futurealsoinside:calendar,westsidewatcher,news,businessfeature,horoscopesandclassifiedads.friday,apr

Friday, April 24, 2009 • Volume 3 Issue 43www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeeklyThe Taft

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

Independent

Cuyama Elementary School Car Show

Business Feature: Hot Stone Pizza

Also Inside: Calendar, Westside Watcher, News, Business Feature, Horoscopes and Classified Ads.

Taft’s Family Owned Newspaper!

The Historic Fort Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

Purple Warriors Tribe in The Westside Recreation and Park Report

Westside Bicycle Rodeo Helmet Giveaway

[email protected]

Westside Believers “Look Up” This Sunday and Invite Prayer For The Community

Arbor Day in Taft

Plant a Tree for the Future

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT April 24, 2009

Business Feature - Hot Stone Pizza

Large Pepperoni Pizza

$7.00Offer Expires:

5/24/09

Three 100% Real Cheeses with 60

slices of Premium Pepperoni.

Limited time offer. Limit 2.Not valid with any other offer.Valid only at participating locations.

1107 Kern Street In the KFC/Taco Bell Center(661) 765-5959

Only with this coupon.

Nomination Form

Hot Stone Pizza, formerly known as 241 Pizza, has revamped their atmosphere and is serving up more than just pizza. Hot Stone Pizza is family owned by, Parmjeet Thind (Pami), his wife Jaiwinder Thind ( Jai), and Jai’s father, Ranjit Kamboj ( Jit). Pami and Jai have owned the location for the past 5 years and just recently decided to get more family members involved with the business as they remodeled and upgraded the entire look of the restaurant to benefit families and others in the community. “We are family oriented and we want to make our restaurant somewhere that everyone can go to,” said Jai, “We know times are tough for everyone but we want to help everyone in the community by making quality food affordable.” They chose the name Hot Stone as the new name of their restaurant because the pizzas are baked on hot stones in the oven. Hot Stone uses only fresh ingredients as well as whole milk mozzarella cheese, cheddar, and provolone for a delicious cheesy combination. Pami does most of the cooking at Hot Stone and all the specialty pizzas that are on the menu are his own creations, he even uses his own sauce recipe. “I am making and perfecting a new specialty pizza that will be chile verde,” said Pami. Hot Stone has now introduced cold food items to their new menu, including ice cream, shakes, cold sandwiches and salads. “We take our family business seriously,” said Jai, “We wanted to add what was missing

to the restaurant and give our customers what they wanted along with our courteous custom service.” Hot Stone Pizza has added a new and updated look inside and outside the restaurant with a new eye catching paint job. Inside you will also find 3 big screen T. V.’s, new granite counter tops, a new menu and some new arcade games and prizes. Hot Stone has a separate party room that is free

of charge, so you can book your next party, meeting, or event for free.

The Thind family knows how important it is to stretch your money right now and they offer special discounts to families, schools, and churches so that you can get more for your money. “We want to help our community and we treat our business like our family and we are going to take care of our business and our customers just as if they were our family,” said Jai. Hot Stone Pizza has something for

everyone, from arcade games, prizes, pool, specialty pizzas, an all you can eat lunch buffet, hot and cold sandwiches, beer, wine, ice cream, shakes, fried chicken, hot wings, potato wedges and much more. Stop in today to look over the newly remodeled Hot Stone Pizza and make a trip to the salad bar while your there. Hot Stone is located at 407 Finley Drive in the Save-A-Lot shopping center. Or give them a call at 765-6424 for pick up or delivery or to book your next party!

Pizza • Salad • Fried Chicken Hot Wings • BBQ Chicken • Potatoe Wedges

Bread Sticks • Soda

Kids ages 2-5$3.00 + taxages 6-10$4.16 + tax

$6.93 + tax

11am - 2pm

407 Finley Drive In the Save-A-Lot shopping center 765-6424

Hot Stone PizzaAll You Can EatLunch Buffet

Monday - Friday

April 24, 2009 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Business Feature..............2

Calendar...........................3

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

18th Annual Cuyama Elementary School Car Show..............5

Business and News Briefs.........5 - 7

Westside Horoscopes.......9

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

Inside Calendar

The Taft Independent

210 6th StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

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

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

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

Subscriptions. Subscription home or mail de-livery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 per year. To sub-scribe 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 in-clude your name, address, and phone number. Fax: (661) 765-6556. Email your letter to: [email protected].

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

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Printing Castle Print and Publication

Contributing Writers Nathan Bliss

Charissa Mood, Sherise Mitchell Wesley Morris, Jessy McCulloch, Charlie

Advertising SalesJessica Wallis

Circulation ManagerJobe Edgar

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association Printed in California

Taft’s Arbor Day Celebration April 24

The city of Taft will celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Ms. Chara Yochum’s Parkview Elementary 1st Grade Class will do a poem presentation at the event. Horiculturalist Lindsey Ono from Bakersfield College will make a presentation on Arbor Day.

