Kern County Superior Court

March 29 - 5, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT

March 29 - 5, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 37www.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] TaftIndependent

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers531 Center Street

(661)763-1123WE SERVICE MOST MAKES AND MODELS

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

15% OFF SERVICESIN CELEBRATION OF OUR FIRST

ANNIVERSARY IN BUSINESS

SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

MONDAY - FRIDAY8:00am - 5:00pm

SENIOR & MILITARY

DISCOUNTS*Must ask for discount

Taft College Gets Full Time Taft Police Protection

Monthly Shots: Taft Camera Club by Mimi Collins

Taft Branch of the Kern County Superior Court Shutting Down?Will Stay Open One Day a Week

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT March 29 - 5, 2013

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

3995*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. January 30, 2013

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

(661)745-4913

CHECK-IN TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND GET $1 OFF

A Hint of ClassInside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700

915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa

Elaine Arnold, OwnerPedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing

Dee Morgan, EstheticianFacials Waxing and Microdermabrasion

Samantha HagstromMassage Therapist

European and Hot StonePrenatal Massage

510 6th Street, Ste. A - Taft(661) 765-2335

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

Candles • And More!

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

Watch Batteries Replaced

Most $4.00Some $8.00

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527608 Center St.

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

745-4919

Taft’s Best and Only Bike Shop.

Come on in and seeour Inventory.

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

Spring Arrivals! Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.

423 Center Street • 763-3527

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

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

Residential • Commercial

Fast • Friendly • Affordable661-765-4377

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

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]

401 Center Street

610 Center Street • 661-745-4954Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

iphone 4 as low as $295 (in-sert picture of iphone) please

change colors on the add

NO CONTRACTS

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs


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

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

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

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

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

Liberty Under Fire.........8

Miller Time.......................8

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

Opinion and Feature....11

Shop Taft........................12

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]

[email protected]

Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins

ColumnistsRandy Miller

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Subscriptions\DeliveryTim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday April 2nd, 2013 – 6:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA

(661) 763-1222AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD

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

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

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

News BriefsTaft California

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

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

Bike Shop

Calendar

Moron Golf Tournament August 10th The Taft Union High School support golf tournament, The Moron Invita-tional, has been scheduled for August 10, 2013. We’ve had a great 10 year run with $25,000.00 in direct donation to their golf program. Thanks go out to all our supporters and participants that have made this a fun day in the sun and you can count on plenty of sun! Thank you for your continued support of our very successful raffle and try to set something aside, it is always greatly appreciated. I nvitations will be sent at a later date. Go Wildcats!

THE TURNAROUNDLIFE/CHURCH

WHAT YOU DO NOT SEE NOW...YOU WILL SEE.

Baldock Golf Tourney set for April 19 The Taft College Foundation’s annual Al Baldock Memorial Athletic Golf Classic has been scheduled for April 19 at the Mifflin-Buena Vista Golf Course.Tourney chairman Brock McMurray said the event, held in memory of the leg-endary Cougar football coach, raises money for the college’s athletic program.It is sponsored by AP Architects. Cash prizes based on net score will be awarded to the top four teams -- $1,200 for first, $800 for second, $600 for third and $400 for fourth.Other prizes include $10,000 cash for a hole-in-one on No. 2 and No. 13 spon-sored by Roger Miller Insurance Agency, $5,000 for hole-in-one on No. 6 and No. 17 sponsored by Dr. Loretta Garcia Lipscomb, $100 for closest to the hole on each par-3 sponsored by Dr. Charles Walker, and $100 longest drive (men and women) on the seventh hole. Registration for the four-person scramble tournament begins at 11 a.m. with the shotgun start scheduled for 12:30 p.m. The fee is $100 per player ($400 per team) and includes green fees, cart, on-course beverages, dinner and tee prizes. The Taft College Alumni Association is sponsoring a dinner following the tournament. Cooper’s True Value Home and Garden Center is sponsoring the drawings for prizes. Sponsorship opportunities at various levels ranging from $100 to $5,000 are available, McMurray said. For more information call Sheri Black at 763-7746.

JobFest Series Offers Employment Opportunities, in Taft April 3rd The Kern County Department of Human Services is pleased to announce it’s 2013 JobFest Series, bringing employment opportunities to every region of Kern County. With Kern County’s overall unemployment rate at 14.1%, the JobFest series is just one way DHS is working to improve the lives of children and families in our com-munities. Taft JobFest takes place on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Taft Veterans Memorial Building, 218 Taylor Street in Taft from 9:00 am until Noon. Taft’s unemployment rate is 13.9%. Shafter JobFest will take place next Thursday, March 28th, from 9:00 am – Noon at the Shafter Veterans Hall, 309 California Avenue. Shafter’s unemployment rate is 24.7%. Lamont JobFest takes place on Wednesday, April 17th from 9:00am - Noon at the David Head Center, 10300 San Diego St. Lamont’s unemployment rate is 24.8%. Ridgecrest JobFest will take place on Friday, April 26th at SpringHill Suites Mar-riott, 113 East Sydor Aveunue in Ridgecrest from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Ridgecrest’s unemployment rate is 8.1%. Plans are also being made for the second annual Bakersfield JobFest which will take place on Tuesday May 14th. Lake Isabella JobFest will take place on Wednesday, May 15th. More details will be provided as plans are put into place. Employers with current job openings are invited to participate at no cost. Contact Shanda Evett at (661) 633-7036 to receive an Employer Participation Commitment Form for your local job fair. Job Seekers should come to JobFest dressed for success with at least 20 copies of their resume or Master Application. Job leads and resume assistance is available everyday to the public in all of our DHS locations. Visit KCDHS.org for location information. Last year’s Bakersfield JobFest brought rave reviews from employers:“Great job fair! We have plenty of resumes and met qualified applicants.”“One of the better Job Fairs I have been to. Good crowd management.”By the time the event wrapped up at Noon, 1,101 job seekers had attended the event. Some comments from jobseekers: “There are really jobs here” and “I’ve been to a lot of job fairs and this is the best” For additional information or to make media arrangements, please contact Heidi Carter-Escudero at (661) 633-7104.

