taft independent citizen of the year

January 13 - 19, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

January 13 - 19, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 29www.Taftindependent.com“Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley”

[email protected]

508 Center Street 765-6550

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!Black GoldCafe and Deli

Open Monday-Saturday • 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm

Taftindependent.com

Radioshack Relocates To Sixth Street

100 Years In The Elk Hills Oil Fields

Available To Go

Over 50 Different Craft

& Imported Bottled Beers!

The Place4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa(661)766-2660

$1.50 Domestic Drafts5pm Until Close

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, Green Salad, Beans & Bread

NO TO GO’s

$10.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT

Saturday, January 14th

Starts at 5pm

Taft Independent Citizen Of The YearBill Wickwire, The NEEDS Center

By Nicole Frost

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT January 13 - 19, 2012

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

Candies • Candles • And More!

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Nail Services:Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic

Metalic Flakes • Rock Star (we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

(661)745-4913 426 Center Street (661)763-5451

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

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

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

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

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

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

J & D Recycling1277 Kern Street

Personal Style

A Hint of Class Name Brand ClothingShoes • Jewelry

Accessories & More

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

2995*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. Jan. 31, 2012

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Like Us on Facebook

Now authorized dealers Boost Mobile Pre Paid Cards

Pay your bills here for prepaid phones

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

24 Hours/ 7 Days a WeekSe Habla Espanol 661-301-4660

Residential • Commercial

Fast • Friendly • Affordable

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

BOOTCAMPStarting Soon!!

Hablamos Espanol661-745-4954610 Center Street

Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

661-765-4377Lic # B-721903

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Taft [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICESInside The Historic Fort • 623-1783

915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Come Shop All Your Favorite Brands Here In Taft!

Acme Jewelry will be closed on Tuesdays when Ray is in LA.

Please call first 763-5451Thank You

Gift Certificates Available NowMP3 Players and IPOD Speakers

A New Year...A New YOU!

Accessories For Your

IPHONE & IPOD

Sign up now!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

New JewelryJeans • Tops

Purses • Shoes Accessoriesand More!

NEW ARRIVALS!

Black GoldCafe and Deli



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

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

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

Westside News.................5

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

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

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

Obituary............................9

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

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

Inside

The Taft Independent

508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Managing EditorAdvertising

Jessica Skidgel

Layout & DesignJessica Skidgel

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris,

Nicole Frost

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins,

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Subscriptions\DeliveryTim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday January 17th, 2012 – 6:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA

(661) 763-1222AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD

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

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

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

News BriefsTaft California

“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Have a community event that you would like to include? Email it to us at [email protected]

Fort Membership Drive & Dinner Thursday, January 26th

The Historic Fort is holding their annual membership dinner and drive on Thursday, January 26th at The Fort, located at 915 N 10th Street. Social hour begins at 5pm, dinner served at 6pm. Dinner catered by Vanita Hooker. For more information call the Fort at 765-7371.

Taft Chamber Installation Dinner Wednesday, February 8th

The Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is holding their annual membership Installation dinner on Wednesday, February 8th at the Historic Fort, located at 915 N. 10th Street. For ticket information contact the Chamber at 765-2165.

Luck Of The Irish St. Patricks Dinner Saturday, March 17th

The Historic Fort is holding their annual St. Patricks Dinner on Saturday, March 17th at The Fort, located at 915 N. 10th Street. Social hour begins at 5pm, dinner served at 6pm. For more information contact The Fort at 765-7371.

Community Events

Taft Chamber of Commerce AnnualMembership And Installation Dinner The Taft District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau is having their Annual Installation Dinner on Wednesday, February 8th at the Historic Fort. A social hour starts at 6PM, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony at 7PM. This event introduces the community to the new Board of Directors, hosts a special guest speaker, and presents the Chamber Awards. Everyone is welcome to attend and may purchase tickets at the Taft Chamber. To nominate someone for an award and/or to RSVP for the event, please call the Chamber at 661-765-2165 or stop by their office at 400 Kern Street. Award categories are as follows: Business Man of the Year, Business Woman of the Year, Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and a Community Service Award. Deadline for award nominations is Friday, January 20. Tickets to attend the event are $35 each with event sponsorships available. Contact the Chamber for more information.

Grandma’s Attic Resumes At Taft Branch Library Grandma’s Attic Storytime resumes at the Taft Branch Library on Saturday, January 14, 2012 and will continue every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. through April 14. Aimed at 5 to 8 year-olds, Grandma’s Attic offers an old trunk full of surprises and stories presented by a different volunteer reader each week. Children who participate will receive a form to return to their teacher for credit in their school reading program. Parents are always welcome to attend, or may enjoy some library or computer time while their child is occupied. For more information, call 763-3294 or visit the library at 27 Emmons Park Drive.

Free SAT Class At Taft Union High School Taft Union High School is offering a free, 21-hour class to students who want to prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Many colleges require that applicants take the SAT as part of the admissions process. Similiar classes in Bakersfield cost between $100 and $150. All participants receive the book, The Official SAT Study Guide: For the New SAT. Students may use the book, valued at $21.99, to continue to prepare for the test after the course ends. Snacks will be provided during all sessions. Also, several scholarships awarded through the TUHS local scholarship program give special consideration to students who have above-average SAT scores. More than $190,000 in scholarships was awarded to seniors at the annual Honors Night last May. Instructors are: counselor Claude Bradford, English teacher Jim Carnal and math teacher Josh Tofte. “I took the SAT preparation class and my SAT scores went up 100 points in math and another 50 points in English. I took the class a second time and my total went up another 50 points. I recommend this class,” Marty Fontes, a 2007 TUHS graduate, said. Classes begin Wednesday, Feb. 1, and end on Monday, March 5. Classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, and Monday, March 5; from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. Feb. 6, and Thursday, Feb. 16; and from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 4 and March 3. All classes will meet in room 136 in the main building. The SAT test will be given at Taft High on Saturday, March 10. The last day to register for the test is Feb. 10.

