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January 10, 2008 • Volume 2 Issue 28www.taftindependent.com

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IndependentThe TaftIndependent“Serving the West Kern County Community”

Inside: NEWS ,CALENDAR, COMMUNITY VOICES, WESTSIDE WATCHER, HOROSCOPES, CHARLIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD, UNCIVIL LIBERTIES, FAITH AND FAMILY, CLASSIFIEDS AND MORE

PLUS: Check out taftindependent.com, the most dynamic multimedia experience on the Westside!

The Taft Brewing CompanyIntroducing ...

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT January 10, 2008

Andy BakerAttorney at Law

• RealEstate• Construction• Contracts

303GardnerFieldRoad,Ste.B,Taft•(661)765-5191Reasonable Rates

• Probate• Wills• Trust

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Orders To Go – Catering ServicesAt the Corner of 10th and “B” Street’s

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• GIFTS • JEWELRY • CLOTHING

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Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crystal Lee'sVaLENTINES DaY

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Filet Mignon, New York Strips and Ribeye Steaks up to 24

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Cafe HoursMonday - Wednesday 6 am to 2

p.m.Thursdays - Saturdays 6 am to p pm

Bar HoursMonday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Happy Hour3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

RV and Trailer Parking Available (661) 768-4655

Portable Bar

Catering

January 10, 2008 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Calendar..........................3 WestsideWatcher............4

NewsBriefs.....................5 CommunityVoices..........5

Charlie’sNeighborhood..6

MainFeatureTaftBrewingCo.................8-9

King’sCorner................10

Faith&Family..............11

Horoscopes....................12

ClassifiedAds...............13

Inside 93268

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Medi-Cal, Medicare & Most Insurance AcceptedServing All of Taft and West Kern

(661) 763-5131 • FAX (661) 763-5137501 6th Street, Taft, CA 93268

Calendar

The Taft Independent

The Taft Independent is a locally owned and published community newspaper. It is a free weekly publi-cation available at business and street distribution newspaper stands on the Westside of Kern County. Mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is avail-able for $6.00 per month or $66.00 per year. To receive mail delivery, please call 765-6550 to subscribe.

PublisherMichaelJ.Long

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Editor JohnLaConte

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Associate EditorDanPeterson

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Printing CastlePrintandPublication

Contributing Writers SteveWright,KarriChristensen,

JenniferBowling WesleyMorris,FredGruber,

AndrewBaker,Charlie

Circulation ManagersTomandLoisMayo

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association

Printed in California

Locally & Independently owned since 2006

www.Taftindependent.com

Westside Little League Sign-ups Continue Through January 14

The Westside Little League has announced registration sign-ups for ages 5 to 12 beginning Monday, January 7. Registration continues on Saturday, January 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, January 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can download a registration at www.taftwestsidelittleleague.org and fill out the form before arriving for registration. You must also bring a copy of a birth certificate and tetanus shot record with your registration. No abstracts or birth or passports will be accepted. Parents who are interested in being a manager or coach can also get a volunteer application on the web site. Please bring the application and a copy of your drivers license with you to registration. For any questions, please contact Bob Tarpley at (661) 201-6741 or Randy Taylor at (661) 809-0457.

Taft Chamber Sit & Sip Wednesday, January 16th

The Taft Chamber of Commerce will hold it weekly Sit & Sip at the Taft Chamber offices located at Westside Waste Management at 9 a.m. WSM is located at 274 E. Cedar St. For more information call the Chamber at 765-2165.

Fort Preservation Society Membership Drive and Dinner Thursday, January 24

The Historic Fort will hold its annual Preservation Society Membership Drive and Dinner on Thursday, January 24th at 6 p.m. For reservations call 765-7371.

Maricopa Gusher Hall January Event Thursday 24

Maricopa Gusher Hall will sponsor a covered dish pot luck late lunch on Thursday, January

24 at Noon. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m. The event is a meet and greet with long time friends over lunch. A birthday will be served for all who have a January birthday. Coffee, tea and soft drinks will be available. Admission is your appetite and a covered dish. For more information call Gusher Hall at 769-9898.

Maricopa Community Flea Market, Yard Sale and Farmers Market Saturday, January 26

Gusher Hall will sponsor a Flea Market, Yard Sale and Farmers Market on Saturday, January 26 from 7:30 a.m. to 2p.m. 10 x 20 spaces are available for $10. Parking is available. For more information call 769-9898 or 769-8279.

Rotary Super Bowl Saturday Youth Fund Raiser Pancake Breakfast February 2, 2008

Taft Rotary will sponsor a pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 2 to help any Westside youth organization to raise funds for their activities. Any youth group on the Westside is invited to participate. This includes Taft, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Valley Acres, Dustin Acres or Tupman. The youth groups will be responsible for selling tickets and will receive all proceeds from their ticket sales after the pancake breakfast. Youth groups can contact Julie Franks at State Farm Insurance, 526 Center St. (765-7158) Clint Deckert (Day 765-7960 or evening 763-1824), Brock McMurray (763-7811), Ray Hatch (289-0176), Roland Maier (763-4236), or Lee Smith(765-5678) and name a contact with telephone number for their group. This contact person will be the Rotary club contact for that organization and will be responsible to pick up tickets and turn all money and unsold tickets

into Rotary. Youth groups are asked to help serve at the pancake breakfast. It will run from 7 to 11 a.m. on the Saturday before the Super Bowl February 3, 2008 at the Taft Union High School cafeteria. One of the Taft Rotary’s goals is to support great youth activities on the West Side. Any organized youth group can sell tickets. The Rotary Club of Taft does not limit you on the number of tickets you sell. Sell as many as you can!!!!

Please e-mail your calendar items to [email protected] or fax to 765-6556.

While we may not be big drinkers, we’re big promoters of Shop Taft at the Independent (Truth be told we have devel-oped a mild addiction to one kind of another local brew, the Sumatra fresh roasted coffee at the Taft Crude Coffee House). Recently the Independent helped promote the Shop Taft Night downtown and hosted a Christmas party at San Joaquin Motors. Always mindful of the Shop Taft movement, we fea-tured catering from the Asian Experience and beer from a local

brewer, the Taft Brewing Com-pany (TBC). TBC makes a couple of great beers, and we encourage you to feature TBC next time you’re hosting a party. Tell the local res-taurant you visit to feature TBC beers on the menu, or consider a sixer of TBC as a gift idea for a colleague or family member. And remember to it’s espe-cially important to keep Shop Taft in mind during a slowing economy. Shop Taft and always think community first!

Shop Taft Effort Still Brewing

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Westside Watcher

Westside Restaurant

GuideMexican Food

La Salsa Fresh GrillThe Best Mexican Food

Open 7 Days 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

101 E. Kern Street, Taft765-7321

Mi FamiliaMexican & Seafood Restaurant

Sundays to Fridays11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Corner of 10th and B Street, Taft765-2911

American Food

Tumbleweed Café and SteakhouseSteak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

Monday – Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday – Sunday 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bar Open 7 a.m. to Close24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres

768-4655

Deli and Coffee House

All In The SandwichFull Service Deli – Always Fresh

Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Friday 10 a.m. 3 p.m.700 Kern Street, Taft

765-4143

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sundays 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.1010 6th Street, Taft

763-5156

“Your Official Guide to the Best Restaurants on the Westside”

The Wildlands Conservancy hosted a celebration of 100,000

children served at the Wind Wolves Preserve October 11. The

conservancy has now provided free outdoor education programs to

over 100,000 children.