THIS SEMINARIS FREE

FRIDAYEVENINGANDSATURDAYNOONTIMEMEAL ISINCLUDED

TOPIC COVERED:

• Current status of the Amercian Church• Living the TurnAround Life• Mindset/Presuppositions and the Impact

of Trust Injury• Identity-Formation/Spirit-Formation• God’s Way of Being: Interconnected

Relationships/Interconnections• The Central Revelation of the New Testa-

ment• Participating in the Ministry of Christ

Calvary Temple, 630 Kern StreetFriday, April 5th 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 6th 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Please register in advance by emailing [email protected], OR CALL (661) 747-4199 for more information

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

New Inventory Spyderco & Kershaw Knives

Tactical LED Flashlights

Hand Made Greeting Cards by Donna

Sterling Silver Knuckle Rings $5.00New Arrival of different Clocks.

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT March 29 - 5, 2013Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

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

Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineCraft Beers

Open Monday to Friday6:30am to 8pm

Saturday7:30am to 8pm

Sunday10am to 2pm

508 Center Street765-6556

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. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm

Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm765-6915 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

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft

TAFTFOX.COM

Week of Friday, March 29, 2013 through Thursday, April 04, 2013

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (PG-13) No Passes AllowedFri: (5:15), 7:30

Sat: (3:00), (5:15), 7:30Sun: (1:30), 3:45, 6:00Mon - Thu: (5:30), 7:45

The Croods (PG) No Passes AllowedFri: (5:00), 7:00

Sat: 2:45, 5:00, 7:00Sun: (1:00), (3:00), (5:00)Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:00

The Last Exorcism Part II (PG-13) Fri: (5:15), 7:15

Sat: (3:15), (5:15), 7:15Sun: (1:15), (3:15), (5:15)Mon - Thu: (5:15), 7:00

Letters to the Editor

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

One of the newest classes that are being offered at the Westside Recreation a

Taft Calendar of EventsApril 7th. Taft Seventh-Day Adventist Church/Chili Cook-Off and Auction $5.00 for Food and Fun.@ Recreation Center Audi-torium Sunday April 7, 2013 @3pm

Fort & TAPT Wine Tasting Thursday, April 18. 5pm

Taft Chamber Cinco De Mayo Celebration May 5th.

Fort Spaghetti Dinner & Auction. Thursday, May 9th 5pm

Chamber Rails to Trails Car Show is June 8th.

The Taft Fireworks Show on the Rails to Trails July 3rd.

Family Day July 4th.

Fort Bubba’s Okie Dinner. Thursday, Septem-ber 26. 5pm

Fort Pumpkin Patch. Tuesday-Friday. Oct.22-25.

Steep Funding Cuts Lead to Sharp Decline in Access to Community Colleges Student enrollment rates in California’s community colleges have dropped to a 20-year low in the wake of unprecedented cuts in state funding, according to a report released today by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). In the Great Recession and its aftermath, the community college system sustained $1.5 billion in budget cuts between 2007–08 and 2011–12, the report finds. These cuts are far larger than those made during past economic downturns in the state. The colleges responded by reducing staff, most notably among instructors. Courses were cut and class sizes increased. Academic year course offerings fell 21 percent and summer offerings fell 60 percent in these years. While non-credit courses—those for remediation or enrichment—were cut dra-matically, courses taken for credit toward a degree, certificate, or transfer sustained the bulk of the cuts because these classes make up 90 percent of all offerings. These cutbacks led in turn to a decline in access for students. Had enrollment rates remained at 2008–09 levels, the com-munity college system would today be serving an additional 600,000 students. The sharpest declines in enrollment are among returning students—those returning to school after an absence—and first-time students. Enrollment of first-time stu-dents declined by 5 percent—even as the number of California high school graduates increased by 9 percent. “The decline in access of first-time students is troubling, given California’s longstanding need to increase college-going rates for new high school graduates, who are the workforce for the future,” says Sarah Bohn, PPIC research fellow and co-author of the report. The other co-authors are Belinda Reyes, PPIC adjunct fellow and assistant professor at San Francisco State University, and Hans Johnson, Bren fellow and co-direc-tor of research at PPIC. The PPIC report documents how the community colleg-es—the largest system of higher education in the nation—have adapted to funding cuts and demonstrates the resulting impact on students, from access to completion of classes. The report is based on official community college reports and on a survey of more than 100 senior administrators throughout the system conducted in fall 2012. As set out in the state’s Master Plan for Higher Education, the community colleges have multiple missions: They offer courses leading to an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year university, they provide vocational and career technical education, they teach basic skills like pre-college English, and they offer enrichment to adults in the community. The colleges cannot restrict enrollment by denying admission to eligible students—and nearly all California adults are eligible. But an unprecedented decline in state support led the colleges to restrict access in other ways. PPIC’s survey of administrators shows that the colleges have prioritized their core academic and career technical missions.