Taft Sportsmen’s Club Annual Awards Banquet The Taft Sportsmen’s Club will be having their Annual Awards Banquet Satur-day January 21, 2012 at 6 PM at OT Cookhouse. It is a fun filled evening of fellowship, raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and gun raffles. We also award the contest winners through the year and name the annual Sportsman of the Year. Don’t miss out on this exciting evening. The cost is free to life members, $15 for adults, and $8 for children 16 and under. Please RSVP by calling Tom Brown at (661) 765-2704 or e-mailing the club secretary at [email protected]. For more information on the Taft Sportsmen’s Club be sure to check out our website at www.taftsc.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/taft-sportsmensclub.

Cash For College Financial Aid Workshop Taft Union High School is hosting Cash for College, a free financial aid workshop where officials will help parents sign up on-line for college aid. The workshop for high school seniors and their parents will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, in the IRC lecture hall. Staff members from the high school, community college, state college and university systems will be on hand to help parents apply for financial aid for their incoming college freshmen. Bilingual assistance will be available. The event will be open for two hours but it only takes about one hour to fill out the forms. Additionally, attendees will be entered into a drawing for a $1,-00 scholarship by filling out the exit form, but they must be one of the evening participants. The event opens the door for federal money and Cal grants and for alumni funds at the college they plan to attend. Parents will be assisted in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form used by virtually all two- and four-year colleges, universities and career school for awarding govern-ment aid. Parents should get on-line beforehand at “www.pin.ed.gov”to obtain a pin number they can bring with them on Jan. 30. Parents may also get more information at “www.fafsa.ed.gov”. Parents should bring their most recent income tax information, social security numbers for themselves and their child and W-2 forms. If not a U.S. citizen, they should bring their alien registration cards. If the student and parent are undocu-mented, school officials will talk with them about AB540 support. If you have questions, contact Cameron Anderson, the college peer adviser, at [email protected] or 763-2326.

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THE CITY OF TAFT IS LOOKING FORQUALIFIED TRANSIT DRIVERS

$13.20/hour

The City of Taft is looking for qualified Part–Time Transit Drivers for the dial-a-ride and fixed route services. Must be

dependable and able to work varied shifts including split-shifts and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications: - High School diploma or GED certificate.

Must Possess a State of California Class B Driver’s License with passenger endorsement. As well as a school bus driver’s license or a General Public Para-transit Vehicle (GPPV) operator cer-tificate. Applications will not be accepted from applicants who

do not possess one of these certificates.

Application Process: - Application and job description may be picked up at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, or on our

website www.cityoftaft.org. Final Filing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED. EOE.

Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 4:30pm to Close

Ribeye Steak or Chicken Dinner from 6pm - 8pm

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 7 am to 4pm.

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

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineOpen Monday to Saturday

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

508 Center Street765-6550

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

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

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

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Your Restaurant ListedHERE

Call 765-6550

Asian Experience


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

Westside Entertainment

Sagebrush Annie’s

Wine TastingDinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

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

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call765-6550!

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Subscribe for home delivery of the Taft Independent today!

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

Name_________________________________Address________________________________Start Date____________End Date__________

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

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

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call 765-6550!Starting as low as

$12 per week!

Have Your Next Event At The Club!

The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversary’s

Hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

CITY OF TAFT DISPATCHER/MATRON

$15.28 - $18.57/hr.

Under general supervision, receives calls for police and fire services and dispatches personnel and equipment according to

established procedures.

Qualifications: Two years of general work experience includ-ing operation of telephone and standard office machines. Valid CA driver’s license. Must be able to perform matron duties for

female prisoners.

Application: Application and complete job description may be picked up at Taft City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, CA or contact the Personnel Department at (661) 763-1222 ext. 14.

Final filing date: 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2012. Complete City of Taft application must be in the Personnel Office by the filing deadline. Postmarked applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of City application. EOE.

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Holiday Inn Express Coming to Taft?

