November 19-25, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 20 www.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]FREE Weekly e Taft Independent 1001000 Better teen driving, bigger discounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL Check out our Steer Clear ® Program. When your teen gets ready to drive, we’re there. They learn safe driving and you get lower rates. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ® CALL ME TODAY. Kathy Herm, Agent Insurance Lic. #: 0749871 1018 West Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 Bus: 661-763-4300 NOW OPEN Open Daily 9am - 8pm Lunch served 11am - 1pm Dinner served 6pm - 8pm Black Gold Coffee House and Deli Featuring Sagebrush Annie’s Award Winning Wines Join us for Monday Night Football Monday, November 22nd Denver at San Diego All you can eat Spaghetti (Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce Only) $8.95 508 Center Street • 765-6550 Spaghetti with Meatballs & Salad $11.95 Ice Cold 16 oz. Bud Light on Tap $3.50 On Tap Bud Light • Widmer • Fat Tire • Shock Top On 2 Big Screens! Community Service Clubs Come Together for the Holidays Greg Mudge, Taft Kiwanis, Sandra Cothern, Taft Soroptim ist, Daryl Christensen, Taft Rotary, Sandy Koenig, Westside Community Resource Center, and Tim Crabb, Midway Sunset Lions Club Community Comes Together for Toys for Taft and The Holiday Season . . .
Transcript
November 19-25, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 20www.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”
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL
Check out our Steer Clear® Program.
When your teen gets ready to drive, we’re there. They learn safe driving and you get lower rates. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
CALL ME TODAY.
Kathy Herm, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 0749871
1018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268
Bus: 661-763-4300
NOW OPEN
Open Daily 9am - 8pmLunch served 11am - 1pmDinner served 6pm - 8pm
Black GoldCoffee House and Deli Featuring
Sagebrush Annie’s Award Winning
WinesJoin us for
Monday Night
Football
Monday, November 22ndDenver at San Diego
All you can eat Spaghetti (Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce Only)
$8.95508 Center Street • 765-6550
Spaghetti with Meatballs & Salad $11.95Ice Cold 16 oz. Bud Light on Tap $3.50
On TapBud Light • Widmer • Fat Tire • Shock TopOn 2 Big Screens!
Community Service Clubs Come Together for the HolidaysGreg Mudge, Taft Kiwanis, Sandra Cothern, Taft Soroptimist, Daryl Christensen, Taft Rotary, Sandy Koenig, Westside Community Resource Center, and Tim Crabb, Midway Sunset Lions Club
Community Comes Together for Toys for Taft and The Holiday Season . . .
2 TAFT INDEPENDENT November 19-25, 2010
Passion For Nails
Monday to Friday10am-7pm and
Saturday 9am-6pm
Gift Certificates AvailableNail Services:
Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star
(we also treat ingrown nails)
Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome
426 Center Street (661)763-5451
Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts 14K Gold Sterling Silver • Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries • Candies • Candles • And More!Open 24 Hours!
506 Center Street (661) 205-5579
Special Offer from
Next Step!Join Today!
Shop Taft
Miller’s
661-763-5445 510 Center Street • Taft
Beauty Supply
Call for an appointment Today
Glam Squad on PremisesBarbara Van Pelt • Melissa Thornsberry
Laci Rodart • Christine Dunning Carolyn Easley • Shop Manager - Jessica G. Miller
101 B. Street • Taft
(661)763-9890
El Jacalito Restaurant
Mexican Food & Seafood
Monday - Buy 1 Dinner and get the 2nd FREE*
*On dinner combos 1- 102nd dinner must be of equal or lesser
value From 4pm - Closing.
Wednesday - Kids Eat FREE*
*Kids under 10 years old eat free from Kids Menu with paying Adult
From 4pm - Closing.
Saturday - Noche MexicanaSteak or Chicken Fajitas
$9.95From 4pm - Closing.
All Specials Subject to Change
Specials
Anderson Business ServicesWE COME TO YOU!
Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public
Certified Signing Agent
Sandy AndersonNotary Public
Certified Signing Agent
Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments and
Jurats$10 per signature
Mortgage Documents $150 per set
Mobile Notary Service $1 per mile
Office: 661-765-7665Greg’s Cell: 661-557-6032
Sandy’s Cell: 661-577-6790
Save yourself a trip to Bakersfield, come in and
browse at your leisure!
Selection ofVinyl Records & Old Radio
Shows
810 Center Street • (661)805-9813
1014 6th Street • TaftIn the Save A Lot Shopping Center
(661)745-4913
Your One Stop Shop for the Entire Family
423 & 421 Center Street • 763-3527
FREE Medium Cheese Pizza
“We Toss’em,They’re Awesome”
Infants • Toddlers • Juniors • Women & Men
Voted Best Pizza4 Years in a Row!
Lots of New Arrivals and More on the Way!
Sign Up for 1 Year
Over 6,000Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback
Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!
Ben’s BooksThe Largest, Cheapest and Only
Used Book Store in Taft
And Sign Up Anyone In Your Family for Only $15 a Month!
Sign Up Online! www.taftnextstep.com
With the Purchase of any XL Pizza*
765-5311
614 Center Street
* Limit 1 per customer
Beauty Supply • Salon • Boutique
Open 7am-4pm for LadiesAfter 4pm Ladies and MenCheck for Weekend Times
(661)763-3030
Hair & Skin Care Products • Salon Services Synthetic Hair Wigs & Human Hair Extentions
Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Pictures & Prints • Massages
Personal StyleFamily Boutique
Get Your Glitz & Sparkle for the Holiday Season!
Thank you for voting us Best Salon in Taft for 2010!
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
Ask About Our
Interest Free Layaway for Christmas!
We are an Independent Agency WithMany Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies
To Best Suit Your NeedsWe Represent You To Give You The Best Service
Edward J. Herrera Insurance
420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365
www.edherrerainsurance.com
WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates
Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public
Our Friendly Staff
Christmas at The Historic FortHoliday Gift Show & Dinner
Thursday Evening, December 2nd, 2010
5:00pm - 9:00pmFree Admission to Gift Show
Dinner $8.00Served from 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Please RSVP for Dinner at 765-7371 by December 1st, 2010
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 Indepen-dent 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 mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 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 representa-tive at (661) 765-6550.Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone order are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.
Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris,
Jessy McCulloch
ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins
Staff PhotographerSara Bravo
Member California NewspaperPublishers Association
Printed in California
News BriefsTaft California
“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”
Painting Class Every Thursday Night til December 23rd
Painting Class beginning November 11th until December 23rd from 6pm to 9pm at The End of Times Gallery located at 428 Center Street. $10 per class. Acrylic paint is the suggested media. Students are responsible for their supplies. Please call for supply list. (Supplies available at Michaels or Aaron Brothers in Bakersfield.) Demonstrations and work time from 6pm to 8:15pm, class criticism from 8:15pm to 9pm. Class limited to 13 students. No class on Thanksgiving, November 25th.
Yule Tea & Bazaar at St. Andrews Saturday, November 20th
The community is invited to join women of St. Andrews Episcopal Church for their annual Yule Tea and Bazaar on Saturday, November 20, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. A donation of $4.00 includes refreshments and door prize. A variety of handcrafted items and baked goods will be available for sale. Also included will be a drawing for a variety of items. St. Andrews is located at the corner of 5th and Woodrow. Call 765-2378 for further information.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner Saturday, November 20th
Free Thanksgiving dinner with the works! Saturday, November 20th from 12pm to 2pm at Taft Church of Christ located at 305 S. 10th St.