Located just outside of Maricopa off highway 166, the Wind Wolves

preserve is the largest nonprofit wildlife preserve on the west coast

and is home to elk, deer, bear, antelope, mountain lions, bobcats,

golden eagles, and other birds of prey.

The event was attended by Fourth District Supervisor Ray Watson

along with representatives from the Wildlands Conservancy.

Abandoned Vehicle of the Week

Got Parts? This old truck got dumped some time ago on the railroad property near downtown Taft. We’re sure that it is not part of the downtown redevlopment agency’s preservation plan.

Letters to the Editor are welcomed by the Taft Independent. We will accept up to 300 words, but letters may be edited for clarity and concisness. All submissions become the property of the Independent. Submissions must contain the author’s name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes. Submissions can made by US Mail or e-mailed to [email protected].

430 Center Street, Taft (661) 765-2442

FlowerJacks

Shop

teleflora’s etched with love bouquet

Sacramento, CA - The Cali-fornia Community Colleges Athletic Association (CCCAA), in partnership with the Cali-fornia Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA), Thursday named Victor Chinchilla (Taft College, men’s soccer) and Samantha Tay-lor (El Camino College, women’s volleyball) as the CCCAA Stu-dent Athletes of the Month for December, 2007. Victor Chinchilla, a sopho-more goalie on the Taft men’s soccer team, backstopped the Cougars to the ’07 CCCAA championship. Chinchilla was named MVP of the champi-onship held at Fresno Pacific University. In the title match, 2-1 overtime victory over Santa Rosa, he made 10 saves, includ-ing eight in the second half. It was his key save early in the shoo-tout during the semifinals against Mt. San Antonio that allowed Taft to advance to the finals after maintaining a 1-1 tie in overtime. Chinchilla allowed just 16 goals in Taft’s 26-match season, recording 12 shutouts and fin-ishing second in the state with a 0.70 goals against average. In 2006, he was the team’s goalie in a 1-0 state title game loss to Cer-ritos. Chinchilla is a product of

Palmdale High School. The California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) is the name of the membership organization oper-ating under the jurisdiction of the Community College League of California Commission on Athletics (COA), a non-profit organization per IRS Section 501 (c)(3). The California Com-munity College System is the single largest educational system in the world, serving over 2.5 million students annually, rep-resenting one-third of all com-munity college students in the United States. The COA estab-lishes the rules and regulations to administer the athletic activities of the nearly 25,000 student ath-

Taft College Athlete Receives CCCAA Student Athlete of the Month Award

letes at Califor-nia’s community colleges. To view the latest news, information, and updates of all 23 COA-sanctioned sports visit http://www.coasports.org

West Kern Community College District Hosts First Board Meeting in New Facility The West Kern Community College District hosted their first board meeting in the new administration center building January 10. “It’s a wonderful new build-

ing,” said college interim presi-dent Willie Duncan. “And I’m thrilled we were able to get ev-eryone together and in the new building for the first meeting of the new year.”

WKCCD board members gather in the new board room, Jan. 10


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Community Voices

Community Voices is a public affairs forum offered by the Taft Independent. We will accept up to 750 words, a photograph and a brief bio of the author. All submissions are subject to editing and become the property of the Independent. Submissions must contain the author’s name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes. Submissions can made by US Mail or e-mailed to [email protected].



GIFTS FOR LaDIES

522 Center Street

765-0080

Donald Vallerette Baxter Don was called home to the Lord January 5th 2008. Don was 84 years of age residing in Bakersfield and in care of his son Vic Baxter. He was born on January 30th 1923 in Michigan. Preceded in death by his wife Jean. They were married May 30th 1967. They resided in Michigan for 11 years. Then moved to Taft, Ca. where the spent the last 28 years. Don had 10 children by 2 marriages. Sherry, Pat, Wendy, Donna, Edd, Jerry, Ron, Vic, Scott and Jim.

He had 28 grand children. Duane, Victoria, Scottie, Jamie, Robert, Kim, Jessie, Alexis, James, Rodney, Renee, Kevin, Brian, Sharlene, Debbie, Heath, Rodger, Junior, Mikle, Darlene, Don, Kylie, Shirley, Jerrod, Lorry, Tina and Brent.

There are 40 great grand children and 6 5th generation grand children. Don served in the U.S. Army in the years 1944 and 1945, and had several other job occupations after. He was a mechanic, laid cement for bridges, television/radio repairman, and truck driver. Whatever it took for him to care for his family is what he did. That's why when times got hard in Michigan he moved to California 3,000 miles away where the oil fields were booming. Don will never be forgotten by loved ones and greatly missed by all till we all shall meet again. View will be at West Side Memorial Services at 1150 4th Street in Taft, 1/12/08 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

OBITUARY

The Governor has struck the right tone; we have got to deal with the budget problem in California. We can already see the handwriting on the wall. The legislative majority won’t like the Governor’s cuts and they will likely come up with alternatives that include raising taxes. Fortunately the Governor has said no to tax increases and I agree with him completely; Californians are overtaxed. It’s already a heavy burden on our families today, so taxes are not the answer. We’ve got to control spending and we’ve got to deal with the budget crisis in California. We’ve got to get away from the binge and purge of budgets going up and budgets going down. The Governor also is focused on education reform, and that, of course, is extremely important throughout California. I believe the public will have to deal with the issue of giving the governor a greater authority when there is a budget problem to make mid-year spending reductions, the fact is we have a budget problem in California, we’ve seen it many times, and so, somebody’s got to be in charge when the legislature will not show that restraint. The people have enacted the process that provides the

Local Legislators React to Governor’s State of the State AddressOn Monday, Governor Schwarzenegger deliver the annual state of the state address for California, declaring a state of “fiscal emergency” in California. Below are reactions from our local legislators.From Senator Roy Ashburn: governor the opportunity to

make spending reductions, and to do so within this 45 day window, unless the legislature has a different idea. And so it’s going to be a challenge to my colleagues in the Senate and the Assembly to either agree with the governor or come up with something different. Senator Ashburn represents California’s 18th Senate District including Taft and the Westside communities.

Sacramento – Assemblymem-ber Jean Fuller, (R-Bakersfield), responded Tuesday to the Gov-ernor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s State of the State address. “Much of today’s speech was focused on the budget, and rightly so. Our priorities must be taking respon-sible steps to get the budget defi-cit under control and reforming our current budget system with-out raising taxes,” said Fuller. “I commend the Governor’s call for a more stable budget process and look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to enact budget reforms that will put an end to the budget deficits that have become too common in recent years. “The Governor touched on the fact that reforms are needed

From Assemblymember Jean Fuller:

to improve our educational system. Republicans have con-sistently noted that it is vital to look at how and where we are spending money on education rather than just how much we are spending. I believe that there are ways to significantly improve education without increasing the state’s deficit and am excited to be part of the Assembly Republi-can Working Group that will be proposing important reforms in the months to come.” Assemblymember Fuller repre-sents the 32nd Assembly District including Taft and the Westside communities.

From Senator Dean Florez:

Sacramento – Senator Dean Florez, D-Shafter, issued the fol-lowing statement Thursday fol-lowing the release of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s pro-posed budget fix: “If the Governor is looking at rural Arkansas as a model for addressing California’s budget issues, perhaps California is just too big of a state for him to handle. “Making across the board bud-get cuts is simple-minded. The governor is simply afraid to tell us what his priorities are – how can you not have priorities? It’s a simple-minded way for a politi-cian not to take responsibility and it smells of desperation. I think the governor has finally run out of rope. Now’s the time for real leadership, but it looks like he’s simply throwing in the towel. “I’m ready to work with the Governor to come up with a smart budget solution, but we’re

not going to get there when the governor gives every function of state government the same weight. For example, cutting corrections by 10 percent could mean early release for prisoners – and I’m certainly not for that.”