Enrollment declines have been lowest for these courses. Nearly all administrators say they also give priority in course enroll-ment to certain students, usually continuing students—those enrolled the previous semester. Recent high school graduates and basic skills students were less likely to get priority. These priorities led to a dramatic change in the age compo-sition of the colleges’ students: Enrollment among the oldest and youngest students has declined sharply. At the same time, students who have remained in the system are succeeding at higher rates, the PPIC report says. Success has improved by three measures: the share of students who complete a course, earn a passing grade, and successfully transfer to a four-year college or university. The success rates have increased for every ethnic and racial group. It is not clear whether these improvements came about be-cause the students who remain enrolled are the most able and motivated, the colleges changed their practices and policies, or a poor economy made staying in school more attractive. But the results are consistent with administrators’ decisions to prioritize the enrollment of continuing students. More likely than others to get the classes they need, they have been less affected by the budget cuts. “Setting enrollment priorities makes sense, especially because community colleges have been criticized for their students’ low completion rates,” Bohn says. “As the system’s fis-cal outlook improves, it’s important for policymakers to weigh the colleges’ multiple missions and their ability to achieve them.” The fiscal outlook for community colleges is brighter today because of revenue from the passage of Proposition 30 and potential increases in the 2013–14 state budget. But the additional funding is unlikely to make up for years of big cuts. The report concludes that if community colleges are to fulfill their multiple missions, they will need to look at finding additional cost savings and developing new revenue sources. Finding new revenue will be difficult because community colleges—unlike CSU and UC—cannot raise fees, which are set by the state legislature. One source of that funding may be local parcel taxes. Another is changes to the fee waiver system. The colleges have waived fees of as many as a third of students in recent years. The income threshold to qualify for a waiver is relatively high. If the threshold were lowered, some students now getting waivers may be able to pay their fees, which are relatively low, on their own. Others are likely to qualify for federal financial aid but don’t necessarily apply for it. Requir-ing them to do so, as the governor has proposed, could bring in federal dollars.


Letters to the Editor

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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

West Side Recreation Report

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/wsrpdwww.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd

[email protected]

GAMES & DESSERT NIGHTWho: Ages 55+When: Friday, April 5Time: 6:00 p.m.Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: FREE!Want to get out of the house for a while? Come play some games (cards, board games, Wii bowling) and have a little dessert. Please sign-up in the Senior Rec Room or give us a call at 763-4246.

REC CENTER TEEN NIGHTFriday, April 58:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.Recreation CenterGrades 6-12 (must show school ID for entry) $10 per personThe first Friday of every month is Teen Night at the Recreation Center! Come in and bowl, play basketball or just hang out with your friends in a fun, safe environment.

COOKIE WORKSHOPWednesday, April 103:00-4:15 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomAges 4+$3 per personCome create a jumbo sugar cookie! While cookies are baking, we will draw and color. Younger kids will need a helper.

PLAY & GROW WITH ME** NEW DAYS & TIMES **Who: Ages 10-30 months (kids should be walking to participate)When: Tuesday & Thursday MorningsTime: 9:00-9:45 a.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per month or $5 per dayInstructor: Adrienne CloudThis class is designed specifically for interaction between mothers (father, grandparent, guardian or other adult) and their babies in a fun activity-type atmosphere. We play on the mats and have a tunnel, parachute, balls and other fun gadgets. Children should be walking to participate. Classes will be held on a monthly, ongoing basis. Register for a whole month or just pay by the day!

TINY TOT P.E.Who: Ages 2-4When: Monday - FridayTimes: * 10:00-11:00 am, Session 1* 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Session 2* 12:00-1:00 pm, Session 3Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation CenterFee: $25 monthly (includes t-shirt) or $3 per day/visitTiny Tot P.E. is an open gym format designed exclusively for Tiny Tots. It’s a great way to burn off some energy before naptime, and/or for mom to get a chance for a workout! The program operates on a monthly, ongoing basis. Join us at any time! For more information, please contact the Recreation Center at 765-6677.

AEROBIC KICKBOXINGWho: Ages 14+When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per monthInstructor: Amy SteersThis fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense. Classes will be held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.

YOGA & PILATESWho: Ages 14+Pilates – Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.Yoga – Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00-8:45 p.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per month ** register prior to attending classInstructor: Valerie Taylor, R-HYIPay one low monthly fee and have access both classes classes! Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Class space is limited – registration is REQUIRED prior to attending class.

