monarch fleet services
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Monarch Fleet ServiceTRANSCRIPT
May 10 - 16, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT
May 10 - 16, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 43www.Taftindependent.com“Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley”
[email protected] TaftIndependent
Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers531 Center Street
(661)763-1123WE SERVICE MOST MAKES AND MODELS
OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
15% OFF SERVICESIN CELEBRATION OF OUR FIRST
ANNIVERSARY IN BUSINESS
SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS
MONDAY - FRIDAY8:00am - 5:00pm
SENIOR & MILITARY
DISCOUNTS*Must ask for discount
The Place4014 Highway 33
Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa(661)766-2660
Barn Dance & BBQSaturday May 11th
Sign-ups for the Horseshoe Tournament
are from 2:00pm-3:00 pm with a $10.00 buy in.
Tournament starts at 3:00pm. Teams are chosen by a blind draw
BBQ starts at 5:00pm: Top Sirloin and Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Salad,
& Bread $12.00.YesterYear will start playing
at 7:00pm
There will be a full bar hosted by the Exchange Club!
Please bring your tent and camp.
Bob Leika m Appointed to Pl anning Commission
Get Your Sweet OnBakery and Sweet Shop
NOW SERVING!
Good Old FashionedHot Fudge Sundaes
New
Single and Double Scoop Ice Cream ConesHours M-F 10am - 6pm Saturdays 9am - 2pm
420 Center Street, Taft (661) 745-4894
Monarch Fleet Services and AutomotiveCampos Family Continues Business Tradition
2 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 10 - 16, 2013
Shop Taft
1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899
Ten Percent Firearms
523 Finley Drive • 765-7147 • Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 8am-1pm
Tire & Automotive Service Center
Oil & Filter Special
3995*$Plus Tax
Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase
$3.50 Oil Disposal Fee
FREETire Rotation
& Brake CheckPlus
We will checkall fluids
& tire pressure
*Most Cars & Light Trucks
Up to 5 Qts.
Passion For Nails
Monday to Friday10am-7pm and
Saturday 9am-6pm
Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome
1014 6th Street • TaftIn the Save A Lot Shopping Center
(661)745-4913
CHECK-IN TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND GET $1 OFF
A Hint of ClassInside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700
915 N. 10th Street Suite 34
REJUV 10 23 Healthy Face and Body Spa
Elaine Arnold, OwnerPedicures, Manicures @ Detoxing
Dee Morgan, EstheticianFacials Waxing and Microdermabrasion
Samantha HagstromMassage Therapist
European and Hot StonePrenatal Massage
510 6th Street, Ste. A - Taft(661) 765-2335
Fine Jewelry • Gifts 14K Gold • Sterling Silver Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair • Watch Batteries
Candles • And More!
426 Center Street (661)763-5451
426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451
acme jewelry co.F i n e J e w e l r y
Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts
14K Gold • Sterling Silver
Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair
Watch Batteries
Small town, family owned, low overhead.We can save you money on quality jewelry!
Store Hours:Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pmClosed Sunday and Monday
Watch Batteries Replaced
Most $4.00Some $8.00
608 Center St.
Used to be Paul’sBike Shop
745-4919
Taft’s Best and Only Bike Shop.
Come on in and seeour Inventory.
Spring Arrivals! Garden, Clothing & Home Decor.
Geiger Construction & Plumbing
24 Hours/ 7 Days a WeekSe Habla Espanol 661-301-4660
Residential • Commercial
Fast • Friendly • Affordable661-765-4377
Cement & Asphalt Cutting
Lic # B-721903
Blue Jeans & BlingHats, Jewelry, Purses & More
Miss Me • LA Idol Nicole Lee • Grace In LA
Monday - Friday 11am to 6pmSaturday 10am to 5pm
Women’s Sizes 0-21 Women’s Plus Sizes
Children’s Jeans & Shirts
763-9100Host a partyVisit us on [email protected]
401 Center Street
Try Our New Pedicure Chairs
421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527
Personal StyleBoutique
Shop Taft!
610 Center Street • 661-745-4954 Taft, Ca. 93268
Prepaid Phones, Accessories and
CardsMother’s day Sale
$10 Off Any Phone
That is $50 or More
Women’s WearJeweleryPursesShoes
Gift ItemsInfant and Toddler
Wear and more
Kandi Gullo Kim Doyle Jan Easley
Melissa Thornsberry Toni White
Call for anAppointment Today!
510 Center Street - Taft , CA 93268661-763-5445
May 10 - 16, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT
Community Events.........3
News Briefs......................3
Westside News.................5
Westside News.................6
Westside News.................7
Liberty Under Fire.........8
Classified Ads.................10
Opinion and Feature....11
Shop Taft........................12
Inside
The Taft Independent
508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268
Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550
Fax (661) 765-6556
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.TaftIndependent.com
Locally and Independently owned since 2006
The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,500 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.
The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Independent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.
We welcome contributions and suggestions. Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.
SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscription home or businessdelivery of the Taft Independent is available for $6.50 per month or $78.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.
LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR.Send us your letter to Taft Independent at the above address. Limit it to 300 words and include your name, address, and phone number. Fax: (661) 765-6556. Email your letter to: [email protected].
ADVERTISING.Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representative at (661) 765-6550, or email to [email protected]: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone orders are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.
Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long
Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins
ColumnistsRandy Miller, John SwearenginJane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease
Subscriptions\DeliveryTim Webb, Patrick Harget
Member California NewspaperPublishers Association
Printed in California
Taft CalendarTaft California
“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”
Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com
Bike Shop
Events
Moron Golf Tournament August 10th The Taft Union High School support golf tournament, The Moron Invita-tional, has been scheduled for August 10, 2013. We’ve had a great 10 year run with $25,000.00 in direct donation to their golf program. Thanks go out to all our supporters and participants that have made this a fun day in the sun and you can count on plenty of sun! Thank you for your continued support of our very successful raffle and try to set something aside, it is always greatly appreciated. Invitations will be sent at a later date. Go Wildcats!
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
Mother’s Day
May 12th
Order Your Mother’s Day Ring Early
Nice Selection of Clocks
426 Center Street (661)763-5451
West Kern Oil Museum Yard Sale May 31st, June 1st Museum volunteers also are reminding Westsiders that it’s time to clean out the garage and storage areas. The Museum’s annual Yard Sale will be May 31 and June 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items for the sale will be accepted Thursday -Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sundays from 1-3 p.m. Sorting and pricing everything takes time, so the volunteers encourage every-one to bring donations to the Museum as soon as possible.If you can’t bring your donations, pick-up can be arranged by calling the Museum at 765-6664. The Yard Sale is one of the Museum’s most successful fundraisers, and it is a great way to make space in your garage. Donated items may be tax deductible.
7th Street Players Present CAMP Rock The Taft Union High School Seventh Street Players, under the direction of drama teacher Kelly Morris, will present, “Disney’s CAMP ROCK: The Musi-cal” Thursday through Sunday, May 9 to 12. The musical is based on the hit Disney Channel original movie, “Camp Rock.” It is a classic story of rivalry and power. The high-energy show features a large ensemble cast with many featured roles as singers, actors and dancers. The musical will be performed in the auditorium at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 9-11, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 12, (Mother’s Day). Admission costs $7 for adults; $5 for children and seniors. Children under 3 will be admitted free. For the Sunday Mother’s Day matinee, moms will be admitted for $5.
By John Swearengin
The West Hills Church of the Nazarene at 300 Lassen Street is having their Annual Kids Carnival this Saturday May 11th. Bring your swimsuit and sun block. They will have Bounce Houses, Hot Dogs, Chips, Cotton Candy, Snow Cones, and much more. This is FREE and is from 10-2. Each child will have to check in and get a wristband stating if they know how to swim or not. Contact the great Youth Leaders Billy or Krista Long for more info. Vacation Bible School is June 10th-14th. Sunday Service is at 10:30am.
Coming soon- The Taft Chamber will have a Radio Station on WQLV am 1610.Wednesday- Bike night at Chilled n GrilledThursday Night- “Last Chance Showing” at the Taft Fox Theatre.
Friday- “Disney’s Camp Rock; the Musical” by the Seventh Street Players at the Taft High Auditorium. Friday and Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 2pm. $7 for adults, $5 for Children.Saturday May 11th- WORCS Races at Honolulu Raceway all weekend. $10 a day. Motorcycles, ATV’s, Side by Sides, and Vendors. Relay for Life Bowling Tournament at the Rec, starts at 5pm. Contact Lisa Wayne for Info. Tactical Shotgun Match at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club Range. Contact Wes Mor-ris for info.Relay for Life Softball Tournament at Franklin Field. Contact Greg @ 805-8984 for Info.
Saturday May 18th- Relay for Life at the Taft High Track.
Future Events- Kern County Baseball’s Best Showcase June 1st at Taft College, The Best High School players will play two Games. Several Pro and College Scouts and Coaches will be there. The Taft Chamber needs donations for the 3rd of July Fireworks Show. Contact the Chamber to donate. Last Friday Night’s Cruise Night was so much fun for everyone. People were everywhere. The Live Music was great. There was a huge line to get into the Fox. Mi Casita, Pizza Factory, Black Gold, Asian Experience, and OT’s were all jam packed. It is crazy to think how many beautiful cars are in Taft. I hope the stores that were open made some money. I know the Root Beer Floats were flowing out of Get Your Sweet On. The next Cruise Night is June 7th, the night before the Car Show. I thank the Taft Chamber, Personal Style, Olds Cool, and all the others that made this event so much fun. Stay Positive Taft!
4 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 10 - 16, 2013Editorial
Westside Watcher
Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside
The Taft
Restaurant and Entertainment Guide
Independent
Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza
Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday
11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pmSaturday 4 pm - 9 pm
215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815
Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches
Espresso - Beer - WineCraft Beers
Open Monday to Friday6:30am to 8pm
Saturday7:30am to 8pm
Sunday10am to 2pm
508 Center Street765-6556
Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse
Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar
Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pmSaturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm
Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres
768-4655
Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets
Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days
Mon. Tues. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm
Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft
Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting
Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm
4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319
514 Center Street • (661)765-7469LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft
TAFTFOX.COM
Week of Friday, May 10, 2013 through Thursday, May 16, 2013
Star Trek Into Darkness (PG-13) No Passes AllowedThu: 7:30 PM
Star Trek Into Darkness (PG-13) Midnight Premiere! All seats $7.50; No Passes Allowed
Thu: 12:05 AM
The Great Gatsby (PG-13) No Passes AllowedFri: (5:00), 8:00
Sat: (4:00), 7:00, 10:00Sun: (1:00), (4:00), 7:00
Mon - Thu: 6:45 PM
Iron Man 3 (PG-13) No Passes AllowedFri: (5:30), 8:30
Sat: (4:30), 7:30, 10:15Sun: 1:30, 4:30, 7:30Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM
Pain & Gain (R) Fri & Sat: 6:00, 9:00
Sun: (2:00), (4:45), 7:45Mon - Wed: 7:30 PM
Letters to the Editor
Visit Us Online
taftindependent.com
Paik’sRanch House Restaurant
“Where Everybody Meets”
Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days
Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fri. Sat. and Sun. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.