Carrisa Plains Women’s Club Holiday Craft & Gift Show Sunday, November 21st
The Carrisa Plains Women’s Club will be having their Holiday craft and gift show Sunday, November 21st from 10am to 4pm at the Carrisa Plains Heritage Associa-tion Community Center located at 10750 Carrisa Hwy 58, Carrisa Plains. Door prizes, raffle, homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, specialty gifts, lunch, dessert booth. Come to visit, come to eat, come to browse, come to buy. For information or booth space call Debbie Twisselman at (805)459-9838, Jani Kasfeldt (805)475-2231 or Gail Traver (805)475-2285 or (805)674-3780.
Sunday Afternoon Poetry Club Reading and Meeting Sunday, November 21st
The Sunday afternoon Poetry Club will meet again on Sunday, November 21st from 2pm to 4:30pm at the End of Times Gallery located at 428 Center Street. Susan Griffith, Taft’s own prize-winning poet, will be the featured poet. All are welcome, those who want to read and those who prefer to just listen, If you care to read, please bring three or four poems. You will have six minutes to read your own work. (The featured poet will read for 15 to 20 minutes.) Refreshments will be served. Suggested donation of $4. If anyone has a Christmas village he or she would like to sell or lend for the gallery window please call Jane at 765-4790.
Discussion Group Sunday, November 28th
Discussion Group on Sunday, November 28th at 2pm at the End of Times Gallery located at 428 Center Street. Topic: “Are we living in the end of times?” Everyone is welcome. Come and share your views. Refreshments served. Suggested donation: $4 (to help pay the rent.)
Ladies Night Dinner and Social Wednesday, December 1st
Looking for an excuse to go out and have a good time with your girlfriends? Come out to Ladies Night at Black Gold Coffee House and Deli located at 508 Center Street for some socializing, drinks, and dinner from 6pm to 8pm.
Inaugural First Thursday Event Thursday, December 2nd
The First Thursday monthly event will kick off the Holidays starting Thurday, De-cember 2nd from 4pm to 9pm located in the Fifth Street Plaza, at Center and Main Street. All artists are welcome to bring there works, all art is welcome but the artists will need to furnish their own displays. There is no charge to participate. Imagination Laboratories will be offering a Christmas card making workshop for the kids. For more information contact Leigh Golling at [email protected]
Holiday Wine Tasting Thursday, December 2nd
A Holiday wine tasting event will be held Thursday, December 2nd at Black Gold Coffee House and Deli located at 508 Center Street from 5:30pm to 8:30pm featur-ing Vintner Curt Dubost of Dubost Ranch Winery. The menu will feature a wonder-ful selection of Dubost Wines along with tapas and hors d’oeuvres. $20 per person. RSVP required for wine tasting. Please RSVP to [email protected] A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go to Toys for Taft.
Christmas at The Fort Thursday, December 2nd
Christmas at The Fort Holiday Gift Show and Dinner Thursday Evening, December 2nd from 5pm-9pm. Free Admission to Gift Show. Dinner $8 served from 5pm to 8pm. Please RSVP for Dinner at 765-7371 by December 1st.
Bakersfield Diamond Divas Roller Derby Saturday, December 4th
Come Naughty! Come Nice! Watch the Divas play Twice! Come on out Saturday, December 4th to watch your Taft girls on the Bakersfield Diamond Divas Roller Derby Team at their last bout of the season at Skateland, 415 Ming Ave. in Bakers-
Do you have a community event that you would like added to the calendar? Give us a call today!
765-6550 or fax it in at 765-6556
Westside Service ClubsKiwanis- Meets Thursday at 12pm at OT’s Cookhouse
Rotary- Meets Wednesday at 12pm at Jo’s Restaurant
Soroptimist- Meets Tuesday at 12pm at Jo’s Restaurant
Taft Lions- Meets Tuesday at 6pm at Paik’s Ranch House
Midway Sunset Lions- Meets Tuesday at 7pm at The TaftMotorcycle Club
Taft Manna 4 U Free Thanksgiving Dinner It is Holiday time again and Taft Mann 4 U is preparing for our anual free Thanksgiving Dinner for our friends in need. This year Taft Mann 4 U is plan-ning on serving about 200 of our citizenns in need and on hard times. The menu will be turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, candied yams, green beans, rolls, butter, cranberry sauce, green salad with dressing and dessert. Taft Manna 4 U is located at 201 Harrison Street (corner of Birch & Har-rison) serving day is Tuesday, November 23rd and serving times are 11:00am until 1:30pm. There will be no “To Go Orders” accepted, and no clothing will be given out on this feeding day. We are still welcoming volunteers and accepting donations of food and money.Please help during this Holiday season. Let’s show everyone that Taft has a heart. For more information please call 205-3376.
Taft College Literary Magazine Club Taft College’s Literary Magazine Club still needs materials for the first issue of A Sharp Piece of Awesome, so the submission deadline has been extended to Dec. 15. Each author can submit up to five poems or up to seven pages (2,250 words) of fiction. Items should be e-mailed to: [email protected] club is designed to give students experiencing editing a college literary pub-lication, so authors should feel free to submit their own writing to the magazine, said Geoffrey Dyer, college English instructor and club adviser. Those wishing to submit items need not be a college student, Dyer said. The magazine will be released by early May of 2011, he said.
field. Doors open at 5:30pm Roughcuts play at 6pm, Diamonds play at 7pm. Adults are $10 and Children $5. Bring a new unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more and get a free t-shirt while supplies last! Proceeds from the night go to Toys for Tots.
3rd Annual Chilled and Grilled Toys for Taft Run Saturday, December 18th
The Chilled and Grilled is hosting their 3rd annual Toys for Taft Run Saturday, December 18th. Pre-register $30 per bike or car, $5 for additional rider or passen-ger. Day of event $35 per bike or car, $10 for additional rider or passenger. Sign ups begin at 7am on the day of the event at Chilled and Grilled, located at 621 Center Street. The ride will start at 9am at Chilled and Grilled and end at the Fifth Street Plaza, between Center and Main Street. There will be a BBQ with hot dogs, chips and soda after the ride with a bounce house for the kids and a special guest...Santa Claus will be there! 50/50 raffle, drawing for prizes $1 or 6 for $5. Poker cards will be handed out, lowest and highest wins, and a shoe boz auction. Food donations are also welcome and remember all donations stay in the Taft area. For more information call Chilled and Grilled at 765-2000.
SEE US ONLINE VISIT
WWW.TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM
4 TAFT INDEPENDENT November 19-25, 2010
Editorial
Westside Watcher
Paik’sRanch House Restaurant“Where Everybody Meets”
Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wed, Fri. 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.
Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza
Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday
11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pmSaturday 4 pm - 9 pm
215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815
Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting
Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pmDinner by Reservation
4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319
Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli
Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.
Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 1 pm
1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156
Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside
Asian Experience
215 Center Street 763-1815
Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday
Karaoke is every other Friday night. Next Karaoke night is Friday,
November 19th at 8pm. We would like to have Karaoke every Friday so come on out and support TMS Karaoke and
have some great food and drinks.
What a wonderful celebration it has been! Turning 100 years old doesn’t happen every day and the momument marking it is a beautiful addition to the city of Taft. I especially enjoyed watch-ing people as they walked upon the platform getting close to the statues and marveling at the work of Benjamin Victor. The details in the bronze are so beautiful that almost everyone, adult and kids alike, felt the need to touch them in their exploration. What a terrible oversight that no access ramp was built for those in wheelchairs and walker to have the same experience. How can that be?