SHOP TAFT

WKCCD board members gather in the new board room, Jan. 10


REDUCED

Russ LACyOwner/OperatOr

LACy PAIntInGpartners in protecting your investment

p.O. Box 612

taft, Ca 93268

[email protected]

phone: (661) 765-5253

Cellular: (661) 203-6677

Ca License #784342

“Exterior Paint Specialist”Interior and Exterior • Commercial and Residential

Charlie’s Neighborhood

A Christmas Card to Bob and me from our special friends Noodles and Katie.

INDEPENDENT DESIGN and GRaPHICS

210 6th Street, Taft (661) 765-6550

Graphic Designand Printing

Professional Graphic Design • Posters and Brochures Printed • Direct Mail Services

20 Years Experience in Marketing Campaigns

Sometimes my people make me crazy. Take this bath idea. I mean, left up to me I wouldn’t bother. But every now and again

my man person decides I need one. I don’t know why. So the other day he took me to the Ruff House to get soaked. I usually love going there. They treat me like the celebrity I am. Actually they treat everyone that way, which is all good.

Anyway I went in, innocently expecting some warm rubs, happy smiles, and, of course, treats. They have such good treats! This time, however, was bath time. Dang!

Once I’m wet it’s not so bad, they use warm water which is much better than hose water, except for drinking. I don’t mind the rubbing part really, but the soap gets rid of my signature scent and it takes weeks to get it back. “I smell, therefore I am”, is

my motto. At least once it’s over and I get all fluffed out I get cookies. Not quite enough to make it worth it, but they do take the edge off the experience. People want to pet me more after too. I do fluff out pretty well. Hey! Did you all see me with Santa? I think we looked good together. I am hoping I made such a good impression on the fellow that he invites me to tag along next year. Every house sets out cookies you know! So we have one more party, hence the bath, and then nothing for a long time. That’s okay with me. I have been a very social pup these last few months and I could use a rest. This party is fun because those chewy woody things that taste sort of fizzy go flying around and Bob and I like to catch them and chew on them. They don’t last long, but they have good texture. Texture is very important to us. A new rawhide is nowhere as appealing as an older mauled one. It is all about texture. Same with a ball. We really like ones that other dogs have given a nosh to. More complex flavor and a rougher mouth feel. Ah, that is so satisfying! So this party will be fun because at the end we all get to sing. Have I mentioned what a fine voice Bob has? He can really hold those notes too. I am working on it when I can, but am not even close to matching him for volume and endurance. Pitch, too. He can hit those high notes. Wow, what a singer! Speaking of successes the trick I learned as a present for my guy person was a hit. My lady person pointed her finger, said, “BANG”, I howled, (to her surprise) and fell over. It was so much fun I kept doing it even without the cue. Finally they made me stop. I was getting a little sore, so just as well. Bob loved the ball I gave him. He was amazed that I kept it hidden for so long. I mean he can really sniff out a ball, but he missed this one entirely. He said he thought he caught a whiff or two but when he went to look there was nothing there. I told him about moving it all the time so the scent never stayed too long in one place. I am a clever boy. Oh, yes, yes, yes, I am. Good Charlie, good boy, yes, yes, yes! After we have this part we are going to visit my friends Katie and Tanner. Katie, the Boxer is a little temperamental so I always bring her a treat. Tanner, the

Lab, is just the nicest guy. He is an avid hiker despite a hip issue. He loves long hikes and will go anytime. I have good hips so I can go farther, but he is so much fun I prefer to stay close. He lets me take the lead if there are cows. I am showing him how to move them out of the way. Sometimes our people don’t let us practice very much. Tanner is a quick study and is quite brave. His best quality is his good nature. He is a smiley dog. He has that sort of face, but mostly it is because he is happy. Makes him easy to pal around with. He’ll share pretty much anything too. Maybe not a real meaty bone, but then, who would? I love visiting with my friends. One of them who is another great hiker is Oola the Boston Terrier. She has some legs on her. Even though she is so much smaller she can go as far as I can. And she and Tanner spend so much time together she’s sort of turning into a Lab. I don’t think Tanner is turning into a Boston, but he is more likely to chase the

ball if she is around. Usually he gets it and then on the way back she takes it out of his mouth and drops it at their guy person’s feet. Well, maybe drop isn’t the word since she holds on a bit, but eventually the ball is thrown again. Nothing better than good friends. I am so happy to have mine. I hope you and your friends have a very good year. The Happiest Ever!!!!

Love, Charlie

Ruff Time at the House

The new doggie bath service at the Ruff House Pet Store.

Who are you looking at?


Do you ever get the feeling that we take things for granted in this country? I remember watching TV in October and learning for the first time the female ex-prime minister of Pakistan had come back from exile in Dubai to Karachi. As thousands of her supporters packed the streets just to see her, two suicide bombers killed 136 people and narrowly missed assassinating Benazir Bhutto. I can’t figure out which part of this story is going to be the best example of why we take things for granted. First, there should be no doubt that she was targeted in part because she was a woman. I have no problem with women who choose to honor their God by following what they feel are his dictates and commands. If a woman wants to be subservient to her husband, not be seen in public with male non-relatives, and wear a veil, that is her choice. However, what happens in countries where religious law is not optional, but is mandatory? We hear the horror stories of fathers murdering their disobedient fathers, women are given lashings for being caught with their boyfriends on lover’s lane, or where female ex-prime ministers are targeted for assassination? Do you think Hillary Clinton worries about being blown up by suicide bombers? I know many people despise her and many people might wish she would wear a veil, but no one is trying to wipe her out by some principle of the matter. She only has to worry about making a come back after her loss in the Iowa caucus. Next it was no secret that Bhutto was going to be targeted by suicide bombers. Despite this, thousands of her supporters came out just for a chance to see her procession. The streets were literally packed with supporters and it took her hours just to get through town because the streets were crowded. And 136 people gave their lives and many more were wounded just to participate in this rally. They weren’t lined up to vote, they weren’t forced to be there; they just wanted to express their support for a reform leader. Would you still go to a rally where you know there are good odds a suicide bomber is going to show up? Would you be willing to give up your life just to be a part of the process? I heard that some Ron Paul supporters were at Kern and 10th Streets today holding up signs. Do you think they were

worried about getting shot at or being blown up? I bet the biggest concern they had was getting rained on and maybe getting the number one sign from some “fellow supporters”. At least the Ron Paul crowd was out participating in the political process. How many people were content spending their Sunday afternoon napping, watching the NFL playoffs, or just generally forgetting about politics and reality in general? What do you think it is that makes so many Americans apathetic about politics while Pakistanis are literally dying and shedding their blood to participate? Do you think Bhutto was asking what she would get out of returning to Pakistan? Was Bhutto wondering what was on TV later that day or if the mall was going to close before she was done? Surely after the October 18, 2007 assassination attempt Bhutto would return to exile and not tempt fate. However, she remained in Pakistan, underwent house arrest, and continued to participate in the process in defiance of current Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and the radical forces that opposed her. And Bhutto would eventually give her life for her cause. On December 27, 2007, an assassin shot Bhutto several times before then blowing himself up and killing 14 others at a rally in Pakistan. Despite earlier efforts, Bhutto kept speaking, supporters kept attending her rallies, and people were still willing to risk their lives to participate. Wouldn’t it be nice if Americans thought of those Pakistanis who gave their lives to participate in their country’s future the next time elections came around? Why is it hard for us to get 50% of the electorate to vote in presidential elections and even less vote in non-presidential elections? How many of you write your representatives, demonstrate for a cause you believe in, or spend time participating in the political process? What kind of excuses do you tend to make for why you don’t participate? What is it that prevents you from taking action? We know it isn’t suicide bombers, house arrest, or an oppressive religious theocracy that prevents you from participating. So the next time you are thinking about sacrificing a little of your time and energy in order to preserve our freedom and liberty in this country, but