Obama’s Sequester is a Joke
Below is a news release sent to the Independent by the Bureau of Land Management announcing postponement of oil and gas lease sales in California due to the budget sequester. The release, which we first thought was a joke, is a symptom of our failed national government leadership and evidence of how politicized government has become at the expense of serious business interests trying to operate in these difficult economic times. How can our economy recover and prosperity return when the best that our federal government can do is to support an overregulated and unpredictable busi-ness environment for oil producers, and shamelessly promote a political agenda that results in the publication of amusing news releases like this one?
Has anybody been laid off at BLM? No. Are they closing up shop because of the sequester? No. What does it cost to do an auction of oil and gas leases? BLM employees will still go to work and be at their desks, and no employees will have been furloughed. Doesn’t the oil and gas leases bring in revenue to the fed-eral government? Yes. Nothing has changed at BLM and this announcement is nothing more than a fabrication that unwittingly supports President Obama’s disingenuous political argument that he hopes the American people will buy. The sequester is a joke. While the President is out blaming Republicans, he has been misleading Americans about who is really to blame. In 2011 President Obama himself presented the sequester plan to the Congress and asked them to pass it. In a $3.8 trillion budget the sequester affects only $85 bil-lion. That is only a 2.2% cut in future spending. What are we paying for now anyway? It’s time for President Obama to get serious and lead the country, not politicize our livelihoods, and let our economy grow.
Streets are Broken, Why Sweep Them?
Dear Editor:
I live with a friend in our fine city and on occasion see the street sweeper go by. Not doing much sweeping but at least making a stab at it. The sweeper comes up Oak and turns onto South 8th. Right on the corner is a small pothole and when the brushes hit it, it gets bigger. He has to swing wide as we have a car parked at the curb. When he reaches the curb he is almost past our property. (We have only about 80 feet of curb). If no one else parked at the curb he has a straight line to Hope Street. But seldom does his brush hit the curb and he leaves behind what he is there to clean up. At Hope Street there is a dip. As he goes through it he leaves behind a lot of dirt he is there to clean up. We have always kept our curb/gutter clean and weed free. I watched him as he went down South 10th Street. Most residents park at the curb therefore the curb area is not cleaned and near Front Street tall grass and weeds grow at the curb. I think his spray helps them grow. So many of our streets are in such disrepair why sweep them at all as it surly makes the potholes bigger. No, our city council has decided to charge residents to keep our potholes clean. They plan to charge each resident $3.27 a month increasing each year for five years to $4.55 a month. In addition to increased sewage fees of 9% a year for five years to a whopping 45% and 7% increase for five years of 35% for trash service. My big question is how is the city going to alert the resi-dents when their street is being swept, what happens when the sweeper is down, what about bad weather days, and what about the weeds growing in the streets? Our council needs to get out and about town more often to see what our streets look like, and take along a broom and shovel, you might do a better job than the sweeper.
Preston JenningsTaft
Property Tax, Sewage and Trash Fees
Dear Editor:
I just recently paid my property tax. My total for the year is $516, and of that $274 for sewage and $158 for trash collec-tion for the city of Taft. I pay $82.89 for landfill use fee which I never use. Property tax is $25.95 (small lot) plus some addi-tional fees. But the city found on about March 13th that about 1 million gallons of raw sewage had been flowing down Sandy Creek, a natural water way, from a broken sewer line. A creek bed where our wildlife try to survive including the kit fox that hangout at night at Veterans Park nearby, looking for food left behind. Motorcycle riders use it to go into the foothills and often kids play there. After the spill, residents received a letter fro the city to raise the sewage tax fees 9% a year for 5 years or a whopping 45%. Monthly base fees are $20.57 and in 5 years will be $32.79 a month. Average household sewage fees will go up from $247.04 to $393.48 a year after 5 years. Plus, trash fees will increase 7% a year for 5 years or 35%. And let’s don’t forget they want to charge us $3.47 a month to sweep our pothole filled streets. Unemployment is still high and so many live on a fixed income as I do. It seems our city council wants to flush us down the toilet. Enough is enough.
James McCallTaft
BLM Postpones Oil and Gas Lease Sales Due to budget constraints resulting from the sequester and an emphasis on the higher priorities for conducting Inspection and Enforcement on existing leases and process-ing new Applications for Permit to Drill, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has postponed all oil and gas lease sales for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013 (September 30, 2013). For questions regarding the postponement of the lease sales, contact Laurie Moore at the BLM California State Office (916) 978-4377.
TAFT PETROLEUM CLUB 450 Petroleum Club Road – 763-3268
Come out for the Club’s Monthly Industry Night Steak Dinner On
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 Sponsored this month by
Owens Fleet Services Come meet different sponsors from the oil industry and have some fun!
