the show must go on

January 6 - 12, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

January 6 - 12, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 28www.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

PAL Blood Draw Opens On Center Street

Walters Window Washing Cleans Up Taft

The Show Must Go On

Available To Go

Over 50 Different Craft

& Imported Bottled Beers!

Taft Fox Theater To Reopen In Late JanuaryAlso Inside:Maricopa City Council Approve The Use Of Kern County Sheriff Department For Community

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT January 6 - 12, 2012

Get Yourself A New Look!!

Personal Style

Happy New Year!!

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

SAN JOAQUINAutomotive Center

$199.99

Billy MessengerVoted Best

Mechanic for2009 and 2010

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

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

Overall Vehicle Inspection(visual inspection of all external components)

(tax, haz waste fee included)

EVERYDAY OIL CHANGES

DIESEL ENGINE $71.99 OR LESS

531 Center Street • 763-1123

Get Your Car Ready

GAS ENGINE $35.99 OR LESS

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

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

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 StyleWomen • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

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

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

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!

Watch for our weekly specials

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

Store WideSavings!!

Sign up now!


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

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

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

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

News Briefs


West Side Senior CareResidential Care Facility for the Elderly

Full Time Live-In Care

Now Open3 Openings Available • Women & Men Welcome

115 Adkisson Way - (661) 745-4220State License No. 157202510

Taft 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]

Community EventsTaft 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.

Taft Tigersharks Winter Swim Training The Taft Tigersharks Swim Club will be starting their winter training program on Monday, January 9, 2012. Swim practices will be at the Taft Union High School swimming pool every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and continue until March 30. Costs for the entire session are $100 for the first family member and $75 for each additional member. Swimmers aged 5 – 18 that can complete one full lap (25 yards) without stopping are eligible to join the club. Coaching the Tigersharks will be last summer’s successful coach, Michelle Kroll. Registration for the winter session will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Janu-ary 9 at the TUHS pool. Swimmers should bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles and warm clothing for after practice. All interested swimmers and parents can contact the Taft Tigersharks by email ([email protected]) or by phone (Greg Golling 661-301-2125 or Adrienne Cloud 661-932-0686).

Pancake And Waffle Breakfast Saturday, January 7th The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual Pancake/Waffle breakfast this Saturday, January 7th at the Taft Veterans hall on Cedar Street from 7AM till 11AM. To go orders available. There will be added items this weekend as part of their New Years special, cowboy potatoes and scrambled eggs. Topping of the month is Peach. $ 6.00 per person kids 5 yrs. & under free with paying adult.

Taft College Foundation Announces Outreach Program for Past Graduates

On Tuesday, December 13, 2011, the Taft College Foundation hosted a 90th Birthday Celebration for Harry Wilson who, at that time, was thought to be the oldest living alumnus of Taft College. Harry graduated in 1942. Since that event, with the pictorial coverage in the local newspaper, it has come to our attention that there are other, older graduates/alumni out there within the community. We are so excited that you are coming forward, to share your information with us. The Foundation, as a staffed department, is still somewhat in its infancy, with the Executive Director position being created and staffed within the last two years. Historically, complete and accurate data is always critical in maintaining contact with past graduates. In addition, membership in the Alumni Associa-tion, which would provide such contact, has not always been a priority for alumni. With the recent purchase of a new computerized system, the potential for creating a strong, viable data base for the Taft College Foundation and all its alumni will become a working reality. We very much want to establish contact with all our graduates, especially since Taft College will be celebrating its’ 90th Anniversary this year. We would love to have an alumni luncheon, and encourage the community to notify us of any older graduates. Please forward your data, including name, address, telephone number and years of attendance/graduation to: [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you!

