westside senior care

March 30 - 5, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

March 30 - 5, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 40www.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]

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers

Pastas • Sandwiches • Salads • Espresso • Beer • WineThe Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!Black Gold

Cafe and Deli508 Center Street • 661-765-6550 BEER TASTING

Thursday, April 5th 5:30pmALL YOU CAN EAT

Spaghetti & Meatballs $9.95SPRING BREAK DAILY SPECIALS!

Pet Parlor , Grooming & Styling, Head To Tail

Westside Watcher: Moses Coming To Taft Easter Sunday

Westside Senior CareOpen House Saturday

Soroptimist members Becky Ashcraft, Edith Laurin, and Debby Woodson with Senior Care Staff Dee Dee Brown, Lorina Harp, Linda Istre and Administrator Marily Kroh

Hunger Games Now Playing At Taft Fox

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT March 30 - 5, 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

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

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

Personal Style

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

2495*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. Apr. 30, 2012

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Streamlight Pro Tac, S&W Tactical Flashlight,

Pelican, NexTorch,Dark Ops Hellfighter X-8

Like Us on Facebook

661-745-4954610 Center Street

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

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

Residential • Commercial

Fast • Friendly • Affordable661-765-4377

Cement & Asphalt Cutting Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

Hablamos Espanol

15% Off Page Plus & Verizon Phones

$20 Off Samsung Transform Ultra Boost Mobile

Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

WE SHIP!

Lic # B-721903

WE HAVE MOVED!Now located at 210 6th Street

(661)763-4176

Electronics • Prepaid Phones Service • Accessories

25% Off Generic Brand Cases

NEW ARRIVALS!

A Hint of Class Name Brand ClothingShoes • Jewelry

Accessories & MoreInside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700

915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Spring Has SprungPlanting Made Simple With

Succulents!Great Indoors & Out

New Corky’s Are In!

March Madness Specials

Expires March 31st, 2012

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

LA Idol Jeans For Juniors & Misses!

Infant & Toddler Footwear

We are an Independent Agency WithMany Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies

To Best Suit Your NeedsWhy go to Bakersfield? We’re here!

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417 1/2 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

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WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public

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Edward J. Herrera Insurance

Preparing America’s Taxes Since 1955

Amanda EsdinosaAngie Rodriguez

Megan Hiler418 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268(661)765-5242 Fax (661)765-5476hrblock.com

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

Lasts up to 21 days on Natural Nails!

JacksFlowerShop

430 Center Street(661)765-2442

Happy Easter!Say It With Flowers

Easter Is OnSunday, April 8th


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From The Mayor..............8

Westside News..................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 April 3rd, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA

(661) 763-1222AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD

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

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

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

News 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]

Living Word Fellowship Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 31st

Living word Fellowship is proud to sponsor an all you can eat pancake breakfast Saturday, March 31 from 7am to 11am. at LWF, 4995 Pato in New Cuyama. Includes your choice of regular blueberry, banana or chocolate chip pancakes; coffee; juice; and fruit. Proceeds benefit Outbreak youth group at LWF reconstruction projects. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from any LWF member or at the door the morning of the breakfast. For more information contact Becky Schwartz 766-2715 or Tamara Martinez at 766-2017.

Spring Break April 2nd - 6th

Spring break kicks off Monday, April 2nd and runs through Friday, April 6th with no school for both Taft College and Taft Union High School students.

Resurrection Drive Thru Friday & Saturday, April 6th & 7th

West Hills Church of the Nazarene, located at 300 Lassen Street will have a Resur-rection Drive Thru on Friday and Saturday, April 6th and 7th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. In this event you will see: the last supper, Jesus’ betrayal, the empty tomb, and many others. If you like our Nativity Drive Thru during Christmas time, you will love this!

Spring Fling Salad Luncheon Friday, April 13th

Annual Spring FLing Salad Luncheon Friday, April 13th. This is the 12th year. Where can you get a lunch like this for $6.50. We will deliver your choice of four great homemade salads, roll, deviled egg, pickle, cookie and drink. Tickets are avail-able Please call Peace Lutheran 765-2488 or Sheri 765-6855. Matching funds by Thrivent Financial Funds raised to go to local community organizations.

Alpha House Annual BBQ & Auction Saturday, April 14th

Please join the Alpha House as they celebrat 20 years of serving the community of Taft and it’s outlying areas at their annual BBQ and auction Saturday, April 14th. Dinner is at 5pm, dine in or take out. Adults $10, Children (5-12) $5. Children 5 and under FREE. Auction begins at 6pm at the West Side Recreation and Park District, 500 Cascade Pl.

Grandma’s Attic At Taft Branch Library Every Saturday Through April 14th

Grandma’s Attic Storytime has resumed at the Taft Branch Library on Saturdays 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.

St. Mary’s Church Bake Sale Sunday, April 15th

Bake Sale Sunday, April 15th from 9am to 12 noon at St. Mary’s Church, located at 110 E. Woodrow St. Great selection of baked goods!

TUHS Hall of Fame Saturday, April 28

The Taft Union High School Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 28 in the Mullen Gym at TUHS. Doors open at 5pm, banquet begins at 6pm. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased from Sheri Gregory at TUHS, One Wildcat Way, or at the Taft Chamber of Commerce, 400 Kern Street. Five people will be inducted into the Hall of Fame: Curtis Barnes (Class of 1960), Charles Beard (Class of 1957), Les Haney (Class of 1942), De Ann Gaither Sampley (Class of 1972), and William Silcox (Class of 1940). Doors to Main Hall will be open from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for persons who want to view the Hall of Fame Plaques and visit the generational display cases which feature memorabilia from ten decades of the high school’s history.

