The Bounty At Ben's Books

February 17 - 23, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

February 17 - 23, 2012 • Volume 6 Issue 34www.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]

Want Your Used Clothing to Go Overseas? Donate Here!

The Bounty At Ben’s BooksBy Jane McCabe

Pastas • Sandwiches • Salads • Espresso • Beer • Wine

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers

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

508 Center Street • 661-765-6550 TRI-TIP SANDWICHES

$7.95

Center Street Bookstore A Genuine TreasureTaft College Appoints New President/ Superintendent

Taftindependent.com

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT February 17 - 23, 2012

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

Candies • Candles • And More!

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Nail Services:Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic

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

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

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

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

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

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

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

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

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

J & D Recycling1277 Kern Street

Personal Style

A Hint of Class Name Brand ClothingShoes • Jewelry

Accessories & More

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

2495*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. Feb. 29, 2012

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

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

Please call first 763-5451 Thank You

Like Us on Facebook

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

CXWORX CoreClass Starting Soon!!

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

Inside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Sign up now!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

Women • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

Black GoldCafe and Deli

Hablamos Espanol

$5 Off Page Plus & Verizon Phones

$10 Off With Purchase of 2 Phonesexcludes Boost Mobile phones

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

offer expires February 29th

Valentine’s Month Offer

508 Center Street • 765-6550

$20 Off Samsung Prevail Boost Mobile

Pastas • Sandwiches • SaladsEspresso • Beer • Wine

NEW ARRIVALS!New TutusDresses &

One of a kind Jeans for girls!

LA Idol Jeans For Juniors & Misses

Now Offering Terra Firma Products

Spring Has SprungPlanting Made Simple With

Succulents!Great Indoors & Out


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

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 February 21st, 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]

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.

Taft Student Travel Group Meeting Wednesday, February 22nd

Taft Student Travel Group will be heading to Washington D.C. tentatively on July 28th-August 3, 2013. We will be having an informational meeting on Feb. 22, 2012 at 5:30pm in the Chevron Valley Board Room. If you are interested in sending your student (ages 14-19) please join us to discuss itinerary, price and payment plan. Adults accompanying students are welcomed.

Wine Tasting at Black Gold Thursday, February 23rd

Black Gold Cafe and Deli, located at 508 Center Street, will be having a wine tasting on Thursday, February 23rd from 5:30pm to 8pm. For more information call 765-6550.

Movie Night At West Hills Nazarene Church Saturday, February 25th

Saturday February 25th The West Hills Church of the Nazarene will be hosting a community movie night with the showing of “Courageous.”We will be having fire pits in the parking lot to keep warm, the movie will start at 6:30 pm.

TUHS Orientation for 8th Graders Monday, February 27th

Taft Union High School will host Orientation Night for eighth graders at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, in the Mullen gymnasium. The event will showcase the activities at the school from sports and clubs to electives and academics. The incoming fresh-men and their parents will get an initial exposure to the high school and will be able to schedule counselor appointments so they will have priority to sign up for popular classes and summer school classes. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. The new students will receive free Class of 2016 T-shirts, popcorn and prizes.

Free Children’s Immunization Clinic Thursday, March 15th

San Joaquin Community Hospital will be offering FREE Childhood Immunizations for children against vaccine preventable diseases. The clinic will be in Taft at the Taft City School District on Thursday, March 15th, 820 6th Street, (parking lot), from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

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

The Historic Fort is holding their annual St. Patricks Dinner on Saturday, March 17th at The Fort, located at 915 N. 10th Street. Social hour begins at 5pm, dinner served at 6pm. Drawing for the Soroptimist Internation of Taft $500 Shamrock Wreath Raffle will take place. Raffle tickets $1.00 Tickets available at: All In The Sandwich, Jacks Flower Shop, Personal Style, True Value or any Soroptimist member. Winner need not be present to win. Wreath Raffle. Proceeds Benefit Critical Care Transportation and other service projects. For more information contact The Fort at 765-7371.

Optimal Hospice Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, March 21st

Optimal Hospice Care would like to invite you to our springtime new volunteer orientation. Reserve your seat for Wednesday, March 21st from 10am to 2pm in our Bakersfield location. To learn more about how Hospice care enhances the lives of those affected by terminal illness and how volunteers can make a true difference in that effort. You can volunteer as little or as much as you are able. There is no time re-strictions placed on you. Optimal would like to especially encourage caring individu-als from communities such as Delano, Arvin, Shafter, Wasco and Lamont to inquire. Also hairdressers and pet therapy teams are greatly encouraged to contact Optimal Hospice care to see how they can help. Call 661-716-4000 or email [email protected] for more details.

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

Community Events

Taft Student Travel Group Heading To Washington D.C. Taft Student Travel Group will be heading to Washington D.C. tentatively on July 28th-August 3, 2013. We will be having an informational meeting on Feb. 22, 2012 at 5:30pm in the Chevron Valley Board Room. If you are interested in sending your student (ages 14-19) please join us to discuss itinerary, price and payment plan. Adults accompanying students are welcomed. Sights visited will include: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Korean War Memo-rial, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, US Capitol Building, Smithsonian Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, White House, US Holocaust Mu-seum, Georgetown, Mount Vernon and much more. If you are unable to attend, you may contact Lisa Polk or Cari Fivecoat at [email protected] or (661)623-2714