PAWS in the Park 2009 April 25

Westside Humane Society PAWS in the Park event at Veteran’s Memorial Park (corner of Hwy 119 and E. Kern), 11am to 3pm.

Fort and TAPT Wine and Jazz Fest April 30

Thursday, April 30 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm the Fort and Tapt will hold a Wine and Jazz Fest.Hors d’oeuvres, wines, misro-brews, and non alcoholic beverages will be available. Including micro-brews from Lengthwise Brewing Company. Live and Silent auction with a raffle and entertainment by Nat Dove. Tickets are $25 and $30 at the door. RSVP by April 24 at 765-7371

Salvation Army Fundraiser BBQ Sunday May 3

Westside Christian Minister’s Association presents a fundraiser BBQ May 3, 2009 to benefit the Taft Branch of the Salvation Army. 11:30 - 1:00 at Veterans Memorial Park at Kern Street and Hwy 119. Tri-Tip Sandwich $10.00 with chips, drink, and dessert. Sponsored by True Value, Waldrops, Westside Recreation, Alpha House, the Westside Community Resource Center and several local churches. Make checks payable to WCMA.

News Briefs

Check out the Taft Independent on-line and see our new

Virtual Issue of the Taft IndependentYou See The Independent exactly as you see it in Print.

www.taftindependent.com

Air District kicks off Clean Green Yard Machines 2009Annual mower trade-in program offers two choices

Beginning Earth Day, April 22, San Joaquin Valley residents can replace their old, gasoline-powered lawnmowers with nonpolluting, electric mowers by participating in one of the Valley Air District's most popular annual incentive programs. Clean Green Yard Machines, part of the Healthy Air Living initiative, offers up to 62 percent off the purchase of cordless electric mowers in order to reduce air pollution caused by gas-burning lawn-care equipment. One gas mower can pollute as much as 40 newer-model cars and is one of the biggest polluters used at home. This year, the trade-in program offers a choice of two different mowers with the retirement of a gas mower: The Neuton CE5 14-inch mower for just $150, or the CE6 19-inch mower for just $250. Vouchers will be distributed until May 31, while supplies last. “The District’s Healthy Air Living Initiative asks Valley residents to make air quality a priority in their daily decisions. Clean Green Yard Machines provides an incentive to help make such a decision,” said Seyed Sadredin, air pollution control officer and executive director. After receiving a voucher, participants have until May 31 to turn in their old, gas-powered mower (drained of all fluids) at a participating recycler and order a Neuton mower by phone at a huge discount. Neuton will deliver new mowers directly to participants’ homes. The regular price of a Neuton CE5 cordless electric mower is $399. The Air District offers the mower at a 62 percent discount. The Neuton CE6 cordless electric mower is regularly priced at $499. The Air District offers this mower at a 50 percent discount. Both are mulching mowers with a rear bag and rechargeable battery. The Air District thanks the following partners and sponsors for making this event possible: The Neuton Lawn Mower Company, Pacific Gas and & Electric, Valley Clean Air Now, The County of Merced, The County of Tulare, Turlock Irrigation District, City of Ceres, Atwater Iron and Metal, Golden State Metals of Bakersfield, J&H Metals of Hanford, Levi’s Iron and Metal of Fresno, Madera County Resource Management, Modesto Junk Company, Stockton Recycling Center and Tulare County Recycling. For more information on Clean Green Yard Machines, visit www.valleyair.org or call the nearest District office: in Modesto (209-557-6400); in Fresno, (559-230-6000); or in Bakersfield, (661-392-5500). For information about Neuton mowers, visit www.NeutonPower.com/SJV. The

Taft Idol

Westsiders with talent have a chance to strut their stuff at what is being billed as Taft Idol. It’s a talent show that will be part of the inaugural American Cancer Society Relay for Life/Taft. Auditions will be held Saturday at the Taft Union High School Auditorium. The top five acts will be selected to perform May 16 at the Relay event, which will be held at Taft High’s Patterson-O’Brien Field. A grand prize-winner will be crowned. A complete list of rules and eligibility criteria is available at the Westside Recreation and Park District office, 500 Cascade Pl. Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that features a variety of activities, all designed to raise money for cancer research. The signature event sees teams of walkers taking turns around the track.Former and current cancer patients and caretakers, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, civic organizations and the public are invited to take part in the 24-hour Relay for Life event. Teams of eight-15 members solicit sponsors and gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation.Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, organizers said. To volunteer or have questions answered contact LaNell Howell at 330-5606 (email: [email protected]) or Lisa Brown at 619-9085 (email: [email protected]).

Air District will NOT accept calls to register participants until the program’s beginning date of April 22, 2009. The Valley Air District covers eight counties including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and San Joaquin Valley air basin portions of Kern.


Editorial

Westside Watcher

NEXT WEEK 2-13-09

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets!”