Taft Relay For Life Saturday & Sunday, May 19th & 20th

Annual Taft Relay for Life is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 19th and 20th at TUHS. To get involved, contact La Nell Howell at 661-330-5606, [email protected] or visit online at: relayforlife.org/taftca

Community Events

Relay For Life Bake Sale This Saturday The All-Stars and Prevention for a Cure will team up on Saturday March 31st from 10am-1pm to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Teams will be set up in front of Albertsons selling bakes goods as well as personalized buttons with all proceeds to be submitted to the Taft Relay for Life event. This is also a great time to fill out a form to light a luminaria bag during the Relay for Life event held in Taft on May 19th 2012. Honor or remember your loved ones by contributing $10.00 for each bag. Names will be placed on bags and bags will line the track during the relay event. Come support both of these Relay teams! Interested in starting your own team? Visit the Taft Relay for Life website and see how! www.relayforlife.org/taftca

Taft Union High School Choir Dinner Theater Friday Night The Taft Union High School choir will host its Fifth annual Dinner Theater at 6 p.m. Friday, March 30th in the school cafeteria. The show features members from both choirs. Advance tickets cost $10; tickets at the door cost $12. Contact a choir student or choir director Amanda Locke at 763-2300, ext. 277 or [email protected].

Kern County Animal Control & ASPCA 3 Day Pet Adopt-A-ThonA nation wide shelter-adoption event Want to adopt a fabulous animal and save a life? Then mark your calendars as KCAC is participating in the ASPCA’s Mega Match-A-Thon adoption event March 30-April 1st! All available animals will only be $20 to adopt! Fees include spay/neuter surgery, microchip, first set of shots and more! March 30th - 10 am to 5 pm, March 31st - 10 am to 5 pm and April 1st - 11 am to 5 pm. Log onto www.co.kern.ca.us/acd to view adoptable animals at our Bakesfield location, 201 S Mount Vernon Ave. (661)321-3000.

TUHS STAR Testing Begins In April Taft Union High School students will show what they’ve learned when they take the state-mandated STAR (Standardized Testing And Reporting) test over three weeks from April 11 to 27. Testing starts Wednesday through Friday, April 11-13, with sophomores taking the science test and juniors taking the social science test. Friday is a makeup day. The second week, everyone will be on an entirely different schedule as students take the math and English tests. School will start at the regular time, 7:45 a.m., but Monday through Thursday, April 16-19, students will be on a block schedule and released at 1:15 p.m. Buses will run at 1:25 p.m. and sports practices will run immediately after school lets out. Friday, April 20, will be a makeup test day with students being released at 12:30 and buses running 10 minutes after that. The third week, students will take science and social science tests.The schedule will be the same hours as the previous week.The high school is providing free breakfast during STAR testing as well as the regular closed-campus, mid-morning nutrition snacks. Superintendent/Principal Mark Richardson said students should be well rested for the tests. Test results are an important measure of student progress. Results are used to place students in the correct class and to measure Taft High against others in the state. Students should do well on theses tests as a matter of personal, school and community pride, Richardson said.

Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com


NOW OPEN 514 Center Street • (661)765-7469

LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre TaftTAFTFOX.COM

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

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

Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

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.

Larger showroom and larger mechanic AreaNow offering a customer lounge with coffee and donuts

Come check out our new location!!!WWW.CYCLEKATZ.COM [email protected]

320 Harrison st. (661) 745- 4931

CYCLE KATZ INC. HAS MOVED TO

320 HARRISON ST.745-4931

PARTS • SALES • SERVICELocally owned and operated

We work on all makes and models LIVE IN CONCERT

SATURDAY MARCH 31ST JOSH FISCHEL OF BARGAIN MUSIC,

ARTIFICIAL EUPHORIA, JOHNNY GO, AND THE REDLINERS. CLUB OPENS AT 6PM

AND MUSIC STARTS AT 8PM$5.00 21 AND OLDER ONLY

Industry Night Wednesday, April 4thOpens at 4:30pm, dinner at 7:30pmSponsored by 2 Wheel Productions

Tri-Tip dinner $12

Week of Friday, March 30, 2012 Through Thursday, April 05, 2012

Mirror Mirror (PG) Fri: (5:00), 7:30, 10:15

Sat: (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30, 10:15Sun: (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30

Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:30

Wrath of the Titans (PG-13) Fri: (5:30), 8:00, 10:30

Sat: (12:30), (3:00), (5:30), 8:00, 10:30Sun: (12:30), (3:00), (5:30), 8:00

Mon - Thu: (5:30), 8:00

The Hunger Games (PG-13) Fri: (4:00), 7:00, 10:00

Sat: (1:00), (4:00), 7:00, 10:00Sun: (1:00), (4:00), 7:00

Mon: (4:00), 7:00Tue - Thu: (4:00), 7:00

CITY OF TAFTCOMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICER

$16.15 - $19.62/hour

Under general supervision is required to perform a variety of routine and complex enforcement of City ordinances; code en-forcement work and vehicle abatement work within established parking laws; and perform traffic investigations. This position

will also assist in enforcing City ordinances and state laws regard-ing stray, dangerous and nuisance domestic and wild animals.

Applications will be reviewed and the most qualified individuals will be invited to participate in the testing process.

Min. Qual.: High School diploma or GED; possession of a valid California driver’s license; ability to communicate effectively

orally and in writing. Knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment is helpful.

Application and job description may be obtained at www.cityoftaf.org or 209 E. Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268. Final Filing

Date: 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 13, 2012.

TIL Wine & Food Festival Tickets are available for the annual wine and food festival that raises money for Taft College’s Transition to Independent Liv-ing (TIL) program. The event, which features food, wine and microbrew tast-ing along with silent and live auctions, will be held at the Historic Fort on April 19. Music by jazz pianist Nat Dove also will be featured. A student representing the college’s program that trains young adults with mild intellectual disabilities to live on their own will make a presentation. Advance tickets are $25 per person ($30 at the door). There are several sponsorship levels as well. A sponsorship that includes two tickets is $125, sponsorship with four tickets is $250 and a sponsorship for a reserved table of eight is $500. Wine and microbrew from a variety of makers will be on hand for sampling along with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Taft College chef Geoff Dunham and his staff. Live and silent auctions and prize drawings will be held.The live auction will feature two dinner cruises aboard Leonard and Midge Gentieu’s Morro Bay yacht, the Papagallo II. One is a cruise for two and the other a cruise for 20. The event is co-sponsored by the TIL program’s advisory com-mittee and the Historic Fort. Planners are seeking donations for the auctions and prize draw-ings. Items can include merchandise, gift baskets, gift certificates or cards, wines, home décor, yard accessories, weekend get-a-ways, art work and the like. To donate items contact Vickie Waugh at Taft College (763-7799) or Edith Laurin at the Fort, 915 No. Tenth St, Suite 2 (765-7371), by April 16.