Bar Opens at 4:30 p.m. Dinner at 7:30 p.m. 50/50 Drawing/ Win Door Prizes Donation $12.00 TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversaries. We do bar and food catering to fit your event! Monday – Thursday the Club has hourly rates in bar area for Business Meetings, Baby Showers,
Scentsy Parties etc. Hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70. Call Deanne to book your special event 661-301-1882 or 661-763-3151 ext. 130
May 10 - 16, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT
Letters to the Editor
WEST SIDE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT500 Cascade Place, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-4246
[email protected] www.wsrpd.com
West Side Recreation Report
by Stephanie House
Check us out online!Need more information on
programs, classes or facilities?Visit us on the web:
www.wsrpd.comwww.facebook.com/wsrpd
www.quickscores.com/wsrpdwww.twitter.com/wreckerwsrpd
SENIOR REC ROOMWho: Ages 55+Where: Community Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, TaftHours: * Monday-Thursday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.* Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 6:00-10:00 p.m.* Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (1st and 3rd week of the month)The Senior Rec Room is located in the Community Center Activity Building and includes televisions with cable programming, computers with internet access and basic Microsoft programs, comfortable furniture, games, magazines and books. The Rec Room is a great place to socialize and spend time with others.
WALKING FOR SENIORSWhen: Monday – FridayTime: 8:00-10:00 a.m.Where: Recreation Center, Aera GymnasiumFee: $1 daily or $15 monthly (program is ongoing, join us at any time!)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.
AEROBIC KICKBOXINGWho: Ages 14+When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per monthInstructor: Amy SteersThis fun fast-paced class will include kicking, punching and the use of hand weights. The objectives are to increase cardiac health, improve muscle tone and learn some self defense. Classes will be held on a monthly basis and new students are welcome as space permits.
YOGA & PILATESWho: Ages 14+Pilates – Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.Yoga – Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00-8:45 p.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per month ** register prior to attending classInstructor: Valerie Taylor, R-HYIPay one low monthly fee and have access both classes classes! Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Class space is limited – registration is REQUIRED prior to attending class.
ZUMBA FITNESSWho: Ages 17 +When: Wednesday EveningsTime: 6:30-7:25 p.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $20 per monthInstructor: Chelsea DickardThis fun fitness class focuses on Latin-inspired dance and dance exercise to Latin music: Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Raggaeton, Hip Hop and Mixed Music. Classes operate on an on-going basis. New students are welcome at any time. Fees must be paid prior to attending class.
TENNIS CLASSESWho: Ages 7-14When: Monday and WednesdayTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Where: TUHS Tennis CourtsFee: $30 per monthInstructor: Doug TaylorStudents will be introduced to the rules and fundamentals of tennis. Classes will include drills, game play and athletic fitness activities. No previous experience or knowledge is needed; all skill levels are welcome. Racquets will be available for use at the first practice; parents can speak with the coach prior to purchasing a racquet. Class enrollment is limited. Classes operate on a monthly basis from May through October.
FIRE & ICE ELITE COMPETITION CHEERWho: Ages 5-17 (as of 8/1/2013)Registration: April 1 - May 16Fee: $25 (non-refundable; fee will be applied to Term 1 payment)Evaluations: May 21-23 (Tuesday-Thursday)Time: 5:00-7:00 pmPractices Begin: August 5Coach: Heather FossOur first year as a competition squad has been great and now it’s time to open up registration for new cheer-leaders to join us! Interested cheerleaders must be registered prior to evaluations. Space is limited! An info packet is available in the District and on our website. PLAY & GROW WITH MEWho: Ages 10-30 months (kids should be walking to participate)When: Tuesday & Thursday MorningsTime: 9:00-9:45 a.m.Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per month or $5 per dayInstructor: Adrienne CloudThis class is designed specifically for interaction between mothers (father, grandparent, guardian or other adult) and their babies in a fun activity-type atmosphere. We play on the mats and have a tunnel, parachute, balls and other fun gadgets. Children should be walking to participate. Classes will be held on a monthly, ongoing basis. Register for a whole month or just pay by the day!
TINY TOT P.E.Who: Ages 2-4When: Monday - FridayTimes: * 10:00-11:00 am, Session 1* 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Session 2* 12:00-1:00 pm, Session 3Place: Aera Gymnasium, Recreation CenterFee: $25 monthly (includes t-shirt) or $3 per day/visitTiny Tot P.E. is an open gym format designed exclusively for Tiny Tots. It’s a great way to burn off some energy before naptime, and/or for mom to get a chance for a workout! The program operates on a monthly, ongoing basis. Join us at any time! For more information, please contact the Recreation Center at 765-6677.
PRESCHOOL SUMMER DAY CAMPSWho: Ages 3-5Week 1: June 10-13, Things That Fly (currently enrolled WSRPD Preschool students only)Week 2: June 17-20, Camping FunWeek 3: June 24-27, Tot Chef CookingTime: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Where: Recreation Center Preschool RoomFee: $35 per weekThe District’s Summer Day Camp program for preschoolers take place Monday-Thursday. Day Camps are led by our Preschool team – Rene Adamo and Stacey Wooley. Snacks will be provided. Please be sure to dress your child in play clothes; no flip-flops, please. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
NATATORIUM NEWSSwim Programs at the Natatorium Pool will be starting soon!OPEN SWIM: Monday – Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m., June 10 – August 14NIGHT SWIM: Monday and Thursday, 7:45-9:00 p.m., June 10 – August 29MORNING LAP SWIM: Monday – Friday, 5:30-7:00 a.m., May 28 – August 16EVENING LAP SWIM: Monday – Thursday, 6:00-7:30 p.m., June 3 – August 15SATURDAY SWIM: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., June 8 – August 10SWIM LESSONS: Sessions begin June 17; Registration begins May 21 in the District OfficeFor more information, please contact the District Office at 763-4246 or visit us online at www.wsrpd.com.