Measure Me Mommie At 2012 Pre Golden Globes Boom Boom Room Measure Me Mommie, makers of a unique jewelry keep-sake designed to track the healthy growth and milestones of a pregnancy, have recently received an exclusive invitation to showcase their line at the 2012 Pre-Golden Globes Boom Boom Room celebrity event in Beverly Hills, CA on January 13th & 14th. Hosted by TV personality and fashion guru Jayneoni Moore, this gifting suite event welcomes A-list celebrity parents to connect with the hottest must-have items for expectant moms, babies and kids. Celebrities from past Boom Boom Room events include Tori Spelling, Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Sarah Drew, Ana Ortiz, Chris Noth, Tiffany Amber Thiessen, Jewel, Scott Baio, and Tim Allen to mention a few. The event is also covered by press and media outlets such as People Magazine, US Weekly and InStyle as well as featured on TV’s Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight. Based in Taft, CA (http://www.measurememommie.com) is an emerging company that designs a unique track-ing system that combines jewelry and measuring to capture healthy growth and milestones throughout a pregnancy. Measure Me Mommie is a one-of a-kind brand. This up-and-coming company was launched in 2009 by local jewelry designer, Cindy Patterson, who wanted to help expectant women celebrate the healthy growth and special milestones during their pregnancies. The Waistlet, Charms and Memory Page allow them to have a permanent record of how much their bodies changed during the first stages of their baby's life plus reminds them of the first time the baby kicked, they heard a heartbeat and found out the gender. It's designed to be a keepsake that can be worn as a piece of jewelry and then later displayed in a shadow box or added to your baby's scrapbook. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Cindy Pat-terson at (661) 333-3355 or [email protected]

Actress Lindsay Price trying on Measure Me Mommie from a Boom Boom Room event in 2011. Photo c/o Zimbio

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT January 6 - 12, 2012Editorial

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

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

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.

Dear Secret Santa,

Thank you so much for the lovely gifts you left at my house. It couldn’t have been a better time in my life! God Bless you and yours.

Barbara LaBrut

Thank You From The NEEDS Center The NEEDS Center wishes to take this opportunity to thank our very supportive donors who helped make the lives of some very special children in this community just a little bit brighter this Christmas Season. The annual NEEDS Children’s Christmas Party was held on Dec 13th at the NEEDS Center on Main Street for 45 children and their parents. We wish to acknowledge the following people and organizations for their generous donations of time, gifts, and money: TUHS Key Club for their sponsorship; Rotary Club of Taft, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Taft Correctional Institution, Dollar Tree Store, and Acme Jewelry for their kind gifts; Clint Lykens for his refurbished children bicycles; several local Bunco Clubs for their support and Mike Taylor for his cash donation. We have a very sympathic network of family and friends who help year round but were very generous this Christmas. We wish to thank our NEEDS Center board of directors and our all volunteer unpaid staff that give their time all year long to support families who need a helping hand. The NEEDS Center is a non-profit 501(3)c organization meet-ing the nutritional needs of the Westside community for the past 32 years. We accept donations of food, clothing, and monetary contributions all year round. The Center is open from 9:00 am to noon on Mondays and Fridays for emergency food assistance, a hot meal, and clothing and when funds are available utility and rental assistance. Again thanks to the Westside community for being so caring.

Bill WickwireExecutive Director

Taft Fox Theater To Reopen In Late January

If work on the Taft Fox Theater is any indication of good news, the historic theater will be reopening soon. Workmen, plumbers, and projectionists have been inside the theater this past week making repairs and getting the theater ready to reopen, possibly by the end of January according to a former theater owner. According to a Facebook posting by former operator Kent Coke, who plans to lease the theater, the building and equipment is getting a work over while various government agencies make inspections. The water has been turned back on and the electricity is working again as well. “There are a lot of people working on getting the building ready for the required inspections before the theater can reopen,” Coke wrote on a Facebook posting today. “The owners of the building and some local businesses have been great about getting this work done.” According to Coke, the theater projection and sound systems are being replaced or reinstalled. A former operator of the theater tried to remove the projection and sound equipment, but was stopped by the building owners.Coke also wrote that the main theater has been completed. “The picture looks great and the sound system is state of the art Dolby Digital, which sounds fantastic,” Coke wrote. Coke plans to open all 3 theater screens. “Theater #2 and #3 also have Dolby Digital sound and new projection consoles to provide excellent picture and sound.” Coke wrote that he planned to let the media know soon when the theater was planning to reopen.

Theater admission prices will be $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and children. Matinee admission (before 6 p.m.) would be $5.00 “There is still a lot of work to do and a lot of permits, licenses, and other items to be taken care of,’” Coke said. “Tentative reopen-ing is late January.” Danny Antrim of Taft posted on the Taft Independent Facebook page, “This is good news! Now let’s hope the town supports it!”


WEST SIDE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT500 Cascade Place, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-4246

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

by Stephanie House

Check us out online!Need more information on

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

www.wsrpd.comwww.facebook.com/wsrpd

www.quickscores.com/[email protected]

West Side Recreation Report

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCESaturday, February 4, 20127:00-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium500 Cascade Place, TaftGirls ages 4 and up$30 per couple ($10 each additional daughter) Don’t miss out on the 4th Annual Father Daughter Dance. Girls ages 4 and older may be accompanied by their father, guardian or adult relative. The special evening includes music, photographs, snacks and more fun surprises. Tickets are limited and must be purchased by February 2. No tickets will be available the night of the event, so buy yours now!