Classic Cecil B. DeMille Movie The Ten Commandments to Play at Fox Theater Easter Sunday

Moses would not have it any other way. The owners of the Taft Fox theater, who have worked tirelessly, invested big money and made efforts of biblical proportions (you try dealing with Kern County Fire Department inspectors) to reopen Taft’s beautiful Fox theater have decided to show the The Ten Com-mandments on Easter Sunday.

The Ten commandments is an epic 1956 film that drama-tized the biblical story of the Exodus, in which the Hebrew-born Moses, an adopted Egyptian prince, becomes the deliverer of the Hebrew slaves. It is a classic movie made for the big screen back in the day. Watching the movie on a DVD does not do the movie justice. So far, most Taft residents have been very faithful in their support of the newly reopened Taft Fox theater which shut down last year after a few failed attempts to operate

profitably. The new theater owners are very happy and most thankful for the community’s support. Except for a few unbelievers, however, who choose to go to Bakers-field to see The Hunger Games, Taft movie seeers have had nothing but great things to say about the theater and the low entrance prices. The Ten Commandments is a must see. The movie’s cast includes such acting greats as Charlton Heston as Moses (of course), Yul Brenner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson, Yvonne De Carlo, John Derek (Bo Derek’s husband), Vincent Price and John Carradine. The movie is one of the most financially successful films ever made, grossing over $65 million. Adjusting for inflation, it is the fifth high-est-grossing movie domestically, with an adjusted total of $977 million in 2010. In 1999, The Ten Commandments was selected for preserva-tion in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. In June 2008, AFI revealed its “Ten Top Ten”—the best ten films in ten American film genres—after polling over 1,500 people from the creative com-munity. The Ten Commandments was listed as the 10th best film in the epic genre. So, if you want to have a great family experience next Easter Sunday (after church of course) take the family to the Taft Fox theater and see the Ten Commandments. The acting is great, the subject matter is fabulous and it is a movie that your kids will never forget. And remember, you can’t see it in Bakers-field.


by Stephanie House

Don’t forget… You can pay for your favorite programs over

the phone using a credit or bank card.Call the District Office at

763-4246 for more details!

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

www.facebook.com/wsrpd www.quickscores.com/wsprd

West Side Recreation Report

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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR HUNTERS SAFETY COURSEMonday, May 7 – Wednesday, May 96:30 – 9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium$5 per personRegister the first night of class.(next class: August 6-8, 2012)

MOTHER DAUGHTER LUNCHEONSaturday, April 21, 201211:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Community Center AuditoriumGirls ages 3 and older$30 per couple, $5 each additional daughterRegistration Deadline: April 17

EASTER EGG HUNTSaturday, March 3110:00 a.m. SHARP!‘A’ Street Park, TaftAges 2-8FREE! Bring a basket and be sure to show up at least 15 minutes early for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Kids will get to “hunt” for candy, plastic eggs, and prizes in different areas, divided by age groups. The Easter Bunny will also be there and the fun will take place rain or shine! KIDS FUN DAYMonday, April 210:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Community Center AuditoriumGrades K-6$8 per person ** registration deadline – March 30Join us for a fun day of games,crafts, lunch, snacks and more! The more the merrier, so be sure to sign-up with a friend! Pre-registration is required.

SIDEWALK CHALK ARTTuesday, April 310:00 a.m.Community Center Parking Lot, 500 Cascade Place, TaftAll AgesFREE! All young artists and creative minds are invited to leave their mark on our sidewalk. We’ll provide the chalk - you just choose a big spot to decorate as you wish. CANDY BAR BINGOTuesday, April 32:00-3:00 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-8FREE! Join us for an hour of Bingo fun where you can win candy prizes. Be sure to bring a friend! BBQ LUNCH & MOVIEWednesday, April 411:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades K-8$3 per personHot dogs! We’ve got hot dogs! Bring your appetite to this fun lunch outing. We will serve barbe-cued hot dogs, chips, drinks and watch the movie “Hop”.

TIE-DYE T-SHIRTSThursday, April 510:00-11:30 a.m.Community Center Activity BuildingGrades 2-8$4 per person ** registration deadline – April 4Bring a new, 100% cotton t-shirt and you will be able to tie-dye it some cool colors. Kids are encour-aged to wear old clothes to work in. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

BOARD GAMES & LUNCHFriday, April 611:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades 1-8FREE!Join us for a few hours of nothing but fun and games! Bring a sack lunch along for a short lunch break.

BOUNCE HOUSE MANIAFriday, April 610:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Recreation Center, Aera GymnasiumAges 2-10 (must be accompanied by an adult)Hourly Fee: $5 for 1 child, $12 for 2-3 children or $15 for 4-5 childrenWe will be filling the Aera Gymnasium at the Recreation Center for a day of bounce house fun! Come on down and get your jump on! Time starts at the top of each hour; children must be accompanied by an adult.

NATATORIUM POOL PARTIESMake your reservation now!Reservations are now being accepted for private party rentals at the Natatorium swimming pool. Par-ties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday between June 1 and August 19. Rental fees start at $165 for 2-hours. Call 763-4246 for more information.


Westside News & Business BriefsWestside Senior Care Grand Opening Saturday 10 a.m.