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Open 7 Days

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

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Pre-Paid Legal Services

Brian Houx(801) 710-9889

Because Bad Things Happen to Good People

Westside Restaurant and

Entertainment GuideAsian Experience

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and Dinner

Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pm

Saturday 4 pm - 9 pm 215 Center Street, Taft

763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.Saturday 7 am to 2 pm

Sundays 7:30 am to 1 pm1010 6th Street, Taft

763-5156

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

Live Music Saturday Nights

News Briefs

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

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

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

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. Sat. 6 am-8:30pmSun. Wed. Fri. 6 am - 9:30pm765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

332 ClubSaturday NightLive DJ at 9 pmSunday Night

Karaoke 4:30 -10pm 765-5982

521 Center Street

Cali’s Restaurant

101 B Street 765-7610Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri

10:30am to 9pmClosed Tuesday

Breakfast Served Sat. and Sun. 7:00am to 10:30am

Always Fresh!

Mon. - Thurs. 10am - 5pm

Friday10am - 3pm

Dine In or We Deliver765-4143

700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside EntertainmentChilled & Grilled

Saturday Night:live band

“X- Static” at 9pm

Benefit Run for Ron Starky on Sunday at

9am765-2000

621 Center Street

Taft Crude Coffe HouseFull ServiceCoffe House

Fresh Sandwiches763-5156

1010 6th Street

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

FOXTHEATER

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

Late ShowChild and Senior $7.00

Adults $9.00www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St.

SHOWTIMES:Mon-Fri. 7 p.m.

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

NOW SHOWING

- Observe and Report- 17 Again- Hannah Montana

THE HISTORIC

F O R TThursday, April 30

FORT and TAPT WINE and JAZZ FEST

5:00-8:00pm Tickets $25$30 at the door

RSVP by April 24 765-7371Hors d’oeuvres, wines, microbrews,

and non alcoholic beverages. Live and Silent Auction and Entertainment by

Nat Dove

The Historic Fort915 North 10th Street

Get Your Business in The News!

Call Today!

765-6550

Community Yard Sale

May 2, 2009

Place Your FREE Yard Sale Ad in our May 1st Issue that will have a map of EVERY

Yard Sale in Taft on May 2nd!Deadline to Place Yard Sale Ad for this

Issue is Wednesday, April 29th.Call Today! 765-6550

The Place“The Place to Go in

Ventucopa”OPEN 7 Days

Friday and Saturday NightsRibeye Oak BBQ and

SweetbreadsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Everything Homemade766-2660

4414 Highway 33, VentucopaFeature Writer

Wanted

The Taft Independent is seeking a Feature

Writer forLocal and

Community Oriented Stories.

Poor Pay. Rich Experience.

call 765-6550

Hospital Investors Pull Out of Escrow, Otimistic CHW Will Lower Price

City Manager Bob Gorson told a group meeting at the Taft District Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday that investors who were planning to open a skilled nursing facility at the old Westside Hospital that the investors had pulled out of escrow. According to investor spokesperson Laura Geiger, the investors were concerned about the high cost of repairs that were disclosed in an engineering report which made the cost of the project to high. “Due to more extensive interior deterioration and zoning issues, the physician based investment group was considering backing out of the purchase,” Geiger wrote in an email to the Taft Independent. Geiger added that even though escrow had closed without the sale of the hospital, the investors were still interested in the project and were hopeful that hospital owners Catholic Healthcare West would consider reducing the price of the property. “However as of today, the brokers for CHW have informed the group that they are examining the (engineering) reports to possibly reduce the sales price so the project for the hospital re-use can move forward keeping the relationships and committments from Meridian Health Care and The Westside Health Care District participation in place,” Geiger wrote. Geiger said that CHW is under pressure to lower the price of the property and was hopeful that talks might bring about a lower price and a new offering for the property.

Last Chance to Get Your Yard Sale Ad on The Map!

City Council Votes Down Alcohol Sales Request, Fred’s Cigarettes Owner May Close

The Taft City Council upheld a Planning Commission vote to deny a local merchant permission to sell beer and wine on Tuesday and voted 4 to 1 to deny the request. After a brief discussion, the council voted to deny Fred’s Cigarettes store owner Feras Haydaer his request to sell beer and wine at his store located at 1006 6th Street in the Pilot Plaza Shopping Center. “I may just close the store, and rent a gas station in Bakersfield,” said the disappointed Haydaer.

The Brown Act A few weeks ago, the attorney for the West Kern Water Board made a very public apology for failing to keep the board of directors from violating the Brown Act. The water board had met in a secret “closed” session and talked about issues that were not on the agenda, and alledgedly took action resulting from discussions in the secret session. As the legal counsel present at the meeting, she should have known that the talk was illegal and stopped the discussion. She did not act as she should have, and the water board had to rescind water rate increases and restart the rate increase process. Bored yet? Throughout California’s history, local legislative bodies have played a vital role in bringing participatory democracy to citizens. Local legislative bodies - such as water boards and city councils - were created in recognition of the fact that several minds are better than one, and that through debate and discussion, the best ideas will emerge. The law which guarantees the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of local government is the Ralph M. Brown Act.