BEADS & MORE BEADSTuesday, January 173:00-4:15 p.m.Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades K-6$2 per personBring your imagination to this fun hour of designing and making a variety of bead specialties. We will have all the supplies you’ll need to create necklaces, bracelets, and fuse bead iron projects.

GYMNASTICSWho: Grades K and olderWhen: Monday EveningsTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Session: January 23 – March 5Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional family member)Instructor: Suzanne Hale

CHEERLEADINGGrades K-1Thursday Evenings4:30-5:00 p.m.Grades 2-3Thursday Evenings5:15-6:00 p.m.When: January 26 – March 1 Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $25 per person *shirts are available at an additional costInstructor: Nicole Cleveland

YOGAWho: Ages 14 and olderWhen: Tuesday and Thursday EveningsTime: 7:00-7:45 p.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per month Instructor: Valerie TaylorThis is the perfect class for beginners looking to improve flexibility and enhance general fitness. Class goals are to strengthen muscles and joints, improve circulation and relieve stress through common yoga stretches. Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.

WALKING FOR SENIORSWhen: Monday – FridayTime: 8:00-10:00 a.m.Season: December 12 – April 6, 2012Where: Recreation Center GymnasiumFee: $1 daily or $15 monthly During the cooler weather months, we invite you to walk the track in the Recreation Center Gymnasium. There will be prizes for reaching milestones and we will also help you track your miles and progress.

COED SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL WINTER LEAGUESeason: January 17 – February 21, 2012Fee: $350 per teamRegistration deadline: Thursday, January 12Packets are available in the District Office or Recreation Center. Payment and completed paperwork must be submitted to the District Office no later than January 12.

MENS SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL WINTER LEAGUESeason: January 19 – February 23, 2012Fee: $350 per teamRegistration deadline: Thursday, January 12Packets are available in the District Office or Recreation Center. Payment and completed paperwork must be submitted to the District Office no later than January 12.

TINY TOT & INSTRUCTIONAL P.E.When: Monday – Friday Ages 2-3, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Ages 4-6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.Program operates year-round (new students welcome at any time!)Where: Recreation Center GymnasiumFee: $3 per child, per day or $25 monthly What a great way for your little one to burn off some energy before nap time! This is an open gym session designed exclusively for little ones. Enjoy this fun-filled parent & me multi-sport/physical activity time with your child by tumbling on mats, shooting baskets, catching footballs, kicking soccer balls, running obstacle courses and other fun activities. A t-shirt is included in the price of monthly memberships.

TINY TOT KICKBALLWho: Ages 2-4When: Thursday EveningsTime: TBASession: January 26 – February 16, 2012 Place: Recreation Center GymnasiumFee: $25 per personRegistration deadline: January 19

PONYTAIL SOFTBALL $45: December 27 – February 23$50: after February 23 (dependent on program availability)NO SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 23.Ponytail Softball is for girls ages 7-15. Practices begin the week of March 12, 2012 and the season begins April 14, 2012.

YOUTH TRACKWho: Ages 6-15Season: begins in MarchTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Where: Taft Union High School Track Fee: $45 per personRegistration deadline: February 23This program is designed to train boys and girls, ages 6-15, in all areas of track and field. Participants are eligible to enter the District Track Meet, and may also qualify to advance to other meets. Practices will take place during the week.

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

RECREATION CENTERThe District’s new Recreation Center is now open! The Center includes a full-size gymnasium, weight room, 4-lane bowling alley, preschool room, activity room and restrooms/locker room. For more information, including operating hours and programs offered, visit the Recreation Center page on our website (www.wsrpd.com) or give the Center a call at 765-6677.

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

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

SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOPSaturday, January 1410:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomAges 15 and older$5 per person. Bring your own supplies!