A potential hotel developer has presented the city of Taft with a “Letter of Interest” to build a Holiday Inn Express at the corner of Main Street and 6th Street on the Rails to Trails property. This is the best news to come along since developers of a proposed Best Western Hotel (which many folks did not think were a serious bid) dropped its bid. Geary Coats, the Rails to Trails Master Developer will make a presentation to the city council on Tuesday, January 20 to discuss the hotel development and several other projects that are proposed to be built on the 46 acre property that the city purchased for redevelop-ment. Word is that Coats will tell the council that two projects - a Dollar store and a possible condo project - are confirmed, so lookout for some development on the former railroad property in the next 6 months. Taft Correctional Facility Reopening Soon? As you might remem-ber, the city correctional facility was closed down a few months ago with a loss of over 60 jobs and nearly $900,000 in revenues for the City of Taft. Council members and city staff, to put it mildly, are get-ting nervous since the loss of revenue could mean more city staff lay-offs might be in the works with such a devastating loss of revenue. And keeping it closed is not cheap either since the city is paying $89,000 a month in unemployment insurance, possibly for as long as 2 years. You only have to look East to Arvin to see that the city council there is planning to layoff up to 7 staff because of budget shortfalls. Taft could be next, and that is why the city is working so hard to try and attract one of several county Sheriff Department’s, including Kern County’s own Sheriff Donny Youngblood, that are faced with a shortage of prison inmate beds to look to Taft to house their inmate overpopulation. If Taft could house some of these prisoners, the city could reopen the correctional facility, rehire laid off prison guards and breath easier about the city budget. Reports are that Interim Police Chief Ed Whiting is calling former Taft correctional officers to ask them to stick around because the correctional might just be reopening soon. Taft Independent Newspaper Adjudication. Here we go again. Yes, it’s the silly season in the local newspaper business. If you happen to live in a small town with two newspapers (like Taft) and you’re one of those papers that has had a monopoly on the news for about 100 years and depend on government legal notices and other advertising that is required to be published in your paper by law, and you were the only paper allowed to get these kinds of lucrative advertisements, you’d do whatever you cold to prevent the other newspaper from qualifying for these kinds of ads. Yes, the Midway Driller, which happens to be owned by a great big-out-of-town publishing company from Delaware which owns about another 480 community publications around the country is once again going to court to prevent the Taft Independent (which is locally owned) from obtaining adjudication from the Kern County Superior Court. Adjudication is the holy grail for a newspaper, especially those in small towns with little advertising prospects, whose income helps keep that paper in business. Now, the Driller’s owners – Gatehouse Media, a public media corporation whose stock went from nearly $18 around the time they bought the Driller to .06 cents recently - is not having any of this. One of the arguments the Driller is making to the court is that a free newspaper - The Independent - can not have paid subscrib-ers - if fact that say in their court papers that a free newspaper having paid subscribers is an “oxymoron”.....a very suspicious term since one of our largest employer is Oxy and Taft used to be named Moron. We’ll keep you updated - and subscribe to the Indy, it helps.


The Bow Wow Bakery will be coming to Taft. Owner and operator, DeeDee Sparks is working hard to get her 420 Center Street location full stocked and ready to open in the next 2 to 3 months. Bow Wow Bakery will be carrying gourment dog treats that will be baked fresh daily and designer dog accessories. “We have already been getting a great response and support from the community, we are really looking forward to the grand opening,” said Sparks. Bow Wow Bakery will be holding a grand opening to launch the opening of the gourment dog bakery. DeeDee invites the community and their pets to come on down, check out the bakery and enjoy some free samples. More details to follow on the grand opening within the next month.

Westside News & Business BriefsElk Hills Oil Field Celebrating 100 Years of History in Kern County, 1911-2011

Occidental Elk Hills, Inc., a subsidy of the Occidental Petroleum Corporation, has published this attractive picture book making use of information and photographs from the West Kern Oil Mu-seum, the Kern County Museum, Kern County Library and from individual collections. From its introduction: “The Elk Oil Field is located about 30 miles southwest of Bakersfield, California, covering 47,000 acres of hilly terrain in a once isolated area. The hills have a held a wealth of mineral resources along with a history that is rich in detail. “The Elk Hills story began at the dawn of the twentieth century upon the return of Theodore’s Great White Fleet, where ships had to stop at every port for more coal to fuel the engines. Upon the return of Roosevelt’s voyage and out of concern for the United States dependence on other governments for its fuel source, Theo-dore Roosevelt convinced the Navy that oil would be the future in powering our battleships. “In 1908, a geological survey was conducted to locate probable oil lands in the US. As a result of these surveys, it was determined that the Elk Hills Oil Field would be set aside as a Naval Petroleum Reserve… “Associated Oil Company drilled the first producing well at Elk Hills on June 16th, 1911, to a depth of 4,030 feet. (Contrast this with 24,426 feet in 1988.) This started a new phase at the Elk Hill Oil Field. Elk Hills is the third largest field in California, the num-ber one gas producer in California and, as of latest reports avail-able, ranks number ten of the most productive oil fields located in the United States.” The Teapot Dome scandal was a bribery incident that took place in the United States in 1922–23, during the administration of President Warren G. Harding. Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall leased Navy petroleum reserves at Teapot Dome and two other locations, including Elk Hill, to private oil companies at low rates without competitive bidding. In 1922 and 1923, the leases became the subject of a sensational investigation by Senator Thomas J. Walsh. Fall was later convicted of accepting bribes from the oil companies. ”When Elk Hills was opened up to full production in 1978, the county was a peace and oil from the reserve was not required to fuel a wartime Navy. “Occidental Petroleum Corporation’s 1998 acquisition of the government’s majority interest in the Elk Hills Oil Field made history as the largest-ever privatization. Additional development has grown production, and Elk Hills today is the largest natural gas producer in California and one of the largest oil and natural gas fields in the United States.” The format of this book is to move decade by decade from 1911 to 2011. Each new decade contains a page listing the price of things then, things like new cars, a gallon of gasoline, and various groceries. In 1961, for example, fifty years ago, when John F. Ken-nedy was our 35th President, a loaf bread cost 21 cents and a dozen eggs 30 cents. At last count at Taft’s Albertson’s a loaf of good qual-ity bread is $3 and a dozen eggs is $1.79! Since Oxy took over in 1998 innovative techniques like horizon-tal drilling and automated wells have been instituted so that today the process is state of the art. Anyone with an interest in the history of Taft’s oil fields might want to take a look at this book.

