is the tenth anniversary of the 911 tragedy, we decided to have the Breakfast in September.” This Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast will signal the beginning of a community-wide observance of the tenth anniversary of the ter-rorist attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the loss of Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. On Saturday, September 10, downtown businesses will display American flags on Center Street during their Sidewalk Sale. There also will be a commemorative display of our community’s first-responders. The day will close with a car cruise on Center Street, originating at the Fifth Street Plaza. “We are excited about how the community is coming together to remember those that lost their lives in the 911 tragedy, as well as those who risked their lives rescuing and giving aid in the aftermath,” stated Kathy Orrin, Taft Chamber of Commerce Director and fellow Kiwanian. The weekend of activities will end on Sunday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m., in the Taft High School Auditorium, with a program presented by the Westside Christian Ministers Association. The Taft All-Star Band will be on hand to lend a patriotic flavor to the proceedings which will include a SKYPE with local insurance agent Ed Herrera, who will have a front-row seat at the events at Ground Zero in New York City, on September 11. “Start your weekend at the Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, and end it with the Remembrance Program at the High School on Sunday evening,” suggested Orrin. “It will renew your faith in our great country.” Prayer Breakfast tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Coo-per’s True Value, the Chamber of Commerce, or from any Kiwan-ian. The Program Sunday evening at the High School is free.

Viva Panama! Take a free tour of the country of Panama with the Friends of Taft College Library (FOTCL)! Your tour guide will be Dr. Mimi Collins, who lived in the Panama Canal Zone and has visited Panama frequently, most recently in February of this year. The tour will take place Thurs-day, September 15, 7-8PM in the Taft College Cougar Room (TC Library entrance). Since 1513, when the Spanish conquistador Balboa became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas, this narrow isthmus has served as a busy corridor. The first “transcon-tinental” railway was built across the isthmus in the early 1850s to serve the California Gold Rush. The canal, opened in August 1915, operated virtually unchanged for nearly 100 years. But there is much more to Panama than that narrow corridor! Come with us to see modern cities, miles of open beaches, lush mountains, and a diversity of people and nature that is unique and fascinating! To join this free “armchair” tour, simply come to Taft College Library Thursday evening, September 15, 7-8PM.

9-11 Memorial Service Hosted By The Westside Christian Ministers’ Association On September 11, 2001, ten years ago, a great tragedy befell the United States of America as our country was viciously attacked by terrorists, who hijacked com-mercial jetliners and flew them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, killing thousands of innocent persons and exposing our vulner-ability. The Westside Christian Ministers’ Association of Taft will be hosting a special Memorial Celebration on Sunday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. to remember the victims of 9/11 and to make sure we never forget those who keep us safe—our military and our emergency personnel. The location will be the Taft Union High School auditorium. Representatives from our city and from our first responders will be participating in this Memorial Service. The All Star Band from the high school and the junior high will be providing patriotic music as they prepare for their upcoming trip to Wash-ington, D.C. We’ll talk by phone with local insurance agent Ed Herrera who lost his sister on Flight 93; he will be at Ground Zero taking part in Memorial Services there earlier that evening. Through video, inspired music and a heartfelt message of truth, we will remember those lost in this tragedy, honor those who sacrificially serve us locally, and look upward toward our only source of hope, Jesus Christ. The WCMA extends an invitation to the community to join us for this very special event. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this important day with you.

The Tumbleweed Cafe Celebrates Six Years On The Westside

Executive Director of the Taft Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Kathy Orrin with Tumbleweed Cafe owner, Orchel Krier at the restau-rants Chamber mixer last Wednesday. Krier purchased the Derby Acres Bar and restaurant 6 years ago this week. Krier serves on the Taft Chamber of Commerce Board, Taft Rotary and the Taft City Council.

Dr. Mimi Collins

Feel free to spend the night camping in your RV, tent, or pick-up truck out in the backyard


Are Unelected an Unconfirmed Czars Replacing Congress?