West Kern Oil Museum Dinner Feb. 20 is the deadline to make reservations for the West Kern Oil Museum’s annual membership dinner. The Feb. 25 event at the Community Center serves as the Museum’s annual meeting and will include election of officers, a financial report and a guest speaker. This year’s featured speaker is Pat Cargol, vice president of sales and marketing for Wild Well Control, Inc., the Houston-based specialists in controlling well fires. Cargol will trace the history of the people who molded the well blowout industry. He will compare equipment that was used in the early years with what is in use today to illustrate how the business has changed from just firefighting to a global well control/pressure control specialization. His company specializes in worldwide firefighting, well control, engineering and training. Founded in 1975, Wild Well played a major role in capping and controlling more than 130 wells in Kuwait following the invasion from Iraq. Today, the company responds to more than 50 emergencies a year. Reservations can be made at the Museum, located at Highway 33 and Wood Street, which is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. or mailed to P.O. Box 491, Taft, CA 93268. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

This week, you’ll have a chance to view a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial called The Wall That Heals. The memorial, which is a quarter-scale replica of the original, will be here to send off Wesley Barrientos and Jeremy Staat as they begin their cross-country bicycle trip. The Iraq war veterans will bike from the Wall of Valor in Bakersfield to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. to support to our nation’s veterans. “I just have a personal quest to do everything I can to make sure our Veterans are never treated like or Vietnam Veterans were treated,” said Jeremy Staat. “To give back and give homage and say thank you for the sacrifices and humiliation you had to endure in order for me, the current conflict veteran, to have this warm welcoming.” If you would like to help escort the wall to Bakersfield, you’re asked to meet at the Denny’s at the base of the Grapevine at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. It will then be escorted to the Beale Memorial Library in downtown Bakersfield where it will remain until Monday. Volunteers are needed to help assemble the wall and help with security. If you would like to help, call the Jeremy Staat Foundation at 661-330-1411.

The Wall That Heals, Veterans Memorial To Visit Bakersfield

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.


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

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

Live Music Saturday Nights

Westside EntertainmentYour Restaurant

Listed Here!Call 765-6550!$12 per week!

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

100 Year Anniversary March 4th

Taftindependent.com

March 4th is the Taft Petroleum Clubs 100 Year Anniversary. We will

have a special Industry Night March 7th to celebrate

The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversary’s. Hall holds up to 200 people

and the bar can hold 70.

Taft College STEM K-12 Outreach Connects with Maricopa Unified Joe McFaddin, STEM Outreach Coordinator for Taft College has formed a collaboration with the Maricopa Unified School District to develop a “next generation” of the very popular Young Innovators Club (YIC). The Young Innovators Club is a Taft Col-lege “home grown” Science, Technology, Engineering and Math club that meets at Lincoln Junior High School every other week. Over the past several years, the YIC has grown to over 90 students who have found a passion for STEM. The Taft College Young Innovators are 6th-8th grade range, 53% Female, 75% Hispanic, and 56% economically disadvantaged. The STEM Program is an extension of a national initiative to improve the pipeline of STEM professionals by increasing preparedness and completion of students through four-year degree programs. Funds to support the YIC were given through the Taft College Foundation STEM Corporate Circle partnership with, Chevron, Synagro, Oxy of Elk Hills, Sempra Foundation and Wells Fargo. Currently meeting once a week, Maricopa Faculty partner with the Taft College STEM Program to engage the Young Innovators, 7th though 12th grade students, in hands-on activities in robotics and engineering to complement their current academic programs. Maricopa faculty, Kim Van Winkle and Albert Allen, teach with the academic rigor of a classroom in introducing all the club activi-ties. The outcome expectations are high says Taft College STEM Outreach Coordinator Joe McFaddin “Currently, they are all preparing, along with the Taft Lincoln Jr. High Young Innovators Club, to attend and compete in the 2012 Robo games. Last year, our first year was good as we had a student take 4th place in the LEGO Juniors,” McFaddin said, but our hopes are that this year we will excel even further.” McFaddin added, “We currently are the only STEM-based school club with a regional collaboration of this nature that exists in California.” For further information on Taft College STEM go to http://stem.taftcollege.edu

Foxy Lady Opens Once Again

After concerns about endless delays, fire department inspections and city approvals, the Taft Fox Theater will open this Friday, February 17th! The theater will feature 3 movies this weekend and throughout next week. Movies this weeks include The Big Miracle on Friday 4:30, 7, & 9:30pm. Sat. & Sun. 12, 2:15, 4:30, 7 & 9:30. Mon. 12, 2:15, 4:30, 7pm, and Tue.-Thur. 4:30, 7pm. Woman in Black on Friday 5, 7 & 10pm, Sat. & Sun 12:30, 2:45, 5, 7:30 & 10pm, Monday 12:30, 2:45, 5 & 7pm, and Tue.-Thur. 5, 7:30pm. This Means War Friday 5:30, 8:00 & 10:30pm, Sat. & Sun. 1, 3:15, 5:30, 8 & 10:30pm, Monday 1, 3:15, 5:30 & 8pm, and Tue. - Thur. 5:30, 8pm. Notice - Movies starting after 8 p.m. require a child be accompanied by an adult. Seniors and children under 13 tickets are $5. Adults and children over 13 are $7. Future movies include the Lorax, and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Go to the movies this weekend!