ZUMBA FITNESSWho: Ages 17 +When: Wednesday EveningsTime: 6:30-7:25 p.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $20 per monthInstructor: Chelsea DickardThis fun fitness class focuses on Latin-inspired dance and dance exercise to Latin music: Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Raggaeton, Hip Hop and Mixed Music. Classes operate on an on-going basis. New students are welcome at any time. Fees must be paid prior to attending class.

MEGA BALL ADULT BOWLING LEAGUEWho: Ages 18 +When: Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday EveningsTime: 6:50 p.m.Where: West Side Lanes, Recreation CenterFee: $20 per nightRegistration deadline: Thursday, April 11Captains Meeting: Thursday, April 11 – 7:00 p.m.This is an 18-week league sanctioned by the USBC. There is a maximum of 12 teams (5 bowlers per team). Every league bowler will receive a ball of their choice (drilling of holes is included). At the end of the league, an All-Star Team will be formed – top 4 male bowlers and top 2 female bowlers. For more informa-tion, contact Chris Ellington at 765-6677 or [email protected].


Westside News & Business Briefs

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

Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Ben’s Books

Taft’s OnlyUsed Books Store.

Stop in and Visit Today!

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVEComplete Automotive Service

218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437

We Represent You To Give You The Best Service

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

417 1/2 Center Street, Taft, Ca 93268 (661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365 www.edherrerainsurance.com

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

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Needs Ed Herrera Donna Ong

OTCookhouse & Saloon

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu

Come in and check out our new items!!!

We are also proud to offer our“Chef ’s Personal Creations & Selections”

Five Specials Available Daily

OT Cookhouse can accomodatesmaller or larger Private Dining Events

Reserve your Banquet today!!!661.763.1819

Lunch Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-2pmDinner Hours: Tues-Sat 4-9pm

Closed: Sunday and Mondaywww.otcookhouse.com

find us on facebook205 N. 10th Street 661.763.1819

Taft College, Historic Fort Wine Tasting/Jazz Festival Wines, microbrews, music, good food and auctions are on tap for the April 18 annual fund-raiser for Taft College’s Transition to Independent Living (TIL) program.The popular event, which will be held at the Historic Fort from 5-8 p.m., is sponsored jointly by the Fort Preservation Society and the Taft disAbilities Partnership Team (TAPT), an advisory group for the TIL program. All proceeds will be divided between the sponsoring organiza-tions.The event spotlights the college’s acclaimed TIL program that trains young adults with mild intellectual disabilities to live on their own through a two-year, on-campus blend of academics and hands-on living experiences. A new $14.5 million Independent Living Center is nearing completion, which will allow the program to move from the por-table buildings it has operated in since its inception in 1995.The wine tasting/jazz festival will feature music by the Taft High Jazz Band under the direction of Amanda Posey, a variety of wines and microbrews to sample, Hors d’oeuvres prepared by TC chef Geoff Dunham and his staff, both live and silent auctions and drawings for prizes. Robin Polski will serve as auctioneer. Advance tickets are on sale. The various levels of participation begin with single tickets priced at $25 ($30 the night of the event). Sponsorships are available at various levels: $125 includes two tickets, $250 (four tickets), and $500 corporate sponsorship with reserved table for eight. Tickets can be purchased at The Historic Fort (765-7371) and at Taft College (763-7799).

USC Fracking Study Predicts 14% Boost in California EconomyBy Michael Long, Publisher

A study conducted by the University of Southern California revealed that using fracking as a method oil and gas extraction in the Monterey Shale Formation could increase the state’s economy by as much as 14 percent. The study, funded in part by the Western States Petroleum As-sociation, was conducted independently by a USC research team of economists and engineers. Taft and most of Kern County is located in the Monerey Shale oil field which stretches from the southern San Joaquin Valley to Central California covering approximately 1,750 square miles. The area could make California the top producer of oil in the country. The shale area is predicted to contain more that 15 billion bar-rels of technologically recoverable oil, or 2/3rds of all the known recoverable oil in the lower 48 states. The oil booming Bakken Shale located in North Dakota is estimated to hold nearly 4 billion barrels. The study said that drilling in the Monterey Shale Formation could ad up to 2.8 million new jobs, and $24.6 billion in local and state taxes. “Based on the experience of other states, not only would state unemployment fall, but significant migration of properly skilled workers into California would occur,” the study read. “More job gains can be captured by Californians with appropriate education and training.” Fracking refers to the procedure of creating fractures in rocks and rock formations by injecting fluid into cracks to force them further open. The larger fissures allow more oil and gas to flow out of the formation and into the wellbore, from where it can be extracted. Fracking has resulted in many oil and gas wells attaining eco-nomic viability, due to the level of extraction that can be reached. The study concluded that fracking would: 1. Create more jobs. Developing oil from the Monterey Shale could add from 512,000 to 2.8 million new jobs in California, depending upon the year. 2. Stimulate economic growth. Total economic activity in the state, as measured by the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), could increase by 2.6% to 14.3% on a per-person basis. 3. Increase personal income. On a statewide basis, aggregate personal income could grow by an average of from 2.1% to 10.0%. 4. Boost government revenue. Tax revenue collected by Cali-fornia state and local governments could grow by $4.5 billion to $24.6 billion. “As the experience in other states demonstrates, development of shale-oil reserves has resulted in significant increases in employ-ment, incomes, and government tax revenues. The current study suggests that, through the prudent and carefully regulated development of the Monterey Shale, the state of California could potentially achieve proportionately large increases in the production of crude oil, leading to similarly large economic gains. The study is intended to expand to expand the base of informa-tion that will lead to improved policy decisions for the people and businesses of California.”