School Yesterday and TodayBy Dr. Christopher Chung-Wee, Taft College Professor

I gazed glassily at my Biology teacher. I had no idea what he was talking about. I might as well have been on a distant planet. Instead I was in a high school class with an untrained teacher who had not completed his degree and who left in his wake the reek of alcohol. He was as coherent as a quarterback flattened by behemoths. What we did learn is that a bad teacher kills learning. He had no control of either the class or himself. In a deliberately loud voice he once said “Boy! What’s the matter with you? Do you suffer from intellectual poverty?”, and then grinned like a hyena. What a contrast to our former Biology teacher, a Jesuit priest. We learned by copying and studying the notes he wrote on the blackboard and by listening to his examples. He had no need for accessories in his classroom. He was armed only with a piece of chalk and his notes, as well as his quiet yet powerful presence. He was the sum total of our learning. Times have changed since then in the field of education, where “multiple intelligences” and “student-centered learning” are in vogue. The current pedagogy relies not on transference of information from the source (teacher) to the vessel (student) but more on an interactive collaboration designed to appeal to the different ways students learn. And yet I wonder. I wonder even as I prepare my classes, searching for new and novel ways to reach my students, whether the pendulum has swung too far. While we strive to relate the material to the individual learning style of the student we may be running the risk of neglecting “teacher-oriented teaching.” Of course teaching and learning should

focus on students. But I also believe that the teacher should teach in accordance with how best he or she can provide that experience. As we strive to diversify the learning experience in our classrooms, we should at the same time use and project our individual and unique strengths as teachers. Thus, a teacher who is excellent in lecturing might diminish her effectiveness by abandoning lecturing altogether in the name of appealing to the widest cross section of the student body. She should therefore use lecturing in her teaching since that is what makes her effective, in addition to strategies designed to cater to different learning styles. Or a teacher whose disposition is relaxed and jovial, who has conversations with students as part of his teaching style, might lose some sparkle and rapport by concentrating exclusively on the “serious” business of teaching and learning. This teacher should recognize his ability to connect with his students and use it to enhance his teaching. The notable teachers I had in high school and in college seemed to have had at least an intuitive grasp of the concept of playing to their strengths. They designed their classes according to how they taught best. My Religious Education teacher, for example, had a very simple plan. Each day we would paraphrase passages from the Bible. We never had a handout, did not have Power Point presentations, had no computer programs to dazzle us, no discussions, nothing but applying pen to paper with our brains in tandem. Yet we all learned and learned well. The teacher who judiciously uses what best suits him or her to reach and teach will be a natural and more successful teacher. In a classroom that melds student-centered learning with teacher-oriented teaching, the dynamics of the class will have the best opportunity to produce the most effective instruction. In such an environment, education—and the teacher--will then have a chance to inspire in and beyond the classroom, and be remembered for the right reasons.

Community Voices

Uncivil LibertiesBy Wesley Morris

SHOP TAFT


The Taft Brewing Company

Duane Pearcy recently “rediscovered” Taft. The lifelong Kern County resident lived in Bakersfield for most of his life, but recently moved to the Buena Vista Estates and fell in love with Taft. “I’ve always known about Taft, but just recently started spending time here and I love it,” says Pearcy. “I shop Taft for everything I can and love what the little town has to offer.” Pearcy says he was attracted to the Taft/Buena Vista area because of the serenity and recreation the area has to offer, as well its proximity to his workplace in McKittrick. An avid outdoorsman, Pearcy enjoys kayaking in nearby lake Buena Vista and hiking and mountain biking at Mt. Pinos. “I even get out and try a little golfing every once in a while,” jokes Pearcy, whose home is mere feet from the Buena Vista Golf Course. “The Westside’s a playground for me.” In addition to enjoying the outdoors, Pearcy has also developed a recreational interest in home brewing over the last several years. “My son Brent is the real brew master,” says Pearcy, “I’m just the nuts and bolts guy.”

Brent Pearcy discovered beer making at a class he was taking at Cal State Bakersfield. “It involves a lot of biology, which is something I’ve always been interested in,” says Brent. “I learned a little bit about it in that class and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.” Brent’s father wasn’t as excited about the idea at first. “When he told me this was something he was interested in I was kind of like ‘okay, cool, good for you,’” says Pearcy. “But then when I saw him make all the initial investments on his own and saw him really developing a passion for this, I jumped on board and started trying to help where I could.” While Brent was using all of his free time reading about beer making, Duane--an energy processor by trade-- started modifying some of their own equipment and creating a more professional environment in which to to make the beer. And he’s continuing to make improvements with each batch. “We started using malt extract and plastic equipment from Wal-Mart,” says Brent. “Now we’ve got stainless steel equipment, and a a fairly user friendly system my dad was able to hook up.” As of right now Duane and Brent have a name and a product, but aren’t quite ready to

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOHN LACONTE, TAFT INDEPENDENT EDITOR


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take it to the next level. “At this point we can do parties and give away six packs and things like that, but we’re still in the process of getting the appropriate licensing to get our beer in restaurants and liquor stores around Taft,” says Pearcy. “We’re still in the research and development phase as far as our product is concerned as well. We’ve got a couple of good beers but

we need to perfect them in terms of consistency and things like that. We’re still really concentrating on our recipes.” They’ve decided on an obvious but effective name, the Taft Brewing Company, and currently have a delicious India Pale Ale and an Irish Red. Their goal is to develop a hefeweizen and a stout by this spring, and also to start growing their own hops and culturing their own yeast. Taft restauranteurs have already shown interest in featuring TBC in Taft, something Pearcy says he’s excited about. “I want to make sure we do everything perfectly by the book as far as our licensing is concerned,” says Pearcy, “and then I can wait to get it on tap in Taft . . . As the beer is fermenting we’re getting the licensing taken care of and we should be ready to launch by spring. “In the meantime I’ve tried to tell Brent that we just need to be patient and keep our day jobs,” says Pearcy, laughing. “And of course he understands that, but Brent’s been spending all of his free time studying and concentrating on research and development. I’m really hoping I can help him achieve something where one day he can do this as a full-time job. I’d love to see him do something that he loves doing and love to start a family business.” Brent says he can picture the Taft Brewing Company with a microbrewery and restaurant on Center Street, and hopes to one day make that vision a reality. “He certainly has the passion for it,” says Duane. “I think he’ll be able to make it happen.”

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Becky AshcraftREALTOR®/Head CEO434 Kern St.Taft, CA 93268Office: (661) 763-3344Fax: (661) 763-4497

Website: www.beckyarealestate.comE-mail: [email protected].