Grand Opening March 3rdLarger showroom and larger mechanic Area

Now offering a customer lounge with coffee and donuts

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

Results Of Kern County Drug Task Force To Be Presented Dr. Kathy Orrin of the Taft District Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau has announced plans to disseminate the results of a county-wide drug task force to the citizens of the community of Taft. A presentation of The Impact of Methamphetamine in Kern County: A Preliminary Study, will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, March 22, 2012, from noon to 1:30 p.m., by Kern County Mental Health Department, the individuals commis-sioned to do the study. The program will be presented at the Historic Fort. Our County Supervisor, Ray Watson, wanted the people of the West Side to know the facts about drug issues in our county—spe-cifically, in our own community. “This challenge only gets bigger,” stated Orrin. “With the recent death of a three-year-old in our community and the knowledge that drugs may have played a role in that tragedy, we cannot sepa-rate drugs from other issues such as child abuse.” This event is a joint effort of the five service clubs in Taft: the Kiwanis Club of Taft, the Midway/Sunset Lions Club, the Taft Lions Club, the Rotary Club of Taft, and Taft Soroptimists. The service clubs are coming together for their weekly (or bi-weekly) meetings on Thursday, March 22, to show their support of this endeavor, and the Chamber is organizing the event. The public is encouraged to attend. Although the cost of the luncheon has not been determined at this time, the public may come to listen without purchasing a meal. More information will be available at the Chamber of Commerce (765-2165).

The Big MiracleFriday 4:30, 7, & 9:30pm

Sat. & Sun. 12, 2:15, 4:30, 7 & 9:30 Mon. 12, 2:15, 4:30, 7pm Tue.-Thur. 4:30, 7pm

Woman in BlackFriday 5, 7 & 10pm

Sat. & Sun 12:30, 2:45, 5, 7:30 & 10pmMonday 12:30, 2:45, 5 & 7pm Tue.-Thur. 5, 7:30pm

This Means WarFriday 5:30, 8:00 & 10:30pm

Sat. & Sun. 1, 3:15, 5:30, 8 & 10:30pmMonday 1, 3:15, 5:30 & 8pm Tue. - Thur. 5:30, 8pm

CYCLE KATZ INC. HAS MOVED TO

320 HARRISON ST.

PARTS • SALES • SERVICELocally owned and operated

We work on all makes and models

NOW OPEN 514 Center Street


by Stephanie House

Check us out online!Need more information on

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

www.wsrpd.comwww.facebook.com/wsrpd

www.quickscores.com/[email protected]

West Side Recreation Report

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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR EASTER EGG HUNTSaturday, March 31, 201210:00 a.m. SHARP‘A’ Street Park, TaftFREE!Ages 2-8 are welcome!

MOTHER SON DANCESaturday, March 3, 20127:00-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium500 Cascade Place, TaftBoys ages 4 and up$30 per couple ($10 each additional son) Don’t miss out on the 2nd Annual Mother Son Dance. Boys ages 4 and older may be accompanied by their mother, guardian or adult relative. The special evening includes music, photographs, snacks and more fun surprises. In order to provide a quality event, we need a minimum of 25 couples registered (tickets purchased) by Friday, February 24 or we will have to cancel. Last year’s event was a lot of fun! No tickets will be available the night of the event, so buy yours now!

SPEND YOUR PRESIDENT’S DAY AT THE REC…Monday, February 2010:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Recreation Center (Aera Gymnasium), 500 Cascade Place, TaftAges 10+Student Gymnasium Admission: $1.00Bowling: $3 per person, per game (plus $2 shoe rental)Spend your day off at the Recreation Center bowling or taking part in activities in the gymnasium. Raffles will be given away every hour! For more information, please contact the Recreation Center at 765-6677.

GAMES GALORETuesday, February 213:00-4:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades K-8 FREE!Join us for some fun and games! We will have classic board games plus lots of fun games on the Nintendo Wii.

WONDERFUL WAFFLESTuesday, February 283:00-4:00 p.m.Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades 1 and up$3 per person ** pre-registration required by February 27Come and learn how to make waffles from scratch! We will make them, and then eat them. Yum! You will go home with a full tummy and the recipe to try at home. For dessert? Chocolate brownie waffles! Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

GLEE CLUBWhen: Monday EveningsSession: March 5 – April 23Ages 4-12, 4:00-5:00 p.m.Ages 13-18, 5:00-6:00 p.m.Ages 18+, 6:00-7:00 p.m.Where: Community Center Activity BuildingFee: $40 per session (8-weeks) Instructor: Crystal AzbillIn this Show Choir class, we’ll focus on vocal performance and choreography – ranging from songs that are hip to songs that are old. Classes are open to any skill level.

YOGAWho: Ages 14 and olderWhen: Tuesday and Thursday Times: 9:00-9:45 a.m., 7:00-7:45 p.m. or 8:00-8:45 p.m. Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per month (per class) ** register prior to attending classInstructor: Valerie TaylorThis is the perfect class for beginners looking to improve flexibility and enhance general fitness. Class goals are to strengthen muscles and joints, improve circulation and relieve stress through common yoga stretches. Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Class space is limited – registration is REQUIRED prior to attending class.

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

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

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

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

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

HAWK HOOPS BASKETBALL CAMPWho: Ages 8-17Friday, March 2: 5:00-9:00 p.m.Saturday, March 3: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Sunday, March 4: 2:00-6:00 p.m.Where: Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Fee: $30 per person. Registration deadline: February 23Hawk Hoops camps are conducted by former NBA player Juaquin Hawkins, who has 14 years of professional basketball experience. The camp will improve dribbling, shooting, defense, passing, discipline, teamwork, hand/eye coordination and much more. Camp staff includes players who have played in the NBA, experienced/champion-ship level coaches or players who have played in college or on a pro level.