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSEMonday, Feb 6 – Wednesday, Feb 86:30 – 9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium$5 per person. Register the first night of class. (next class: May 7-9, 2012)


Christmas Cards Bring Support To Local TeenagerBy Nicole Frost

While most of us were thinking about gifts, food, music, and football this Christmas season, a young lady in Taft had only one holiday wish: to receive as many Christmas cards as possible. Casie Mobley, 19, is not just any teenager. She has been battling arteriovenous malformation for 14 years. AVM is a rare blood disease that affects the blood vessels by causing the blood to pass from arteries to veins without going through the capillary system. This, in Mobley’s case, causes damage to vital organs. Mobley is a Taft native but she lived in Washington for the past two years. After feeling that her symptoms had worsened, Mobley decided to return home. After hearing Mobley’s request, step father Ronnie Curtis came up with a way to make her Christmas wish come true. “We were sitting talking about her birthday and we thought it would be neat to get Casie a bunch of cards,” Curtis explained. “We did it for Christmas and Casie said that each one would be a prayer. She’s gotten about 180 each day. She’s even kept receiving them after Christmas! Even cards over the internet.” Mobley has received cards from Iraq, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and England. Country singer Alan Jackson and the Angels baseball team even par-ticipated in Mobley’s campaign. In total, Mobley has received over 700 cards since December 20 and she is still receiving cards even though Christmas has passed. “I just wanted to thank everybody for the support and the prayers,” said Mobley. If you would like to share a thought or a prayer, send a card to Casie Mobley at 321 Shattuck Ave. in Taft.

a police officer could cost up to $75,000, which would be a sub-stantial expense for the city, considering the city’s current debt of almost $400,000. “There are 11 incorporated cities in Kern County,” said Ziegler. “Tehachapi has the smallest police department with 9 sworn-in officers and Delano has the largest with 43 sworn-in officers. The median salary for one officer would be $46,000-$47,000.” The council unanimously agreed to approve the use of Kern County police in Maricopa as well as appropriating $100,000 to the Kern County Sheriff ’s Office. As previously mentioned, the city owes almost $400,000 in total to various parties. “There is no money in investments, and no money in reserves,” explained Ziegler. “New strategies must be adopted. One possible solution is bankruptcy, [but] recovery is doable. It is in the city and community’s best interest to stay incorporated.” Ziegler wasn’t the only person to recommend recovery. “100% of people [in Maricopa] do not want the city to be disin-corporated,” said Mayor Gary Mock. The council also discussed a franchise agreement between the city of Maricopa and Westside Waste Management Inc. for refuse disposal service. This would include the use of automated disposal

equipment and bulky waste disposal. “We will volunteer to haul old containers to make room for the new automated containers,” said Bob Hampton, Westside Waste Management Inc. owner. Mayor Pro Tem Virgil Bell made a motion to approve the West-side Waste Management Inc. contract and this was approved by all five council members. One of the last items on the agenda was the assignment of the AT&T mobility cell site lease to AP Wireless Infrastructure Part-ners for 25 years. This would generate an amount of $195,150. The two companies that showed interest in the site lease were AP Wireless and Unison. Both companies spoke on behalf of their companies, but the original decision to approve AP Wireless stayed in affect. The transaction will be executed by Mayor Mock and the City Clerk Bullard.

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 1-10-12 thru 1-14-12)

Tues.1-10-12LunchTues.

1-10-12Dinner

Wed.1-11-12Lunch

Wed.1-11-12Dinner

Thurs.1-12-12Lunch

Thurs.1-12-12Dinner

Fri.1-13-12Dinner

Fri.1-13-12Lunch

Sat.1-14-12Dinner

Steak Macaroni & Cheese

Prime Rib$16.95 Small/ $19.95 Large

BBQ Beef Ribs

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

$9.95

$11.95

$9.95

$9.95

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

$16.95/ $19.95

Jalapeno Burger

$11.95

English Style Fish & Chips

Veal Liver with Bacon & Onions

Roast Beef

$8.95

Seafood PastaFiction • 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

$15.95

A new blood draw-station was recently opened in Taft on Center Street on January 3. Physician Automated Lab Inc. (PAL) is now available to handle blood testing, urine sampling and more without having to drive all the way to Bakersfield. PAL is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is operated by phlebotomist William Preciado, who has been working in phlebotomy for about 4 years. “This draw-station was opened to better serve the community,” explained Preciado. “The closest one would be on Panama Lane in Bakersfield.” There are 22 PAL locations in Kern County, with the headquar-ters in Bakersfield, and they have been in business for 44 years. With a doctor’s referral, anyone can go to PAL for blood work and testing. With insurance, the testing is free and no copay is taken from PAL. After the procedure, the samples are sent to the patients physician or doctor. “Since I’m the only one here, only one person can be helped at a time,” said Preciado. “But the procedure is really quick.” Taft’s PAL is open to the public and available for your conve-nience.