Taft Radioshack Relocates To Sixth Street

New Sidwalks And Stop Sign Along Harrison & Sixth Street

Taft’s Radioshack recently moved locations from 1048 West Kern Street to 210 6th Street on Saturday January 7th and they opened their new store on January 9th. “This just worked out to be a better location,” said store manager Jessica Woods. Although the store is keeping the same hours, services and prod-ucts, there are a few changes to be made with the re-opening. “We are looking to expand our shipping department to include international shipping,” said Woods. “We’ll keep the same services, such as the bill-paying center, but we will possibly be lowering our prices.” The new Radioshack will undergo a “Grand Opening” as soon as they settle in to the new building.

Taft College Student Art Gallery To Open This Month

Stewart Bandy and Danny Hopkins help hang art work in the new TC Gallery. Student art work is being hung up in the new Taft College Art Gallery located in the Tech Building, room #T11. The gallery will be open to the public on Monday, January 23rd from 1pm to 7pm. A grand opening will also take place, more information to come on the grand opening. For questions and more information contact Taft College.

Road construction has been underway along Harrison Street through Sixth Street in Taft and Ford City. Remember to stop at the new stop sign at Sixth Street and Emmons Park Drive.

By Nicole Frost

Bow Wow Bakery Coming Soon

By Jane McCabe

DeeDee Sparks with The Independent’s Frankie & Charlie


Westside News & Business Briefs

CookhouseOT& Saloon

Specializing in Steak & Seafood

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

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

CLOSEDSUNDAY/MONDAY

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

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 1-17-12 thru 1-21-12)

Tues.1-17-12LunchTues.

1-17-12Dinner

Wed.1-18-12Lunch

Wed.1-18-12Dinner

Thurs.1-19-12Lunch

Thurs.1-19-12Dinner

Fri.1-20-12Dinner

Fri.1-20-12Lunch

Sat.1-21-12Dinner

Shrimp & Scallop Spaghetti

Prime Rib$16.95 Small/ $19.95 Large

BBQ Beef Ribs

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

$9.95

$10.95

$9.95

$8.95

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

$16.95/ $19.95

OTC Charbroiled Ginger Chicken

$11.95

OTC Fish Tacos

Roast Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken Sautee

$9.95

Fried Calamari

Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion

Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Ben’s Books

Come in and look at our Unadvertised Specials!

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

BBQ Pork Ribs$14.95 1/2 Rack/$16.95 Full

$14.95/$16.95

$14.95

SoCalGas Launches Annual Winter Campaign To Assist Low-Income Families Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today launched its an-nual winter assistance campaign, the Gas Assistance Fund, which provides a one-time grant in the amount of the bill, up to $100, for low-income families. The program is funded by the generous contributions from customers, employees, and shareholders. “The Gas Assistance Fund helps our customers in need with their heating bills during the winter season when home heating is used the most,” said Hal D. Snyder, vice president of customer solutions for SoCalGas. “But, more importantly, this critical program can help alleviate strain on a family’s budget during these tough economic times.” Sempra Energy, SoCalGas’ parent company, will match dollar-for-dollar contributions that customers and utility employees donate to the Gas Assistance Fund, up to a total of $250,000. The assistance funds are made available through participating United Way of Greater Los Angeles agencies.For nearly three decades, the Gas Assistance Fund has helped over 186,000 disadvantaged southern California residents pay their winter natural gas bills through the disbursement of more than $14.5 million. In anticipation of a greater need for assistance, SoCalGas launched the Gas Assistance Fund a month early this year. The program typically runs from February through May -- or until the funds are depleted -- but the program is starting in January this year. The United Way of Greater Los Angeles, working with approximately 100 community agencies strategically located throughout central and southern California, will distribute the Gas Assistance Fund contributions to income-qualified customers. For participating agencies, customers are asked to call 2-1-1. Anyone, including customers, can help by making a voluntary tax-deductible contribution by visiting SoCalGas’ website, socal-gas.com/donate, or mail it to: United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Gas Assistance Fund, File 56826, Los Angeles, CA 90074-6826. In addition to the Gas Assistance Fund, SoCalGas offers other bill-assistance programs and services that can help customers manage their home energy costs during the winter months. More information on this and other programs are available by visiting socalgas.com/assistance.

In every community, there are those individuals that stand out from the rest because of their actions, accomplishments and attitude. Every year, one of those individuals is selected to be the Citizen of the Year. This year, the title belongs to Bill Wickwire. Wickwire has quite a few projects under his belt, including being the director of the Needs Center in Taft. He started as a

board member in 2002, but he became a volunteer after his retirement in 2004. Since then, he has donated approximately 25 hours each week doing anything that needs to be done at the Needs Center. “The Needs Center is a big commit-ment,” said Wickwire. “Finding money to fund it is a big task that requires writing grants and the help of the community. With the help of the volunteers and donors, we’re able to provide food each week.” The Needs Center serves to provide food and clothing to those in need in the community. They are open twice a week and Wickwire strives to make it as func-tional and welcoming as possible. “We change the menu to keep it varied,” said Wickwire. “It’s a blessing to help the community.” Wickwire is well known by his peers for his position at the Center, but there is much more to him than that. In addition to volunteering, Wickwire also spent 20 years working with school accreditation and, during this time, he was the chair of 18 committees. “I, along with a few other members,