FITNESS CAMPWho: Ages 16+When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday MorningsTime: 6:00-7:00 a.m.Session: March 5 – April 27Where: Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Fee(s): $60 – 1 month, $100 – 2 months Registration deadline(s): February 29 (1st month), March 30 (2nd month)Whether you want to hold strong to your resolutions, get ready for that beach body, or just want to be a healthier and more fit you… come to Fitness Camp and get started on a healthier path! Camp will be facilitated by WSRPD Trainers Christian Ramirez, Andrew LeClair and Andrew Matthews. Register in the Recreation Center, 500 Cas-cade Place, Building D in Taft. For more information contact the Center at 765-6677.

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

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

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

DODGEBALL TOURNAMENTSaturday, March 17, 2012Check-in: 8:00 a.m.Recreation Center, Aera GymnasiumAges 14 and older$110 per team (6 players per roster)Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 15


Westside News & Business BriefsThe Bounty At Ben’s BooksCenter Street Bookstore StackedBy Jane McCabe

In December of 2004 Ben and Jennifer Mangum moved from the San Fernando Valley, where for thirty years Ben ran an insur-ance agency, to Taft to be near to their three daughters, two in Taft, one in Bakersfield, and their grandchildren. An avid reader and book lover, before leaving Ben donated his “wall of books,” mostly modern fiction and biographies, to libraries there, but little did he know then he would open a used book store at 810 Center Street. A used book store had been at that location for nearly ten years, so when Ben and Jennifer bought the building, they also inherited its inventory. He built the shelves that now house his collection, and he has arranged the books by genres, which are then alphabet-

ized by the authors’ last names, except for the biographies, which are alphabetized by subject. Ben’s Books opened in August of 2009. Though his prices are low, business is slow like many others on Center Street, but the store provides Ben with something to do in his retirement, and he enjoys kibitzing with customers. His wife Jennifer was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and is one of six children born to an English scientist who worked for British air-ways and his wife. Her family is Christian, so she and her siblings were educated at a convent school in Karachi. When martial law was established in 1959, their father thought it time to get his family out of Pakistan and moved them back to England. She and Ben met on a blind date when she was in South-ern California, and now they’ve been married for 47 years. If asked what his favorite book of the hundreds he has read, Ben readily says Anthony Adverse by Hervey Allen, the story of a man from his conception in France to his birth in Italy to his death in New Mexico. The book was well known in its day and a movie star-ring Gary Cooper was made of it. Ben also lists among his favorites The Agony and the Ecstasy, about the life of the sculptor Rodin, Hedy’s Folly, about Hedy La Mar and her inventions, The Rothschilds, and The Arms of Krupp. Ben thinks in another dozen years publishers may stop publishing paper books altogether and will instead make new books available to readers on Kindle and Nook type computer tablets. He notes that when he and Jennifer came to Taft eight years ago there were four or five used book stores in Bakersfield and now there is one.Some parents come in to the store to buy children’s books, which they will read to their children. Taft is a town of hidden treasures. Readers and book-lovers should know if they frequent Ben’s Books they may be given a cup of coffee and Ben will gladly regale them with stories about his favorite books and their authors.

There was no shortage of love this Valentine’s season with local businesses and organizations offering giveaways to share with the one you love. Josh Medel, pictured above with Acme’s CaSandra Malone, won the grand prize from Acme Jewelry this past week, a $150 certificate to put towards a personalized “What’s In Your Heart” necklace.

Sharing The Love This Valentine’s Season On The Westside

Sheila Allen, right, won the champagne brunch giveaway and the one night stay at the Ascot Suites in Morro Bay for two from the Taft ARC. Katchy Tonkin, left, drew the winning raffle ticket on Tuesday. This giveaway was sponsored by Dream Maker Bath and Kitchen of Bakersfield.

Bow Wow BakeryOpening Day Saturday, February 25th 10am

Pets and their Owners welcome!

Open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 1pmClosed Sunday and Monday

420 Center Street (661)979-7264 [email protected]

Debuting our Doggie Treat BarCome Sniff Out Our Pet Accessories

Personalized Dog Dishes • Spaw PeticuresOne of a kind Dog Leashes

Jennifer and Ben Mangum.


Black Gold Cafe and Deli508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268

Wine TastingThursday, February 23rd

5:30 pmFeaturing

Dubost Wines and Hors D’Oeuvres

Beer & WineOver 50 Different Craft

& Imported Bottled Beers!

Please RSVP at 765-6550

Pastas • SandwichesEspresso • Beer • Wine

Beer & Wine Available To Go


The Board of Trustees of the West Kern Community College District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dena Maloney as the new Superintendent/President of Taft College. After an extensive search utilizing the consulting ser-vices of Professional Personnel Leasing, the initial candidate pool was evaluated and nine candidates were invited for interviews by the campus presidential search committee. Following those interviews, three candidates were recom-mended to the Board of Trustees for their consideration. On Thursday, February 2, 2012, members of the Taft communi-ty and faculty and staff of the College were invited to a reception from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. to personally meet the three candidates. Attendees were provided an opportunity to complete confidential forms to express their opinions and observations of each candidate which were forwarded to the Board of Trustees. At a meeting on Friday, February 3, 2012, the Board of Trustees interviewed each of the top three candidates and on Monday, February 16, 2012, the Board announced their decision to appoint Dr. Dena Maloney as the new Superintendent/President. Dr. Maloney is currently Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of the Canyon Country Campus and Vice President of Economic Development of the Santa Clarita Community College District in Santa Clarita, California. Dr. Maloney received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, her Master of Arts in Government from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and her Doctorate in Education in Organi-zational Leadership from the University of La Verne in La Verne, California. It is anticipated that Dr. Maloney will assume her new duties at Taft College on May 1, 2012. Billy White, WKCCD Board President, says “The Board of Trustees is very pleased that Dr. Maloney has accepted the CEO position at Taft College. We look forward to her capable leader-ship through these challenging financial times and into the future. We are excited to welcome her to the college and community.”