The Maricopa City Council held a special meeting yesterday to address several issues such as the city’s finances and current law enforcement situation. The meeting began with the usual call to order, flag salute and silent invocation. After discussing the payment of bills, the council discussed the use of Kern County police in lieu of a Maricopa Police Department. City Manager Eric Ziegler was the first to speak on the subject. “I have long believed that a city should provide its own law en-forcement services,” said Ziegler. “[However], the city of Maricopa can’t sustain a full-time police department, period.” Ziegler presented an outline of the city’s account balances and debts before making the above statement. The annual salary for

PAL Blood Draw Opens On Center Street

Maricopa City Council Approves Use Of Kern County Sheriff Department For CommunityBy Nicole Frost

Bob Hampton

Eric Ziegler


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

Walters Window Washing Cleaning Up Westside Windows

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Walters Window Washing has made a clean streak in Taft. Owner and operator Walter Mejia, originally from Buttonwillow, started his window washing company two years ago while living in Texas. Walter and his wife, Suly, moved to Taft in late 2011 as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Izabella, and wanted to be closer to family. Walter is available for residential and commercial services as well as window paint removal, janitorial services for offices, and other odds and ends that most people don’t like to do. Walter is licensed and a member of the Taft Chamber of Com-merce. Contact Walter at (661) 623-6677.


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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

Check Out Our WebsiteMaricopaquiltcompany.com

And Facebook Page

Community Voices

600 Center StreetTaft, California

(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Yates’ Detailing

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

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

www.sagebrushannies.com

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

Now Celebrating Our 22nd Year




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Taft, CA 93268

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The Unelectable Presidential Candidate?By Dr. Harold Pease

The day before the Iowa primary the Des Moines Register reported that 41% of Io-wans still remained undecided with respect to their choice for president which strongly indicates that no one has yet “touched” a majority of the Republican Party—far from it! Nor did Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum together, each with 25% of the vote, with 99% reporting, capture even a simple majority. Third place went to Ron Paul with 21%, who was short only 4,000 votes from taking first place. So, it appears the Republicans are not enthused by anyone. This aside let us look at the race from another perspec-tive, what I call the negative index. Who was the most negatively targeted presidential candidate, but still had good numbers, perhaps the “real” winner? To the question, “Who is least likely to win the Republican Party nomination and defeat President Barack Obama? The answer was, and is, always Congressman Ron Paul. “Ron Paul is OK but he is not electable.” Who said so! Virtually every radio or

television commentator or pundit from MSNBC to Fox News has so said. The chorus included virtually every columnist and major newspaper in the country as well. Probably no presidential candidate in our history has had more organized opposition. Whether you like Ron Paul or not the fact remains that despite the intensity of this opposition, over one in five Iowans voted for him. Moreover, a vast majority of the funding from Super Pacs was targeted against Paul and Newt Gingrich. Newt tumbled to fourth place and Paul to third but one wonders what might have happened if Romney or Santorum had received similar negative—even hostile—coverage. As a presidential candidate four years ago Paul was treated dismissively, ignored or undermined. Such is still so, support-ers maintain, but his ranks increased and showed themselves to be exceptionally loyal none-the-less and less tolerant of this treatment. Still victories, like coming in second to Michele Bachmann by less than a hundred votes in the Iowa Straw Vote several months ago, were ignored by the establishment press. More recently others noticed that he received only 90 seconds out of an hour and a half debate several weeks ago and began to ask why. Such slights were subtle but numer-ous. Prior to the Caucus it was indeed difficult to find any favorable commentary by any major news source outside Judge Napolitano’s Freedom Watch on the Fox Business Channel. Recently when polls showed the possibility of a Ron Paul victory in Iowa fellow candidates and political pundits col-lectively intensified their negative treatment, all accused him of being out of step with Republican foreign policy. One commentator went so far as to say that if Paul won the Iowa Caucus, the Caucus should not be treated as seriously in the future. Newt Gingrich took time to call Ron Paul “a dangerous man” in a speech attempting to explain his poor showing of only 13% in the Caucus, seven percentage points under that of Paul. Why the almost universal opposition? Perhaps in part it comes from the Council on Foreign Relations, the most influential special interest group in the United States. It’s magazine Foreign Affairs, advertised as “the most influential periodical in print,” is considered direction for its over 2100 members and thousands more readers. What suggestions are published in this publication become U.S. foreign policy. The April 2011 edition housed an article “The Tea Party and American Foreign Policy: What Populism Means for Globalism” an article essentially defining The Tea Party movement as dangerous and a threat to world governance. In that article it acknowledged having to deal with the movement but con-cluded that, at the time it had two arms, one represented by Sara Palin, the other by Ron Paul. Of the two they felt that the “Palinites” could be molded properly in foreign policy, which they dominate regardless of which party comes to power, but under the “Paulites” they would have no voice thus he had to be resisted at all costs. In other words, they could not control Ron Paul. With a majority of the key media players being CFR members and falling in line, opposition to Presidential Candidate Paul is more understandable. Whether one loves or hates Paul, probably no presidential candidate in our history has had more long term organized opposition than he and with such still able to garner 21% of the Iowa vote with nobody receiving more than 4 percentage points higher than he. Given the negative index it is amazing that he is still a viable candidate (probably anyone else would have be crushed into nonexistence) and perhaps with such opposition factored in, the actual winner of the Iowa Caucus. 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.


ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICES


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 10amUTURN Youth Service

Sunday 6pm1000 6th St.

Weekly Classes Mon - ThursPlease call 765-7472 for info

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

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

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

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

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

Mary A. McWhorter

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

YOUR CHURCH AD HERE!

CALL TODAY!

765-6550

Obituary




Please complete and mail with your check to: The Taft Independent, P.O. Box 268, Taft, CA

93268Please make checks out

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The Only Mortuary On The West Side Where All Arrangements And

Funerals Are Personally Directed ByLicensed Funeral Directors

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

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131

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

Taft,CA93268•(661)203-6694Cell

E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com

RONALD VAL FLETCHER SIMSMay 3, 1939- November 24, 2011

BASIN, WY-Ronald Val Fletcher Sims, age 72, of Basin, Wyoming passed away at his home in Basin, Wyoming on Thursday, November 24, 2011.Ron was born May 3, 1939 at Grenville, New Mexico to join John William Sims and Christene Clason Sims. Christene later married John Cullen Fletcher, who adopted Ron in 1944. He received schooling in Greybull, Wyoming and Bakersfield, California. Ron met and married the love of his life, Barbara Lee Morris on September 14, 1956 at Basin, Wyoming. To this union were born 6 children: Naomi Jo, Nancy Jane, Natalie Jill, Neal John, Nelson Jay, and Nicole Janine. Ron and Barbara raised their family in California. In 2000, the couple moved back to Basin, Wyoming. Ron loved anything with four wheels, and you could find him underneath a car working on it at any time of the day or night. He was a mechanic, a school bus driver and trainer, and truck driver during his work years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He played golf in his later years. Ron is preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara of Basin Wyoming; his children, Naomi Jo Dotson, Nancy Jane Wheeler, Natalie Jill Reese, Neal John Sims, and Nicole Janine Kendrick, all of California and Nelson Jay Sims of Ba-sin. Wyoming; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; his sisters and brothers, Valerie, Courtney, Curtis, Jan, and Keith; and numerous nieces and nephews.Per Ron’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and his cremains have been taken back to California and buried near his mother. Atwood Family Funeral Directors, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.


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 StreetKarri 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/

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

Petitioner 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.

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 $1,050 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.

APART. FOR RENT

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-

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.

Yard Sale Saturday 1/7/12 503 Van Buren St. 8am-3pm. Washer/dryer, bunk bed, king size head board, frame, twin captain bed, crafts, toys, 87 Ford Ranger and more.

Moving Sale 708 Vista Via. Saturday 7am-1pm. Lots of household items and home decor!

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 or 763-3856.

Are you a widow? Do you wonder what on earth am I here for? Widows meet twice a month on Tuesday

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

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

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

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

Community

Miller’sBeauty Supply

510 Center Street(661)763-5445

Beauty SupplySalon

Boutique

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 • Concrete

Passion For Nails

(661)745-4913

Mon. to Fri.10am-7pm

Sat. 9am-6pm

1014 6th Street

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line! Call Today

(661)765-6550

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

Advertise

With The

Taft

Independent

Call

Today!

765-6550

Get It

Rented!