Annual Alpha House Auction & BBQ The Alpha House will be hosting their annual Auction and bar-becue fundraiser on Saturday, April 14th. After 20 years of servinf Taft, Alpha House has found this fundraiser to be very productive for them, it has been a great way for the staff and volunteers to meet their contributions. The Alpha House has been serving Taft as well as outlying areas from all over Kern County. Their mission is to provide a safe and secure shelter to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness. When families leave Alpha House they often return for case management and aftercare that our staff often offers on their own time. It is the goal of the Alpha House to provide support and encouragement as they begin rebuilding their new lives. Alpha House is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter where the domestic violence occurs the staff is available to answer the emergency hotline or provide intake at any hour, any day of the week. Our staff and volunteers have been blessed to see all the lives turned around with the help of our services through the years. Dinner will be held at the West Side Recreation Center at 500 Cascade Place and served at 5pm with the auction beginning at 6pm. Adults are $10, Children(5-12) $5, and Children under 5 are free. For more information and questions call 763-4357.

Taft Fox TheaterPresents

A Classic Film On The Big Screen

The Ten CommandmentsEaster Sunday Showing Only • Sunday, April 8th at 6pm

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 • Taftfox.com

Discussion of film with Westside Ministers AssociationBefore the Film and During Intermission

Becky Ashcraft, Edith Laurin, Debby Wood-son, Dee Dee Brown, Marily Kroh, Lorina Harp, Linda Istre in front the new facility.

Taft Singer-Songwriter Inspired By Death Of Trinity Hanna In January, the death of three-year-old Trinity Hanna changed the lives of many people in the Taft community. Taft singer-songwriter Jeff “JT” Simpson wrote “Hear Them Cry” in response to the tragedy. “I’ve been a songwriter for about 19 years,” said Simpson. “I’ve been in bands, I’ve been a D.J., I’ve been around music my whole life.” Simpson wrote this song after reading numerous Facebook posts about the child’s death. Although he didn’t know her personally, Trin-ity’s death affected him immensely. “That Sunday, I was flipping through pages and pages of Facebook posts about Trinity,” said Simpson. “I read all of their emotions and feelings, and I pulled up a note page on my phone and started writing.” “Hear Them Cry” didn’t start off as a song. “I showed my wife what I wrote and she said ‘great song,’” Simpson explained. “To this, I thought, ‘yeah, it could be a song.’ So, I started playing some chords on my guitar and I met up with my friend Eric Collum to record the song in studio. I decided that I just had to release the song.” “Hear Them Cry” will be available on iTunes and hardcopy starting April 1st. On iTunes, the price of the song will be between $0.99 and $1.29. CDs will cost $5.

In addition to selling the song, Simpson will be selling T-Shirts for $15 starting next week and he will also be performing “Hear Them Cry,” as well as some of his other songs, for a fundraiser concert at the Oasis on April 21st. There will be two shows at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. All proceeds from the song, T-Shirts, and events will go to local organizations such as Alpha House and Jameson Center. “I’ve never been much of an advocate for anything, but this event with Trinity made me more outspoken about the issue of child abuse,” said Simpson. “I’d love to perform this song everywhere to raise awareness about child abuse.” For more information about “Hear Them Cry” or Simpson’s band “A Stones Throw,” you can visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/JTandAstonesthrow. Also, you can hear the song on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1-KWWT69GM&feature=g-upl&context=G29d5be9AUAAAAAAAAAA.

By Nicole Frost

Taft’s only assisted living care center, Westside Senior Care, will hold its Grand Opening on Saturday, March 31st at 10 am at the former traveling nurses home at 115 Adkisson Way. The former Taft Hospital building now houses up to 6 senior citizens who wish to live in the assisted living facility courtesy of the West Side Health Care District. The facility, which currently serves 4 residents, opened last September when the former location on E Street in Taft Heights was forced to close.

Homeless, the oc-cupants and admin-istrator Kitty Shinn looked desperately for a new location to house the elderly residents. Shinn and current facility ad-ministrator Marily Kroh approach the health care district and asked for help. Board mem-ber Eric Cooper brought the idea up at a board meeting and the district of-fered the old travel-ing nurse home on Adkisson Way. Eric was very, very helpful,” said Kroh who now

manages and administers the new home. “The district has been very good to us.” The residents moved into the renovated facility on September 16 last year and have settled in according to Kroh. “We still have room for two more residents,” Kroh said. Kroh also praised Edith Laurin of the Historic Fort whose mother was a resident, and former Taft College President Dr. Da-vid Cothrun who helped with furnishing the facility and making improvements.

“To get a new state license for the facility, we needed to renovate the building to accommodate the residents,” Kroh said. “The health care district made all the required improvements,” she said. “Edith and her mother helped with funding for a $30,000 reserved account required by the state, and my family help as well.” Kroh also said the the Taft Soroptimists have been very helpful with funding and support. With the cost of care in assisted living facilities costs as much as $5,000 per month, residents at the new Taft home pay $2,300 per month. Items are still needed said Kroh. “We depend on donations,. “We still need a new TV, a refrigerator, patio furniture cushions, kitchen chairs and funds for incidentals,” said Kroh. To make a contribution or to donate, contact Marily at 745-4220 or 623-4489.

Residents live very comfortably at the new West Side Senior Care facility lovcated at 115 Adkisson Way.


Westside News & Business Briefs

508 Center Street • TaftDIne In Or Pick Up • 661-765-6550

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!

Black GoldCafe and Deli

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

Pastas • SandwichesEspresso • Beer • Wine

Best IPA SelectionOver 50 Different Craft

& Imported Bottled Beers!

Beer & Wine Available To GoOpen Monday-Saturday

9am-2pm 5pm-8pm

The Pet Parlor, Grooming And Styling, Head To Tail

Blue Jeans & BlingHats, Jewelry, Purses & More

Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA

Monday - Friday 11am to 6pmSaturday 10am to 5pm

Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes

Children’s Jeans & Shirts

763-9100Host a partyVisit us on [email protected]