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

Cooking Magazines And Many Romance Novels All $.10

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

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

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!


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

Shrimp Scampi • Spaghetti With Meatballs • Raviolis

Mozzarella & Baked Chicken Ravioli Spinach & Cheese

Raviolis

BLTA • Black Gold ClubRoast Beef • Ham • Turkey

Avocado • Tuna Salad • Egg Salad • Pastrami • Meatball Sandwich • Grilled Cheese Italian Garden Salad • Chef Salad • Polish Dog • Chili

Dog • Soup & Salad

Coffee • Iced Coffee Espresso • Latte • Cappuccino

Americano • Vanilla Latte Cafe Mocha • White Mocha Chai Latte • Hot Chocoloate Blended Drinks • Iced Drinks

Chocolate Freeze Vanilla Freeze • Iced Tea Fruit Smoothies • Protein

Drinks

Cheesecake • Chocolate Pie Key Lime Pie • Pastries

Pastas • SandwichesEspresso • Beer • Wine

Beer & WineOver 50 Different Craft

& Imported Bottled Beers!

Sandwiches & Salads

Pastas

Espresso & Coffee

Desserts

Wine TastingFebruary 23 @ 5:30pm

Beer & Wine Available To Go

Pets and their Owners welcome!

Taft College PresidentSuperintendent Appointment Announced

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

420 1/2 Center Street • TAFT

THRIFT STORE

God Bless!Shirts & Sweaters $.25

Pants $.50

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

Does not include hoodies or jackets

During the month of February a Portion of the stores proceeds will be donated to help stop child abuse

GAIA Boxes Seek to Save PlanetEnvironmental Group Ships Donated Clothing Overseas For Sale If you love your Mother Earth, think that humanity is driv-ing Global Warming, that fundamental changes in politics and economics are needed to save the earth, and want your used clothing to end up in a third world country, then you’ll want to join the movement and put all your old sneakers and t-shirts into one of the GAIA bins that have recently popped up around Taft. And the organization has some people in Taft wondering why so many 6 foot tall environmental green clothing donation boxes have turned up on the west side when donations are needed in town. If you pay any attention to local facebook postings, there’s some grumbling about this out of town organization looking for donations when most think that donations ought to be kept in the community. Most of the donated clothing items are shipped overseas and sold. Meet GAIA, a worldwide save-humanity by saving the earth environmental organization that has been described as a “cult” by some former employees, and raised many questions about where and how much of the funds it raises actually goes to saving the environment. According to their website GAIA-Movement-USA.org, the Gaia-Movement is a 501c3 non-profit organization raising aware-ness about the plight of the environment and taking action to protect it. The website goes on to explain why social and political change is needed: “Why has it been so difficult to achieve meaningful solutions? Media pundits, partisan think tanks, and special interest groups funded by fossil fuel and related industries raise doubts about the truth of global warming. These deniers downplay and distort the evidence of climate change, demand policies that allow industries to continue polluting, and attempt to undercut existing pollution standards.” “Our country is at a crossroads: the United States can act re-sponsibly and seize the opportunity to lead by developing new, in-novative solutions, as well as immediately putting to use the many practical solutions we have at our disposal today; or we can choose to do nothing and deal with severe consequences later. So much for local oil company donations. According to the city of Taft, GAIA does not have a business license to operate in the city. Many business owners were simply asked by a GAIA representative if they could place a box on their property. No city approvals were sought or given. In 2004 the Chigago Tribune published an investigation on the hundreds of green donation boxes that had started appearing all over the Chicago area. They found that they were connected to a Danish group called Tvind, and financial records showed that Gaia, the main Tvind-related organization in Chicago, was spending a very small percentage of its revenue on environmental projects. Tvind’s leader, Amdi Petersen, was arrested in Los Angeles at the time and was extradited to Denmark to stand trial on embezzle-ment and tax evasion charges. Since then, numerous other journalists have published investiga-tions into Tvind-related clothing boxes, which are labeled Gaia, USAgain, Planet Aid, IICD and Humana. British journalist Michael Durham operates a website, tvin-dalert.com, that tracks the organization’s many interconnected businesses, properties and charitable operations around the world. And philanthropy watchdogs have given failing ratings to most of Tvind’s clothing operations. The American Institute of Philanthropy says it gives an F grade to both Gaia and fellow Tvind-related group Planet Aid (which has boxes in about 80 cities in 20 states mostly outside the Mid-west) for lack of transparency, insufficient spending on program services (11 to 44 percent) and too much spending on fundraising ($76 to $85 per $100 raised). So before you give, you may want to think twice about donating to GAIA and support their worldwide cause.


Community Voices From The MayorHi Everyone,

I was driving down 10th Street and turned onto San Emidio to go by the high school when I had a de-ja vu moment that took me back to my high school days in my brothers 1950 Olds four door. When I turned the corner back then north on Seventh Street, I would then flip a quick u-turn and park in one of the spots in front of the school. In that old Oldsmobile and the bald tires I always had on it, it would make a lot of tire squealing noise that announced that I was once again starting school that day.