While local legislative bodies are required to hold meetings in open forum, the Brown Act recognizes the need, under limited circumstances, for these bodies to meet in private in order to carry out their responsibilities in the best interests of the public. For example, the law contains a personnel exception based on privacy, and a pending litigation exception based upon the idea that government agencies should not be disadvantaged in planning litigation strategy. For instance, the Taft city council could go into closed session, depriving citizen access to the proceedings, and discuss labor negotiations, performance evaluation of the city manager or pending litigation. The council could not, hypothetically, go into secret session and discuss, for instance, sales tax revenues, a proposed city ordinance, what should be on the next council agenda or talk about critical local newspaper coverage of the city council. Democracy is something we all have to safeguard. If we don’t watch government closely and we fail to participate, we lose touch with those who govern us, and they lose touch with us. Despite the cynical who would act in their own self interest and disregard our laws, open government ensures that we have an opportunity to participate and create laws that protect us and the greater public good. That’s what makes our country so special. Thank God for Ralph A. Brown and a free press.


and Park

18th Annual Cuyama Elementary School Car Show

Car Show organizer and Cuyama Elementary School 8th Grade teacher Russ Barnes and his wife Judy in front of Judy’s PT Cruiser

The Taft Delegation: Taft Chamber Director Randy Miller, John Neumann, Jack Jones, Karl Nitsche and Adam Taylor all stopped by to check out the car show.

The Cuyama Elementary School 8th grade class held its 18th Annual Car Show on Saturday, April 18th at Cuyama Valley High School. More than 160 cars were on display and over 350 attended. Funds raised by the event help pay for 8th grade trips and graduation.


News and Business Briefs

DAN’S HANDYMAN SERVICEHome Maintenance & Repairs, Windows, Doors, Floors,

Painting, Plumbing, Trees, Landscaping, Cooler Service & Repairs, Hauling, Rental Clean-ups & More...

REASONABLE RATES • SENIOR DISCOUNTSALL WORK GUARANTEED

Dan Schroeder - OwnerTaft, CA 93268

745-4502 565-8340

Gateway to the Carrizo Plain Signs Get Readied

A Hint of ClassInside The Historic FortGift Shop- Floral Design

Clothing Boutique915 N. 10th St. Ste. 34

Monday - Friday 10am - 6pmSaturday 10am - 3pm

Pamela Dudley763-3831444-5420

Taft Butterflies Relay for Life Car Wash and Rock-a-Thon

The Taft Butterflies Amercian Cancer Society Relay for Life Car Wash and Rock-a-Thon was held last Saturday at the old San Joaquin Motors parking lot at the corner of 6th and Center Street to raise funds for cancer research. Pictured here are the Taft Butterflies volunteers Ramona, Nikita and Joe Payne, Leah, Miranda and Shiloh Mayfield, Jesse Simmons, Kyle Rushing, Jeremy and Kym Hazen, Duane Porter, Dennece Kuhnke, Jan Willis, Joanna Berkey, Loren Dargusch, Carol Newkirk, Dawna Melton, Betty Cloud, Megan and Cindy Jaske, Rusty McCord and Carli Yweedy.

Rotary Health and Peddler’s Fair

Bicycle Rodeo Supplies Helmets to Children

The West Side Community Resource Center, Kern County Sheriff ’s Dept., and the Taft City Police Dept. teamed up to hand out bicycle helmets to children during the Taft Rotary Health Fair. A bicycle course and free safety goodies were also available to the children,

The Rotary Club of Taft held their annual Peddler’s and Health Fair last Saturday, April 18th at Buena Vista High School. The Peddler’s Fair provided multiple vendor booths with clothes, jewelry, pottery, toys, antiques, and much more. The health fair that was sponsored by Taft Rotary and Taft College provided fre consultations by medical specialists.

Taft District Chamber of Commerce Director Randy Miller stands by and watched as workmen pour the concrete base for new signs on Highway 119 and 33 welcoming motorists to Taft, “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain.”Three signs wil be placed on the highway approching from the North and the South.


TINA’S DINER

Taft Lodge 426

Celebrates the 190th Anniversary of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows

in the United States

Taft Lodge 426 IOOFEstablished December 23, 1911

Meets every Monday Night - New Members WelcomeCall (661) 769-8361

COLDWELL BANKER AMERICA WEST661-472-8060 or (661) 334-4119

email: [email protected]

Beverly MitchellRealtor

Absolutely wonderful turn-key home! Living room, formal din-ing area, large kitchen with bar, 2 bedroom, 2 bath lovely mas-ter bathroom. TV or office room. Many upgrades, dual pane glazed windows, plaster walls, newer carpets with fans in all rooms. Newer storage shed. Lovely landscaped yard. Extra nice car-port. Energy efficient home! This home has had TLC!$54,500 Call to see!