By Dr. Harold Pease

By now most informed political observers know something of the executive branches attempt to replace Congress as the major rule-making body by appointing, what are called Czars, who create policy and manage programs in areas where the president has no Constitu-tional authority as outlined in Article II, Sections II and III. Moreover, these appointments are made without the “advice and consent,” of the U.S. Senate as is required by

the Constitution. They function much like cabinet officers but are unconfirmed and are accountable only to the president. They also are not required to swear allegiance to the U.S. Constitution. This totally unconstitutional new stratum of government first started with Franklin Roosevelt who appointed, without Senate confirmation, eleven so called Czars in the 1930’s during his more than three terms in the White House. Harry Truman had 6 and Bill Clinton 8. Such was never seriously resisted, often because the president’s party also controlled both Houses of Congress and blind party loyalty kept them from questioning their leader. Then Czar power exploded. George W. Bush had 33 and Barack Obama, the king of Czar appoint-ments, virtually began his administration with unconfirmed, unaccountable to no one but himself, 37 Czars. That number now exceeds 50. Some of the more controversial Czars under George W. Bush head the follow-ing areas: AIDS, Bank Bailouts, Bioethics, Bird Flue, Birth Control, Copyright, Cyber Security and even Democracy. Do not ask what a Democracy Czar or a Birth Control Czar does. Not one of these powers belongs to the President. Under Obama such included: Auto, Bank Bailout, Climate, Global Warming, Pay, Domestic Violence, Drug, and Ethics Czars. Once again, these are powers never given to the Executive Branch of Government by the Constitution or any amendment added thereto; presidents just took them while Congress sat idly by. Actually most are state powers as per Amendment 10 of the U.S. Constitution. Both had/have Weatherization and Faith-Based Czars, what ever those are (List of U. S. Executive Branch Czars, Wikipedia.org). Each of these has enormous government power and answer only to the President, as would be the case under a king or dictator. Constitutional checks and balances do not exist. One Democratic Senator alone had the guts to challenge his own party with the unconstitutionality of this practice. Senator Byrd, the longest serving senator in U.S. history, “wrote a letter to President Obama ... criticizing the President’s strategy of creating czars to manage important areas of national policy. Sena-tor Byrd said that these appointments violate both the constitutional system of checks and balances and the constitutional separation of powers, and is a clear attempt to evade congressional oversight (Senior Democrat Says Obama’s Czars Unconstitutional, by Ken Klukowski, June 15, 2009, Infowars.com).” So what are the President’s real powers outside his right to veto proposed law? Once again they are found in Article II, Sections II and III. Under the Con-stitution the president has but eleven powers. Let us identify them: 1) “Com-mander in chief of the army and navy of the United States” including the militia when called into actual service of the United States; 2) supervise departments (cabinet), each presumably established by the Congress (George Washington had but four); 3) grant reprieves and pardons; 4) make treaties with the help of the Senate; 5) with Senate help appoint positions established by law such as ambassadors, ministers and judges; 6) fill vacancies “during recess of the Senate;” 7) make recommendations to Congress on the state of the union; 8) convene both houses on special occasions and handle disputes with respect to convening (Prior to the 20th Amendment in Feb. 6, 1933, Congress convened on the first Monday in December and were out before Christmas—maybe three weeks.); 9) receive ambassadors and other public ministers; 10) make certain that “laws

be faithfully executed;” and, 11) “commission all the officers of the United States.”Simply stated, the president has two supervisory pow-ers over existing organizations and two shared powers with the Senate, otherwise he pardons, recommends, appoints and entertains. That is it! Notice the absence of power to make any rules and regulations on us. This is the job of Congress alone. Congress should immediately end all Czars and, if resisted in doing so, move next to impeachment proceedings regardless of political party. Please help save your liberty by passing this column on. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