SWIM LESSONSRegistration begins Tuesday, May 21 in the District OfficeSession 1: June 17-27Session 2: July 8-18Session 3: July 22 – August 1$20 per session – Parent & Child$30 per session – Preschool, Levels 1-3All ages are invited to learn to swim or improve their skills by participating in one of our swim lesson classes. Classes include Preschool, Parent & Child and Levels 1-3. Each session is 2-weeks long, with classes taking place Monday through Thursday. **We now have more classes available – including a limited number of evening classes! STOP Program Scholarships are available.
LAP SWIMMonday-Friday, 5:30-7:00 a.m. ** begins Tuesday, May 28Monday – Thursday, 6:00-7:30 p.m. ** begins Monday, June 3Admission: $30 per session or $3 per visitLap Swim is a cool way to exercise this summer! Lap Swim is open to ages 16 and older.There are three sessions during the swim season: May 28 – June 21, June 24 – July 19 and July 22 - August 16.
NATATORIUM POOL PARTIESMake your reservation now!Reservations are now being accepted for private party rentals at the Natatorium swimming pool. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday between June 7 and August 18. Rental fees start at $165 for 2-hours. Call 763-4246 for more information.
6 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 10 - 16, 2013
Westside News Briefs
OTCookhouse & Saloon
NEW Lunch Menu NEW Dinner Menu
Come in and check out our new items!!!
We are also proud to offer our“Chef ’s Personal Creations & Selections”
Five Specials Available Daily
OT Cookhouse can accomodatesmaller or larger Private Dining Events
Reserve your Banquet today!!!661.763.1819
Lunch Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-2pmDinner Hours: Tues-Sat 4-9pm
Closed: Sunday and Mondaywww.otcookhouse.com
find us on facebook205 N. 10th Street 661.763.1819
Mexican and Seafood TaqueriaOpen 7 Days a Week
4 am to Midnight
330 Kern StreetCorner of 4th and Kern Street
745-4898
Now Serving BreakfastOpen 4:30 a.m. - Fast Service To-Go
Happy Hour 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.$2 Bud Light Budweiser and Tecate
Catering Available for Meetings. Free Delivery.
Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion
Childrens • Cookbooks and More!
810 Center Street • (661)805-9813
Ben’s Books
New Shippment of Large Print Books In
The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft
WEST SIDE URGENT CARE
765-1935HOURS
MONDAY TO FRIDAYNOON TO 9 P.M.
SATURDAY, SUNDAYAND HOLIDAYS
10:00 A.M. TO 9 P.M.
100 E North St. Taft CA
Cruise Night TaftMonarch Fleet Services Grand Opening on Center StreetCampos Family Continues Business Tradition Wednesday was the Grand Opening of Manny Campos’ new Monarch Fleet and Automotive Services on Center Street. The new downtown automo-tive, tire and fleet service company located at 217 Cen-ter Street is a former horse carriage shop, a Studebaker automobile showroom, gas station, and auto repair shop. Campos, after purchasing the building in 2007, opened the business in February this year. The celebration was held with family, friends and the Taft Chamber of Commerce. The impressive building, that has sat on Center Street for nearly 80 years, is the perfect spot for serving local customers needing new tires, air conditioner repair and most other automotive service needs. Manny, who grew up in Maricopa and Taft, attending Taft Union High School, is a local businessman with no small amount of educa-tion or business experience. He worked for 10 years for the GEO company in Taft and Texas, and left the company to start Monarch. Manny attributes his accom-plishments to the help of friends and others. “My parents were agricultural workers in Maricopa,” Campos said. “We moved to Taft when I was in 5th grade and I learned English with the help of a friend. “When I graduated from Taft High School, on Honors Night strangers gave me money for college and it helped.” Campos went on to attend college at UC Berkeley where he received a degree in business. Campos parents, who own Campos Tire, have been in the Tire business for 17 years. Manny is now continuing the tradition. With his new Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive, Campos plans to build his company based on excellent customer care and service. “That help that received from others instilled in me that there was a possibility that I could not only go to college, but one day come back and give back to the community,” Campos said. Manny is married to his wife Celia of 8 years. They have 3 children, Athena, Emmanuel Jr. and Andreas with a 4th child on the way. To contact Manny or to get services, call 765-2886.
By Richie Brown
This past weekend, Taft went back in time and brought out some very classy cars and vehicles from the past. From Mustangs, to hotrods to taxis, there were plenty of memories to be had and brought to life. There was food you could had purchased at a few of our local busi-nesses and there were a few ‘live’ bands as well than kept the energy going in Downtown Taft. Taft Fox Theatre was alive and kicking with a few movies to select from including the newly released Iron Man 3, which drew in many from young to old. It was very nice to see downtown booming with life and fun and seeing many cars and vehicles you just don’t see everyday cruising the streets of Taft. Taft is planning on hosting ‘First Friday” every first Friday of the month and will be adding much much more each time as well. Expect to see live music, food, beer, movies, fun, games and more as ‘First Friday’ heads to Taft every first Friday of every month unless noted. If you or your group have any ideas for our next ‘First Friday’, feel free to contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 765-2165. See you June 7th for ‘First Night”!