visit schools and say if they’re doing what they’re supposed to do,” explained Wickwire. “Every school in California is accredited and we make sure they do the right things.” Wickwire’s work in education goes much further than school ac-credidation: he was also a teacher, Dean of Students, and president at Taft Union High School. Wickwire began his career with Taft Union High School in 1964 and finished in 2004. While a teacher, he taught Biology, Science and Computer Programming. As a Kiwanis member for 17 years, Wickwire works with fund-raisers and events for the club. In the small amount of spare time he has, Wickwire likes to ride bicycles and motorcycles. “I’m an avid bicyclist and I usually ride about 75 miles a week,” said Wickwire. “I like to also ride motorcycles with friends. Also, my ten grandkids keep me busy.” Wickwire is a very loved and respected individual among his peers. His neighbor, Harry Wilson, didn’t hesitate to say some words of kindness about him. They also share some common interests. “He is the head of Needs and he is very conscientious about it,” said Wilson. “He is also president of the association for the con-dos. He keeps an eye on everything. We both like to read a lot of mysteries so we trade books. He is a good father and grandfather.” Surprisingly, Wickwire wasn’t expecting to win this award. “I felt very humbled and surprised,” admitted Wickwire. Whether he is helping the community, his neighbors or his fam-ily, Wickwire is a busy man who is making Taft a better place one day at a time. Consequentially, he holds the title of Taft’s Citizen of the Year for 2011-2012.

Taft Independent Citizen Of The Year, Bill Wickwire

By Nicole Frost


ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICES


Westside News & Business Briefs

101 B. Street • Taft(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

$8.95 Lunch specials served daily from 11am to 3pm and

includes drink11am-3pmincludes drink

Lunch Specials

HAYDENS HOPEThrift Store

God Bless!Together we can help keep our Teens in Taft off the streets.

420 1/2 Center StreetFind us on Facebook

Shirts & Sweaters $.25 Pants $.50Does not include hoodies or jackets.

We now accept credit cards!

The Place4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa(661)766-2660

$1.50 Domestic Drafts5pm Until Close

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, Green Salad, Beans & Bread

NO TO GO’s

$10.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT

Saturday, January 14th

Starts at 5pm

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Chevron and DonorsChoose.org Provide $100,000 to Support Innovative Classroom Projects

Chevron and DonorsChoose.org are supporting innovative classroom projects that focus on science, technology, engineering and math(STEM) subjects in Kern County and San Joaquin Valley school districts. Beginning Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, educators can submit funding requests for materials and experiences that enhance the STEM

learning environment for their students. Chevron will fund up to $100,000 in total project costs for teachers throughout San Joaquin Valley, funding will be available for up to two projects at $1,000 each in total costs. Submissions will be accepted at www.donorschoose.org/teachers. Community members can also get involved. The Chevron-funded Double Your Impact campaign, conducted through DonorsChoose.org, will fund 50 percent of a project if community members provide the remainder until funding lasts. Chevron partners with DonorsChoose.org as part of its California Parnership, an initiative to invest in education and economic development in its home state. For more information on Chevron’s commitment to California communities visit: http:www.chevron.com/countries/usa/chevronincalifornia/partneringwithcalifornia/



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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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New Law Obliterates Large Portions of The Bill of RightsDr. Harold Pease

The Republican Presidential Primaries have obscured the President’s late December signing of the most damaging law to the Bill of Rights in my lifetime. Known as the National Defense Authorization Act the over 600 page, $662 billion law “would require the military to hold suspected terrorists linked to Al Qaeda or its affiliates, even those captured on U. S. soil, indefi-nitely” and without trial, on the say so of the military through the President alone. Moreover, even Americans could be removed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba against their will and deprived of

their constitutional rights. In my commentary on this law in early December (see “New Bill Damages Bill of Rights and Could Target Americans for Military Detention,” LibertyUnderFire.org), I noted that the law gave no protection from a revolving definition of terrorism to anti-government, perhaps even Tea Partiers or Occupy Wall Street folks. The threat of potential incarceration without recourse to a lawyer, judge and trial is very serious. The military perform-ing police duty, heretofore rendered by civil authorities, is unconscionable in a free society. Our only hope was a promised Presidential veto which did not happen. Therefore, what follows are details on how the new law emasculates the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the U.S. Constitution and Amendments 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the Bill of Rights. The Writ of Habeas Corpus found in Article I, Section 9 recognized that some day war might exist on our soil and that the accused had rights that might have to be momentarily delayed until recognized civilian authority could reasonably attend to them. It allowed this delay in only two circumstances “when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.” Section 9 is a list of powers specifically denied Congress; nor were they given to the President in Article II. This strongly suggests no federal role outside these two parameters in the delay of justice—certainly no military role. The removal of any civilian role and the carting off of U.S. citizens to a foreign country without benefit of judge or jury obliterates this right. Amendment 4 deals with searches and seizures and reads in part “no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation…” Warrants give civil authority the power to arrest only when the reason for the search (probable cause) has been reviewed and authorized, normally by an elected judge, who has given an oath to uphold the Constitution. He stands between the plaintiff and the defendant as the protector of Constitutional law. There is no role for the military even with a President’s authorization. Tell this to the young soldiers just following orders. Freedom dies when this amendment dies. Amendment 5 has several parts that are affected by the new law but space limits my coverage to just a couple. Infamous or serious crimes mandate a grand jury, twelve or more citizens to evaluate the evidence before proceeding, which will not exist in a military arrest and extradition to Guantanamo Bay process. Moreover, one cannot “be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Due process is the civilian judicial system. The amendment does have a short-term exclusion “when in actual service in time of war or public danger” but the National Defense Authorization Act is a perma-nent exclusion rather than a temporary one and only holds when the enemy has brought war to our soil. Amendment 6 deals with criminal court procedures where “the accused shall enjoy the right to … a public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed … to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel in his defense.” The new law destroys the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution. There will be no “impartial jury,” no “obtain-ing witnesses in his favor,” no “counsel in his defense,” and Cuba is hardly within “the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.” Finally the new law will obliterate Amendment 8 for those the President and his military defined as terrorists. The protection against cruel and unusual punishment for them ends and torture is justified. Does anyone really think that the military will care about excessive fines or bail either? Sadly both parties, despite their oath to preserve the Constitution, are responsible for this bill. There was bipartisan support for it. Unbelievably, Ron Paul is the only presidential candidate from either party to speak out against it. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.