From The Mayor

Hi Everyone,

This Labor Day weekend will be Taft’s first effort to salute motorcyclists of all genera’s by having our own Bike Fest along the Rails to Trails. We welcome every one of all ages and ridership to join with the City of Taft, the Taft Petroleum Club, the Taft Chamber of Com-merce, and all our devoted and faithful vendors to help you have a safe and enjoyable stay in Taft. We have much to offer by way of convenient services and entertainment but you’ll want to the visit the West Kern Oil Museum; the Historic Fort; our downtown area; rides in the

local foothills and mountains; short trips over to the Carrizo Plains or up to Pine Mountain Club or tour the oilfields near Fellows. Stay, play, have fun, learn about Taft, and then plan to come back to Taft and see us again. Work is coming along on the renovations down at the Veterans Park. Thanks to the public’s generous donations, we are able to update our bronze plaques to include all those that give the greatest sacrifice in the time of war. The City has a new updated list of names available and we sure don’t want to leave any veterans name out that was killed in action. Please contact City Hall if you know of someone who is not on the list. We are planning on Veterans Day in November for our re-dedication ceremony. We were working on plans to have the Viet Nam Travelling Wall come to Taft for a week during our dedication, but their demands of time, money, supplies, construction, and staffing just has not given us enough time to pull it off. Thinking of veterans, Charlie Hudson finally came back home to rest this past week. For you that didn’t know him, Taft born Charming Charlie was the most decorated WWII bombardier in the European theater, earning three Purple hearts, among a dozen other medals, for wounds suffered in 35 missions in B-17 bombers. Charlie was well known, respected, and an endearing personality who was bigger than life and loved by all who ever met him. Bonvivant, golf pro, restaurateur, aviator, and author, he was a true Taft legend. Welcome home Charlie, rest in peace. I was just thinking about “Friends”. Just who are these people ?? How well do you know them ?? Do you count their numbers as a badge of honor ?? How long have you known these people ?? What are their backgrounds ?? Do you call people you have just met a couple of times your friend ?? Do you have people at work who you call friends ?? How well do you really know them ?? Will they back you up because they say they are your friend?? Are they friendly up to the point they really are waiting for you to fail because they want to pick apart your pieces ?? True friends really know what kind of person who you are, not what they hear or read. True friends know when you have the best of intentions in mind even when things may not go right. True friends get up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes too but they are there to gently remind you that you need to get back on track. True friends know your whole history not just in the here and now. True friends don’t have to constantly tell you they appreciate you and your friendship, it is understood and accepted. I have friends from kindergarten to people I have just met but before I allow myself to call them my friend we each have to earn and agree to that distinction first. Crisis large and small brings out true friendship and understanding; it is too bad that this the time when you really find out about people and their motivations. If you have a good friend, you don’t have to say anything, give’m a hug, they’ll understand. I also was thinking about a few points to ponder, sorry about not giving credit to the authors. Education is the progres-sive discovery of our own ignorance. I always wanted to be somebody; I should have been more specific. As long as you can laugh at yourself, you will never cease to be amused. If you find something you like, buy a lifetime supply because they will surely stop making it. Every man is a darn fool 5 minutes every day; wisdom consists of not exceeding the limit. Why settle for sex if it is love you are looking for ?? Never argue with an idiot as some people watching may not be able to tell the dif-ference. Generally, you are not learning much if your lips are moving. I’ve learned that if I want to cheer myself up I need to cheer someone else up first. Taft is the place I call home and where I love to live. I have supported it all the while I have been back and am not afraid to speak up and put my name to it. If you have something to say about the City and what’s going on, I invite you to come to our council meetings and sign up for public comment. Hiding behind blogs, or trash talking in coffee shops doesn’t get the word to your elected officials. If you have something to say, say what you mean, and mean what you say. We’d like to hear from you.

Randy MillerYour Proud but Humble Mayor

Community Voices




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WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of TaftWednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS

All green waste must be bagged. Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTEDConstruction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/

Hazardous Waste/Tires

If Missed… Call Office at

763-5135

Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

TAFT 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

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning WorshipService 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening WorshipService 6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

Fat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

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

Gateway Temple

CommunityChristian

Fellowship631 North Street

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’sEpiscopal Church

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

703 5th Street - Taft(661) 765-2378

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMSTaft- A caring community under Christ

We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Emmons Park Drive (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays

Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

The Pregnancy crisis center is now open and available for support and assistance. For information, call 763-4791

If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488. Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

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

Sunday Services 10amUTURN Youth Service

Sunday 6pm1000 6th St.