Taft College Campus Gets Full Time Police Protection

By Cristina Loza

Following an agreement between Taft College and the Taft Po-lice Department, Officer Kevin Altenhofel will be providing a law-enforcement presence on campus as well as assisting the college in the development of safety planning starting Monday, the first of April. Although the college does have security guards patrolling at night, this is the first time Taft College has partnered up with the Police Department for this kind of service. “This is a very positive step for the district to take because we want to make sure that we can provide as much of a safe environ-ment as possible for the students, faculty and staff,” said Taft Col-lege President, Dr. Dena Maloney. The college has been looking into strengthening their safety procedures even before the unfortunate events at Taft High and other schools across the country in the recent months. Now they will be working with Altenhofel in the drafting and evaluation of safety training materials and drills that meet state and federal re-quirements. Chief of Police, Ed Whiting, stated that they will also be coordinating with the rest of the police department and Kern County Sheriff ’s department to assist with mutual aid disaster and evacuation plans. “It’s kind of a new position and there’s still some details that will be worked out as things go on, but we have a good framework,” said Altenhofel. “I’m looking forward to helping keep Taft College a welcoming environment.” Altenhofel, who worked briefly with the Bakersfield PD before coming here, has been with the Taft PD for almost 10 years. He encourages the students to approach him with any questions they may have or contact him at (661) 748-3101.

Officer Kevin Altenhofel

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


Small Sink Hole Opens Up in Ford City

A small, shal-low sink hole opened up on the 400 block of Monroe Street in Ford City caus-ing water district and Kern County emergency crews to fill and repave a 10 yard section of the roadway. The approxi-mately 2 foot deep hole was discovered on Wednesday. West Kern Water District employees began work on the roadway to check for any water pipe leaks that may have caused the sink hole. No water leaks were detected. Kern County road crews excavated a 10 yard long trench on the road way and compacted and filled the hole and trench with asphalt. There are known earth settling problems in the Ford City area, and the discovery was not unusual. Homes, sidewalks and foundations suffer from the settling, Cracks in the asphalt and depressions can still be seen running along the length of Monroe Street.

Cracks in the roadway on the 400 block of Monroe Street follow the path of earth settlement (center photo). Kern County crews (above) compact and fill the sink hope with asphalt. A home located nearby (bottom) shows damage from settlement.

An approximately 2 to 3 foot deep sink hole opened up on the 400 block of Monroe Street in Ford City Wednesday. County road crews excavated the area, compacted and refilled the hole and a 10 yard long trench with asphalt. Water pipes near the excavaction did not show any leaking that could have caused the hole.


Liberty Under Fire Obituary

Jackson’s Automotive

Now Doing Smog Tests!

Front End RepairsTransmission Service

Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service

and Repairs

Call Today for an Appointment763-1055

Corner of 3rd and Center Street110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

When will the Republican Party take responsibility for its irresponsible spending? By Dr. Harold Pease Every evening as I watch the news I hear the democrats blasted for their irresponsible, wasteful spending leading this nation to its highest national debt with $6 trillion accredited to President Barack Obama alone. Just this week Secretary of State John Kerry gave the Palestinians some $500 million not to attack Israel. Last month Egypt reportedly received 16 F-16 fighter jets together with some 400 tanks; their likely target Israel our supposed friend. Every year we give them $1.7 billion in foreign aid. All this while we close down White House tours allegedly because we do not have the money to keep them open. We presently spend (waste) about $20 billion dollars annually on “buying” friends, called for-eign aid. The spending goes on and on with democrats, according to the news, responsible for most of it. So, if true, why attack the Republican Party? They are not in charge democrats are! That was so for Obama’s first two years in power, but decidedly not so since 2010. When republicans retook the House of Representatives and Nancy Pelosi handed the gavel of leadership to John Boehner, republicans assumed the major responsibility of this congressional body—taxing and spending. The Constitution reads, “All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills” (Article I, Section 7, Clause 1) Neither the Senate nor the White House can