In Loving MemoryDarin Mitchell Wagner

Age 44, passed away on December 25th 2011 in Sacramento, CA. Darin was born on April 4th, 1967 and raised in Taft, CA. He graduated from Taft Union High School in 1985. He was survived by his wife of 24 years, Carrie Wagner, his 3 children Kylie, Chase and Corrina, all age 16. He also leaves his mother, Harriet Wagner, and his sister, Karis Kozloski, her husband Rick Kozloski, nieces Sierra, Kaylee and a nephew Caleb Kozloski, all Taft residents. Darin’s family was his heart, he loved them dearly. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers the family is in need of donations which can be made by deposit to a memorial fund at Wells Fargo Bank, account # 8736967566 or mailed to his family at 8622 Central Avenue, Orangevale, CA 95662.

TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

Pastor Cindy BrettschneiderSunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM

Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AM

Adult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PMWednesday Night Service 6:00 PM

Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive

We invite you to join us each week as we worship

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

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning WorshipService 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening WorshipService 6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Gateway Temple CommunityChristian

Fellowship631 North Street

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

St. Andrew’sEpiscopal

ChurchSunday Service - 10 a.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard703 5th Street - Taft

(661) 765-2378

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMSTaft- A caring community under Christ

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

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays

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

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

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

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

Sunday Services 10am1000 6th St.

Weekly Classes Mon - ThursPlease call 765-7472 for info

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

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley www.nlctaft.org or [email protected]

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

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

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

Mary A. McWhorter

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

YOUR CHURCH AD HERE!

CALL TODAY!

765-6550

ObituaryThe Only Mortuary On The West Side

Where All Arrangements And Funerals Are Personally Directed ByLicensed Funeral Directors

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

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of TaftWednesday

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

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

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTEDConstruction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/

Hazardous Waste/Tires

If Missed… Call Office at 763-

5135

Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

Fat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

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

Jacqueline Louise Harvey was born in Bakersfield on May 16th 1938 and went to be with Our Lord on Sunday, January 8th. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Trice Harvey; daughter Dinah Marquez and son-in-law Raul Marquez; son Nick Harvey; grandchildren Trice Harvey II, Taryn Harvey, and Andrea Marquez; great grandson Rider Jaxon Stevens; brother Donald Stussy; stepbrother Ralph Arnold and step sister Norma Robinson. Jacque was raised in Taft on 25 Hill. She met her husband at Taft High School where she was a gold seal barer all four years. At age 17 she married her 19 year old sweetheart on August 5th 1955. She worked at the Kern Mutual Telephone Company as head of payroll in Taft until she moved to Bakersfield when her husband became a Senior Health Inspector. Jacque stayed home to raise her children until the family settled in Rosedale where she went to work for Golden State nursery as office manager. After working for Joe Maniaci for 12 years she became a real estate agent and went into land development with her brother when they began Su-Jac Enterprises Inc. At this time she also began her own business, Bravo Bookkeeping. Jacque became involved in politics to support her husband in his political career which took them all the way to the State Assembly. After she was elected to the Kern County Republican Central Committee for two terms she was elected by her piers as Madame Chairman. During this time Jacque was honored as Republican of the Year in Kern County and enjoyed her 9 year appointment to the Kern County Fairboard. She became active in her Christian faith at Riverlakes Church where she at-tended women’s bible study and volunteered in the church library. Her spiritual journey took her to St. Francis Church where she continued her bible studies and became involved in women’s ministry for several years before her confirma-tion into the Catholic Church in 2008. Jacque’s invigorating smile, enduring spirit and deep faith will be missed and remembered by all. Services will be at St. Francis of Assisi Church 900 H Street, Thursday the 12th. Rosary begins at 9:30am with Funeral Mass at 10:00am. Reception fol-lowing in parish hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in Jacque’s honor to the Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/ click on Donate and then select Memorial Tribute.

Jacqueline Louise Harvey

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Independent!

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

For SaleFOR SALE

Pickers Buy & Sell 428 Center Street

Hours 1-5pm Tues-Fri

AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock

FOUND PETS

LOST PETS

Real EstatePROPERTY

MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

BUSINESSFOR SALE

FOR SALE

Established local Taft business. Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli. Excellent location, near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $20,000 OBO. Room to expand product offerings. Good family business. Call 661-623-4296.

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern Street

Studio Apt. $550. mo. Dep. $400. all util. includ. Avail. 1-1-12 623-4792.

2bd Apt. $550 mo. (805) 415-5293.

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

Imperial Gardens 424 Woodrow Street 2bd $625 mo. 1bd $550 mo. Stove fridge, dishwasher, pool, private car port. 661-623-3699 or 661-765-4299.