Open HouseSunday 1-4 p.m.

A Wonderful Manufactured Home

Open HouseSunday 1-4 p.m.

Westside Voters Start Receiving Absentee Ballot in the Mail for May 19th Statewide Special Election

Registered absentee voters began receiving their ballots in the mail today for the May 19, 2009 Statewide Special Election. Voters are being asked to vote on 6 ballot propositions, Measures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F which were placed on the ballot by the state legislature The ballot includes six statewide measures dealing with the state budget, which resulted in a February agreement between the governor and the state legislature over ways to close a $42 billion budget deficit. Voetsr can go to the League of Women Voters website at http://ca.lwv.org/lwvc/edfund/elections/2009may/index.html to view nonpartisan “in depth” explanations of the measures on the ballot, including the provisions, fiscal effects, main arguments for and against, and the supporters and opponents. The Independent will feature an indepth article on the 6 propositions in the May 2 issue of the Independent.

5th Street Plaza Proposal Gets Traction Taft celebrate Arbor Day today as elementary school children gathered and planted a tree at City Hall. Chara Yochum’s first grade class from Parkview Elementary attended the Arbor Day celebration at Taft’s city hall this morning to plant a tree. The city recognized today as Arbor Day with a presentation by Lindsey Ono, Horticulturalist at Bakersfield College and member of the Tree Foundation of Kern. Ono explained the importance of horticulture to the first graders and the significance of planting this tree. “Each of you will be able to see this tree grow, and years from now you can come to this park and say ‘I helped plant this tree’,” Ono said to the first graders. Barry Jameson, Chairman of the Taft Planning Commission also said that it is an important day for everyone. “Its important to teach our children about planting trees and about planting the right type of tree for where they live,” Jameson said. “By teaching our children about the importance of planting trees now they will take that knowledge with them as they grow up and they will continue to plant trees.”

Councilman Craig Noble and businessman Gary Joyce of Joyce Properties stand near the corner of 5th and Main Streets in downtown Taft and present an updated conceptual map (left) of a 1980 proposal to close 5th Street and create a public plaza space in the downtown area of the city. Shawn Hagstrom of S & K Engineering created the new concept with Noble and Joyce. City Manager Bob Gorson hailed the proposal at a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting as a good idea for downtown redevelopment.

Westside Believers Offer Prayer for Business and the Community Sunday, May 26th Westside Believer’s Church will hold a special “Look Up” prayer meeting on Sunday, May 26th at 6 p.m. at the church located at 101 Highway 33 in Taft. The service will allow families, individuals and business owners the opportunity to come and offer prayer in the current time of financial hardship and economic stress. All are invited. For more information, please visit www.wbfwmc.com.

Taft Celebrates Arbor Day Friday at City Hall

Chara Yochum’s Parkview Elementary First Grade Class


TAFT UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH630 North St.

765-5557

Worship Sunday Morning 10 amAdult Bible Study and Sunday School 11:30 am

Adult Bible Study 6 pmJae Haeng Choi and Cindy Bretschneider, Pastors

Praise Team MeetsWednesdays 6 pm

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley DriveWe invite you to join us each week as we worship.

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 am

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 amSunday Evening Worship 6:00 pmWednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

Bible StudyThursday Nights 7 p.m.

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

Lighthouse Foursquare Church210 Harrison Street 763-1518

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

Sunday Service 10 AMPastors Mark and Kathy Fitzsimmons

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

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning Worship Service10 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Jordan MillerLicense # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131

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

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

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

at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

New Life CommuNity ChurCh

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street

765-7472 www.nlctaft.org

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

St. Mary’sCatholic Church

100 E. WoodrowMass

5:30 p.m. Saturday9 a.m. Sunday

Building Stones MinistryTraining Center401 Finley Drive

661-765-6066

Pastors Dale & Kay Sullivan

Kids Klub & Family MeetingWednesday @ 6:30 p.m.

School of MinistrySunday @ 6:00 p.m.

Jennifer, Charlie, and Angie Dedicated • Professional • Experienced

All Are Licensed Funeral Directors

The Trusted Name Since 1939

Veterans Burial ServiceIncluding American Made Military Gray or Brown

SteelCasket, Burial with Honors, Bakersfield National Veterans Cemetery

$1,995.00West Side Memorial Services

Porteous Family763-1594 FD 1220 EST: 1969

www.westsidememorialservices.com

Advertise Your Church Service or

Special Event Here!

Call Jessica Wallisat 765-6550

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

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

www.sagebrushannies.com

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

Sunday Service at 10:00AM

Thinking about your future?

Take steps now to make your tomorrow more satisfying and rewarding...