Weekly Classes Mon - ThursPlease call 765-7472 for info

For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley

www.nlctaft.org or [email protected]

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45Sunday Evening Worship 5:00

Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30

For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 487-2416Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

Mary A. McWhorter

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

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765-6550

The Only Mortuary On The West Side Where All Arrangements And

Funerals Are Personally Directed ByLicensed Funeral Directors

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

Sew Day! 10am-2pmSaturday, September 3rd

Bring a Project!

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 4:30 pm.

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

www.sagebrushannies.com

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

Now Celebrating Our 22nd Year

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131

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

Taft,CA93268•(661)203-6694Cell

E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Marketingisimportanttoyourbusiness.TheTaftIndependenthasmarketingopportunitiesforeverybudget,

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customerseveryweek.Tomakeasmallbudgetgoalongway,callustodayat765-6550

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Real EstatePROPERTY

MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

PROPERTY FOR RENT

BUSINESSFOR SALE

FOR SALE

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

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

Purchase

114 Franklin $40K (Contingent)417 Tyler 3bd 2bath $60K106 Lee St 3bed 2 bath $129,5009057 Ellis Street 4bed 2 bath 10 acres $140KCommercial Building $169KRestaurant/ Dry Goods Store $195K160Acres in Maricopa $295K

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

paid No. pets. $700 mo. plus $500 deposit. Call 765-4786 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo. Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057

Creekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.699-9823. 420 Finley Dr.

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

PersonalsPERSONALS

Well-BeingBEAUTY

MASSAGE THERAPY

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

4 Homes in Taft 1 House in Maricopa. $26,000 to $85,000. Serious Inquiries only. $9,500 down. Owner carry. 661-343-0507.

2bd. 1 ba. $9,000. on leased land. New carpet and paint. Negotiable. 623-6718.

MOBILE HOMES

2 bd/2ba double wide in park. $20,000 599-5037.

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

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

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

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

Super clean 1 bed room house with kitchen ap-pliances, plus washer dryer hook ups. Water, garbage, pest control and gardener furnished. No pets. $800 plus $600 deposit. Call 765-4786 between 7a.m and 7 p.m.

707 Filmore 3 bd/1ba $750 mo. + dep. 707 1/2 1 bd/1ba $450 mo. + dep. 661-343-0507.

625 A. St. Across from park. 3bd/1 ba, den, fenced yard. $900 mo + $1,300 dep. 979-3113.

3/1 house all new carpet, new paint, beautiful ready to move in now! $7901/1 duplex $525 includes water. Mark King Murphy King Real Estate (805)684-4101

APART. FOR RENTNewly redecorated 2bd upstairs Apt. Kitchen appliances and washer dryer furnished. All util.

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.

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

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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 yard sale ad. 3 lines for $2, additional lines after that $2 each. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Estate Sale 107 Lexington Saturday 8am-3pm. Little bit of everything.

Swap Meet Friday to Sunday next to Lucky 7 Parking Lot.

BusinessServices

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Back to School PC Tuneup

Special For $27661-623-5188

COOLERSERVICES

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

Scott 661-900-0917.

Affordable Rents

We’ve Got em!

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

EmploymentHELP WANTED

J & D RECYCLINGMust have valid drivers

license, reliable transportation, DMV

print out, drug screen. Apply in person at 1277

Kern Street.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WantedWANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

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

For SaleFOR SALE

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

MOTORCYCLES

AUTOMOBILES

1996 Mercedes E320. Engine got hot. Smog tested and passed. $3,000 obo. 747-2575.

Pets & Livestock

FOUND PETS

PETS

LIVESTOCK

LOST PETS

Yates’ Detailing600 Center Street

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

All your detailing needs!