constitutionally initiate taxes. All the republican controlled House has to do to stop irresponsible spending is to not originate the bill to cover the expenses. The annual House Budget could leave out items formerly approved. Deficit spending could end simply by their refusal to pass new deficit spending bills. It is true that the President has not had a budget in over four years and he is already almost two months late in proposing one this year as well. Until such time as one is processed constitution-ally the House budget should be the official federal budget. It is also true that no tax law can originate to cover his expenses with-out first the consent of the House. Hence only the House Budget really matters. If a president spends money not first approved by this body he is, in effect, raising revenue, a power that he does not posses and both parties should share in his condemnation. Sole power of impeachment also first comes from the House, and a president perpetually attempting to exclude the House of its sole power to raise revenue might be reminded of the second power. Also, given that a president’s salary is also a budget item, the House might explore the possibility of not raising revenue for this purpose should this body feel threatened by a president’s usurpa-tion of the House power. This procedure was openly used by state legislatures on zealous royal governors during Colonial American History to help bring them into line. Why do the House of Representatives alone have this power? The power of the purse (both taxing and spending) is one of the most important powers of the Constitution. The Founders re-solved that it should be left with the representatives of the people, thus making it impossible for the people to be over-taxed without their consent for more than two years as all members of this body come up for reelection on the same date—every two years. To my knowledge no other people in history have had control over their taxes. It is a priceless freedom. Addressing this subject James Madison observed, “This power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people, for obtaining a redress of every grievance, and for carrying into effect every just and salutary

measure.” The U.S. Constitution mandates that “the House of Representatives cannot only refuse, but they alone can propose the supplies requisite for the support of government.” This power alone he added, “can overcome all the overgrown prerogatives of the other branches of the government. They, in a word, hold the purse… (The Federalist, No. 58).” So republicans, if you do not like the above reckless spending charge that I have attributed to you, assume your Con-stitutional House of Representatives duty to protect the people from such and do so im-mediately. You are in charge in this matter, not they. Your failure to act weakens this part of the Constitu-tion. Mankind waited almost 6,000 years to have freedom from excessive taxation. You do not have the right to lose it for posterity.

DANIEL RAY HARRISBorn in Taft, CA on October 12, 1952 he left this world to sing with the angels on March 25, 2013. Danny grew up in Fellows, CA attending school there and graduating from Taft Union High in 1971. As a young boy Danny played in a band called the Chap-arral’s with his passion for music continuing throughout the years. Every person who’s life Danny touched knew him for the songs he sang while playing his guitar and the smile he left on their face with his jokes. Danny spent many years working in the oilfields before going to work for the County Roads. In his spare time if he wasn’t playing music you could find him riding motorcycles or playing horseshoes—he had a knack for throwing “ringers.” Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Harris and Gladys and Dale Reed along with Tiffany Eveland and Robbie Hartness. His survivors include his children, Sunshine Snyder and Kyle Saich, Wendie Harris and Sheena Cline, Shawna and Joey Jordan, Christy Hartness, Leslie Nelson and Cobey Barulich, Ashley Smith and their mother, Mary Harris; his grandchildren, Karissa (Poot), the soon to be new addition, Dani, Gabriella, Ericka, Shawn, Alex, Colton, Carson, Ashley, Dillon and Jessica; his sisters, Kathy and Betty Harris; his dear friend, Jeannie Blevins; many nieces and nephews along with many great friends. A graveside funeral ser-vice will be held in the West Side District Cemetery on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. There are no visitation hours sched-uled and the arrangements are under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. To express online condolences please visit www.EricksonAndBrown.com


TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”Pastor Cindy Brettschneider

Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AMAdult 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.

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 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.

Black GoldCafe & Deli

Ice Blended MochaFat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

Open 7 Days - 765-6556508 Center Street • Taft

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

661 765-4292

Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 8:30A.M. English

11:00A.M. 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

Advertise

In

The Taft

Independent

Call Today!

765-6550Visit Us Online

taftindependent.com

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

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985

(661) 765-4798 FAXTaft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Rich Miller • Jordan MillerKathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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

First Baptist Church

Pastor Scott Pearson

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

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens ProgramWednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft661 763-3138

Your Church

Ad Here!765-6550


AUTOMOBILESPETS

LOST PETS

$500 Reward. Lost Mini Aussie. Black\grey\white w/tan spot on face. Blue eyes, female. Rexxie. REWARD. 661-765-5862 or 623-0758.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

ROOMS FOR RENT

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

By AppointmentKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

PurchaseCan’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

MOBILE HOMESFSBO. Large 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile beautifully remodeled. Owner will carry. Own your own home for $800 month. Swimming pool. rec. room and more. Call 661-544-8238. 3-15.

HOMES FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500Lic # 01525550

FOR RENT(661) 763-1500Lic # 01525550

FOR RENTFOR RENT

119 ½ Madison 1/1 $500

203 W Ash 2/1.5 $600205 W Ash 2/1.5 $600

202 Philippine 1/1 $650522 Center 1/1 $450

3/1 $700400 Woodrow 2/1 $725

104 North 2/1 $725561 Front 2/1 $725302 Calvin 1/1 $850709 Kern St 3/1 $900512 D St 3/1.75 $900

507 Tyler 3/1.75 $1,000

522 F Street. 3 bd. 1 ba. $750 mo. plus

$700. Dep.Avail. 4-5.

661-765-4016.

Nice. Prof. 2 bedroom 1 bath Apt. in newer duplex. Central heat and air. Incl. washer

and dryer in apt.. Very nice with private yard.

carport. $675. mo. plus dep. Renter pays

all utilities. Credit check req. 623-4296.

Michael.

Homes for Rent2bed. 1 ba.