Taft CollegeSummer/Fall 2009 Open Enrollment Begins May 18, 2009

Courses include:Court Reporting Management Certification

Graphic Design Certification General Education ClassesCSU & UC Transfer Classes or earn your Associate’s Degree

Call for a counseling appointment now: 661-763-7748or visit our website: www.taftcollege.edu

and don’t forget to sign up for financial aid!Summer ‘09 drop for non-payment begins May 21st at 4pmFall ‘09 drop for non-payment begins August 6th at 4pm

Successor to Taft Funeral Home


WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord

CityTuesday

South TaftFriday

City of Taft – Taft HeightsWednesday

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

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

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

Construction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/ Hazardous Waste/Tires

If Missed… Call Office at

763-5135

Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

Westside Horoscopesby Jessy McCulloch

G&S CARPET Service & Selection

Knowledgeable SalesExperienced Installation

Laminate

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

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

Appt.

D.I.Y.starting at 1 .29

sq. ft.

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

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

tuES.-Fri. 10:00-5:30 SAt. 10:00-4:00

370 CALIFORNIA 769-8580

MARICOpA QuILT COMpANy

QUILT SHOWS COMING UP!BEST OF THE VALLEY APRIL 17-19SEVEN SISTERS APRIL 25 & 26

NEW CLASS! LOVERS KNOTSTARTING MAY 2. SIGN UP EARLY

Community Yard Sale

May 2, 2009

Place Your FREE Yard Sale Ad in our May 1st Issue that will have a map of EVERY

Yard Sale in Taft on May 2nd!Deadline to Place Yard Sale Ad for this

Issue is Wednesday, April 29th.Call Today!765-6550

Aries (March 21-April 19): You need to come to a certain realization on your own; no one else can make it happen for you – the world does not revolve around you, period.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Decisions need to be made this week regarding what is important to you and what is not. Choose wisely.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): Just because you refuse to believe something is true doesn’t make it false. No matter what you do, you’re going to have to face this.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): If you don’t want to do something, you have to speak up and say so – especially since it was your idea in the first place.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): Unfortunately for you this week, someone you thought was trustworthy will prove themselves to be quite the opposite.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): There comes a time when you have to decide to act for yourself and not for anyone else, and in your case that time is yesterday so get going.

Libra (September 23-October 22): Not everything has to be a competition, and until you realize that your social calendar will remain empty.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): As crazy as this week is going to be, the weekend is definitely going to make it all worth it so hang in there.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): A friend hasn’t been available lately, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying to see them. In fact, right now it means try harder.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): An important quality in being a good leader is recognizing your own weaknesses. Until you do that, you won’t do as well as you’d like.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): Every day is a gift, and unfortunately a non-returnable one so make the most of it. That’s easier said than done, but always worth it.

Pisces (February 20-March 20): You’ll be going on a journey to someplace you’ve already been, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be an adventure.

If your birthday is this week: Consider this your own personal opposite week. What you consider to be fact is – in fact – fiction. What you think is true is false. Just because something seems to be obvious doesn’t mean it is. Actually right now it only means that it isn’t.

Don’t Miss The Deadline - April 29th

Residents, Buinesses and Churches Invited


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

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

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

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $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. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

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

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

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

YARD SALES

Advertise your FREE yard sale ad. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 2 p.m. Thursday.

GET READY FOR THE TAFT INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE ON SATURDAY MAY 2ND, 2009 FROM 7 A.M. TO 4 P.M. GATHER ALL THAT OLD STUFF IN YOUR GARAGE AND PUT IT ON SALE. THE INDEPENDENT WILL PUT YOUR YARD SALE IN OUR SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE PAGE CENTER SECTION MAP!

Yard Sale. Sat. and Sunday 25\26. 900 Wood Street. Moving, furn, baby cloths, Knick knacks, baby stuff, twin beds, dressers, dining Rm set.

Yard Sale. 503 Van Buren St. Apr. 24/25 8 to 3. Refrig., baby items, dishwasher, kilns, molds, dolls, Ford Ranger, Jeep Cherokee and more.

Yard Sale. 220 E. St. Fri, Sat, Sun 8am-2pm

EVENTS

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.

LOST

Silver Bracelet. engraved on back “Sweet 16” Please call to return (661)763-3618

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Decorative landscape curbing machine. Be the only one in

town to provide this service! Complete turn key operation. Reasonable offers will be considered. Possible $500 hr profit. Contact 330-7012 or 428-0575

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Westside Humane Society needs foster homes! Call 765-3297 for application.

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. And 3rd Thursday at First Baptist Church. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 220 N. First St. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

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

COMPUTER SERVICE

Taft PC Services. Spring Special. PC Tuneup $25. Exp. 5/31/09. See price list at TaftPCServices.com. 623-5188.

HELP WANTED

Part Time - office experienced. Accts payable, payroll, resale foms. $10 per hour 16-20 hrs per week. 661-747-9345

Need class A Drivers for a small vaccuum truck company and hiring for a dispatcher postition. 661-859-8426

FOR SALE

Moving most sell 1999 Quad CabvDodge PU, 79000 mi $5,850 OBO; 2006 Thuro-bilt 2 Horse Trailer, pulled 10 times, $7,550 OBO; Oak Computer Armoire, $750 OBO 661-338-9723

Newcon night Vison scope. Need to sell. No reasonable offer refused. 763-3494.