415 Center Street

The Pet Parlor is one of the newest pet grooming businesses here on the Westside that caters to all animals. Owner, Rachel Dayton, a pet lover and enthusiest runs the Pet Parlor from her home in Fellows and has an extra hand with sister-in-law Dacoda Gonzalez as her grooming technician. The Pet Parlor is a full grooming and pet maintenance salon, catering from the smallest to the largest of breeds and animals. From pomeranians and yorkies to pit bulls and great danes the Pet Parlor can get you cleaned up. The Pet Par-lor also caters to many different types of pets, not just man’s best friend, such as; birds, turtles, cats, ferrets, lizards, goats and more, you name it. Looking to make a statement with your pet? Creative groom-ing is the latest trend; adding fun dyed shapes and colors to your pets fur, edgy hair cuts and feathers! Rachel started the Pet Parlor awhile back after she first tried her hand in the grooming field. “I fell in love with it and made it work for me, I get to set my own schedule and be here for my kids.” The Pet Parlor, located in Fellows at 26851 Henry Road, is only 3 miles and a right hand turn from Taco Bell, right past Coopers Petroleum. Rachel offers pet pick up and delivery for a small fee. Rachel began her love for animals at an early age with her involvement in 4H and showing horses. “I’ve always been around and had animals and when I met my husband he had snakes and lizards,” said Rachel, “it’s a perfect match for us and a way for us to use our experience to help and teach others about proper care and maintenance for their pets.” Give Rachel and Dacoda a call at the Pet Parlor today, 661-768-4654.

Dacoda Gonzalez, grooming technician, (left) and Rachel Dayton, Pet Parlor owner with five dogs, a cat, a ferret, a goat and a bird, oh my!

HAYDENS HOPE“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

420 1/2 Center Street • TAFT

THRIFT STORE

God Bless!We Take Donations!Drop Off Or Call For A Pick Up!745-4963 745-4963

Come Get Your Easter Baskets!

T-ShirtsONLY

5 for $13/30/12 - 4/5/12

Spring BreakSpecials

ALL YOU CAN EATSpaghetti with our

Homemade Marinara Sauce & Meatballs

$9.95ALL DAYMON- FRI

661-768-4654

Rachel DaytonDacoda Gonzalez

[email protected]

26851 Henry RoadFellows, CA

Full Grooming & MaintenanceCreative Grooming

Dogs • Cats • Turtles • Ferrets Birds • Lizards and More

Family PackagesPick Up & Delivery Service

Large Breeds Welcome!

By Appointment

Grooming & Styling661-768-4654

Your Weekly Gas Price Update & Outlook Average retail gasoline prices in Bakersfield have risen 1.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.30/g Monday, March 26th. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.86/g, according to gaso-line price website BakersfieldGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in Bakersfield during the past week, prices Monday, March 26th were 33.5 cents per gallon higher thanthe same day one year ago and are 3.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 21.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 29.5 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. “The national average has risen twenty one consecutive days, according to our data, a troubling sign. Typically we expect such increases to occur more so in April,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “We’re 31-cents per gallon ahead of our year ago pace, and I’m seriously contemplating revis-ing my January forecasts upward having seen things race higher, faster than expected. If there’s any ounce of good news for motor-ists, its that such high prices so quickly may mean prices will peak in April rather than May,” DeHaan said.

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

Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Ben’s Books

ALL Books $.25April 1st - 30th ONLY

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

THURSDAYApril 5th

BEER TASTINGAt 5:30pm

Good FridayTuna SandwichChips & Drink

$7.50Lily shows off her My Little Pony inspired ‘do with splashes of hot pink and a matching heart on her hip.

TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM


Community Voices From The Mayor“Fast and Furious,” Worse Than Watergate? By Dr. Harold Pease Imagine being willing to do anything to destroy the Second Amendment to the U. S. Con-stitution—the one that allows you to defend yourself and resist any government that becomes tyrannical, even our own. Since Americans will not willingly do so, imagine someone in power plotting to create the rationale that would turn most reasonable people against these rights. Evidence of such has now surfaced in the form of an email from a Justice Depart-ment agent that strongly indicates that the government’s “Operation Fast and Furious” was designed to do just that. If so, this could be worse than the Watergate conspiracy (no one was killed) with responsibility heading uphill to at least Attorney General Eric Holder, perhaps to the

President. Seemingly the intent was for the government, through the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Administration (ATF), to secretly sell illegal guns to the Mexican drug cartels, then blame those sales on U.S. gun shows to discredit them. The ad-ministration had argued that 90% of the guns used by Mexican drug cartels had come from gun shows in the United States. The ATF gun sales, if undetected, would provide the government rationale and support to close down the gun shows making it more difficult for citizens to obtain a firearm. The story is full of government intrigue, lies, conspiracy, and the murder of hundreds of Mexican citizens and an American Border Patrol Agent, Brian Terry. The scandal, if proven, is many times worse than Watergate that toppled the corrupt Richard Nixon. The transfer of the illegal weapons was done without consulting U.S. law officers outside ATF or the Mexican authori-ties. The government would have succeeded with the scheme were not some of the illegal firearms found at the scene of murdered Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry; one of which actually the instrument of his death. What is new about this two-year-old scheme is an e-mail wherein Arizona U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke, charged with executing the “Operation Fast and Furious,” boasted to a colleague of the operation’s propaganda value, presumably to vilify gun shows. It read: “Some of these weapons bought by these clowns in Arizona have been directly traced to murders of elected officials in Mexico by the cartels, so Katie-bar-the-door when we unveil this baby” (“Will Holder’s Watergate Be-come Obama’s Waterloo?” Americas 1st Freedom, April 2012). They knew precisely what they could do to the gun shows with the propaganda value of their sales if undetected. Wayne La Pierre, Executive Vice President of the NRA, best expressed the seriousness of this illegal operation, apart from defrauding Americans of their constitutional gun rights, when he wrote. “In that ‘gun-walking’ operation, Obama administration operatives encouraged, bankrolled, and oversaw repeated felonies at gun stores and at border crossings with criminals smuggling at least 1,700 firearms into Mexican drug-fueled criminal commerce.” Regular citizens, doing the same thing would be serving time. This reminds me of President Nixon’s now famous statement with respect to Watergate. “When the president does it, it is not a crime.” The e-mail in question was a part of the 6,000 documents received from the 80,000 requested of the Justice Department by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform headed by Darrell Issa. The Justice Department yet refuses to honor a two-year request for the other 74,000 documents. The Issa Committee accuses Eric Holder of stonewall-ing and cover-up and threatens Contempt of Congress for the Justice Department head. What has been surrendered reportedly proves that U.S. gun shows were not the source of cartel firepower, as this ad-ministration has repeatedly contended, they were, and that Holder intentionally lied when he told Congress he had heard about “Fast and Furious” from the media, as did other Americans. “One Justice Department official has claimed his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and refused to testify,” elevating anticipation that, so far, we may see only the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully the Committee and media will also probe the seemingly intentional design of this administration to plant the evidence (the 1,700 guns into cartel hands) to get Americans to end the gun shows in their efforts to end gun rights of