Leikam Appointed to Planning Commission Local Domino Pizza owner Bob Leikam has been appointed to the Taft Planning Coommission. Leikam opened his Domino’s Pizza franchise here in Taft June 1986. He has 35 years of experience with blue prints, design, development and construction of small busi-nesses. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Greater Taft Economic Development Agency; the Taft Chamber of Commerce; the Rotary Club of Taft and is the President of St. Mary’s Finance Council. He is a past president of the Rotary Club and former Treasurer for Taft Little League. Bob studied Business Management at Texas A&M University and St Louis College and has an AA degree from Taft College. Has re-ceived training in business ethics; labor laws in California and numer-ous seminars related to small business. He is active with fundraising for charities such as Taft’s Relay for Life and The St. Judes’ Childrens Hospital; and is involved with the Taft College TIL program and local youth team sponsorships. Bob was an Eagle Scout; Grand Marshal for a Taft Christmas parade; received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition; named “Business of the Year” by the Taft Chamber of Commerce and with the help of the entire City of Taft, holds a Guinness World Record. Today Bob is happily married to his wife Tina of 20 years and they have two children Rhealee & Tanner attending Taft High School.
Warren Schuyler and Amanda Sewill at the service counter of Campos Fleet Services and Automotive.
May 10 - 16, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT
Taft Chamber News Postal Service Holds Canned Food Drive May 11th Letter carriers care about the people in the communities they serve, and on the second Saturday in May for the past 20 years they have done a lot more than collect and deliver mail. They have picked up non-perishable food donations left at mailboxes as they visit every home in the nation. This coming Saturday, May 11, 2013, letter carriers from throughout the nation will be participating in the 21st Annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Food Drive — the largest one-day food drive in the USA. The U.S. Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association join NALC as official sponsors in this effort to ‘Stamp Out Hunger.’ Other sponsors include Campbell Soup Company, Feeding America, Valpak, AFL-CIO and United Way of America. It is a very simple and easy concept: the public is asked to leave non-perishable food in a sturdy bag by their mailbox on Saturday, May 11, 2013. That food will be collected by letter carriers and distributed to local charities that provide it to people who need it — right in the same community. Hunger and under-nutrition in America are much more serious problems than most people realize. With current eco-nomic conditions and high food prices, more families than ever struggle to keep food on the table. According to the U.S. De-partment of Agriculture’s annual study measuring food security in the United States, the number of Americans living in food insecure homes is more than 50 million, with approximately one in every three food-insecure Americans being a child (17.2 million). Through a lot of hard work, dedication and compassion, and the support of customers in the communities they serve, letter carriers collected over 70 million pounds of food last year -- the ninth consecutive drive surpassing 70 million pounds collected. The total donations received since the drive began in 1993 now stand at nearly 1.2 billion pounds of food. They are counting on the public’s generosity once again to help feed the hungry this year.
By Dr. Kathy OrrinExecutive Director, Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau
Although I am beginning to sound like my parents did when I was growing up, I must confess I really do find it hard to believe that it already is May. We are at the beginning of Graduation Season, and soon it will be summer! The Chamber continues to be busy with its normal activities, e.g., Sit n Sips, meetings, membership contacts, meetings, selling bricks, meetings, event planning, meetings . . . however, we have had some exciting “extras” of late. Mr. Hampton, our great friend and benefactor here at the Chamber, celebrated 30 years in the waste management business here in our community, and we were able to throw him a party on May first. (You will note some pictures taken at that celebration in this edition of the Newsletter.) Congratulations to Westside Waste Management! Next week, we will be helping Manny Campos officially open—grandly—Mon-arch Fleet Services on 217 Center Street, during our regularly-scheduled Wednesday Sit n Sip, at 9:00 a.m. Ribbon cutting will be part of the festivities which will last through the end of the week. Make sure you make an appearance at MONARCH Fleet Services some time between Wednesday, May 8, and Saturday, May 11, to take part in the raffle and prizes. Rite Aid has contacted us with their desire to have a grand re-opening during the same week, probably on May 9. Watch your emails for an update on their plans. If you have not visited their refurbished store, do so. It looks great. The openings of Popeye’s and Pizza Hut seem to be on the ho-rizon. We look forward to their joining us at the Chamber, and when they do, we will alert you to their plans for celebration.With the formation of the Greater Taft Economic Development Authority (GTEDA), my job has taken a slightly more behind the scenes/planning aspect. As a Chamber executive, I have the luxury of a staff who can handle everyday routines and event planning, freeing me to work closely with the City, County, and regional entities to formulate plans and strategies for the economic devel-opment of our area. A great example of that effort can be seen in the Visit Historic Taft Billboards along I-5 near Frazier Park and
north on Highway 99 near Goshen. Those billboards represent the work of the Chamber in writing a Kern County Board of Trade grant, the Rotary Club of Taft sponsoring the effort, the Enterprise Zone of the City supporting the effort by contributing to the length of the “run” of the billboards. We have had many folks give us positive comments on our billboards in the past few weeks. As I say each month, I enjoy my job. Representing the business community of Taft, planning events and programs, and meeting with people who want to start or expand existing businesses makes life here at the Chamber both busy and interesting. Once again, we thank you for your support!