Lee France
Karaoke Night Friday, November 19th
Dear Editor: How is it that the Westside continues to be the toilet of Los An-geles! I read with dismay, on KGET.com that “The Kern County Planning Commission approved Liberty Energy’s plan to build a power plant near Lost Hills. It would produce electricity from sewage sludge. The plant would take biosolids from southland sanitation districts and burn them to make steam to turn turbines, to make electricity (published 11/12/10).” As this proposal goes on to the Board of Supervisors, and is supposed to be an improve-ment over the current sludge operation at this facility, it makes you wonder what good it did to pass Measure E? Did you think that Measure E would stop Southland sludge from coming to our county? It won’t. Liberty has said that their new power plant is dependent on sludge from outside areas to operate. They also say that it won’t increase the amount of sludge they already receive. Additionally, did you know that our local Synagro plant “recycles” Orange County’s sewage and that as the court battle rages on over Measure E, the most disheartening issue is that even if the measure is upheld, Synagro (dba South Kern Industrial) will continue to operate their facility near Taft and can receive up to 400,000 tons per year of Southland sewage. They mix it with green waste, bag it, and call it “organic fertilizer”. According to a company spokesperson, it is not supposed to be spread on local farmland, but is sold to landscapers, golf courses, nurseries and farmers outside Kern County; yet we were offered “free fertilizer for life” by this same spokesperson. In not spreading the sludge locally, both Synagro and Liberty Energy have found a way to get around the will of the people – which I believe was to not be used as L.A.’s sewage disposal site in the first place! If Liberty’s new sludge power plant is so clean and green, why doesn’t the southland build their own? We have the misfortune of having a house less than two miles away from the Taft Synagro plant. The odor is unbearable. It’s not just the smell, but also the “dust” and truck traffic that come with sludge hauling that are at issue. While Kern County residents are now paying the cost of the fine for our bad air quality, Synagro’s Taft facility, whose Operating Permit prohibits excessive odor and dust, continues to receive official violations for both – yet continues to operate. (See the recent County Inspection Results and Violations for “South Kern Industrial” at http://www.calre-cycle.ca.gov/SWFacilities/Directory/search.aspx). This plant is currently only operating at 60% capacity which means that they could almost double the nauseating smell, the noxious dust, the toxic fertilizer production, and the truck traffic. Please take action to stop more sludge from coming to our area and to keep Synagro from expanding! If you’ve been adversely affected by the Synagro Plant near Taft, please complain to Kern County Environmental Health Services (661-862-8700), and also let the Board of Super-visors know that Kern County, and especially the Westside, refuse to be the Southland’s toilet. To find out more about the sludge industry, the latest news and lawsuits, and what you can do to help go to: http://sewagesludge-actionnetwork.com/
Sincerely,Frank G. Rose
Dear Editor:
After reading westside watcher what a wonderffull story and thinking how Maggie had a tome navagating The Tumbler range even if she had done so using roads such as thay are i know first had as loast spring my son and i took a drive out there returning home using Crockr Springs Rd And with The Rain we were geting what a blessing that she made it there and was Found by such car-ing people.
I felt very sad when I read that the Fox Theater may close. I have only lived in Taft for about a year and a half but I have grown to love the Fox Theater. It is such a beautiful building. Going to a movie there is a real treat--the seats are comfortable and the surroundings are gorgeous. I sincerely hope that someone will take over this theater and keep it open. If that occurs, I hope the citizens of Taft will support it rather than go to Bakersfield. There is so much that could be done there. Please, is there not someone who can keep this treasure open and operating? Thank you. Sincerely, Jackie Maxwell
Food Drive and Toys for Taft This week, several community service clubs came together, as well as several local businesses and volunteers to see what they could do to make the Thanksgiving and Christmas holi-days a litle better for those in need. Their efforts are what make Taft a great place to live and says alot about our community and the people who volunteer so much time and effort to make things a little better for those in need. The Salvation Army, the West Side Community Resource Center, the Westside Ministers Association, Mannua-4-U, the Taft Lions, Taft Rotary, Midway Sunset Lions and Taft Lions, and the Taft Soroptimists Club along with Cycle Katz, Chilled and Grilled and other local buisnees (please see the list of participating businesses and toy collection drop off points on page 5) are working together to bring together the best Toys for Taft toy collection drive ever, and collect food donations for Thanksgiving. If you can please help these groups by making a cash, toy or food donation this holiday season.
November 19-25, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 5
P.O. Box 612 • Taft,CA 93268
Westside News and Business Briefs
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
MON-FRI 10AM - 5PM • SAT-SUN 9AM - 5PM
$42.95
The Place4014 Highway 33
Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa(661)766-2660
LET US DEEP PIT OR SMOKE YOUR THANKSGIVING TURKEY
Place your orders for Homemade Pies for Thanksgiving!
On or Before November 22ndBlackberry, Blueberry, & Pecan - $15 each
Please place orders by November 16th!12-15 lb. Turkeys - $30.00
We will be closed EVERY Tuesday Closed on Thanksgiving
Order and pick up your pies up at Taft Crude Coffee House or Black Gold Coffee
House and Deli
Left to Right: Joe De Los Santos, Pat Crabb, Treasurer, Joseph Hampton, Tim Crabb, President, and Iris Cordero
Taft Independent/ Black Gold Coffee House & DeliJo’s Restaurant Cycle KatzPizza Factory Chilled and GrilledTrue Value Kern County Fire StationWest Side Furniture Razor’s EdgeAsian Experience TrendsFinal Plase Electric H&M MachineArtz Liquor Taft Chamber of CommerceWildcats Barbershop Julie Franks State FarmWest America Bank Midway DrillerJacob’s 24 Hour Burger Cindy’s Hair AffairNew Life Community Church
Due to hard economic times more families than ever will struggle to provide a Thanksgiving meal this holiday season. The “Together We Can” Collaborative is coordinating the annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive for local families. Local service clubs, churches and community members are contributing to this annual event. We hope to ensure the maximum number of families will enjoy a holiday meal. Community members can help by donating funds to purchase food and turkeys or by donating food. Checks should be made payable to:Together We Can and brought to the West Side Com-munity Resource office at 915 N. Tenth (The Fort), room 20. Food can be dropped off Monday or Tuesday at the same address. Should you choose to col-lect and distribute food within your own organiza-tion, please contact the Resource Center with the names of the families you plan to serve so that we can avoid a duplica-tion of efforts. For additional information, please call 765-7281.
Midway Sunset Lions Club Vision of Peace
Together We Can CollabrativeToys for Taft Drop Off LocationsJazmyn Chavira, Emma Neudorf, and Cathy Sullivan.
The Midway Sunset Lions Club held a poster contest for elementary school students with the theme “Vision of Peace.” The winning stu-dents were Joe De Los Santos from Cuyama Elemen-tary School, Iris Cordero from Lincoln Elementary School, and Jo-seph Hampton from Maricopa Elemen-tary School. Each winner received a $25 check from the Midway Sunset Lions Club and their posters have been sent to the next round of competition.
City Council UpdateBy Kent Miller
A mini version of the Taft City Council made quick work of a small agenda at Tuesday’s regularly-scheduled meeting with a minimum of controversy. With Taft temporarily having only four councilmembers – due to the post-election resigna-tion of Cliff Thompson and the installation of incoming Councilmember Ronald Waldrop not due until December – and Mayor Dave Noerr out-of-town on vacation, there was the legal minimum of three city fathers present for a quorum. A few items on the agenda generated some comments among councilmembers.Councilmember Craig Noble questioned whether the local government compensation report should be posted on both the city and the California Controller’s Web sites, or if it was suf-ficient to only post it on the controller’s Web site with a link to the state posting on the city’s Web site. On Aug. 3, State Controller John Chiang enacted a reporting requirement on compensa-tion of California cities and counties’ elected officials and public employees. While individu-als are not named, the complete range of wages or stipends and benefits for each position must be listed. Noble was in favor of both city and controller Web site postings, but Council-member Paul Linder and Acting Mayor Randy Miller voted for only the controller posting, with the link on the city site.