TO FIND OUT ABOUT ANY PROPERTIES ON THE WESTSIDE PLEASE CONTACT:BECKY ASHCRAFT – RE/MAX REALTOR 661-763-3344 OR 661-342-3054 OR 661-342-3058

King’s CornerWith Lowell Bennett

Taft Real Estate

Directory

Karri ChristiensenSteve Wright

Coldwell Banker America West503 6th Street, CA 93268

(661) 765-5274www.TaftHomes.com

Bill Lynn PropertiesProperty Management and

Real Estate Sales216 4th Street, Taft

(661) 765-5434

Beverly MitchellColdwell Banker Amercia West

(661) 472-8060email: [email protected]

Becky AshcraftRE/MAX

434 Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268(661) 763-3344

email: [email protected]

Carolyn AndersonRealtor\Loan Officer

Windsor Capital Mortgage Corp.Pacific Real Estate Network

(661) 747-8595

Place Your Yard

Sale Ad Free in the

Taft Independent.

Call 765-6550.

Bring color to your garden in Winter! The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size. ~Gertrude S. Wister 'Tis that season again! The Tule Fog is around, and the chill that comes with it are here. This is reminding us that Winter has a couple more months to go. Later this month, perhaps the Kit Fox will emerge from it's burrow and tell us if we have 3 more weeks of fog, or if sunshine is just around corner.

The trees have lost their leaves, the Mulberries are displaying their atrocious 'knuckle' cuts, and the drab gray of the fog is matched by our dormant gardens. But there is good news... many plants love this weather! It may be winter, but there is plenty of work to be done in the garden! Sure it's cold, but the days warm up enough to get out there and pretty up the garden! Let's take a look at some plants and some garden duties whose timing is now!

Ponds need to be cleaned. The water temperature is probably around 50 degrees and the fallen leaves may be at the bottom of the pond. Clean the pond and filters, so that when the water warms this spring, the pond is raring to go! Divide your water lilies and irises and share them with neighbors! Crape Myrtles need to be hard pruned! I remove about a third of mine, and also clean it up by removing crossing branches. If you prune your crape myrtle, you will have more flowers this coming Summer! Vitex can be lightly pruned now, and the shrub will respond to that when

it flowers in Summer. Remember that roses need to be pruned back this time of year! There are a number of plants to trim, prune, divide, clean, cut to the ground, and be planted at this time of year. It is also a good time to transplant some of your dormant plants to new locations, if desired. Bare root season is closing in, and there will be trees, shrubs, and roses here at the nursery. Many other container plants are ready to be planted as

well. Let's take a look at some beautiful Winter flowering plants. Annuals like Pansies, Snapdragons, Kale, Violas, Cyclamen, Primrose, Ranunculus and Calendula are all blooming and will color-up your garden! Plant out a bowl of these, and they will reward you with color for months to come! You cannot find any plant that is more varied and colorful than a mixed planter of annuals, they are unmatched! There are shrubs and trees that very soon will be showing off their flowers. Many Magnolias are ready to explode in color! Magnolias come in shrub or tree form, in many colors. My favorite is Magnolia lilliflora, a shrub with purple and white flowers... Magnificent! The

Star Magnolia may argue that it's prettier, as would the Southern Magnolia, and they would have a good argument, but I am the one writing this article! Cherry trees will soon be blooming, and if the borers did not destroy the tree, then you really have a winner (We have something to help control those borers now!) Viburnum are blooming now! The Viburnum 'Spring Bouquet' is all that it says! The big clusters of white flowers are incredible! Syringia, also known as Lilac are ready to exhibit their wonderful display of flowers. The Flowering Crab apples will

soon bloom with their awesome display of color. Forsythia will be showing off their flowers and the beautiful camellias are blooming now as well. January in Taft is a great month to get out in the garden! Let us here at the nursery help you, so that together we can make Taft a beautiful place to live!

Lowell Bennett is the Garden Specialist at King’s Nursery and Outdoor Living

204 Irene StreetBeautiful 3 bedroom 1.75 bath in a fantastic neighborhood. Formal living room and family room, nice open kitchen w/tile counter tops. Tons of storage, 2 nice covered patios, 2 storage buildings and RV parking. Priced to sell @ $195,000.


Faith & Familyby Jennifer Bowling

201 Harrison Street (next to Laborers of the Harvest) 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free Friendship and Conversation. Please call 765-9472 for more information.

Free Hot Lunch and Free Clothing for those in need.

TAFT UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH630 North St.

765-5557

OPEN DOORS Sunday Services 10 am

Sunday Schooland Adult Group after services

Pastor Steve Hanusa

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley Drive Weinviteyoutojoinuseachweekasweworship.

SundayBibleStudy 9:45amSundayMorningWorship 11:00amSundayEveningWorship 6:00pmWednesdayPrayerandBibleStudy 6:00pm

Any questions call Pastor Paul Wilson 747-8105

First Congregational Church of Maricopa

New HoursSunday 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

Place Your Church Ad Here!Placeyourchurch’sbiblestudyandchurchworshipservicescheduleintheFaith&FamilysectionoftheTaftIndependent.

Call 765-6550 today to place your display ad.

Everyone Reads The Taft Independent!

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

at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

HIGH SCHOOL & JR. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MEETINGS

Wednesdays 7 p.m.at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

New Life CommuNity ChurCh

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street Service times

10:00 a.m. Sundays

TAFT COLLEGE

ASSISTANT REGISTRAR/DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC

RECORDSManagement/Supervisory

Position

Search Extended

$45,853 - $59,140 per year in seven steps, including health benefits. This position requires a Bachelors degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, a minimum of three years of record management experience or a combination of student services and records management experience in a college setting and possess experience developing and writing institutional policies and the ability to interpret policy to a variety of different constituencies. For information on how to apply you can access the college’s website at HYPERLINK “http://www.taftcollege.edu” www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the Taft College Human Resources Department at 29 Emmons Pk Dr. Taft, CA between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and on Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by calling 763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Friday, January 11, 2008 @ 4:00 p.m. EOE

Please let us know about special events being held at your church and we’ll run it in the Taft Independent. You can email us at [email protected], or fax us at 765-6556. You can also reach us at 765-6550.

Strong in Him The weather over these past few weeks has been amazing. I haven’t seen the wind blow that hard in a long time. The trees looked like they were about to fall. It sure was nice to get some rain in for the season though; it is well needed. This week’s message goes well with the storm that we had, as there are many of you out there that are dealing with the storms of life. You are finding yourself at this moment being blown to the point of disappointment. Storms are a normal part of life. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:8-9 That “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despaired; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” If anyone was having it hard, and we all do, it was Paul. He faced many storms in life. (See 2 Corinthians 11:16-33) One thing the enemy will do is try to make you fill alone and lost like you are the only out there with any problems, but that is a lie. There are many people out there that are dealing with the same

kind of stuff as you. We all got stuff, the difference is in how we choose to deal with the stuff that is affecting us. Some of us are very emotional about it, while others are known for channeling it inward. Does this make one person better than the other? No. We are all different. But I think you’ll find encouragement in the words below.

What are You Rooted In?