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

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

Community

Miller’sBeauty Supply

510 Center Street(661)763-5445

Beauty SupplySalon

Boutique

Oriental Foot Spa

10am-10pm 7 days a week201 Kern Street(661)745-4891

Traditional Chinese Foot & Body Massage

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

Plumbing • Septic • Roto-RooterFraming • Electrical • Concrete

Passion For Nails

(661)745-4913

Mon. to Fri.10am-7pm

Sat. 9am-6pm

1014 6th Street

Get It Rented!!

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line! Call Today

(661)765-6550

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131

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

Taft,CA93268•(661)203-6694Cell

E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Marketingisimportanttoyourbusiness.TheTaftIndependenthasmarketingopportunitiesforeverybudget,

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ADS STARTING AT 10$ PER [email protected]

Advertise with the Taft IndependentAds Starting at

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Call Today765-6550


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

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

www.edherrerainsurance.com

Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios

Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public

NuestroPersonalAmable

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

Rosy’s ClosetHombres y Mujeres

Ropa y Zapatos401 Center Street

Mar. - Sáb. 10am-8pmDom. 11am-8pm

Cerrado los Lunes

The Cell Fone StoreMóviles y Accesorios y

alimentos y más510 Finley Drive661-765-2500

Negocios de venta

G and FFootwear

Athletic and Tennis ShoesVans - Nike - Levis

Adio and More!T-Shirts and Pants405 Finley StreetIn the Pilot Plaza

Phone 340-8609

Su anuncio aquí!

Las bajas tasas!

Llame hoy mismo!

765-6550

Negocios HispanosSponsored by Edward J. Herrera Insurance

Servicios Mercado de Agricutores de TaftCada Jueves 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Quinta Calle Plaza(5a Calle entre Main y Calle Center)

Vienen a comprar los productos!! Comprar Fresco y Local!!

Frutas, verduras, hierbas, productos horneados,

mermeladas, joyas, ropa de cama, artesanias y mucho mas

Interesado en convertirse en un productor,

proveedor o artista(musicos, cantantes, comedios)

Ponganse en contacto con Shannon en 661-765-2165 o [email protected]

Westside News & Business Briefs

See our new Website!www.taftindependent.com

Your Weekly Gas Price Update Average retail gasoline prices in California have risen 7.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.78/g on Monday, August 31st. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.61/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, August 31st were 73.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 1.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 9.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 91.6 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. “Retail gasoline prices finished last week quite strong in some areas on concern surrounding Hurricane Irene,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst. “The concern surrounding refinery produc-tion on the East Coast helped boost gasoline prices outside that area as well. The good news for motorists is that damage to refineries was likely minimal and gasoline production will resume soon. However, with Labor Day weekend fast approaching and these refineries taking days to resume production we still may see retail prices gradually climb during this week,” DeHaan adds.

It’s Your MoneyBy Assemblywoman Shannon Grove

Back in March, the California State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Resolution 8, declaring it to be “Sunshine Week.” This resolution stated, “Sunshine Week is about the public’s right to know what its govern-ment is doing and why… a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.” However, the legislative leaders in Sacramento believed they were above the laws that they push onto others, saying, “Do as I say, not as I do” to the California taxpayer. Most recently, what started as an internal squabble over office expenses between the Assembly Speaker and a Democrat Assemblyman has blown up into a renewed focus on how and where tax dollars are spent in the State Legislature and the fact that the Speaker would not release the spending report on the 80 legislators and leadership offices in the Capitol. I, along with some of my Republican colleagues, did not hesitate to release our office budgets. As an elected official, taxpayer funds pay for my staff, office rent, postage etc, and therefore the public has every right to know where and how that money is spent. It is the height of arrogance that legislators pass laws requiring open access on others, while keeping their own spending out of public view. Two newspapers sued in order to see where your tax dollars are spent – information that should be public. Then the Speaker announced a “task force” to look into the issue, but after weeks of media and public pressure, a limited version of the Assembly budget was released on Friday. However, I am told by those who made a cursory study of its contents that the informa-tion does not show the complete picture. Democrat leadership does not want the public to know how large their bureaucracy in the capitol building has become. With money and knowledge comes power. Right now, that power belongs to the legislative leadership in Sacramento. Whether it’s the state budget or the Legislature’s budget, the real numbers needed to evaluate are hidden. Worse, that power could be used to reshape government regula-tions and tax policies, so that we could encourage job development, but that agenda is not happening. California needs to eliminate its full-time, “professional” Legislature and return to a part-time, “citizen” body that works for the people. By returning to a citizen Legislature, lawmakers would be forced to work and live under the laws that they create. Most states currently have a citizen Legislature and have avoided many of the structural problems that hinder California. It is essential that we make this change if we hope to ever again have an ef-ficient state government that serves its citizens.