Americans and the 2nd Amendment in-suring such. How about doing so with the same vigor that Congress and the media went after Richard Nixon when he authorized the burglary of Demo-cratic Party National Headquarter? Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has ded-icated 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.LibertyUnder-Fire.org

Hi Everyone,

Hope you have been going to the movies lately at Taft’s own Fox Theater. Ginny and I have been trying to go at least once a week, as we enjoy the night out and although we have a flat screen TV it is just not the same as the big screen experience in a theater. The critics panned John Carter, the Disney action movie, but we enjoyed it. It was over 2 hours long but the action and the story line, fight-ing for survival on Mars, was pretty good. What do we know ?? We would recommend it for kids older than ten

as the action sequences were pretty intense. Now, I am not going to be a movie critic in this column, but we would not recommend ‘21 Jump Street’. We thought it had a nice premise with some comedy and action as the lead characters were police officers, under cover in a high school, trying to catch dealers selling a new deadly form of a drug. One of the leads was up for an Academy Award recently. We should have known better when early on Ice-Cube was introduced as the police supervisor overseeing the leads. Mr. Cube has made a nice living by using the most vulgar language, in most of his movies that I suppose some of his fans have come to appreciate. I am not a prude and I spent four years in the Navy and many years in construction; this movies use of the “F” word and worse repeat-edly over and over in every scene by all the characters got to be nauseating. It was uncomfortable sitting with my wife through this. About a third of the way through, a couple that was in a couple of rows in front of us, the male got up and was followed by what looked to be a small 5-year-old girl. That sealed the deal for us; we got up and left when he brought her back. I suppose it is their parental right to bring their child to an “R” rated movie but that certainly doesn’t make it right. Should I have said something to him, well if he is stupid enough to expose his child to this kind of grossly obscene behavior he is just stupid enough to cause me bodily harm. We are still sick about this incident but do not hold it against the Theater owners at all. This movie was aimed at mindless idiots and for that couple it bode well for them. Went to a Kern COG meeting this week held at the Westside Recreation Auditorium. The subject was “Directions to 2050”. This workshop dealt with the issues of quality of life, transportation, energy efficiency, housing, global competiveness, and other regional issues. Kern COG staff was there in full force with wonderful graphs, charts, slide presentation, and a great interactive group participation format that got us involved. The only problem we had was lack of community participation. Councilman Linder and two City staff were there, along with Kathy Orrin from the Chamber and six community members. This group is going to decide the priorities and the future of the Westside for all the rest of you for the next 40 years ?? I hope not, because that puts a terrible burden on us who were there to get it right for those that are around when 2050 comes. Trying to plan for the future is a tough process. How many of you saw the hous-ing market collapse coming before it happened or the dotcom bust in 2001 ?? If you could have warned us, it would have saved a lot of grief for the rest of us. I retired in July of 2008 just when the full recession hit, Social Security quit paying cola’s, and my county retirement quit giving a yearly 2.5 percent benefit increase. So don’t count on me to predict the future for you, I didn’t get it right for me. Anyway, planning has to be done right and with foresight or it will be total chaos because one of the startling statistics brought out was that the county will have 2.2 million residents by 2050 if predictions are accurate. That’s more than double what we have now. Where are they going to live ?? What about roads, vehicles, air quality, schools, water, land use, food, energy supplies, infrastructure and the myriad other issues that will need to be faced. Kern COG is starting the process to make us all wake up to what the future will be like if you are going to remain in Kern County. Thanks Kern COG and thanks to Paul Linder for being the board rep from our area. This all comes down to how to use your taxpayer dollars wisely. Let’s just hope we can do it right. Kern COG has a website you can visit www.Directionsto2050.com where you can join in and give your opinions on these issues. Do it because you care and you live here, remember you don’t just reside here. One of the issues we are trying to deal with is how to capture a bunch of those

drivers coming from Bakersfield to the Westside every day. It is the old chicken and egg issue: houses or busi-nesses. Because of the housing slump, we are doing our best to attract new businesses to Taft and hopefully we’ll have some news soon on some of those projects. Then we hope to attract developers to come and see that we have the amenities that homebuyers are looking for: thriving businesses, restaurants, recreation, schools, life style, a safe community, attractions, and darned if we don’t have a grand movie theater. We have many of those things already on our agenda, so I’m here to tell you Taft is ready to go. We are energized for the future and we hope you join us for the ride.See you around town.

Randy MillerMayor, City of Taft

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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

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 427-9722Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

Mary A. McWhorter

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

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

St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft

661 765-4292

Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 9:00A.M. English

11:00A.M. Spanish

Holy Week Schedule Palm Sunday, April 1st: 9am English

and 11am Spanish Holy Thursday, April 5th: 7pm Mass

Bilingual Good Friday, April 6th: 12 (noon)

Station of the Cross 5:30pm Bilingual Holy Saturday, April 7th: 8pm

Mass Bilingual Easter Sunday, April 8th: 9am English

and 11 am Spanish

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

Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5:00 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 23rd Year

Taft High Band Booster To Host “An Evening of Jazz” TUHS Band Boosters will be hosting “An Evening of Jazz.” The event will feature live jazz music from the Taft High Jazz Band along with dinner and dancing. Dinner and dessert will be served by students of the Taft High Concert Band. Proceeds from this event will be used to provide graduating seniors with college scholarships. The event will be held on Friday, May 4 at the Taft Masonic Lodge, 521 North Street. Doors to the event will open at 5:30pm and dinner will be served at 6pm. The evening’s festivities are expected to last until 8pm. A limited number of tick-ets will be available. Individual tickets are available for a $25 donation. Reserved tables for six people are also available for a $150 donation. A special Gold Package is also being offered for a $250 donation. This package includes a reserved table for six and the opportunity for an individual from your table to conduct the jazz band for one song. The event is open to the public. Band alumni members are encouraged to attend. No alcoholic beverages will be served at the event. Tickets are available at the Taft Chamber of Commerce or from Amanda Posey at TUHS. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Robin Norton at (661)619-5771, Jane White at (661)623-1299, or Amanda Posey at (661)763-2351.