If you look around in Taft you will see that due to the storm I mentioned above some of the trees in town have fallen over. They fell from the hard winds and rains. If a tree is not well rooted or nurtured it is much frailer than if it was taken care of properly. But say it was a new tree, what do most people do with new trees? They use a stick to hold it up until it becomes strong enough to stand on its own. I believe that we need to become deeply grounded in God’s word so that when a storm does come we are able to stand on our own. So many times we forget the simple basic truths of God’s Word. His Word is where we learn how to fight, stand strong, and become established in a deeper walk with him. The question is when the storm does come are you familiar with his Word, or is it harder for you be-cause you are not rooted in him? God’s Word is a tool that will help you to become stronger in the storm. There will also be times when storms will come and the stick that was holding us up will not be able to hold us up anymore. We get tested and tried in times in our life to see if we really are being held up by the truth or if we are just walking a talk. What is holding you up? Is it God and his Word? Are you keeping your

eyes on people for strength, or is it materialism? Something is holding us up. I will tell you if we are not rooted in God and his Word we will become very frag-ile. We need to become rooted in his Love and powerful Word. When you do, nothing can get you to give-up. There have been many times in my life where it seemed like everything was going wrong, but being familiar with God’s Word has always given me courage within. God will give you the courage you need.

You Have the Power of Christ

If there’s anything I want you to get out of this article it is that you can do all things in Christ. One thing that really keeps people down is not having a forgiving heart. This can really make one fragile. I believe that by revealing this to you one is able to see what the enemy is out to do. Be encouraged to become a person that is very forgiving. Love those that persecute you or hurt you. We are to love our en-emies like the Word of God says. Forgiveness is a great tool that we cannot go without. When we don’t forgive we give the enemy permission to order and control our life. I have seen many people hurt and it caused a storm in their life. Then they walk around in un-forgiveness. Friends, I’m here to tell you that this keeps walls up between you and God. This doesn’t need to happen. You are worth more. I don’t say this to be critical, but to be your friend. Luke 10 19 says “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the powers of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Is this powerful or what? God has given you all the courage and anointing that you need. It is right before you. You have the courage to stand in the midsts of any trial and storm. Jeremiah 32:17 says “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” God’s hand is not too short

for you. He alone is God and is there to help you stand. He is God! He is our doctor, mother, father, our strength, our provider and so forth. Friends, without a doubt you are going to make it. Be encouraged to let go of all the weights that are carrying you and become rooted in him. Al-low him to carry you. Not one thing is too hard for him, that’s a promise.

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For Sale2006 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic

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TAFT COLLEGE

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLYBEING ACCEPTED FOR

THE FOLLOWING POSITION:

Superintendent/President

For information about this position and how to apply you can access the college’s website at www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the TC Human Resources Office, 29 Emmons Park Dr. Taft, CA 93268, Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by calling 661-763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Monday, January 14, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

Aries (March 21-April 19): For your plans to be successful, it’s all about the timing. Lucky for you, the timing could not be any better than it is right now. Taurus (April 20-May 20): Don’t get caught up doing the wrong thing by deceiving your-self. Talk things out with a neu-tral party first. Gemini (May 21-June 20): What seems like the solution to all your problems is in fact only a temporary solution, so don’t put too much stock in it. Cancer ( June 21-July 22): Any changes you make now will not work out as well as you’d like them to, so don’t make any that are too radical. Leo ( July 23-August 22): It is past time to collect what is due to you. You’ve been the epitome of patience and understanding, so you needn’t feel badly about it. Virgo (August 23-September 22): New ideas are coming to you like cats to a can opener. Just make sure you’re discerning the good ones from the bad ones.

Libra (September 23-Octo-ber 23): Just because the oppor-tunities coming your way are not permanent doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from them, so take advantage. Scorpio (October 24-No-vember 22): Blood’s thicker than water, but you need both to survive. There is no easy way for you to choose sides here, so proceed with caution. Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): As scary as it is to try something new, it will be a lot less painful once you get started. You’ve been stagnant for too long now. Capricorn (December 22-January 19): Money is tight right now, but everything’s about to start falling in to place for you so don’t give in to frus-tration. Aquarius ( January 20-Feb-ruary 19): It’s time to let some-thing go when the little things that have been bothering you about it add up until they weigh enough to knock you over. Pisces (February 20-March 20): This will be a better year for

you professionally and personally. You know what needs to be done now, and better yet, you know how to do it. If your birthday is this week: It’s frustrating to feel like every-one and everything is working against you, and while that’s a very human reaction it’s still an illogical one. The sooner you ac-cept that life, plain and simple, isn’t always fair and take on your problems head-on, the easier things will go.


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 Tuesdays at Noon.

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.

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$250 de descuento el primer mes. 2

recamaras, 2 banos, Patio privado,

nueva pintura y carpeta. Llame 661-765-5434.

TAFT COLLEGE

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY

BEING ACCEPTED FORTHE FOLLOWING POSITION:

Superintendent/President

For information about this position and how to apply you can access the college’s website at www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the TC Human Resources Office, 29 Emmons Park Dr. Taft, CA 93268, Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by calling 661-763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Monday, January 14, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

TAFT COLLEGEPOSITION AVAILABLE

DEAN OF STUDENT SERVICESManagement/Supervisory Position

For a complete job description and application forms you can access the college’s website at www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the TC Human Resources Office, 29 Emmons Park Dr. Taft, CA 93268, Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by calling 661-763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Monday, January 28, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

TAFT COLLEGE

ADJUNCT LECTURER

Taft College is seeking a pool of qualified candidates with demonstrated instructional skills to join an outstanding team of faculty and staff to provide high quality programs and services for our students. Teaching assignments may be temporary, part-time and/or on-call and may be immediate or as needed (as specified in Education Code Section 8748.25). We are seeking lecturers who have the ability to teach in the following areas for inclusion in a pool and for the 2008 spring semester which begins on Monday, January 28, 2008 and concludes on Thursday, May 29, 2008.

IEWE 67AB – BASIC INDUSTRIAL WELDING

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:10 – 9:00 p.m.

Salary $50.74 - $55.78 per hour. Minimum qualifications are a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience, or any associate degree and six years of experience or high school diploma or equivalent and six years of appropriate occupational experience in the subject matter area. Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. Please submit each of the following: 1) brief cover letter focusing on how you meet the minimum qualifications 2) current resume, 3) District academic application, 4) copies of transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable), 5) for those applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications and are applying under the “equivalency” provision, please complete the Equivalency Determination form found on our website at www.taftcollege.edu. Submit all application materials to the Human Resources Department, Taft College, 29 Emmons Park Drive, Taft, CA 93268. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Monday, January 14, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. EOE.

YARD SALES

Advertise your FREE yard sale ad. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by noon Tuesday before publication.

Pomegranate Jelly. Your choice of regular sugar or Spenda sugar i 1/2 pints $6.00. Also have pomegranate syrup in pint jars $10. Great on pancakes, waffles or whatever you desire. 612 N. Lincoln.

EVENTS

Taft Camera Club Meetings 7:30 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of every month from September to June at the Chevron Valley Credit Union Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St. Call 765-5858 for more info.

Veteran’s Office will be open in Taft on the forth Tuesday of each month. Come to Supervisor Watson’s office at 315 Lincoln – Room #141, and visit Veteran’s officer Mike Penny if you’re a veteran who needs help. Hours are 9 a.m. until noon.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public.

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

COMPUTER SERVICE

TaftPCServices.com. Offering PC repair, networking, webdesign and virus removal. Mobile and in-shop service available. Local and reliable. (661) 623-5188.

BUSINESS SERVICESSteel Buildings.20 x 20 ft. to 100 x 100 ft. Qualify for advertising discount up to 50% off. Can erect. (805) 646-6468.

HOME SERVICES

Seeger Maintenance Heating and Cooling. Need your heater serviced and your cooler winter serviced. Appliance installaton; electrical, plumbing and carpentry repairs aso available. Call Certified Maintenance Technician John Seeger at 765-1710 or 204-2571.