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

2bd/1ba $750 mo + dep. Recently remodeled. Fenced front and back yards. 661-589-2720.

PUBLIC NOTICEMichael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIACOUNTY OF KERN

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MICHAEL LONG TO HAVE THE STANDING OF THE TAFT INDEPENDENT AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION ASCERTAINED AND ESTABLISHED.

CASE NO: S-1500-CV-274771

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR ORDER DECLARING STATUS OF NEWSPAPER AS ONE OF GENERAL CIRCULATION (GOV. CODE 6021)

Notice is hereby given that, on January 18, 2012, at 8:30am, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in Department 14 of this court, located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, petitioner intends to apply for an order declaring the newspaper known as The Taft Independent to be a newspaper of general circulation for Taft, California.

DATED: SEPTEMBER 23-2011

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

Purchase

Commercial:330 California (old post office) Maricopa616 Poso,(restaurant & dry good w/ beer & wine license)MaricopaResidential417 Tyler $60K 3bed/ 2 bath415 Buchanan St $35,500 cash only

Can’t make payments call me!!

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

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

MOBILE HOMES

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENT205 W Ash C 2/1.5 $600601 4th 2/1 $650435 B St 2/1 $700302 Calvin 1/1 $850528 D St 2/1 $850602 Elkhorn 3/1.75 $850404 Fillmore 3/1.75 $1,000

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

523 Naylor St. 3 bd/2ba $990 mo + dep.408 Jackson St. 3bd/1ba $880 mo + dep.1bd 1 ba. house. 707 Fillmore 3 bd/1ba $780 mo. + dep. (661)343-0507.

27993 Hwy 119 2bd/1ba 1 acre house prop-erty. $780 mo + dep. (661)343-0507

APART. FOR RENT

Studio Apt. $450 mo + $450 dep. Water included. Recently remodeled. 661-496-6064.

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

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

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

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

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon)

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 508 Center St., Taft, CA 93268

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

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

Huge Yard Sale Fri, Sat, Sun 309 Naylor Ave. 8am-? household items, clothes and more!

Garage Sale Saturday 7am-? 309 E. San Emidio, next to Airport. Alley ent. Tools & much more!

Yard Sale Saturday 322 E. San Emidio 7am-11am clothes, furn, toys, household and grandmas banana nut bread.

Moving Sale 120 Taylor St. #3 Jan 21st & 22nd 9am-5pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTSGrief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 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. Info call 716-4000.

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

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

or 763-3856.

Are you a widow? Do you wonder what on earth am I here for? Widows meet twice a month on Tuesday 10 a.m. at the Buena Vista Mobile Home Club House. If interested, call June Selby 763-4845.

BusinessServices

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Computer RepairGraphic ArtsWeb Design

Virus Removal661-623-5188

YARD SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

EmploymentHELP WANTED

San Joaquin Automotive

Full time office help. Must be able to multi task, accounting skills

preferred. M-F 8am-5pm Apply M-F from 1-4pm to 531 Center StreetSubmit resume only.

Background check and drug screen.

WantedWANTED

Work Wanted. Need light to med. housework done? Am ready to and willing and able. Call 765-6610. Ask for Kathy Walters.

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

Community

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

Plumbing • Septic • RooterFraming • Electrical • ConcretePetitioner

Michael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268 _________________

Michael Long, PublisherThat Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STET OF CALIFORNIACOUNTY OF KERN

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MICHAEL LONG TO HAVE THE STANDING OF THE TAFT INDEPENDENT AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION ASCERTAINED AND ESTABLISHED.

CASE NO: S-1500-CV-274771

PETITION TO ASCERTAIN AND ESTABLISH STANDING AS NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION (GOV. CODE 6008, 6020)

Petitioner, Michael Long, alleges: 1. Petitioner is the publisher of the newspaper known as The Taft Independent, hereafter referred to as “the newspaper.” 2. The newspaper is a newspaper of general circulation published for the dissemination of local news and intelligence of a general character in Taft, California. The business address of the newspaper is 508 Center Street, Taft, California. 3. The newspaper has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers, numbering 536, and a substantial distribution to paying subscribers, numbering 346, within the City of Taft, California. 4. For more than three years preceding the filing of this petition, the newspaper has been established under the name of The Taft Independent, and has been so established and published, that is, issued and sold or distributed regularly every Friday in Taft, Californai. 5. During each year of the three-year period preceding the filing of this petition, the newspaper has maintained a minimum coverage of local news and intelligence of a general character of not less than twenty-five percent of its total inches; it has had only one principal office of publication, located in Taft, California.

WHEREFORE, petitioner prays for judgment ascertaining and establishing the Taft Independent as a newspaper of general

circulation, as defined in Section 6008 of the Government Code, for the City of Taft, County of Kern, California.

Dated this September 23, 2011

Petitioner

Michael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

I, Michael Long, am the petitioner in the above-entitled proceeding. I have read the foregoing petition and know the contents thereof. The same is true of my own knowledge, except as to those matters which are therein alleged on information and belief, and as to those matters, I believe it to be true.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.September 23, 2011, Taft, California.