411 Shattuck. $600.3bd. 1ba $750. 520 Shattuck.

3bd. 1 1/2 ba. $800.118 Crystal.

3bd. 1 ba. $800.220 Mont View

Call Paul Joyce (805) 218-1686

Joyce Properties(661) 765-6300

2 bd. 1 ba. Garage, large lot, RV Parking, Nice neighborhood,

Yard Services Included, $750. mo. 805-423-

0470.

2 Bd Home for Rent, Available Now, located

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 $5 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New AA meeting just started in Taft at the Chevron Valley Credit Union Community Room. 7:30 am every Saturday morning. We read a topic from As Bill Sees It. 9-19.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. 3-27.

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.

HELP WANTED

Real Estate eBroker Inc.By Appointment

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

Taft City School District is accepting applications for a Bilingual Clerk/Community Relations Liaison for 8 hours per day/10 months per year with a salary range of $10.05 to $12.83 per hour in six steps. The benefit package provided includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employment process includes written exam, typing test, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and physical exam with drug screen. Application and Job Description may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Monday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

Looking to fill part-time and full-time positions. Must have clean DMV. Must have a clean background. Must be flexible to work weekends. Must have reliable transportation. Visit abm.com to apply. Call 661.322.3289 if you have any questions.

SERVICESCooler Services. Swap Cooler services and repair. Pumps, motors, etc. (661) 900-0917. 4-1.

CHILD CARESERVICES

WANTED

Junk Cars Wanted. Cash Paid. 805-0552.

FOR SALEKenmore electric dryer. $60. obo 765-2406.

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

Real Estate Services and Property ManagementListings – Sales - Property Management

Local Service You Can Depend On

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

Visit Us Online atwww.taftindependent.com

at 520 Olive Ave., Taft, CA

Good Family Home, Big Back Yard, Washer Dryer Hookups, $650

per month,plus $400 deposit. Hablo Espanol, 805

746 5410

3 bd. 1 ba. large rooms. cvrd front porch. fenced

front and back yard. Huge laundry. $795. mo. plus dep $1,100. Mark King. (805) 689-4122.

4-9.

405 San Emidio. 1/1 Duplex. New flooring. Private fenced yard.

wash dryer, hook ups. Water trash Incl.$485.

Avail now.616 Lucard Str. 3/1 large

liv. rm. private yrd. Lrg liv. rm., large kit. larg

laundry rm. $875. avail 4-1-13. (805) 689-4122.

3-29. Mark King.

$700 Mo. Renter pays utilities 3 bd 1 ba. Pet’s

ok. Call 745-3211.

Westside Real Estate765-5000

2bd. w/garage $650. mo 429 Rose.

2 units at 319 1/2 San Emidio utilities included 1 bd $550 and 1 bd +

office $650 + dep. 522 San Emidio 3 bd 1bth has basement &

new floors $800 + dep.402 Pierce 3 bd 1 bth w/

garage $850 + dep.155 1/2 North St. B.

$450. 765-5000

License 01914953

APART. FOR RENTAvail. Now! Nice. Prof.

2 bedroom 1 bath Apt. in newer duplex. Central heat and air. Very nice with private

yard. carport. $675. mo. plus dep. Renter pays

all utilities. Credit check req. 623-4296. Michael.

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

Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath. $99 move in special based on approved credit. No Pets Allowed. Call (805) 375-1458 or (661) 765-7678.

765-4191 or 549-1068

Be Seen!

Classified Ads

in the

Taft

Independent

$2 per line

Box your ad

for $5 more

call

765-6550

Writers Wanted

At the Taft Independent

Experience Required.

Please call 765-6550.

B License 442018

Preserving for the Future

For Rent 520 Shattuck

$750 monthPaul Joyce

805-218-1686 Joyce Properties

661-765-6300

For Rent 220 Montview

$795 monthPaul Joyce

805-218-1686 Joyce Properties

661-765-6300

AdvertiseWith TheTaft

IndependentCall

Today!765-6550

Classified

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Starting At

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Line!