Kern County Chief Deputy County Clerk And Registrar of Voters Karen Rhea To Speak At April 18 General Meeting Bakersfield, CA – The League of Women Voters of Kern County is pleased to have Karen Rhea Kern County’s Chief Deputy County Clerk and Registrar of Voters as our speaker on Wednesday, April 18. The June 5th primary election will initiate California’s first “open primary” and Ms. Rhea will discuss the ramifications of it on California voters. The meeting will be open to League members, guests and the community. Originally from Washington, D.C., Ms. Rhea relocated 16 times as an Air Force brat before settling in Visalia. She commutes daily to Bakersfield in order to stay close to her mother who lives in Visalia. Ms. Rhea’s first job in elections was a temporary position with an elections printing vendor. She has since devoted her career to elections and has utilized her knowledge of election law, professional project and quality management principles. She also specialized in the development of process efficiencies. Appointed to her current position in 2008, Ms. Rhea is a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA), Election Center/Auburn University and a California Professional Election Administrator. She serves on the Voters with Specific Needs, Help America Vote Act and subcommittees for the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at 7 pm at University Square, 2000 K Street. Please make your reservation by calling the League Line at (661) 634-3773 or email Patti Jepsen at [email protected]. The League of Women Voters of Kern County is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.


& Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661-293-0359 or 661-765-6497. We will pick up!

For SaleFOR SALE

Multi Master 300X X Series Welder. Wire feed and stick. $2,700 OBO 619-1067.

AUTOMOBILES

1993 GMC 4 WD Good work truck

Newer trans, runs good$4,500 340-4354

Pets & Livestock

FOUND PETS

She’s been hanging around our backyard near 6th Avenue and B street in Taft Heights and wants to come home. Friendly, long-haired dark gray and white young female cat misses you. Please call 765-7515

LOST PETS Lost Black Male medium sized puppy mix . all 4 paws white, white tip on tail with collar. 577-7616. REWARD.

Real EstatePROPERTY

MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

garages! $1,100127 Lexington 3/1+pool!

$1,200302 E San Emidio

3/1.75+ pool! $1,300

402 Pierce St. 3bd/1ba 1 car garage + shop $889 mo. + dep. 661-343-0507

APART. FOR RENT

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.

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

Can’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short

sale!

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 HOMESComplete Remodel

B.V.M.H.P. #115New custom kitchen

bath cabinets & hutchBy Taft Woodworks,

granite on all surfacesnew carpet, tile floors

drywall, paint New black appliances

2 in. blindscrown molding

340-4354 763-1970

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENT224 B St#C Studio $475302 Jefferson 2/1 $850410 Buchanan 3/1 $900

606 Pierce 3/1.75 2

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.

Moving Sale 506 Sierra St. Saturday 3/31 8am. Twin Captains Bed, Dining Table, Love seat, Vanity, Armoire, Exercise Bike and more!

Relay for Life Yard Sale. 502 Olive - Maricopa. Fri. and Sat. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

504 San Emidio, in alley, Sat. 7am Carpet & Padding, lg. dog house, med. cage,

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grief 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.

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

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

SERVICES OFFERED

EmploymentHELP WANTED

TC Student wanted for part time waitress. Experience required. 765-6550.

CHILD CARESERVICES

WantedWANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries

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 • Concrete

Passion For Nails

(661)745-4913

Mon. to Fri.10am-7pm

Sat. 9am-6pm

1014 6th Street

For Rent 426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550

Paul Joyce 805-218-1686

Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line! Call Today

(661)765-6550

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Rented!

OPENING SOONReal Estate Services and Property Management

Listings – Sales - Property ManagementLocal Service You Can Depend On

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

West Side Real Estate And Property Management

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

Rich Miller • Jordan MillerKathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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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


The Hunger Games MovieReviewed by Jane M McCabe

Jennifer Lawrence carries “The Hunger Games.” She play Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year-old heroine whose presence dominates the screen, from the movie’s start when she volunteers to take her younger sister’s place as the chosen female representative from District 12 to par-ticipate in the Hunger Games to its end. She’s the same stalwart young lady who played in “Winter Bone,” a naturalistic movie set in methamphetamine-infested hills of modern Appalachia, where too she represents the idea that the best of youth can come from the poorest of circum-stances. The movie is set in the futuristic dystopia North America is now, a country called Panem, comprised of twelve districts of varying degrees of economic prosperity; District Twelve is the poorest, a district of coal min-ers and common laborers. (Scenes of life in District Twelve resemble the Depression era photographs of Dorthea Lange.) Those who rule Panem have created a ghoulish form of entertainment, similar to that of Rome’s feeding Christians to the lions in the Coliseum during the 2nd and 3rd Centuries AD, or Spain’s auto da fé’s, the public burnings of supposed heretics at the stake during the Inquisition of the 16th and 17th Centuries: Twenty-four teenagers, a boy and a girl from each district, are chosen to compete in survivor-style fighting to the death, until a single victor remains… This is case of collective madness perpetrated by the ruling class but ac-cepted by those whom it exploits, a breakdown in civility, a case of moral turpitude and depravity. It’s insane but those who live in this dystopia have accepted it as normal, whether they be the silly people dressed in outfits reminiscent of the court of Marie Antoinette, wearing wigs and blue or green or violet lipstick, who administer the districts and the invisible patrons or the people so oppressed themselves. Sad to say even though Kat-niss and her sort-of boyfriend Peeta challenge the rational of The Hunger Games, the emperor’s new clothes is never called what it actually is and discredited. This society in effect has denied that the love people may have for one another is a more powerful force than the principle that in life one must triumph over one’s peers in a deadly fashion. From the get-go Katniss flies in the face of all that, from the minute she spontaneously protects her younger sister from having to undergo the horror of the games by substituting herself in her place until at the movie’s end when she and Peeta are the lone surviving participates and are ordered to kill one another. Katniss asserts that her life is not worth living if Peeta is not in it. She draws from her pocket some poisonous berries, which they, like Romeo and Juliet, can eat and so die together. She has in effect forced the authorities hand, so they declare both she and Peeta’s the winners… Many things can be said about movies made from novels written for the teenage audience. The Hunger Games is the first of three books writ-ten by Suzanne Collins—the trilogy also includes “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay,” which no doubt will also be made into movies, considering the phenomenal success of The Hunger Games. First of all they are based on compelling stories, which feature strong heroines, with whom young people can readily identify. Secondly they are paced more leisurely than the mad-dash action films that dominate today’s film industry. And, finally, the stories told are religious in their depictions of young saviors whose intent is to save the world… My problem with The Hunger Games is that I wanted the hypocrisy of such brutality completely unmasked and so was disappointed when Katnis and Peeta take the speed train back to District 12, where they are applauded by their people. Given the movie’s ending we can assume The Hunger Games have not ended…