8 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 10 - 16, 2013
Liberty Under Fire“No Child Left Behind,” Left All Children Behind. By Dr. Harold Pease and John Kopp I have noticed a major difference in the level of performance of our incoming college freshman in the social science area the past ten years. Contributing factors are varied and include: the break-down of the family, parents do not read as much to their children as once they did, illegal immigrants without adequate English skills fill our classrooms and teachers are forced to teach to the lowest common denominator, and etc. Apathy and indifference have replaced drive and incentive. Some students remind me that a letter grade of D in a course still stands for “degree.” One major influence has been the George W. Bush, “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) educational program that essentially left all children behind—by two to three years. I am told that about 85% of our students enter college under-prepared. As a college professor I cannot assume that the vast majority of my students know the basics of U.S. History or government and quite frankly the gap to bridge for many may be too much. I asked John Kopp, a high school history instructor, to describe how this government program worked in the trenches. “When NCLB was released in 2001 it radically changed how we educated our students,” he responded, “but it didn’t happen overnight.” Before NCLB, he added, “high school teachers were expected to follow a general guideline called ‘The Framework.’ This listed the basic topics that should be covered at each grade level in each subject. Teachers were encouraged to use a variety of methods to evaluate learning and achievement—none were required. Each school district was given the freedom to teach their children in a way that worked best for them—with materials and assessments of their own choosing.” “This all changed after NCLB was released,” he said. If billions of federal dollars were going to be used for education the govern-ment wanted to affect that expenditure; this, despite the fact that the Founders left no role for the federal government in education because of its too close proximity to propaganda. When does edu-cation become propaganda? Constitutionally, education was left entirely to the states and lesser governments as per Amendment 10. Nevertheless, the government’s “pied piper” promise of better schools and more funding was powerful. This would help us catch up to Asian and European students; teachers were told, with the side benefit that “no child would be left behind.” Very soon the administration, Kopp continued, “recognized the political fallout from low test scores and so pressure was applied to change how we teach. Experts were brought in to transform how we teach so that students could improve their learning and we were told that this would result in higher test scores. We were not being taught—yet—to teach to the test.” “We were trained to use the STAR test as the starting point for how to prepare lessons for a class. We were to ‘backward-map’ our classes beginning with the test. We were given a list of ‘standards’ that became the Bible in our classes. Students were to be evalu-ated on how they were progressing on the state standards and we were strongly encouraged to use questions from the state of CA that were on previous STAR tests — these were called released questions. They became the cornerstone of our preparation tool. We drilled students using these questions believing that it would improve their test scores. Textbooks were all written based on these new standards. We only purchased textbooks in the core areas (math, science, English and social science) that were ‘standards-aligned’.” Still, the scores did not rise as promised.
“After a few years of average test scores we were required to create new lesson plans that would culminate in a ‘benchmark test.’ This test—given every few weeks—would be “standards-aligned” and would directly prepare students for the STAR Test. Teachers were then required to ‘scan’ their student responses into a comput-er program so that the administration could compile data about how students were doing on these benchmark exams so that they could see whether adequate progress was being made in anticipa-tion of the STAR being given.” Those not achieving “a certain level of success on the test would have to go through mandated remedia-tion.” Scores still did not improve. Unfortunately creativity, love of learning, and motivation were early fatalities. Mr. Kopp continued, “All stu-dent field trips were required to be justified using the state standards—we were asked which standards this trip met. Trips that took students out of the classroom were discouraged—kids needed to be in their classes to meet their bench-mark scores to prepare for the STAR. Field trips were to be taken after school or weekends if at all possible.” What was initially not mandat-ed became so. “Teacher evaluations were changed to include a teacher’s compliance with the benchmark process and the data collection requirement. Every teacher would give the district-approved bench-mark and agree to meet together to assess the data. Teachers were not assigned to classes by what they taught best or enjoyed teaching, but how they could help the school reach its API (adequate perfor-mance index)—this is the score that would be used by the state and federal government to determine whether growth had occurred.” Despite the much enlarged gov-ernment control in the classroom we still have fantastic and gifted grade and high school teachers, Mr. John Kopp is one of them,
but when they are robbed of incentive and their unique creativity in presenting what they know, their motivation wanes and their love of learning is less likely to be passed on to the student. When excitement for learning or teaching is a victim both students and teachers will tend to just put in their time. No wonder incoming college freshmen are so far behind with little motivation to catch up. Administrators who “bought” into this program for the “free” money and false promises get a failing grade for this one.
Mothers Should be Celebrated By Julie Mitchell
Mother’s Day is one of America’s most popular holidays, with moms across the country annually showered with flowers, cards, candy, breakfast in bed, and dinners out. But the practice of honoring and celebrating mothers occurs in many other countries, from Argentina to New Zealand. In the U.S., Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May. The original holiday was established in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson as a celebration of peace. Other countries also observe the holiday in the spring, probably dating back to the Roman celebration of “Magna Mater” (great mother) which fell in mid-March. Later, early Christians began to celebrate the holiday on the fourth Sunday of Lent as a way to honor the church in which they were baptized, known as their “mother church.” In the United Kingdom, the holiday became known as Mothering Sunday, and it quickly became a time for churchgoers to not only visit their home church but to celebrate with family. Today the U.K celebrates the day much as we do, with cards, cakes, and dinners for mom, along with flowers, especially violets. Other countries observe Mother’s Day in the following ways: In India, a westernized version of Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10, but Hindus celebrate their divine mother, the goddess Durga, with a ten-day festival known as Durga Puja. Families spend weeks preparing special meals and gifts for friends and relatives. The Japanese call Mother’s Day haha no hi. Japanese children draw pictures of their mothers, and the drawings are entered into a con-test. The winning drawings are shown throughout Japan and other countries in a moving art exhibition. Many Japanese today, however celebrate a westernized holiday on the second Sunday of May. In Yugoslavia, Mother’s Day is observed in December as part of a three-day series of holidays, starting with Children’s Day three days before Christmas. On this day, children are tied up and not released until they promise to be good. The following Sunday, Mother’s Day, the mother is tied up, and she cannot get up until she gives her children treats and gifts. The next Sunday is Father’s Day where dad is also bound and must provide gifts that are usually the family’s Christmas presents. France observes the National Day of Mothers in May where mothers are given cards, candy, flowers, perfume, and traditionally, a cake shaped to resemble a bouquet of flowers. In Mexico, Dia de las Madres, Mother’s Day, is celebrated on May 10. It is widely celebrated, with sons and daughters coming to their mothers’ homes the night before, and then mom is serenaded the next morning and treated to a lavish family breakfast or brunch and homemade gifts, flowers, and cards. Italians observe Mother’s Day with a family feast and a cake made in the shape of a heart. Children bring presents to their mothers and help with chores and housework. In Finland, the whole family gets up and begins Mother’s Day with a walk, picking spring flowers to make a bouquet for their mother. At home they present her with the bouquet along with breakfast in bed. This Mother’s Day, trace your family’s cultural heritage and discover which new tradition from around the world you might incorpo-rate into your own celebration.