Continued on Page 11
“Together We Can” Meeting on Wednesday, November 17th
Nestle Purina Donates to Toys for Taft
Alan Cook and Ruth Jared of Nestle Purina in Maricopa dropped off $2,000 worth of toys to the Toys for Taft trailer at the Taft Chamber of Commerce with more coming on Monday!
OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 11-23-10 thru 11-27-10)
Tues.11-23-10
Lunch
Tues.11-23-10DinnerWed.
11-24-10LunchWed.
11-24-10Dinner
Thurs.11-25-10
Lunch
Thurs.11-25-10Dinner
Fri.11-26-10Dinner
Fri.11-26-10
Lunch
Sat.11-27-10Dinner
Bleu Cheese Burger
BBQ Beef Ribs
Charbroiled ShrimpSalad
Prime Rib$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large
Closed
Closed
CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY
Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo
$8.95
$9.95
$9.95
$9.95
205 N. 10th Street . (661)763-1819
$15.95/ $18.95
Happy Thanksgiving
BBQ Pork Ribs$13.95 Half/ $15.95 Full
$13.95/ $15.95
The Salvation Army Wants YOU!
If you would like to be a Holiday Bell Ringer Please contact The Westside Community Resource Center at
(661)765-7281
Give a part of your time and be a part of this Holiday Tradition.
K-Mart2 Hour Time SlotsMonday-Sunday
10am-8pm
Albertsons2 Hour Time SlotsMonday-Sunday
10am-8pm
sociation and the closure of 5th Street, downtown Taft is quickly becoming the place to go. Starting in December, there will be a number of events that are not to be missed. December 1, Black Gold Coffee House will be hosting a Ladies Night Dinner and Social from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It offers the women of Taft not only a chance to sample fine wines and cuisine but also an excuse for a night out with the girls. The following night, the coffee house will be hosting a Holiday Wine Tasting from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with wines from former TUHS superintendent and vintner, Curt Dubost’s winery, Dubost Winery. The featured wines will be the 09 Rose, 09 Viognier, 08 Homestead, 07 Crianza, 06 Syrah, 07 Zinfandel and for supper they will be serving tapas and hors d’oeuvres, grilled chicken wings, grilled boar sausage, Spanish tortilla de Cebolla, Caprese Salad, Bruschetta, Smoked pork sliders and dessert. It will be $20 a head and RSVPs are required. Contact Stephanie Layton at [email protected] to RSVP. All proceeds will be donated to Toys for Taft. The Holiday Wine Tasting won’t be the only thing happening on Center Street that night. First Thursday will be returning as the unofficial kick off to the Holiday Season with an art fair on the 5th Street Plaza from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. All artists are welcome to display and sell their art at no cost. Imagination Laboratories will also be offering a Christmas card workshop for the kids.The Chamber of Commerce is also planning to put up a giant Christmas tree in the 5th Street Plaza as well. There may even be an appearance by Santa Claus himself and later hours for the downtown businesses. If a local band would like to play, they are encouraged to contact Leigh Golling with the Taft Arts Council at [email protected]. Even though Oildorado is over, there is so much to look forward to for everyone. And that is the perfect prescription for everyone’s Post-Oildorado Blues.
Feeling Those Post Oildorado Days Blues? We Have Something for ThatBy Jessica G. Miller
When October 25 rolled around, I found myself wondering…what festivities can I participate in tonight? Only to realize that Oildorado was over. After spending 14 days, not to mention pre-gaming in the weeks before, celebrating our city’s 100th anniver-sary, it was over and a seemingly huge void had replaced my once busy schedule. It was an unforgettable and truly unique experi-ence, from the Civic Luncheon to that last Saturday night out on the town with friends. The Post-Oildorado Blues were sinking in and that all too familiar feeling that there is nothing to do in Taft was returning. It’s an understatement to say that Oildorado was anything less than a total success. Up until Saturday, October 16, I had never seen The Oasis so busy and literally packed full. Among the crowd were people I had never met, friends I hadn’t seen in years, friends I hadn’t seen in the last 12 hours, and friends I had yet to make friends with. Not only was everyone out and about but they were being kind and non-confrontational. The crowd was a motley crew of people who came from all walks of life and despite the some-times vast differences from one person to the next, everyone got along…they ate, drank and were merry. It was a refreshing change from the sometimes humdrum nights out.In the week after the epic celebration, I felt bored and subse-quently I pined for the fun I had experienced in the previous weeks. Sitting outside of my workplace, when I would hear a truck coming down the street, I’d perk up thinking it was the Posse or the Wooden Nickel Gang driving by only to be disappointed when I realized the shouts and deafening gun shots were no longer to be heard reverberating throughout downtown Taft. The Diamond Jubilee made more than a consid-erable impact on the peo-ple of Taft, from the city council and local business owners to the Chamber of Commerce. Not only did the celebration set a terrific standard for the next Oil-dorado celebration but it also inspired some to keep that spirit alive by taking the initiative to really make Taft a destination city. With Taft’s newest coffee house, Black Gold Coffee house and Deli, The Arts Council of Taft and the Downtown Business As-
By Kent Miller
Progress and the need for a cooling-off period were words used this week to describe the months-long negotiations between the city and two of its three unions. The city had another roundtable discussion on Monday with the Service Employees International Union, Local #521, and the International Brotherhood of Correctional Officers.SEIU and IBCO each represent about 45 city employees. The third union involved in negotiations, California Organization of Police and Sheriffs, did not participate, feeling that roundtable dis-cussions are not as productive as having one union at a time meet with the city, said Mike Dicesare of COPS. His union represents about 15 members of the Taft Police Department, from sergeants on down, Dicesare said. The city has taken a strong stand in negotiations, union repre-sentatives have said. City Manager, Bob Gorson, declined to comment on the con-tract negotiations. But, Mayor Dave Noerr was direct in presenting the city’s side. “The city has got to operate within a budget,” Noerr said. “We do not want, as a city council, to hand out a list of people who are going to have to be laid off. The city’s goals are to safeguard finan-cial integrity while doing our utmost not to separate anybody’s em-ployment. We truly appreciate and care about the quality of service provided by every single employee. Layoffs cut back on services provided to our customers - the taxpayers. We don’t want layoffs. Nobody wants to have to do it. We will all have to dig deeper to do more for less.”
Wage Freeze
In light of the prevailing economic conditions, the city is proposing a freeze on merit wages, a cap on medical insurance pay-
ments by the city and a return to employees paying part of the 14 percent that goes to the California Public Employees Retirement System for each worker. In the mid-1990s, the city agreed to pick up the employees’ seven percent CalPERS payment in exchange for a freeze in the annual cost of living allowance. In addition to the proposed change in CalPERS payments, there is a proposed change in retirement for new hires. Retirement at two percent of the highest annual wage for each year of employ-ment would not start until the worker is 60, as opposed to 55 now. Now, for example, if an employee is with the city for 25 years, they would receive 50 percent of the highest annual wage in retirement at the age of 55. But, under the council proposal, the employee would have to be 60 to receive retirement. There were signs of progress at Monday’s negotiations, it was reported. The unions wanted to have a cooling off period. The city, and SEIU and the IBCO will meet again the third week of January. The city and COPS will probably meet separately before late January.