Musical Instruments. Amp., Ovation. Fender Banjo. 765-7958

Electric dryer $25, electric range $50. 763-5776.

Piano. Upright. $100 852-1242

Closing Gift Shop. 6ft. Wire Grid 3 sided display tower w/48 peg hooks $75. Approx. 350 gift bags, beads, curly ribbon. Below cost $200 for all. 2 sm. counter top spinners with hooks $15 each. 4 book/display shelves $75 each or all for 4250. To see call 763-1970

Quincy Air Compressor 80 gal. 13hp key/pull start. Gas engine. 4’x8’ fold up trailer 4’x6’ trailer (661) 808-8810

For Sale 2005 Four Winns 234 Funship. Fully loaded with trailer, like new. $32,000. 661-201-8690 or 661-398-1765

WORK WANTED\LAWN\SPRINKLER REPAIR

Trash hauling @ Clean-ups. Yards, homes & lots. Land scaping, sprinkler repair, flower & tree planting. (661) 205-1203.

WANTED

Wanted. Reasonable priced, in good condition tredmill. (661) 763-3494.

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

LOST\FOUND PETS

Found Dog: Male Beagle (adult/older) un-neutered. Very friendly, and seems housetrained as well as trained in some simple commands. Very very sweet. Im sure he is missed by his owner. Please contact us to get your buddy back.

Black Lab/Pitbull Mix, about 1 year old, in the 100 block of Loma Vista. Contact Westside Humane Society at 661-745-3287

Lost Husky 4/4/09. He has a black color with white paw prints on it. Goes by David. Full grown, blackish grey and white. Very friendly.

Found female small dog black and brown looks like she is mixwd with australian shepard lovable found on 400 block woodrow call 661 745-4480

PETS

Lab/German short hair Puppies2 liver,4 chocolate,5 black 6 weeks old. $350.00Call #661 763 3241

Found young male cat in 500 block of Van Buren. Creme colored, white nose, gold eyes. 661-765-5858

Found a female pup on the 100 block of Tyler in Taft. Looks to be a pit or

pit mix. Very sweet little girl. Call to indentify. 293-0029

Stud Service. Small Chiwinni dog. $60. 661-623-3595

AUTOMOBILES

For Sale ‘79 Bronco, ‘77 Ranchero $500 each, ‘91 Kawasaki Jet Ski $400 661-623-5810

Hobby stock race car. 76 Pontiac Le Mans, 95 percent race ready. 350 motor, 350 trans. with car trailer. $2,500. (661) 763-3494 or 695-3429.

2002 Silver Chevy Impala for sale. $3,000 OBO Call Sara at 661-808-8339 or Ryan at 661-808-8361. We need this car sold fast.

TRUCKS

Trailer. 8 x 5 vovered $2,500. 763-5495 or 623-1281.

For Sale. 2001 Ford F-150 4x4. Fully loaded. Tow package. crew cabAsking $11,000 or best offer. Call 661-768-4517

1986 FORD TRUCK F-250 SERVICE BOX WITH 8 TOOL STORAGE GREAT FOR HANDYMAN JOB.

Business ServicesTree Removal and Stump Grinding

Call Tom at (661) 330-9576.

Cleaning Services

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

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

Taft ConstructionAir Conditioning and Heating

Solar Power SpecialistAskenergysavers.com

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

IndependentThe Taft

Get Your Business in the News!

Contact the Independent (661) 765-6550

(661) 765-6556 [email protected]

TAFT COLLEGE

is Currently Accepting Applications for the Following

Full time, Non-Tenure Track Position:

Physical Science Associate Professor

For more information about this position you can contact the Taft CollegeHR Department at 661-763-7805 or by visiting our website at www.taftcollege.edu.

Deadline for filing is Friday, April 24, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

run super strong 97,000 miles 1700.00 including tag and smog. or without tag and smog for discount ok email [email protected].

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

West ValleyReal Estate

For Rent 108 E. Calvin 3/1 $950 and 321 A. Street 3/1.75 $900

Bank Owned/Reo for sale 137 North Street $98,600 Call for Details.(661) 763-1500. www.BuySellManage.com.

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

04417057661-745-4892

ROOM FOR RENT

2 furnished rooms w/private bath. House privileges. Pool/spa.765-7958

$100 per month. $275 to move in. Cuyama area. Avail. Feb. 1st. (805) 868-5381.

MOBILE HOME

24 x 60 Mobile in BV Park. Xlt. Cond. 2 bd. 2 ba. All new carpet. Xlt. Price $30,000 obo. (661) 623-2102 or 745-3217.