Looking down the row of cars there was quite a collection of 40’s-50’s-60’s now we wish we had them back, vintage automobiles parked in front of the school. Everyone of them a classic; everyone had a style of its own; everyone of them a signature of who the owner was. Most of them we were able to tinker on or repair or hop them up or bolt on some JC Whitney parts. I never had enough money to do much to the 57 Ford 2 door I had my senior year, but I always wanted a pair of chrome scavenger exhaust pipes coming out the rear just under the rear axle. The guys that had them had a V-8 and larger tires on the rear. I had a straight in-line six with a 2-barrel carb; no power, no guts, no glory. Now when you drive by the school there are all these little 4-door foreign cars, with no style, no sound, except for a booming car stereo, and no personality. You can hardly work on them anymore, and parts for them are out of this world. Different times; not worse or better, just different. I was able to attend the chamber annual dinner last week that featured a number of Taft folks that were honored for their business spirit and volunteer-ism. They are the ones that prove that living in Taft is much better than residing in Taft. When the Fox Theater opens back up this weekend, assuming it will as I pen this, now you have no reason to go out of town for food or entertainment. We are fabulously endowed with a vast array of Mexican restaurants, several fine Pizzas joints, family food establishments, Thai food, several watering holes, a couple of Chinese places, and fast food abounds. You can now go bowling, work out in several of our gyms, get your motorcycle repaired, see Ray for fine jewelry, go by True Value and K-Mart for your other shopping needs. To work it off, you can take a stroll down our famous Rail-to-Trails waking path and stop to admire the biggest, baddest, tallest, largest all bronze monument west of the Mississippi. When you are driving down Kern Street, you are on the Petroleum Highway, which is the gateway to the Carrizo Plains. For home furnishings see John at Westside Furniture, they can get what you need. So many places for the ladies to get their hair done, but see what Vicky has done to her shop at Personal Style to fit your needs. We have two excellent flower shops and many other specialty shops around town that are asking for you to check them out before you take your dollars elsewhere. Give them a chance, because most of the businesses that have been open for a while are always giving back to the community. Think about that the next time one of your kids is out raising money for their team or school. Most businesses don’t start up to fail, they always have a inspiration to fill a void or offer an alternative, but getting you to stop and come in is their biggest challenge. All they ask is for you to just slow down, pull up, drop in, check them out; then it is up to them to make you a customer. If you are a business in town and you’re not a Chamber member, you need to join now; it is an investment that will pay you back many more dividends down the road. I was driving down Kern Street the other day, when traffic starting backing up at Wildcat Way, it was just after 3:00. This is the perfect storm of parents picking up kids, oilfield workers getting off, and kids walking home. It was then I noticed that students were crossing the street in the crosswalk, but what was startling was that most of them never looked up as they started across. Most of them never slowed down, to look at what traffic jam they were causing nor if any vehicles were unable to stop; many where on their phones, some were in packs of kids talking and laughing and one was throwing a football over the intersection as he crossed. I wonder what their parents would think or say to them if they were in the cars watching their child cross by. I’ve seen it time and time again at every intersection around the schools, where these kids never look up when they step off the sidewalk into oncoming traffic. A crosswalk is not a barrier to their safety. They just expect the cars to stop for them. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen to a young lady on 2nd and Kern Street a while back. She is no longer here to talk about that incident. If she were, I’m sure she would tell her peers to look both ways, listen, and then cautiously cross at a quick pace. Parents, talk to your kids if they are walking home every day, we don’t want another tragedy to happen.Finally, some rain, albeit only a little bit, but it clears the air and gets the dust off. Hopefully the hills will start greening up. Glad to see the drilling rigs in our hills again, it can only help our economy. Let us know how we are doing on the council; we are facing many tough issues in the coming months, we can always use some good ideas from those that we serve.

Randy Miller Mayor, City of Taft

Presidents’ Day, What Would Abraham Lincoln Say? By Dr. Harold Pease President Barack Obama’s favorite president, as is the case with so many Americans, is Abraham Lincoln who shares a national holiday, Presidents Day, with George Washington. But this bond certainly could not be because of shared political ideology. Lincoln was for the free market and decidedly against socialism—just opposite of President Obama. He saw nothing in the Commu-nist Manifesto, published in 1848, worthy of emulation. On the ownership of property Abraham Lincoln’s feelings were especially strong, he said,

“Property is the fruit of labor; property is desirable; is a positive good in the world. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprises” (The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume VII, pp. 259-260). To him there was no need to take by force the wealth of those who produce and give it to those less productive. The “share the wealth” philosophy articulated by Obama as a presidential candidate in 2008 to “Joe the plumber,” would have been foreign ideology to the Civil War president. The answer for the poor was not class envy, first identified by Aristotle some 2,500 years ago as being the natural inclina-tion of those with less, a philosophy implemented by Lenin in Russia when the communists identified those holding property as enemies of the state and liquidated some four to eight million farmers, the “Kulaks” (“The Russian Kulaks,” InDepthInfo.com). Then they wondered why the country had such a horrific famine in 1921-1922. Lincoln’s answer to the poor, from which he sprang himself, “Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another, but let him labor diligently to build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence….” Unfortunately, many in our society have forgotten the “labor diligently” part of his phrase and have come to expect the government to provide, from the industry of others, their every need. On that score Lincoln also had words. “You toil and work and earn bread, and I will eat it.” He viewed this principle as a form of tyranny to those who work. Today 47.5 % of the adult population pay no federal income tax; many actually receive benefits for which they have paid nothing. Watching others acquire wealth was, in fact, a sign of a healthy economy for Lincoln. “I take it that it is best for all to leave each man free to acquire property as fast as he can. Some will get wealthy. I don’t believe in a law to prevent a man from getting rich; it would do more harm than good.” Nor would he have supported the hundreds of laws that we have today that disincentivize a man trying to acquire wealth. Lincoln might have added, “When has a poor man ever created a full time job for anyone?” Hate the Wall Marts or the McDonalds all you want but they provide the poor thousands of jobs. Do not bite the hand that feeds you then wonder where the jobs and prosperity went as did the early Russian communists. The “share the wealth” philosophy, which Lincoln opposed, has never brought long term general prosperity for any people, any place, or any time. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org