Summer is Over, Lets Go Racing With Cal Club Buttonwillow, CA-August 30, 2011 – The California Sports Car Club will start its fall sea-son this weekend, September 3rd and 4th. There will be a busy schedule of 6 races both Saturday and Sunday at their Buttonwillow Raceway Park located just West of Bakersfield. The highlight of the weekend will be the pro Pacific Formula 2000 series joining the weekend of Regional racers. The Pacific Formula 2000 series has been a significant ladder for many driv-ers providing experience and exposure to go on to success in major pro series. Two examples are Jason Bowles move to the NASCAR West series and J.R. Hildebrand who moved into Indy Cars and caused major excitement this year by nearly winning the Indy 500. Currently the series leader is young 15 year old Connor Ford from Carson City leading Ira Fierberg from Hermosa Beach and Bob Negron from Morgan Hill. The points are tight and there are only 4 more races to go. This should be a great spectator event and a very special road racing weekend for the Central Valley. Cal Club is a region of the Sports Car Club of America, the builder of Buttonwillow Raceway Park located in Buttonwillow, California, a few miles west of Bakersfield. The Club in its 61st year has nearly 2,000 members offering competi-tion programs in road racing, autocross, time trials and road rally. The Club has a rich history of producing some of the world’s most noted drivers and the best race volunteers the sport has ever seen. For more information www.calclub.com

Taft [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTSSERVICES


The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

Smog Check!Certified C.A.P. Station

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor You Special

Event

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway

Randy’s Trucking

(661) 763-47731050 Wood Street

Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades •

• Rear Operator Control Panel •

745-4919

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

Qik Smog & Tune

We Have Moved!

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

western shop & PET SUPPLY

Self Wash 1st Dog at reg. price & 2nd dog at 1/2 price!

Nails clipped and filed $12Each additional dog or cat $9

Come see us at 608 Center Street

Includes: Shampoo, conditioner, brushes, nail clippers, dryers, and an air conditioned room.

Kennels are available for additional dogs

$56. Small dog up to 30lbs $14.00Dogs 30 lbs & over $17.00

99 $65.

$29.99

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available

Open 7 Days a Week

Shaw’s Pet WashAugust Special

Saturday, August 27th Dog Rabbies Clinic Ford City Park • 8am-12pm

99

Now Carrying Wrangler FR Work Pants & Shirts

Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jeans

www.shawswesternshop.com

13 MWZ

August

SpecialOriginally $31.99

&

*limited to stock on hand

*

Precision Bodyworks & Towing

We take the DENTS out of ACCIDENTS

317 Main Street • Taft

Phone (661)763-4420

FAX (661)763-1389

Cell (661)577-6785

We are an Independent Agency WithMany Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies

To Best Suit Your NeedsWe Represent You To Give You The Best Service

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

www.edherrerainsurance.com

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public

Our Friendly Staff

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

209 Harrison StreetShop: (661)765-2505Fax: (661)763-1887

Diagnostic SpecialistsService & Repairs • Smog Repairs

Air Conditioning • Tune Up Front EndBrakes • Fuel Injection

$15.00 OFF with this Coupon**1996 Vehicle or newer

Taft Plan for Future Economic Growth

Documents

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