Westside News & Business BriefsCalifornia 2011 Gas Price Update The U.S. average price of gasoline as of Tuesday, January 3rd, $3.26/g, has declined significantly in recent months but still remains 21.3 cents per gal-lon higher than the U.S. average price recorded last year at this time. “As 2011 has come to a close, that’s cause for concern,” says Gregg Las-koski, Senior Petroleum Analyst for GasBuddy.com. “Why? For the past seven years, the average price movement from the beginning of the year to the peak price posted during the year has been $0.93 cents per gallon, and as high as $1.31/gallon.” “Last year was actually a good snapshot of what we’ve seen for the past seven years. 2010 ended with the national average at $3.05 and we saw the annual spring 2011 climb push the national average 91 cents higher to its peak level as early as May 11 when it reached $3.96 per gallon,” Laskoski said. California average “start price” to peak retail gasoline prices: 2007: Start Price: $2.60/g on 1/1/2007 Peak Price: $3.46/g on 5/7/2007 Difference: 86.2 cents per gallon 2008: Start Price: $3.27/g on 1/1/2008 Peak Price: $4.58/g on 6/18/2008 Difference: 131.4 cents per gallon 2009: Start Price: $1.86/g on 1/1/2009 Peak Price: $3.14/g on 9/13/2009 Difference: 128.4 cents per gallon 2010: Start Price: $2.96/g on 1/1/2010 Peak Price: $3.30/g on 12/31/2010 Difference: 33.2 cents per gallon 2011: Start Price: $3.30/g on 1/1/2011 Peak Price: $4.26/g on 5/4/2011 Difference: 95.9 cents per gallon “In three of the last seven years, the spread between the yearly starting price and the peak exceeded $1 per gallon and only once in the past seven years was the spread below .82 cents per gallon. And, while we typically anticipate “peak” prices to occur in the midst of the summer driving season, sometimes the peak can even come after summer has concluded, as was the case nationally during 2006 and 2009. While past performance is no indi-cation of future prices,if the national average doesn’t move closer toward or under $3 per gallon by the year’s end, we could be paying over $4/gal next spring,” said Patrick DeHaan, another Petroleum Analyst with GasBuddy.

Appointments Announced to BLM Central California Resource Advisory Council Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has made one new appointment and two re-appointments to the Bureau of Land Management’s Central California District Resource Advisory Council, which advises the BLM on public land issues. Mary Gorden, Lemon Cove, was re-appointed representing archaeologi-cal and historical interests. Reb Monaco, Hollister, who previously served on the RAC as an elected official, was re-appointed to represent dispersed recreation. Blair Knox, Sacramento, was appointed to represent energy and mineral development. The appointments are for three years. The Central California RAC advises BLM officials for the Hollister, Mother Lode, Bakersfield and Bishop field offices. The BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. Positions that will come vacant in 2012 are:· Category Two (one open position) – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.· Category Three (two open positions) – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of In-dian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large. A call for nominations will be issued in early 2012. For more information, contact David Christy, Central California District public affairs officer, at (916) 941-3146 or email [email protected]

The California Department of Housing and Community Development Announces $6.6 Million in Federal Funds for California Federal Emergency Shelter Grants Friday the Department of Housing and Com-munity Development (Department) announced awards totaling $6.6 million to support homeless assistance programs throughout the State. “These awards will enable communities to pro-vide shelters and vital homeless assistance services to adults, children, and families in California,” said Acting Director, Cathy E. Creswell. A complete list of Federal Emergency Shelter Grant (FESG) program awards are listed on the attached document. Awards were made to 62 nonprofit programs and local governments in California, including the following:• Transition House has offered homeless families emergency shelter services at its Santa Bar-bara shelter since 1984. Targeting homeless families with children, the average client demographics consist of 60% children and 40% adults. Over 60% of the families are single-parent households. The 70-bed shelter provides free supportive services that help move families toward economic self-sufficiency.• Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego has provided housing and basic support services to homeless persons since 1919 and operates two emergency shelters – Our Lady of Guadalupe Shelter for Men and House of Hope, both of which are in Imperial County.• Ocean Park Community Center in Santa Monica addresses the needs of chronically homeless men and women, most of who struggle with mental illness, substance addiction, and other disabling medical conditions. The program operates a 70 bed emergency shelter where their clients can stay for up to 6 months.• The Lazuras Project, Inc. is a transitional housing scattered site model with support services located in the city of Roseville, California. Four sites with 23 beds will assist homeless individuals. In 2009, the organization was a partner agency to the Kids First Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) administered by HCD. The 2011 FESG grantees will use these funds for a variety of activities, including emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and shelters for victims of domestic violence. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), authorized by Title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, allocates Emergency Shelter Grants program funds nationwide to units of local government and states. In August 2011, HUD awarded $6.6 million to the Department. HCD released a Notice of Fund-ing Availability which resulted in the receipt of 98 applications from nonprofit organizations and units of local government. The Department will distribute homeless assistance funds to 62 of the highest-ranked applicants who participated in the highly competitive application process. HCD provides leadership, policies, and pro-grams to preserve and expand safe and affordable housing opportunities and promote strong com-munities for all Californians. The Department also supports increasing the supply of housing, especially affordable housing and works to improve the state’s housing conditions and the health and safety of its residents. HCD is California’s lead housing department, and is part of the state Busi-ness, Transportation and Housing Agency. A listing of the awarded jurisdictions and the scope of their projects is on the attached pages. For further information, please contact: [email protected]