San Joaquin Automotive will be in business until February 29th, but, due to state licensing issues, Messenger Au-tomotive will not be opening until the middle or end of March. Between Feb-ruary 29th and the opening of Messen-ger Automotive, there will be no repairs or services given. The phone will still be functioning and Billy Messenger will be in and out of the shop periodically. He will be there to answer questions or concerns, but he won’t be able to make repairs to any vehicles. For more information call 763-1123.

San Joaquin Automotive Will Soon Be Messenger Automotive


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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

February 16th & 17thSewing Maching Service &

Scissor SharpeningMODA Fabric 25% Off

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

YOUR CHURCH AD HERE!

CALL TODAY!

765-6550

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

Taft [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICES

Advertise

With The Taft

Independent!

Call Today!

765-6550

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 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

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


fingerprint clearance, and physical exam

with drug screen. A written exam for these positions will be given on Thursday, February 23. Application and Job

Description may be picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Wednesday, February 22 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

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

For SaleFOR SALE

Pickers Buy & Sell Going Out of Business

Up to 50% Off428 Center Street

32” Curtis Mathes TV $50 765-9253.

Oak Entertainment Center, fits up to 72” TV. $600 OBO 619-1057.

Elegant Living room set, expandable 8-12 ft oak entertainment center. 763-5754.

AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock

FOUND PETS

LOST PETSBlack & white cat lost in Taft Heights. Smudge on nose, small reward. 765-2960

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENT224 B St #C Studio $475. 418 San Emidio 1/1 $500. 420 ½ San Emidio 2/1 $575. 302 Calvin 1/1 $850404 Fillmore 3/1.75 $1,000

2bd/1ba newly remodeled house, lg fenced yard & lg garage. $650 mo + $650 dep. References required 763-5233.

Lg. 2 bd.rm house. Garage, storage shed, chicken pen, lot’s of trees, fenced yard. $850 mo. $500. dep. 763-4593.

2 Houses in Maricopa. Both 2\1 $550 mo. pl. dep. $550. 321-9636 or 577-7041 habla espanol.

Lg 2bd/1ba, Huge garage. $800 mo. + $1,000 dep. 417 6th Ave 765-4000.

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.

Red, male pomeranian, wearing red harness, lost near Urgent Care 2/4, named Chaser. $100 reward. 661-889-5922.

Real EstatePROPERTY

MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

BUSINESSFOR SALE

FOR SALE

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

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

Purchase

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 HOMES

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

VENDOR SPACE AVAILABLE AT 428 CENTER STREET.

SHARE SPACE - RENT VERY REASONABLE. CALL JANE: 765-4790

STORAGE SPACE SOUGHT - I need

approximately a space 20’ X 20’ in which to store art gallery

material, preferrably a space into which I can

walk if I need to remove items. Call Jane 765-

4790.

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

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

Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.

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

Piano Lessons. All ages accepted, beginers, intermediates. 565-8322

EmploymentHELP WANTED

Help Wanted. Part-Time Sales Associate. Radio Shack. Apply in Person.

210 6th St.

Taft City School District is accepting applications for three ASES Activity

Leaders, Substitute Instructional Aides,

Healthcare Specialists, Food Service and Crossing Guards.

Employment process includes written exam, application screening,

interview, DOJ

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 $550411 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath $600 Paul Joyce

805-218-1686 Joyce Properties

661-765-6300

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

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E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Rich Miller • Jordan MillerKathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

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California Weekly Gas Price Update and Outlook Average retail gasoline prices in California have risen 6.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.82/g Monday, February 13th. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.47/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, February 13th were 40.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 13.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 12.3 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 34.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. "Retail gasoline prices have continued to slowly rise across a majority of the United States," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "With the exception of one state Wyoming all states are seeing their gasoline prices averaging over $3/gallon again, with some of the larg-est cities New York City and Los Angeles closing in on $4/gallon," DeHaan said.

Los Padres Seeks Public Comment On OHV Grant Application Los Padres National Forest officials announced that recreation managers will be seeking public comments on proposals for the 2011/2012 State of California Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) grant program. According to state requirements, public comments can be submitted from March 6 through April 2, 2012. A two-step application process is used by the State to allow public comment and feedback be-fore final submittal. The preliminary application is due March 5, 2012. This will open a public review and comment period and will follow with final applications due May 7, 2012. The State is using an Internet-based “On-Line Grant Ap-plication” process as the means to apply for State funding. Los Padres National Forest is soliciting public input specific to the Forest’s 2011/2012 grant ap-plication proposals for Cooperative Agreements with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Divi-sion. The Forest will be submitting two grant applications. The first grant includes projects for ground operations along with a planning grant. The second grant is for law enforcement activi-ties. The preliminary application will be available online by visiting the California State OHV Grants and Cooperative Agreements program at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. Hard copies may be requested by contacting Jeff Bensen at (805) 961-5744. Los Padres National Forest officials are provid-ing an opportunity for interested parties to discuss the grant applications and submit public comments. An open house will be held February 16, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Santa Lucia Ranger Station located at 1616 N. Carlotti Drive in Santa Maria. State regulations require annual public par-ticipation in this fund allocation process. The agreements support OHV management activities on the national forest, including operations and maintenance, restoration, law enforce-ment, education and safety. The “operations and maintenance” category is divided into four project types: acquisition, development, ground operations, and planning, with the emphasis on projects that sustain existing OHV recreation. The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Los Padres National Forest have maintained a successful partnership for more than 26 years, with funding assistance for well-managed OHV recreation on National Forest lands. In 2011, the Forest was successful in obtaining $435,447 in grant funds to provide the public with world-class OHV recreation opportunities.