The Reasons Why
“We will not bankrupt the city because the state does not pay their bills,” Noerr said. “Now there is a financial crunch on the state. Sacramento is 100 days late on payments to cities and coun-ties. They are $6 billion to $8 billion in the hole. They are way behind on repaying us. They are jeopardizing city finances. When times were very good and there was money there, the employees enjoyed that financial well-being...Everybody shares in the good times. We are not there now. It is the worst recessing since the Great Depression. Now, the economy is weak, sales tax income is down, fewer people are working, they are spending less, tax income to the city is less. The city and the employees can’t be insulated from the effects of the depression. The city must provide services to the citizens, its customers, even if the income to the city goes down. We have to cut back on expenses. Everyone has to cut back, including employees. If we bury our head in the sand as the state does, we are doing no one a service. We can not run the city the way the state is run. We will not be a part of it. The state wrote a bad check to cover its past-due credit card debt. And we will face that debt this year.”
City Talks With Unions Over Wages, No Agreement Reached Yet
November 19-25, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 7
Westside News and Business BriefsSalvation Army Needs Your Help
Randy’s Trucking, Inc.
(661) 763-4773 • 1050 Wood Street • Taft
Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping • Mixes Concrete While Traveling • Large Internal Blades
Rear Operator Control Panel
Jason AndersonDonnie Schwerdetfager
Advertise with the Taft Independent
Call Today 765-6550
Locks of LoveSabrina Tack age 10 donated her ponytail on Wednesday to Locks of Love at Miller’s Beauty Supply.
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Orders To GoOpen 7 Days a Week 8am-8pm
2725 Highway 166
Over 20 Years Experience
EL RINCONCITOMexican Food & Seafood
Now Open In Cuyama Valley
Buy 1 Meal and get the2nd Meal Half OffMust present this coupon
Clip & Bring This Coupon
Taco Special$1 Each
MenudoEvery
Saturday & Sunday
Al Pastor TacosSaturday & Sunday
(661)766-2752
Today’s Woman Introduces Team Extreme The holidays are upon us and it is time for the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. This fundraiser provides comprehensive emergency assistance such as food, shelter, transportation, utility assistance, medications, and more to families from Taft and other West Side communities. The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign provides 100% of the funds needed to maintain these vital services and all funds raised remain in our local communities. Your local Taft Salvation Army Unit would like to invite your agency and its employees to support the Red Kettle campaign this season by pledging donations or signing up to ring bells at a Red Kettle location in Taft. You can make a commitment to have your employees and their families sign up for specific days to ring bells at Albertsons or Kmart from 10am to 8pm. Bell ringing will begin the day after Thanksgiving and continue through December 24th with 5 time slots a day. You can commit your agency or business to an entire day or, if you cannot commit for a whole day, employees who are willing to give their time can contact us to sign up for indi-vidual time slots. Please contact Sandy or Pam at 765-7281 or email [email protected] to sign up with your preferred dates. Dona-tions are grate-fully accepted and checks can be made out to Salvation Army and sent to Taft Salvation Army Unit 915 N. 10th St. #20, Taft, CA 93268. Working together we can touch lives and make a difference in our local com-munities. Make this a great holiday season, for yourself and others, by giving to those in need.
Today’s Woman has been working on renovating and updating its facility to accommodate all the needs and requests of its members. These changes include a new floor plan, new paint, health and beauty products and most important new classes and programs. Today’s Woman has implemented a new program called Team Extreme, an extreme 90 day fitness program to get you in the best
shape of your life, develop skills, coordination, flexibility as well as give you the knowledge of smart eating and diet choices. Think that sounds great, it gets better, this class isn’t just for women but for both men and women.
Today’s Woman owners, Martha and Dennis Dabbs brought the Team Extreme program to the gym about 6 weeks ago at the request of some of their members as the members were looking for a more chal-lenging program to try.
The Team Extreme program is a serious and intense program that implements cardio, plyometrics, core synergistics, chest, back, leg, shoulder, arm and yoga exercises.
Dennis who is passionate about the Team Extreme program has already completed the course on his own and obtained results that he never though imaginable.
“I was looking for a change, I was bored and not satisfied with my regular workouts,” said Dennis, “I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted and I wanted a challenge.”
After 90 days Dennis had lost 25 lbs and gained the results he was looking for. “I did it, I committed, I stuck with it and now I believe in it!” said Dennis. Dennis is now an Independent Team Coach and has been teaching the program to a group at Today’s
Woman in the evening. The group is now in their 6th week and they are seeing the results that Dennis told them about.
Alex Holmes and fiancée Ellen Conners have been taking the program together and are already seeing the benefits. “We push each other to do better,” said Alex, “ It’s a hard workout but the benefits are great, we are having fun and socializing at the same time.” Other members in the program Kelly Lopez and Jacob Thompson have both tried at home workout programs before but have not been motivated they way they are with Team Extreme. “I love the program, It’s well thought out and planned and you see the improvements,” said Kelly, “The atmosphere is clean, comfort-able, professional and family oriented.” “The group holds me accountable for being here, it’s a friendly competition that really motivates you to be here and fell good,” said Jacob. The best part about this program is that after the 90 days you can keep doing the program and modify it to where you are at with your workout level. This program will continue to be available at Today’s Woman and anyone at any level is encouraged to try the pro-gram. Dennis plans to offer a beginning as well as an advance level of the program for the current group already participating as well as new members. “If you are ready to make that change then this is the program for you,” said Dennis, “You drive yourself to do better each time after you start seeing results and you are only competing with yourself to get to where you want to be.” For more information and questions stop by Today’s Woman located at 403 Center Street or give them a call at 765-1717.
Alex Holmes, Instructor Dennis Dabbs, Jacob Thompson, Ellen Conners and Kelly Lopez.
Dennis Dabbs before he did the 90 day program.
8 TAFT INDEPENDENT November 19-25, 2010
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 AMAdult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PMWednesday Night Service 6:00 PM
The Results Are in for the Maricopa Opinion PollBy Kent Miller
The results are in.An overwhelming majority of the more than 550 people who cast ballots in the eight-question Maricopa Opinion Poll – put on by Bob Archibald, co-owner of Maricopa Shell Foodmart – stated that the aggressive traffic stops and vehicle impounding prac-tices of the city’s police department are hurting businesses as-well-as the community’s reputation.Business at the Foodmart, at the junction of Highways 166 and 33 in Maricopa , has been hurt by the police department’s practices initiated earlier this year, Archibald said. In a letter to the editor that appeared in the Nov. 5 issue of the Taft Independent, he said that the number of customers to visit his business during the crucial June through September period this year was down 14,161 from the same four months of 2009. That is an average of 116 fewer customers each day of the “summer vacation” period.As a result of the decline in business, the store lost money, the city lost tax revenue, two employees lost their jobs and the other workers had their hours cut by 20 percent, Archibald said.“The summer of 2010 was taken from us,” he said. “Our out-of-town customers would constantly come in the store and tell us they were sorry but they would not be back.”“I am very pro-police. I need the police to protect my property, employees and custom-ers ... I do not condone anyone breaking the traffic laws in our town – including those who drive without a driver’s license, insurance and registration.“(But) we have a severe problem with the way that the Maricopa Police Department is generating funds with their very aggressive traffic tactics.
City responds“Well, the results are disappointing,” said Maricopa Police Chief Derek W. Merritt. “There is a need to re-look at what we are doing if the city is not interested in traffic enforcement.”“We will get with the (Kern County) Grand Jury and see if they want us to proceed. We always will follow the law.“It certainly looks like there is a need to review what we are doing if we are not making the public happy.”City Manager Daniel Ayala pointed out that in the final Grand Jury report for 2008-09, it was recommended that Maricopa should look into ways to increase revenue, including opening an impound yard.“We are not doing anything illegal,” Ayala said. “The city took it upon itself to legally pursue a viable revenue strain.“I think the public should understand, the city plans to fully apply with the decisions of the Grand Jury. Both sides are looking for the truth and most appropriate outcome. ... We will do whatever we can to offset an impact to businesses.“I am encouraged. I am encouraged that the public is interested. Both sides are looking for justice and correct municipal services to the public. That is what we will pursue. We can achieve common goals.”As to the survey itself, Ayala said: “I have no comments because the validity has not been justified. They are open-ended questions. What is the validity of the survey?”