Budget Shortage Bring Service Cuts, Changes in Court OperationsTaft Court Cut To One Day Per Week The Superior Court, County of Kern, has realized significant, permanent budget reduc-tions of $9.7 Million or 27% of base funding since 2008. While the Court has implemented a number of cost savings measures—reductions in staff, increased pass through of pension and health care benefits to court employees, reduction of controllable expenses in excess of $3 Million—the Court will have a structural deficit of $3.7 Million in the upcoming 2013-2014 budget year. In the past, the Court has been able to utilize savings from local cost cutting measures to balance the annual budget deficits to date. However, these savings are required to be depleted by the end of the fiscal year; therefore, permanent service reductions are required to balance the Court’s budget. “The Kern Superior Court Judges believe court access is a fundamental component of fair and equitable justice and have approved these reductions reluctantly in the face of severe budget cuts over the past five years,” said Judge Colette M. Humphrey, Presiding Judge. “It is our hope that if future funding is restored to adequate levels, we can reinstate the services of the Court for those people that turn to us for justice.” Reduction of Service Hours: The Courts last service hour reduction occurred in 2009 with all court processing services closing at 4:00 PM. Given current court employee vacancy rates of 24% and the requirement to further reduce staffing by 20 to 25 additional positions in July 2013—the Court can no longer maintain current service levels. Effective June 10, 2013: All court service counters and telephone hours will be reduced to 3:00 PM Monday – Thursday and to Noon on Fridays. Courtrooms are not impacted by this change and will remain open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Court has installed drop boxes at all court locations. Documents placed in the drop box by 5:00 PM will be deemed filed on that date. Kern River Regional Court Closure: The Regional Court located in Lake Isabella, 7046 Lake Isabella Blvd, has been reduced to one court day per week. Budget reductions do not allow continued operation of this part time court location. Effective June 10, 2013: The Kern River Branch Court will be closed. As such, the cases currently heard in Kern River will be transferred as follows: 1) All misdemeanor matters, in-custody and out-of-custody, will be heard in the Ridgecrest Branch, located at 132 E. Coso Ave, Ridgecrest; 2) All Limited Civil matters up to $25,000, small claims, and unlawful detainer matters will be heard in the Ridgecrest Brach, located at 132 E. Coso Ave., Ridgecrest; 3) All traffic infractions will be heard at the Metropolitan Traffic Division, 3131 Arrow Street, Bakersfield. A drop box will not be available in Lake Isabella. Documents must be filed in the appropriate location for the specific case type. Taft/Maricopa Regional Court Operations Reduction: The Re-gional Court in Taft, 311 Lincoln Street, Taft, will be reduced to one court day per week. Maintaining service hours in Taft one day per week is designed to provide local litigants access to a court facility. Effective September 9, 2013: The operating hours for the Taft/Maricopa Regional Court will be reduced to one day per week. All CHP traffic infractions will be transferred to the Arvin/Lamont Regional Court location, 12022 Main Street, Lamont; All Felony filings will be filed and heard at the Arvin/Lamont Branch; Misdemeanor filings will be heard at the Arvin/Lamont Branch; Limited Civil, Small Claims and Taft City Traffic Infractions will be heard at the Taft Facility. Court users may file documents at the Taft Regional Court facility when it is open, or at any other court location in Kern County dur-ing normal business hours. A drop box will be available at the Taft Regional Court Facility. Court Reporters. Metropolitan Division: The provision of court reporters for family law and unlim-ited civil matters will be terminated. Effective June 10, 2013: Court reporter services provided by the Court for family law matters and unlimited civil matters will be discontinued with the exception of contempts, domestic violence and abandonments. Per the Govern-ment Code, parties may provide their own court reporters for those hearings in which court provided reporting services are no longer available. A protocol for the use of contract reporters is under develop-ment and will be posted by June 1, 2013. The following web page is available for those who want to comment on the aforementioned changes: [email protected]

Monthly ShotsBy Mimi Collins

February featured the first bimonthly competition of the new year for Taft Camera Club members. With 40 photos to judge, members busily scored each photo on a combination of impact, composition, and technique. Katherine Mize had the high score for digital im-ages, Mimi Collins had the high score for print images, and Karen White had the month’s highest total score for her combined images. 2013 officers were installed by Past President Katherine Mize: Tyrone Maddox is President, and Mimi Collins is Secretary/Treasurer for the year. Club members received copies of the DVD, TCC in Review 2012, which featured some of our favorite shots from last year. Please join the members of Taft Camera Club at our March 12 meeting, when the program will be “show-and-tell.” This bimonthly event gives club members a chance to share and discuss images on a common theme. Members may then choose to modify one or more images for future competition. The March theme is old buildings. Taft is a great source for this theme, and any camera will do, be it a cell phone, disposable, point-and-shoot, DSLR, or other. If it can take a picture, just point it at an old building and shoot!

Feel free to share your own digital or print photos of old buildings at the Chevron Valley Credit Union Conference Room on Tuesday evening, April 9th, 6:30-8:45 p.m. You’ll be among friends!

Tyrone Maddox and Mimi Collins

OTCookhouse & Saloon

NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu

Come in and check out our new items!!!

We are also proud to offer our“Chef ’s Personal Creations & Selections”

Five Specials Available Daily

OT Cookhouse can accomodatesmaller or larger Private Dining Events

Reserve your Banquet today!!!661.763.1819

Lunch Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-2pmDinner Hours: Tues-Sat 4-9pm

Closed: Sunday and Mondaywww.otcookhouse.com

find us on facebook205 N. 10th Street 661.763.1819


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

Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe

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

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Qik Smog & Tune

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

Black GoldCafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6556

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor Your Special

Event

FULLBAR

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

608 Center St. 745-4919

BMXBikes

Are Here!

Full Grooming Salon

www.shawswesternshop.com

Andy’s Septic Tank & SewerUNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

(661)765-5000 or (661)343-0507

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 •

Chicks are here!Barred Rock

Rhode Island Red$3.99 each - pullets

3/13 Sikies and SebrightsSilver Laced Wyanodottes

We Love Cats!Grooming and Washing(Include Wash, Cut and Nails)

Dog Nail Trim 12.00 2nd Pet $9.00

Birds - nails and Wings $9.00 with beak $14.00