Hall Ambulance Announces Its 2011 Wmployees Of The YearShining Stars of Hall Ambulance Honored Hall Ambulance Service Founder and President, Harvey L. Hall, recently announced the Hall Ambulance Service Employees of the Year for 2011. In presenting the awards to employees in each division of the company, Hall outlined the outstanding accomplishments that earned the employee the recognition. The honored employees for each division are:Anna Aguilera – Human Resources Division Employee of the YearFred Bernal – Hall Commercial Vehicle Service Employee of the YearHank Blair – Hall Commercial Vehicle Service Employee of the YearTracy Burnside – Lead, Business Office Employee of the YearBryan Cook – Paramedic of the YearChris Hupp – Hall Commercial Vehicle Employee of the YearJohn Jimenez – Paramedic Field Supervisor of the YearAlex Jones – Dispatcher of the YearPeter Martinez – Emergency Medical Technician of the YearDorothy McGee – Business Office Employee of the YearKerry Monk, RN – Hall Critical Care Employee of the YearPaul Robbins – Maintenance Division Employee of the YearAmanda Sanchez – Medical Transportation Division Employee of the YearMary Talbot – Finance Division Employee of the Year Hall was especially pleased to announce this year’s winner of his coveted Presidents Award, given each year to the employee that best exemplifies out-standing customer service. For the first time in the history of the company, the award went to a Registered Nurse, Kerry Monk, of the Critical Care Division. The awards were presented to coincide with the 41st Anniversary of Hall Ambulance Service, proudly serving the residents of Kern County since 1971.

Taft College Foundation presents the Al Baldock Memorial Athletic Golf Classic On Friday, April 20, 2012, the Taft College Foundation will present the Second Annual Al Baldock Memorial Athletic Golf Classic at the Buena Vista Golf Course. Entry fee is $100 per player, in a four person scramble format. Sponsorships are available at the Platinum level ($5,000); Gold level ($2,500); Silver level ($1,000); Bronze level ($500) and Black Gold level ($250). The day begins with registration at 11:00 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Dinner and a raffle follow the event. Prizes include $1,200 for first place team; $800 for second place team; $600 for third place team; and $400 for fourth place team. In addition, there is a $10,000 prize for a Hole in One on #2 & #13 holes; a $5,000 prize for Hole in One on #6 & #17 holes; and $100 prize for each closest to the Hole. The Golf Tournament is sponsored by AP Architects, Dinner is sponsored by the Taft College Alumni Association and the Raffle is sponsored by Cooper’s True Value Home and Garden. Baldock (1929-2009) , a 1954 graduate of the University of Southern California where he earned four letters on the gridiron for the Trojans, Baldock received Collier’s All-American honors in 1950. Baldock began his coaching career in 1951 as a head coach/player for the Ft. Riley, Kansas U.S. Army team. In 1954, he served as the frosh coach for his alma mater. He then served coaching stints at Leuzinger (CA) H.S., Taft College, Allan Hancock College, College of the Sequoias, San Diego State University, and Los Angeles City College, before returning to Taft College as the Cougars’ head coach for 16 seasons (1976-1991). Coach Baldock served for many years as the Head Football Coach at Taft College and was an inspiration to hundreds of students in the athletic department. His football teams at Taft College dominated California for three decades. Taft College has a long tradition of athletic excellence and Coach Baldock was an integral part of that tradition. For more information please call tournament coordinator-Sheri Black at 661.763.7746.

The new technical arts building at Taft College has an art gallery—this is the first time Taft College has had a gallery on campus. Its first show is of student work—photographs, drawings and paintings, even some encaustic work—done during fall semester, 2011. The student reception was held on February 15th from 4 to 7 p.m. “It’s very nice to see the wide range of people who came to see the gal-lery—community members, professors, staff, college employees, and, of course, students,” says Sonja Swenson, Art Department chairman and gal-lery coordinator. A faculty reception will be held later in the month. Normal gallery hours are 11 to 7, Monday through Thursday, and 11 to 4 on Fridays. The public in invited to attend.

Taft College Hosts Reception Of First Show In New Art GalleryBy Jane McCabe


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

Pet Supplies

(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

Dirty Dog SpecialMonth of February

Specializing in flea treatments, medicated baths and soar foot care

Saturday Appointments Available!Nails clipped and filed $12

Each additional dog or cat $9

Store Wide Savingswestern 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

ZYMOX

For dog wash we use top medical, highest quality, medicated

shampoo treatment!

Now for sale in the shop!


508 Center Street 765-6550

Americauna PulletsRed-Sex LinkBarred Rock

Rhode Island Red

Collars, Leashes, Dog & Cat Beds, Flea & Tick Products

Up To 30% Off Selected Items

Chicks Are HERE!Now

AvailableFebruary

22nd

Wrangler & DickiesWork Jackets 20% Off

Taft [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICES

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor Your Special

Event

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

FULLBAR

BMXParts

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Documents

The Bounty At Ben's Books