MISCELLANEOUS

LOST\ FOUND

Lost. 2 small black shaggy dogs. One male and one female. Female has a limp. Lost near 314 S. 7th Street. 661-293-0495.

Lost pet. 3 legged Calico kitten. Area of 400 B Street. 763-3666.

Found small dog. Call 623-5216.

Lost. Black female lab mix. Lost in Dustin Acres @1/1/08. 623-3273.

REWARD

Fender Mexican Stratacaster Guitar.

Ser. No. MZ3202432. Burgundy in color, in a orange, grey and

black gig bag labeled “First Act”. Stolen

from my truck on or about Tuesday, 18th

to Thursday, 20th December which was parked on Lexington

Ave. in Taft. Police Report No. 07-355-2.

Please call Wayne (661) 203-1682.

HELP WANTED

Westside SecurityNow Hiring

Part Time\Full Time. Guard Card Required - Clean DMV - apply

300 S. 4th Street. 12 p.m. - 5p.m.

M/T/W/F, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m./1:30p.m. - 4:30p.m. Thursdays.

FOR SALE

Pomegranate Jelly. Your choice of regular sugar or Spenda sugar i 1/2 pints $6.00. Also have pomegranate syrup in pint jars $10. Great on pancakes, waffles or whatever you desire. 612 N. Lincoln.

Couch $30, chair $20, enter. center $15., gas stove $50, air mattress $20. 765-2713.

Behringer vampire amplifier $125. 623-3432 or 765-6875.

3 Cubic ft. cement mixer. $100. 763-4775.

Complete Sell Out Until Sold. All Christmas toys and ornaments, and decorations, 2 Christmas trees, many antique Christmas items. 27565 Taft Highway. Valley Acres. Call for info (661) 765-6064.

Mitsubishi Rear projection HDTV 55 inch Screen. $600. (661) 303-5278.

Entertainment Center, $1,100 obo. Sony Big Screen TV, $995 obo. Almost 2 yrs. old. Call 293-0337 or 293-0213.

Bowflex gym. Home gym with leg station 310 lbs. of power rod

resistance. $200 obo. 765-4140.

Entertainment Center, $1,100 obo. Sony Big Screen TV, $995 obo. Almost 2 yrs. old. Call 293-0337 or 293-0213.

Color TV Black, $50. 763-1397.

Ladies Coyote Jacket for sale. Paid over $1000. Will take $600 obo. Can be seen at 406 Taylor, 12- to 4 p.m.

Replica chrome kitrchen table with 4 chairs, ‘50 style. $200 obo. 763-3207.

Washer and Dryer, microwave. First $200 takes it. You pick up. as is. 770-7020.

Like new microwave - $20, big chair w/ connected ottoman - $60, red line bike - $60. 763-3567.

PETS

Free female Jack Russell Terrier. Looking for loving home. A sweetheart dog. Loves people. Spayed. Does not get along with other dogs. Cell (661) 213-2530.

Chorkie puppies. 3/4 Yorkie and 1/4 Chihuahua. Females $400, males $350. Cuyama (661) 766-2428 or (805) 839-7270. Cash Only.

Choodle, ugly as heck, but sweet as sugar! Chocolate female, spayed, all shots, de-wormed, 1 yr. old, great personality. Needs loving home. $150. 293-0671.

Free kittens to a good home. Variety of colors. Call 765-4346.

Free animals. Frre to good homes. Red Chow Sharpee 3 yrs. 2 yr. old Rotweiler mix. 4 female kittens and cat. 623-0939.

LIVESTOCK

Pigs and Goats for Sale. Puerco y chivas para carne. 769-8176.

Quarter horse – Line Black Dun. 15 hands – 8 years old. Very gentle, loads easy. $1,800 obo. Call 661-496-4361.

FARM EQUIPMENT\RANCH

John Deer 318 Tractor, with impliments and attachments, $300. 763-4775.

Keystone Western Saddle. 15” seat. Excel. Cond. $400 firm. 763-3293.

AUTOMOBILES

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE 765-2505 209 HARRISON STREET. Smog check. Free tire rotation with brake inspection. Most cars front or rear disc brakes.

$85.95 (labor only). A\C service $125.00 (incl. 2 lb. Freon). Cooling system power flush $120.00.

1986 Suzuski Samuri. Top end rebuilt. 5-spped, 4 wheel drive. $900 obo. Reg. non-operational. 661-745-3211.

94 Cadillac 4 dr. SLS Northstar and a 1980 Buick Regal Limited. Package deal $2,300 or best offer. Contact 770-7037 for more info.

1995 Saturn. Needs transmission. $750. 623-5036 or 763-4102.

TRUCKS

1994 GMC Sierra SLT 4x4 V-8. Auto-trans. $2,950. (661) 301-0704.

1955 Dodge pick-up,

needs TLC, 623-2978. Ask for Pat.

MOTORCYCLES

2000 Harley Davidson Dura Glide. 3,000 original miles, garage kept. $13,500 or best offer. 763-9323.

RV’S

1981 Itasca Motorhome 30 ft. Needs TLC, $2,500 623-2978.

TRAILERS

2001 Wilderness 24 ft. 5th wheel trailer. Very good condition. $9000 with generator or $8500 without. 203-5469

AUTO – TRUCK PARTS

Complete set of rims

and tires from 2007 Toyota Tundra, 5 lug. $1,000 or best offer. Swimming pool 16’ by 48” almost new with all accessories. $200 oe best offer. 765-4012.

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

ROOMS FOR RENT

2 Bedrooms for rent. Taft. House privileges included. All utilities included. $400 each. 745-3295.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

$700.00 2bd/ 1 1/2ba Apt Central Heat & Air 201 W. Ash St. Stephany 661-343-7119

HOUSES FOR RENT

Big house on corner lot in Maricopa. 3bd. + office, 1.5 ba., walk-in pantry. Indoor laundry & utility on large fenced yard w/driveway. $1000 mo. + dep. available now. 623-1985.

Shop

Taft

and

Save

Gas


TAFT COLLEGE

Transition to Independent Living Program Instructional Assistant

For more information about this position and how to apply you can access the college website at www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the TC Human Resources Department, 29 Emmons Park Dr. Taft, CA 93268, Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by calling 661-763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Friday, January 11, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

TAFT COLLEGE

ASSISTANT REGISTRAR/DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC

RECORDSManagement/Supervisory

Position

Search Extended

$45,853 - $59,140 per year in seven steps, including health benefits. This position requires a Bachelors degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, a minimum of three years of record management experience or a combination of student services and records management experience in a college setting and possess experience developing and writing institutional policies and the ability to interpret policy to a variety of different constituencies. For information on how to apply you can access the college’s website at HYPERLINK “http://www.taftcollege.edu” www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the Taft College Human Resources Department at 29 Emmons Pk Dr. Taft, CA between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and on Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by calling 763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Friday, January 11, 2008 @ 4:00 p.m. EOE

Wanted: A Few Good Writers for the Taft Independent. Writing skills a must.

Must be able to write well and spell correctly.

Call 765-6550 for more information.