SignedMichael Long

For Rent 426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550411 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath $600 Paul Joyce

805-218-1686 Joyce Properties

661-765-6300

The Cell Fone StoreMóviles y Accesorios y

alimentos y más510 Finley Drive661-765-2500

G and FFootwear

Athletic and Tennis ShoesVans - Nike - Levis

Adio and More!T-Shirts and Pants405 Finley StreetIn the Pilot PlazaPhone 340-8609

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Taft

Independent

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322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268(661) 765-5000

West Side Real Estate And Property Management


Westside News & Business BriefsCalifornia Weekly Gas Price Update and Outlook Average retail gasoline prices in California have risen 6.4 cents pergallon in the past week, averaging $3.68/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 7.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.34/g, according to gasoline price website Califor-niaGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices yesterday were 36.9 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 10.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 4.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 27.0 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. “Gas prices are rising across much of the nation as Iran has continued to threaten closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “Think back to the days following the start of the crisis in Libyaan event that also rattled energy marketswe’re seeing similar emotions play out even though there hasn’t yet been a disruption to supply. I would blame emotion for the recent uptick in gasoline prices, nothing else,” DeHaan said. About CaliforniaGasPrices.com GasBuddy.com operates over 250 live gasoline pricetracking web-sites, including CaliforniaGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine’s 50 best websites and to PC World’s 100 most useful websites of 2008.

Nominations Requested for Carrizo Plain National Monument Advisory Committee The Bureau of Land Management is requesting nominations for the Carrizo Plain National Monu-ment Advisory Committee. The 10-member committee advises the Bureau of Land Management on resource management is-sues at the monument, which sits on the border between San Luis Obispo and Kern counties.The BLM will consider the nominations for 60 days from Monday (March 9), when the formal call for nominations was published in the Federal Register. Nominations should be sent to Monument Manager, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308. For further information call Johna Hurl at (661) 391-6093. Nomination forms are available on the web at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/rac/cpnmac.html The following must accompany all nominations: support letters from represented interests or or-ganizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that demonstrates the nominee’s qualifications. Individuals may nominate themselves or others to the MAC. Nominees, who should demonstrate a commitment to collaborative resource decision-making, must be residents of the state. The BLM will evaluate nominees based on their education, training, experience and knowledge of the geographical area of the MAC. Committee members were appointed to staggered terms last year to allow a transition to full three-year terms.Nominations are requested for the following council positions:· Public-at-large (two positions);· Appointed by, or a member of, Kern County Board of Supervisors;· A member of, or nominated by, the Central California Resource Advisory Council.For more information on the monument, contact Johna Hurl, monument manager, at (661) 391-6093, John Kelley, Carrizo program support, at (661) 391-6088 or go to website http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield.html

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

License#0707137•(661)765-7131531KernStreet-P.O.Box985

(661)765-4798FAXTaft,CA93268•(661)203-6694Cell

E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store




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This list is not yet complete. If you know of services that have not been listed, please contact The Independent: 765-6550 or Bob Jordan at Taft Manna 4 U, 201 Harrison St. 205-3376 or 765-5851.

HELP! WHERE TO FIND IT IN TAFTFor help or information for all kinds of assistance, CALL 211

Boxer Calls On Southern California Edison To End Delay In Connecting Renewable Energy Projects To Electric Grid24 California Projects Have Been Waiting for Up to Two and a Half Years for Interconnection Agreements U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in a letter today called on Southern California Edison to move without delay to connect existing renewable energy projects to the electricity grid. At least 24 projects intended to provide power to facilities on National Park Service and Forest Service lands in Califor-nia are on hold, pending interconnection agreements with Southern California Edison. A recent story in the Los Angeles Times noted that while there have been significant delays with Southern California Edison, other utilities have been able to execute interconnection agreements in a much more timely manner. Nationwide, the National Park Service has completed interconnection agreements on 60 projects, including six projects in Pacific Gas and Electric’s service area in Califor-nia. In her letter, Senator Boxer wrote, “At least 24 renewable energy projects across five National Park Service units in Southern California are still awaiting interconnection agreements with SCE…It is unacceptable that renewable energy projects that could save taxpayers money have been allowed to sit idle for so long.”

Rich Miller • Jordan MillerKathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton


The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor You Special

Event

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway

Randy’s Trucking

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

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

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades •

• Rear Operator Control Panel •

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

Open 7 Days a Week

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

www.shawswesternshop.com

Shaw’s Pet WashLeather Collars & Leashes 20% OffNylon Collars & Leashes 15% Off

Dog & Cat Beds 20% OffFlea & Tick Products 15% Off

Ladies Shirts Up to 30% OffMen’s Dickies Work Coats 20% OffMen’s Lined Flannel Shirts 20% Off

Men’s Select Wranglers - Sale Starting at $19


ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICES(661)763-4445

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Certified C.A.P. StationGeneral Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

Qik Smog & Tune

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

Precision Bodyworks & Towing

We take the DENTS out of ACCIDENTS

317 Main Street • Taft

Phone (661)763-4420

FAX (661)763-1389

Cell (661)577-6785

608 Center St.

NEW ARRIVALS!!

745-4919

Dirty Dog SpecialJanuary & February

Specializing in flea treatments, medicated baths and soar foot care

Saturday Appointments Available!

The WorksOur full groom includes soothing naturalshampoos and conditioners, blueberry

vanilla facial, nails, ear cleaning, perfume spritz and your choice of nail color or hair color accent.

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

Store Wide Savingswestern shop & PET SUPPLY

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

(661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

Diagnostic SpecialistsService & Repairs • Smog Repairs

Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front EndBrakes • Fuel Injection

$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad**1996 Vehicle or newer

taft independent citizen of the year

Documents

acme jewelry

quality jewelry

street taftin

street suite

south taft

fine jewelry gifts

shop taft1277 kern street

center streetprepaid