Westside News & Business BriefsAssembly Woman Shannon Grove Honors Colleen McGauley As 32nd Assembly Distict Woman of the Year

SACRAMENTO – Tuesday, March 27th, Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) honored Colleen McGauley as the 2012 Woman of the Year for the 32nd Assembly Dis-trict. Ms. McGauley, the Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Kern County, was recognized at the annual Assembly ceremony at the State Capitol. Ms. McGauley was the first CASA volunteer to serve in the Kern County juvenile court and has been with the Kern Chapter since its inception. McGauley became executive director in 2001 and under her leadership, CASA Kern County has doubled the number of volunteers participating in the program and the number of children served annually. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children in the foster care system. Volunteers work with children on a one-on-one basis and stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. “I am very proud to honor Colleen McGauley as Woman of the Year,” said Assemblywoman Shannon Grove. “She is serving the children of Kern County in a very important way and her commitment is an inspiration to us all.” Ms. McGauley’s community service also includes leading the Non-Profit Leadership Forum of the Bakersfield Rotary Club. McGauley earned her bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and her master’s in public administration from California State University, Bakersfield, where she received the outstanding alumnus award for 2010 -2011 from the school of business and public administration. The Woman of the Year Ceremony celebrates 80 extraordinary women from California, one from each Assembly district. Started in 1987, the cer-emony became an annual celebration of community service and outstand-ing contributions by women in California. Assemblywoman Grove, R-Bakersfield, proudly serves the 32nd As-sembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Taft, Frazier Park/Lebec, and the Kern River Valley.

Senator Fuller Authors SCR 50 Legislation To Rename Portion Of Highway 99 For Fallen Sheriff Deputy Daniel Archuleta

(Sacramento) – Senate Concurrent Resolution 50 has been introduced by Senator Jean Fuller and was passed out of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee today. SCR 50 desig-nates the interchange of State Highway Route 99 and State Highway Route 119 the “Deputy Daniel Lee Archuleta Memorial Interchange” and would give authority for privately funded memorial signage to be displayed. Kern County Deputy Sheriff Daniel Lee Ar-chuleta was killed in the line of duty on Septem-ber 12, 2004, while responding to an emergency call. His patrol vehicle rolled over and another Deputy Sheriff discovered the battered patrol vehicle in the southbound lane of Tupman Road. Archuleta was found dead at the scene. “I introduced SCR 50 to honor Deputy Sheriff Archuleta for his steadfast dedication and ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Kern County,” said Fuller. “Deputy Sheriff Archuleta gave his life in the line of duty. I’m privileged to commemorate his sacrifice and devotion by naming the interchange of Highway 99 and 119 in his honor.” Deputy Sheriff Archuleta graduated from the academy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department on February 20, 2001, and began employment with the LA County Sheriff ’s De-partment in February of 2001. On October 5, 2002 Deputy Sheriff Archuleta was hired by the Kern County Sheriff ’s Department and assigned to the Support Services Bureau, the Training Division, and the Resource Pool. He transferred to the Law Enforcement Bureau, South Area Substation Division, Taft Court in November of 2002. In May of 2003, he entered the Field Training Officer Program and was promoted to Deputy Sheriff II on October 4, 2003. Deputy Sheriff Archuleta leaves behind his wife, Laura, and his two daughters, Victoria and Isabella. State Senator Fuller represents the 18thSenate District, which includes Bakersfield, Visalia, Tulare, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Mojave, Taft, Kern River Valley, the Frazier Mountain communities, and other portions of Inyo and San Bernardino Counties.

Elk Hills students pose before getting into costume for their solar system play, The Sun gets a Family, writ-ten and directed by Sandra Bafia, The play was part of Elk Hills School Astronomy Night. Mrs. Bafia is shown top row, left; Mr. Wright, 7th-8th grade teacher, is shown on top row right.

Elk Hills Students Astronomy Night

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Grove (left) McGauley (right)


The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

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 •

Open 7 Days a Week

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

www.shawswesternshop.com

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

Smog Check!

General 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)765-4337608 Center St. 745-4919

FR Jeans & ShirtsGood Supply. Shirts come in khaki,

forest green and denim.Check out our prices!

western shop & PET Wash

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

For Itchy, Irritated skin due to allergies and infections

ZYMOXNow for sale in the shop!

Black GoldCafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6550

Chicks Are Here!3-7 Light Brahma Red Sex Links White Leg Horn3-21 Delaware Brown Leghorns3-23 Turkeys $12

Taft [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

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

FULLBAR

BMXBikes

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All Pullets $3.49

Smoke House Dog Treats100% Natural Made In USA

Natural Balance Dog Food Rolls

Ready For That Long Hair To Come Off? CALL US!

We can bring out that shiny Spring coat.We use flea control and clean grooming practices.

Saturday Appointments & Nail Spots Available!

westside senior care

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