To Grand JuryArchibald’s survey carried the statement: “The Maricopa Shell Foodmart is conducting an opinion poll to be part of a formal complaint to be sent to the Kern County Grand Jury. The owners of this store contend that the acting chief of police and town’s city manager have been using ... (an overly) aggressive traffic citation and vehicle impound plan that has impacted this store and town in a negative way.” Archibald said: “I will take the results to the Kern County Grand Jury ... along with two three-ring binders with all of the ballots and their comments. The opinion poll speaks for itself and I am going to move forward in my effort to correct this problem in our town.”All of the ballots were signed and dated, because the Grand Jury will not accept un-signed documents, he said. The more than 550 votes represent about 50 percent of the city’s population. Only Archibald, his wife and the Grand Jury will see the survey comments, he said. But the results for the eight questions are:* Do you feel the traffic and impounding practices are: good, 71 votes; bad, 482 votes.* Do you feel the traffic and impounding practices are hurting businesses in Maricopa: yes, 485; no, 63; I don’t know, 1; maybe, 1.* Do you feel the traffic and impounding practices are hurting Maricopa’s reputation: yes, 489; no, 57.* The city manager has admitted that the traffic and impounding practices are a good way to generate revenues for the city. Do you: agree, 106; disagree, 431; I don’t know, 4; invalid question, 1.* Have you or someone you know been stopped by the Maricopa Police Department: yes, 276; no, 269.* Have you or someone you know been cited or had a vehicle impounded: yes, 276; no, 269.* Do you feel this traffic stop, citation or impound was justified: yes, 38; no, 349; not applicable, 114.* Do you feel the traffic and impounding practices are “racial profiling:” yes, 391; no, 117; I don’t know, 11; maybe, 3.
Aries (March 21-April 19): You have a right to be upset of course, but make sure that you actually are upset and not just taking on what someone else wants or expects you to feel.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): Things are most definitely not as they appear to be on the surface. You’ll have to look a little deeper to understand why loved ones are acting a certain way..
Gemini (May 21-June 20): I know you have very strong feelings on a certain issue, but you have someone speaking as a genuine voice of reason. It’d be worth it to hear them out
Cancer ( June 21-July 22): It’s going to be hard not to charge in on your white horse and save the day, but for the sake of a very dear loved one try your best to resist the urge.
Leo ( July 23-August 22): There’s living in the moment, and then there’s being your own worst enemy. It’s a fine line and you’re teetering on the wrong side of it.
Virgo (August 23-September 22): Don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions. A significant other is finally opening up to you; if you shut them down, they’ll just shut you out and nobody wins.
Libra (September 23-October 22): It’s very honorable the way you’re trying to keep everyone else happy, but your happiness needs to count for something too.
Scorpio (October 23-November 22): You may think the decisions you’re making affect only yourself, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Take a look around and you’ll see that clearly.
Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): It is definitely safe to take an apology from a family member at face value. They absolutely mean it and are actively making amends.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19): To you, your words are just words. To the person you’re aiming them at lately, they may as well be bullets. Listen to yourself and you’ll hear it too.
Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): Don’t take too much pleasure in gloating over a frenemy’s misfortune. What goes around always, always comes around.
Pisces (February 20-March 20): You’re not completely wrong in feeling the way you do, but you’re not exactly right either; so I’d err on the side of caution if I were you.
If your birthday is this week: You may not have gotten exactly what you wanted this year, but that doesn’t mean that you didn’t get exactly what you need. Take a long slow look around you, and that should become abundantly clear to you. You don’t even have to admit you were wrong; just an honest “thank you” will suffice.
California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program Offers Affordable Options for Eligible College Students Before you head home for the holidays make sure you are covered The holidays are here and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is sending a simple reminder targeting college students: make sure you are covered with liability insurance before you hit the road. If you think you cannot afford automobile liability insurance – think again. California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) is less than $400 per year. During Thanksgiving week, more motorists will be crowding the roads and highways. Winter break is around the corner and students will head home for the holidays – now is the best time to take advantage of the CLCA program to ensure all drivers and their families are protected. “The CLCA really can be a great resource for a lot of Califor-nians, but it can be especially helpful to our college students, who may be struggling to make ends meet,” said Commissioner Steve Poizner. “For as little as $22 a month, students can get insur-ance through the CLCA, and having that coverage is important anytime, but even more so during the holidays, when increasing numbers of motorists are on the road. And so, I want to strongly encourage college students to think before they get behind the wheel by considering this fantastic, affordable option.” College students have been strapped with increased costs all around, including tuition, campus fees, books and living expenses. Recent reports have found that more and more college students are applying for and receiving food stamps. In Sacramento County alone, there has been a 113 percent increase over the last two years in the number of food stamp applications submitted by college students. Car insurance does not need to be another financial stress placed on students. The CLCA program can offer motorists peace of mind when they may need it the most. Automobile liability insurance is always the first step each motor-ist should take before considering their travel plans, especially this holiday season and year round. The CLCA program is an afford-able option for eligible drivers. There is no excuse to drive without auto insurance. The Department of Insurance reminds motorists that it is easier to qualify for the program than you may think. The eligibility requirements for the program include: * An applicant must be a “good driver” – no more than one at-fault property damage only accident, or one point for a moving violation in the past three years * No at-fault accident involving bodily injury or death in the past three years and no felony or misdemeanor conviction for a viola-
tion of the Vehicle Code * Family meets income eligibility limits of $27,075 for a single person, $36,425 for two persons and $55,125 for a family of four. * The value of an insured vehicle must not exceed $20,000. “Every day more than a million uninsured drivers hit the roads in California,” said Poizner. “And the bottom is line is that driving without insurance is irresponsible and illegal, so take advantage of this affordable program – there is no excuse for driving without insurance.” To learn if you qualify for California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, visit www.insurance.ca.gov/LOWCOST, or call (866) 60-AUTO-1 (866-602-8861).
Long Anticipated Direct Service to Las Vegas Begins This Week The Kern County Airports Department is proud to announce arrival of new air service with Allegiant Airlines; first aircraft arriving at 3:45 pm. You are welcomed to attend the opening ceremony at the William M. Thomas terminal at Meadows Field Airport on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 5:00 PM. To celebrate the Department will provide refreshments, and the airline will bring some very special guests for a Las Vegas flight departure at 6:45 PM.
BFL/LAS ScheduleFlight Departs: Wed, Fri, SunArrives: Wed, Fri, Sun Bakersfield at 6:45 PM Las Vegas at 7:50 PM Las Vegas at 5:00 PM Bakersfield at 6:05 PM
Book your flight at www.allegiant.com, or by calling (702) 505-8888, or through your favorite travel agent.
10 TAFT INDEPENDENT November 19-25, 2010
FOUND PETS
Found female dog near Phillippine and 5th Ave. Brown with a black face, very friendly, no collar. Call 765-2860.