APARTMENTS

1bd apartment. 400 Woodrow in Tradewinds. $625/month. 763-1168

HOUSES FOR RENT

527 D Street. Remodeled, 2bd. 2 ba. with one car garage. $950 plus $950 deposit.

No pets, no sec. 8. Includes wsher and dryer hookups, kitchen nook, stove, micro, and dishwasher, gardner and pest control. 549-0154.

Extremely niceLarge 3 bd rm 1 bathHarwood floors throughout. Complete remodel 2007$ 750.00. Call Jeff 805.455.5403

Clean 3bd. 201 Lucard $750/month + deposit. 765-4644 or 363-3005

319 and 319 1/2 Kern St. $650. deposit 650 2/1 [email protected]

319 1/2 kern st taft, ca 2/1 $650.00 Deposit same. 1-866-367-8171 email [email protected]

1 Bd. 1 Ba. $550. mo. and 3 bd. 2 ba. in Taft Hights. $700 mo. (805) 478-4295 or (661) 623-4063.

HOUSES FOR SALE

Sp. #30 BVMHP. 2 bd. 2 ba. Formal L/D plus

den. Call to see @ 765-2989 or 805-1168. Price reduced.

PERSONALAs of 2/9/09 I am no longer responsible for any one debt other than my own. Chyrl Minter

P.O. Box 1113Taft, CA 93268

Office (661) 765-6182Fax (661) 765-6155

[email protected]

Crane and Transportation ServicePumping Unit Repair

Lic. # 887301

Stimulate Your Economy

Place Your Yard Sale Ad

FREE in the

Taft Independent. Call 765-6550

YARD SALE ADS ARE FREE IN THE TAFT INDEPENDENT.CALL 765-6550.

TAFT COLLEGEScience Lab Technician

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 Department by calling 661-763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Friday, April 24, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

Advertising’s Easy!

Advertise with the

Taft Independent--

We get it ready, and

we get it right!

Call Jessica Wallis

at 765-6550

Very Nice Home...Rented3 bdrm, 1 bath...Rented2 Bdrm, 1 Bath...Rented

New This Week2bdrm, 1 ba. Cottage.

Remodeled...$625 mo.


RUSS LACY

LACY PAINTINGPARTNERS IN PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

P.O. Box 612Taft, CA [email protected]

(661) 203-6677CA License #784342

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

OWNER/OPERATOR

Tuesday -Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crystal Lee'sNEw SPRINGITEMS!

522 Center Street

New Spring items in stock and more

to come!

BOOTS, HOODIES, SwEATERS, PURSES, JEANS, ED HARDY.

Churches, Businesses and Residents Invited!

Need A Car Wash?Gonzales Detail Center

600 6th Street at the corner of Center Street - 623-7488

100% Hand Wash - Leather and Vinyl CareWax - Polish - Upholstery Cleaning - Custom Detailing

Monday - Friay 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Medium Sized Vehcle $15-$20, Large $20 - $30Lifted Vehicles Call for Price

Add $3 for Interior Dressing & Air Freshner

Cash Your Winning

Ticket Here!

FRED’S CIGARETTESBig Sale on Cigarettes

May 1st to May 30th

EBT, Visa and Master Cards AcceptedFred’s Cigarettes 1006 6th Street, Taft (661) 765-4807 in the Pilot Plaza Shopping Center

Bronco $31.99 Carton, $3.49 Pack + taxMarlboro $40.99 Carton, $4.39 Pack + tax

Jewelry, Gifts and Groceries 50% Off !

Copenhagen & Skoal $3.89 + tax


419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3

Western and pet supply

PET WASHopening soon!

All you will need to do is just bring in your pet!

No Appointments necessaryWalk ins welcomed.

Brand New Homes in Taft3 New Homes 3 Bedroom, 2 bath

For Private Showing or For More Information

Call Colston Construction at 763-3517

Amber Street Homes(on front street between 6th and 5th Streets)

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

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

March 29th and 30thSaturday and Sunsay

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 29th and 30thSaturday and Sunday

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From $220,000

BARRON PROPERTIESManagement/Sales

“Putting Management back into your Property”

Ethele M. Barron325 Kern Street

[email protected]

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

F u l l S e r v i c e S a l o n

GO GREEN WITH YOUR HAIR PRODUCTS!Introducing New line of “Green” Hair Products by CHI

404 Center Street 763-GLAM

Our team of stylists: Christine Dunning, Laci Rodart, Kandi Gullo, Melissa Thornsberry/Master Colorist our manicurist, Lorelei Hazlewood

and our massage therapist, Samantha HagstromCall Today for an Appointment - Walk Ins Accepted

Nominations are due Wednesday, May 27thWinners will be announced Friday, June 5th!

Pick up Your Ballot In any Issue of the Taft Independent!

futurealsoinside:calendar,westsidewatcher,news,businessfeature,horoscopesandclassifiedads.friday,apr

Documents

hot stone pizzaalso

hot stones

new specialty pizza

new menu

family business

thind family

family members

family oriented