Home Services DirectoryAutomotive

Harrison Street AutomotiveComplete Auto, Smog.209 Harrison St. Taft765-2505

Catering

Taft Crude Coffee House & Sandwich Deli. All Types of Events\Lunches\Dinners. Grilled Tri-tip BBQ, Fresh made to order sandwiches, cold drinks, coffee service, full service espresso bar, mocha, cappuccino, latte, etc. Delivery available on large orders.763-5156

Contractors

Ken Shugarts ContractingLic. No. 808738343-0507

Graphic Design

Independent Graphic Design210 6th Street, Taft765-6550

House Cleaning

Painting

Lacy PaintingP.O. Box 612, Taft765-5253

Handyman\Home Repairs

Heating\Air Conditioning

Insurance Services

Lawn & Garden

Printing

S & S Printing606 Center St., Taft765-5678

Driller Printers220 4th St. Taft763-3522

Pool and Spa Service

Taft Pool and Spa Service610 Center Street(661) 763-4302

Property Management

Bill Lynn Properties216 4th Street, Taft765-543

Pest Control

Roof Repair

Top Quality RoofingLic. No. 771597101 6th Ave. Taft765-7785

Storage

Towing Service

Precision Towing317 Main St., Taft763-4420

Waste Management andTrash Hauling

Westside Waste Management274 Cedar St.763-5135

Call Us To Have Your Business Listed 765-6550

Rite AwAyCARpet CleAning

765-4191 or333-7929

Residential and CommercialHard Surfaces coming soon!

BILL LYNN PROPERTIES

Brokers DRE License #01183956765-5434 - 216 4th Street, Taft, CA

630 E Street No. C2 bd. 1 ba. Rent $700 Deposit $700

218 4th Street No. 5 and No. 61 bd. 1 ba. Fully Furnished Rent $600 Deposit $600

519 Warren1 bd. 1 ba. $250 off first month rent Rent $550 Deposit $550

105 Naylor2 bd. 1 ba. Rent $600 Deposit $600

801 Philipine5 bd. 3 ba. Rent $2,000 Deposit $1,000



GIFTS FOR LaDIES

522 Center Street

765-0080

County of KernCareer opportunities in the Golden Empire.

KERN COUNTY OPPORTUNITY! Road Maintenance

Worker I/III: $2,233 - $2,726 monthly DOQ

II: $2,504 - $3,057 monthly DOQ We are seeking exceptional candidates to perform a variety of tasks such as maintaining and patching road surfaces using various tools, light carpentry and concrete work, trimming and straightening brush, weeds, trees and culverts as needed. Position(s) require any combination of training and experience that would provide knowledge of tools and materials commonly used in construction/maintenance. A completed County application must be received. Position is open until filled, but please apply early as recruitment may close at any time. Applicants may apply online at www.co.kern.ca.us/person or applications may be obtained at the Kern County Personnel Department, 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor, Bakersfield, California 93301. Please call 661-868-3480 for more information. EOE

www.co.kern.ca.us/person

Advertise in theTaft Independent765-6550

Shop Taft andSaveGas


For SaleB r a n d N e w H o m e s !

907 Stanislaus St., Maricopa. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 Car Garage, with all appliances, $214,900.

100 Tyler St., Taft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 Car

Garage, with appliances. $219,900.

Same Floor Plan at both locations. Able Builders.

ContaCt:lee Jackson (661) 714-2359 orron Jackson (805) 440-5255.

Edwards Tree Trimming ServiceGreat Prices and Great Service“We won’t leave you out on a limb”

763-3730 or 293-0582.

Best Chile Verde in Town!

Janie’s Mexican Food and Catering

Located at the Historic Fort 915 10th Street, Taft, CA (661)

NEW HOURSMonday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

-IN- TAFTOildaleTIRE

Tires for your Car, Truck and RV • Fleet Specialists 24 Hours Roadside Service

1355 Kern Street, Taft, CA On Highway 33 on the North side of town.(661) 763-1800

Thursday - Saturday 11 am-4 pm Closed Sunday - Wednesday

Chemicals, accessories, vacuum, vacuum

parts, grids, filters, filter cartridges, and hoses.

Backyard tiki torches and fuel, decorative acces-

sories, and pool toys. If we don’t have it in stock,

it can be ordered without shipping & handling

charges. Come in and check out our store!

Fernando & Isabel Amorteguy

610 CENTER STREET, TAFT, CA 93268 661-763-4302 or 703-3504

Golf Repair Also Available

NOW SHOWINGat the

Fox Theater- Alien v. Predator: Requiem- I am Legend- National Treasurer

SHOWTIMES:Mon-Fri. 7 p.m.

Sat & Sun. 1 p.m.,4 p.m., 7 p.m.

FOXTHEATER

All shows before 6 p.m.- $6.50 -

Late ShowChild and Senior $6.50

Adults $8.50www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St.

La Salsa Fresh Grill Mexican Food &

Seafood Restaurant

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Daily 101 E. Kern Street 765-7321

15% OffValid on any Combo #1-11

Valid 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Must present this Coupon. Expires 1-15-08

David BUYS HousesI can Make OFFER TODAYand CLOSE NEXT WEEK!

I Love Fixer Houses and Non fi xers!

I deal HONESTLY,with INTEGRITYand RESPECT!

David818-381-3013

Advertise in theTaft Independent765-6550

Shop Taft andSave

Shop Taft andSaveGas

TAFT COLLEGE

TEMPORARY SIGN LANGUAGE

INTERPRETER

$15.35 - $19.60 per hour. The hours for this position are flexible and will be based upon the needs of the student(s). Please note: Due to the temporary status of this position there are no guarantee of a set amount of hours and length of service, nor are health benefits provided. For information on how to apply you can access the college’s website at HYPERLINK “http://www.taftcollege.edu” www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the Taft College Human Resources Department at 29 Emmons Pk Dr. Taft, CA between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Friday or by calling 763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: This position will remain open until filled. EOE


*0% Financing Plus rebates up to $2,500 in lieu of greater rebates up to $7,000.** 0% Financing thru Chrysler Credit “A” Paper. All sale prices are plus taxt, license and Document fees. All fees figured before rebates are ap-plied. All vehciels subject to prior sale. Sale ends 1/15/08.

SAN JOAQUIN MOTORS 531 CeNTeR STReeT TAFT CA. (661) 763-1123

07 Chrysler 300 Prior Rental ID No. 731459

07 Magnum SXT Prior Rental ID No. 754898

06 Jeep Wrangler Sport Prior Rental ID No. 765582

07 Nissan Frontier Prior Rental ID No. 414074

05 Ram 2500 DSL Prior Rental ID No. 858356

06 Ram Viper Truck ID No. 197967

06 Dodge Ram SLT Prior Rental ID No. 222372

07 Chevrolet 1500 LT Prior Rental ID No. 528563

06 Pontiac G6Prior Rental ID No. 246377

05 Chevrolet aveoID No. 414350

06 Jeep Cherokee Prior Rental ID No. 234598

07 Chrysler PT Cruiser Prior Rental ID No. 568171

06 Dodge StratusPrior Rental ID No. 218006

07 Ford Freestar Prior Rental ID No. A02465

07 Dodge Dakota 4 Dr.Prior Rental ID No. 166297

03 GMC Yukon ID No. 142837

07 Chevrolet SilveradoPrior Rental ID No. 291327

06 Hyundai Elantra Prior Rental ID No. 266027

07 Dodge CaliperPrior Rental ID No. 130998

07 Hyundai Sonata GLS Prior Rental ID No. 216246

0%* Financing Plus Up to $2,500 Bonus Cash* or

08 Crysler Town & Country One Only ID No. 107734

07 Jeep Patriot Limited 4X4 One Only ID No. 396529

08 Ram 1500 One Only ID No. 522906

08 Dodge Charger RT One Only ID No. 133145

08 Chrysler 300One Only ID No. 157948

Rebates up to $7,000**

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