PETS
Free dog to good home. English fox hound call 496-1523
LOST PETS
Lost tri-color mix older female dog lost on 10/24 Buena Vista and Olive. 765-4714
MOTORCYCLES
AUTOMOBILES
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Taft Property Management
1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good
areas.CRIME FREE
HOUSING Brokers Licence
01417057661-577-7136
PROPERTY FOR RENT
230 center streetbusiness office space for rent 4000 sq. foot. retail or restaurant 661-343-0507
PROPERTY FOR SALE
BUILDING on 4 lots 3,485 sq ft $348,500 Can carry paper 620 6thSt 623-0532
HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.
325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &
#01333971661-332-6597
www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &
Purchase601 E Street (private showings) 3bd/1.75 bath plus guest house Den/ Formal Dining/fireplace/etc.
609 B Street 43K Duplex
3 Bd. 1 ba. Taft Hts. 522 F St. $775 mo. $800 dep. 765-4016.
325 Lierly 800/mo plus desposit, 2+1 + den, dining room, lg. liv. rm. breakfast room, call Eddie 818-585-9796
210 Naylor St. 3 bd. 1 ba. Remodeled house. $700 mo. plus dep. 909-239-8337.or 661-717-9056.
$100 move in. 108 Center Street. 1 bd., 1 ba. apt. (661) 846-6403. Equal Housing Opportunity.
FOR LEASE 2 bedroom 1 bath house in Taft heights washer and gas dryer hook ups $700 a month contact Rick at either (661)765-2328 or (661)342-5877 section 8 ok available now.
2bd, 1ba, condo 533 Front St. W&D hookups + yard. $850 mo + dep. 661-577-7020
301 Dst. 2 bed 2 bath 900.00 plus 500.00 deposit 661-979-7264
2BD/2BA in Maricopa, W/G paid, NO PETS, $500/$500 dep. Contact 577-7380
Taft Heights 3bd/3bath + formal dining room, living room and den. This home has plenty of room for a large family with approx. 2400 square feet. $1200 mo. + deposit. Call for details 619-9085.
APART. FOR RENTCreekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.
Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’sPool,lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333.
Imperial Gardens. 2bd. rm. avail. $625 mo. Comes w/stove, dishwasher and refrig. Pool and manager on site. Water, sewer and trash incl. 661-300-1616 or 559-783-6575
1bed/ studio. Wow rent one & live in the other!
Tanning & Salon for sale 30K. Extend lease or move. OWNER MAY CARRY____________________
Special Place. 2 bd. 1 ba. Condo style apartment. Hidden from street. Quiet with private fenced yard. $600 mo Plus $600 dep. Renter pays all utilities. Ref. and Credit check. 623-4296.
Single Wide Mobile Home. 1981 Skyline 12’ x 64’. $12,000 obo. 763-4977 or 765-5541.
Home for sale by owner. Negotiable. 2 bd/1ba garage and large yard, etc. at 103 Polk St. Contact 661-903-1594 or 661-763-3075
Mobile Home For Sale in the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park, 2 bdrm, 2 bath double wide. Needs some work $16,000. Inquire at the office or call 763-5751 or 342-6038.
121 Woodlawn 3bd/1ba. Extra large backyard.Price negotiable. 765-6019
FOR RENT315 7th St. 1/1603 Fillmore St. 2/1504 Lucard St. 3/1704 Phillippine St. 2/1127 Franklin St. 3/1Other Rental Properties Available!
FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!218 Suzanne 4/1.75 completely remodeled!400 Buchanan 3/1.75 well cared for!Contact us for details and a complete list of homes for Sale!___________________4 bd. 1 ba. 902 Williams Way. large fenced back yard. $1000 mo. plus deposit. 623-4296
Large 2 bed, 1 ba. 415 Kern St. Zoned commercial. Det. garage. fenced yrd on alley. great location. $795. mo. plus dep. 623-4296.
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.
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 SALESAdvertise your FREE yard sale ad. Up to 3 lines free. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 2 p.m. Thursday.
Yard Sale Sat., Nov. 20th 9am-? No early birds please. Part of Estate Sale. Beds, new shower seat kits, old oak table and more! 213 Irene St.
Yard Sale Sat. & Sun. 27950 Dustin Acres Rd. Dustin Acres. 9am-5pm bread maker, convection oven, western stuff, boots, shirts, indian artifacts.
Moving Sale, furniture, display cases, and misc. Saturday 9am-3pm. 329 Pine Dr in garage, enter through alley.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 1:30p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. And 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at First Baptist Church. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 220 N. First St. 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
Affordable Rents
We’ve Got em!
Preserving for the Future
Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street
Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971
661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com
Real Estate Sales & Purchase
Taft Construction,Air Conditioning and
Heating
We Do All Phases of Construction
Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists
Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507
30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634
Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.
COMPUTER SERVICES
Taft PC Services
We fix computers, laptops, PDAs and cell
phones. TaftPCServices.com. 623-5188.
HELP WANTED
I need an energetic person to help out with a small roofing job. 765-7972-msg
DAYCARECHILDCARE
EOEBUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Taft WoodworksTurn key cabinet shop
Equip.& invent.- low rentOwner may carry paper
Doug 340-4354
week as of 1-29-10 CARPET AND FLOORING
CARPET/HARD FLOORING REPAIR
No job too small. Call Jeff 623-5421 or
765-4676.
WANTEDJunk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552
FOR SALE
Behringer Vampire Amp.Used, in very good cond. works xlnt. 661 623-3432.
Tools, music gear for sale, call for apt. 765-4346.
Quail,Chukar,Ducks,and Chickens for sale $2.00-$10.00 763-9323.
Two old Victor and Diebold floor Safes. 3 1/3 foot fall and 4 foot tall - heavy safes. Combinaton type. 765-6550.
Open House?House for Sale?
House For Rent?Place Your
Classified Adin the
Taft Independentfor $2 per line
(20 characters per line)Box your ad for $3
and\orAd a photo orcompany logo
for $5 moreYour Ad appears onOur Website FREE!
3,000 Visits per WeekThe Taft Independentis a FREE publication3,300 printed issues
Somos una Agencia Independiente Con Varias Aseguradoras Prominentes Para Darle El Mejor Servicio
Lo Representamos A Usted Para Darle Un Excelente Servicio Como Usted Se Lo Merece
420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365
www.edherrerainsurance.com
Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios
Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public
NuestroPersonalAmable
Edward J. Herrera Insurance
Rosy’s ClosetHombres y Mujeres
Ropa y Zapatos401 Center Street
Mar. - Sáb. 10am-8pmDom. 11am-8pm
Cerrado los Lunes
The Cell Fone StoreMóviles y Accesorios y
alimentos y más510 Finley Drive661-765-2500
Negocios Hispanos Servicios
Negocios de venta
Sponsored by Edward J. Herrera Insurance
La Familia Nutrition715 Center Street
661-763-5357
Al periodico Taft Independent nos complace introducir una nueva seccion de informacion para la comunidad hispana. Esta incluira listas de negocios, eventos de la comunidad, eventos para recaudar fondos para obras beneficas, reuniones, anuncios de cumpleanos, venta de yarda y listas clasifi-cadas tal como: Casas de renta y venta. Autos en venta, cuidado de ninos, anuncios de “SE VENDE” y “SE SOLICITA AYUDA”. Tambien servicios como limpieza de casas, jardineria, y cualquier tipo de reparaciones. Correo Electrónico: [email protected], fax 765-6556, teléfono 765-6550.
Su anuncio
aquí!Su anuncio aquí!
Las bajas tasas!
Llame hoy mismo!