How To Report Street Light Outages A link has been provided to PG&E where local citizens can report street light outages, we at the City of Taft encourage the use of this reporting mechanism as the quickest way to return lights to service. Customers may also contact City of Taft Public Works Department for help with Street Lights at 661-763-1222. www.pge.com/myhome/customerservice/contact/streetlight/

Healthcare-Associated Infections Detailed in New Reports The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today released six reports with data collected from California’s hospitals on certain types of healthcare-associated infections.“These reports provide the most detailed picture yet of healthcare-associat-ed infections in California’s hospitals,” CDPH Director, Dr. Ron Chapman said. “The information in these reports is intended to increase awareness and lead to appropriate changes that will decrease the number of these infections.” The collecting and reporting of data on healthcare-associated infections (HAI) enables hospitals to identify areas for improvement, healthcare pur-chasers to determine the value of care, and patients to make more informed choices. “Changes that are made to improve quality of care as a result of these data will potentially save hundreds of lives in California each year,” Dr. Chapman continued. The reports provide data from California’s hospitals for the following types of infections:Central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI); Clostridium difficile infections (CDI); Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bloodstream infections; Surgical site infections (SSI).A fifth report examines hospital use of practices to prevent specific infec-tions, known as central-line insertion practices (CLIP), and a final report provides rates of influenza vaccination among hospital workers. Highlights from the reports include: Central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)—Half of all hospitals providing critical care to infants reported none of the infections in those patient care locations. This year’s report is the first in California to provide CLABSI rates for specific patient care locations within hospitals. Clostridium difficile infections (CDI)—Long-term acute care hospitals have infection rates that are more than twice those of general acute care hospitals, most likely because patients stay longer in long-term care facili-ties. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)—Forty-nine percent of the hospitals reported no MRSA and 59 percent reported no VRE. These infections occur primarily in severely ill patients. Rates of MRSA and VRE were significantly higher in major teaching and long-term acute care hospitals, where more severely ill patients receive care, than in pediatric hospitals and community hospitals. Central-line insertion practices (CLIP)—In 93 percent of the instances in which these infection prevention practices were required, hospital staff did so. California hospitals are now required to report Surgical Site Infection data electronically through the federal National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), effective April 1, 2011. A smaller report using NHSN data, cov-ering April through June, 2011, was included in those released today. Data on healthcare worker vaccination practices, which was released in December 2011, show that the influenza vaccination rate for hospital employees was 64.3 percent in 2010-11, a slight increase from the rate of 62.6 percent in 2009-10. In all of the reports but one—healthcare worker vaccination—hospitals used the NHSN reporting system for the first time. In addition, the report on CLIP was the first of its kind. The series of reports are mandated by SB 1058 (Chapter 296, Statues of 2008). Hospital compliance with providing data for the reports for 2010-11 ranged from 91 percent to 98 percent. To promote compliance, CDPH conducts a quality assurance process that ensures that hospitals are aware of missing or unreported data, provides assistance in correcting deficiencies and offers educational opportunities and individual onsite consultation to assist hospitals in reporting compliance. Hospitals are actively engaged in efforts to prevent HAI. One of the best examples, Dr. Chapman said, is the California Perinatal Quality Care Col-laborative, an effort to protect the health of newborns. Substantial numbers of hospitals reported no CLABSIs in their neonatal critical care units, which may be a reflection of this prevention initiative. “These important and helpful reports continue the dialogue about the differences in infection rates in hospitals and how to reduce those rates,” Dr. Chapman added. “Consumers can ask their healthcare providers about healthcare-associated infections and measures to prevent them.”


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

HARRISON STREETAUTOMOTIVE

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

the show must go on

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quality jewelry

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