765-6550
News & Business BriefsCalifornia Farmers Give Bounty Back to Their Communities Thanks to California farmers, $2,500 donations are available for local eligible charities through America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM program The first Thanksgiving, celebrated in Plymouth, Mass., marks an important milestone for Ameri-can agriculture. It was a time when people gathered together to share the bounty of the land and to celebrate their new-found sense of community and life in America. While much has changed since that first Thanksgiving, the sense of community and appreciation for agricultural production are still integral components of the holiday. And because of farmers, both of those ideals are still upheld. The America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM program – an initiative made possible by the Monsanto Fund – celebrates California farmers that feed, clothe and grow their communities every-day. This program allows farmers to give back to those organizations that they value most with the opportunity to direct $2,500 to their favorite local nonprofit organization, like the local FFA chapter, library, fire department or elementary school. Now, with the expansion of Grow Communities, Cali-fornia farmers in 11 counties have until December 31, 2010, to enroll and potentially impact their hometowns in a monumental way. Nearly $1.2 million dollars already has been donated in 10 states through two pilot programs, impacting a variety of rural community programs like a Christian school in California. “Hanford is a farming community,” said Al Kosters, administrator at Hanford Christian School. “The farmers are the most important driver of the entire local economy. It is good for an area like Hanford to be reminded of the contributions of its farmers to the larger community. That reality is not recognized nearly often enough.” Youth agricultural programs like 4-H and FFA also were common recipients and received more than $432,000 in donations. And, another roughly $430,000 was contributed to much needed im-provements in community emergency services, community groups and health care initiatives. Aside from the local organization selected to win the $2,500 benefitting, the local United Way chapters will receive a $1 donation from the Monsanto Fund with each farmer sign up, which pro-vides yet another opportunity for farmers to make a difference in their communities, just by signing up. Farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com or by calling 1.877.267.3332. Farmers, age 21 and over, who are actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton, or 40 acres of open field vegetables, or at least 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers and/or cucum-bers grown in protected culture, are eligible. The program is open to qualifying farmers, and no purchase is necessary in order to enter or win. In California, one winner will be drawn from each of the state’s 11 participating counties. Monsanto Fund will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations in February 2011. Eligible counties in California include Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Merced, Monterey, Sacramen-to, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Yolo. Visit www.growcommunities.com to sign up and to learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program. The project is part of a broad commitment by Monsanto Fund to invest in farm communities, in order to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society. To view the official rules for this program, visit www.growcommunities.com or send a written request to Eileen Jensen, 914 Spruce St., St. Louis, MO 63102.
Macpherson Energy Converting Cogeneration Plant to Biomass New Partnership to Operate 44-MW CA Clean Energy Plant Macpherson Energy Corporation entities have agreed to acquire 50% ownership in Kern County’s Mt. Poso cogeneration plant and will co-lead its conversion to a 44-megawatt renewable energy center operating 100 percent on biomass fuel, primarily wood waste. Construction on the biomass plant begins this week with earthmoving. Macpherson has been one of the owners of Mt. Poso Cogeneration since 1987. The company is managing partner of numerous Kern County oil fields. Macpherson Energy Corporation and DTE Energy Services subsidiaries acquired the Mt. Poso plant from its previous partners effective November 1. Mt. Poso has a 15-year agreement to sell the biomass energy to Pacific Gas and Electric Company; this agreement has received the necessary regu-latory approval from the California Public Utilities Commission. DTEES will operate the plant and co-lead its conversion to biomass. Macpherson will increase its ownership position in the Mt. Poso cogeneration facility to 50% and will continue to have a manage-ment role. Its wholly owned subsidiary Macpherson Oil Company operates the adjacent West Mt. Poso Oil Field, which provides the water supply for the cogeneration plant and produces oil in a thermally enhanced oil recovery operation using steam from the cogeneration plant. The biomass conversion project is expected to produce 90 local construction jobs, 10 new full-time jobs at the cogeneration plant when conversion is completed in 2012, and additional jobs supply-ing the wood to the plant and providing other services. The wood to fuel the power plant will come from construction waste, tree trimmings and agricultural sources. All current employees at the plant will keep their jobs and become DTEES employees, while oil field employees will continue to be Macpherson employees. “We are very proud to take this important step in responsible energy production,” said Donald R. Macpherson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Macpherson Energy. “Our biomass project, and the agreement to sell the clean energy to PG&E, will help California meet its renewable energy goals. It is good for the Kern County economy and good for the environment.” The Mt. Poso plant uses the best available control technologies to minimize air emissions, and dis-charges zero solid or liquid wastes. It currently uses coal as its primary fuel source. “We will continue to be a leader in environmentally friendly energy,” Macpherson said. Macpherson Energy Corporation is a growing, integrated energy provider headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, with principal oil and gas operations in Kern County, CA, and in Alabama. Macpher-son is the 10th largest onshore oil producer in California. The company and its employees contrib-ute approximately $120 million annually to the economy in royalty payments, payroll, taxes, and contracts with local vendors. DTEES, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has operations in 26 states including biomass plants in Woodland CA, Wisconsin and Alabama.
The 2-to-1 vote came after city Finance Director Teresa Binkley stressed the time required for each posting. It is a time-consuming project, Binkley said. To do it for both the city and controller Web sites would double the time needed, she said. The second item that drew council comments was the usually routine mat-ter of paying bills. Total cash disbursement of $254,776.74 went before the council. All were approved except for a $160 bill connected with property annexation. Noble wanted to be sure the city would be reimbursed by the property owner for work completed by Helt Engineering. Initially the 2-to-1 vote to approve all payments failed because money matters need three yes votes to be approved. A second vote on paying all but the Helt bill passed 3-to-0. The council also discussed with Police Chief Ken McMinn the awarding of an emergency roof repair contract for the Taft Police Department build-ing to the higher of two Bakersfield companies that bid. McMinn explained that while the accepted bid was higher, it entailed more work and materials than the lower bid and carried a two-year warranty for materials and workmanship. “The two bids were quite different in the work to be performed,” the chief said in his written statement to the council. “The higher of the two bids ... does more extensive work to alleviate the leakage as well as provide for a longer roof life before having to have the roof completely replaced.” The council voted 3-to-0 to accept the $9,135 bid from Medrano Roofing rather than the $6,500 bid from Garcia Roofing.
City Council Continued from Page 5
Advertise with the Taft Independent
Call Today! 765-6550
See Us Online!www.taftindependent.com
12 TAFT INDEPENDENT November 19-25, 2010
765-6550508 Center Street
Dinner (Served from 5pm - 8pm)Spaghetti and Meatballs
Turkey • Roast Beef • Ham • Tri-Tip • MeatballXL Beef & Polish Hot Dogs
FeaturingSagebrush Annie’s
Award Winning Wines
Join us for Monday Night Football
State Farm believes that change begins with you. Join the thousands of State Farm agents and associates who volunteer everyday to help build stronger communities. Together we give something back.
P047044 11/04statefarm.com®
State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois
Do we have a
VOLUNTEER?
Kathy Herm, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 07498711018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268Bus: 661-763-4300
HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft
(661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax
$39.75*
for Smog Check ‘96 or Newer plus
certificate
Ask about $500.00 Free Smog Repair
Restrictions Apply
* must present ad at time of service
1/2 offDiagnostics
Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987
western shop & PET SUPPLYWinter Accessories for your Aquariums and Terreriums
DON’T FORGET TO KEEP YOURREPTILES & AQUATIC PETS WARM
THIS WINTER!
Exo Terra Heat Rocks and Mats Aquarium Heaters and
Heat Cables
The Tumbleweed Bar and RestaurantOpen 7 Days a Week
Breakfast - Lunch - DinnerFull Bar - Restaurant - Catering - RV Parking Available
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 HighwayDaily Lunch
SpecialsAmerican and Mexican FoodExotic Cusine
We CaterYour Place or OursFull Bar AvailableFor You Special