May 10 - 16, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT
TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH
630 North St. 765-5557
“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”Pastor Cindy Brettschneider
Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AMAdult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AM
Adult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PMWednesday Night Service 6:00 PM
Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM
Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive
We invite you to join us each week as we worship
Sunday Bible Study 9:45 amSunday Morning Worship 11:00 amSunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm
Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm
New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”
308 Harrison Street765-4572
Sunday Morning WorshipService 10 a.m.
Sunday Evening WorshipService 6 p.m
Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.
Gateway Temple CommunityChristian
Fellowship631 North Street
Sunday School 9:30 a.m.Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.
St. Andrew’sEpiscopal
ChurchSunday Service - 10 a.m.
Rev. Linda Huggard703 5th Street - Taft
(661) 765-2378
Peace Lutheran Church- LCMSTaft- A caring community under Christ
We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Emmons Park Drive (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.
Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays
Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.
The Pregnancy crisis center is now open and available for support and assistance. For information, call 763-4791
If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488. Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available
Sunday Morning Worship 9:45Sunday Evening Worship 5:00
Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30
For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722Pastors Charle (Tommy) and
Mary A. McWhorter
604 Main Street • P.O. Box 578Maricopa, CA 93252 • (661)769-9599
The Only Mortuary On The West Side Where All Arrangements And
Funerals Are Personally Directed ByLicensed Funeral Directors
501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618
WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday
South Taft & Taft Heights Friday
City of TaftWednesday
• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS
All green waste must be bagged. Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTEDConstruction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/
Hazardous Waste/Tires
If Missed… Call Office at 763-
5135
Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.
Black GoldCafe & Deli
Ice Blended MochaFat Free andSugar Free
Available in Most Flavors
Open 7 Days - 765-6556508 Center Street • Taft
St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft
661 765-4292
Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 8:30A.M. English
11:00A.M. Spanish
WED.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-2:00 FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS
MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY
370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580
Check Out Our WebsiteMaricopaquiltcompany.com
And Facebook Page
Advertise
In
The Taft
Independent
Call Today!
765-6550Visit Us Online
taftindependent.com
Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5:00 pm.
8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319
www.sagebrushannies.com
Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition
Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year
ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group
License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985
(661) 765-4798 FAXTaft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell
E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store
Rich Miller • Jordan MillerKathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton
600 Center StreetTaft, California
(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171
All your detailing needs!
Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting. Call for Appointment Today!
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Yates’ Detailing
First Baptist Church
Pastor Scott Pearson
Sunday School 9 a.m.Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.
Evening Service 6 p.m.
Awana Childrens ProgramWednesday 6 p.m.
220 North Street - Taft661 763-3138
Your Church
Ad Here!765-6550
10 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 10 - 16, 2013
CRIME FREE HOUSING
Brokers Licence 01417057
661-577-7136
ROOMS FOR RENT
HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.
By AppointmentKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &
#01333971661-332-6597
www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &
PurchaseCan’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short
sale!Wondering how buying a house works? Set an appointment with Karri to watch a FREE video
on the process.
Call 661-332-6597 for a current list
MOBILE HOMES
HOMES FOR RENT$700 Mo. Renter pays utilities 3 bd 1 ba. Pet’s
ok. Call 745-3211.
West ValleyReal Estate
(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550
FOR RENT224 B St #C Studio
$475400 Woodrow 1/1 $625
522 Center 3/1 $700701 Taylor 2/1 $725
400 Woodrow 2/1 $725617 Buchanan 3/1
$775315 7th St 1/1 fur-
nished! $750709 Kern St 3/1 $800512 D St 3/1.75 $800404 Fillmore 3/2 $800
302 Calvin St 1/1 condo $850
535 B St 3/1 $850424 Lucard 3/1 $900
522 F Street. 3 bd. 1 ba. $750 mo. plus
$700. Dep.Avail. 4-5.
661-765-4016.
2 bedroom 1 bath in Taft. Fenced yard.
$650. mo. Plus dep.420 Montview Ave.
Avail. June 2nd. (661) 972-7807. 5-10.
2bd, 1b, furnishedVery quiet, private,
new appliances, large yard. $600.00, first
and last with $300.00 deposit. Call 742-8679 between 7 am and 9
pm. Available by April 20. 4-5.
Homes for Rent2bed. 1 ba.
411 Shattuck. $585.3bd. 1ba $750. 520 Shattuck.
3bd. 1 1/2 ba. $775.118 Crystal.
Call Paul Joyce (805) 218-1686
Joyce Properties(661) 765-6300
Westside Real Estate765-5000
319 1/2 San Emidio 1bd + office incl. utilities
$650 + dep. 402 Pierce 3 bd 1 bth w/
garage $825 + dep.1 bed. 1 ba. 155 1/2
ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.
Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.
Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, or $10 with a photo. Email us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.
Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
Phone: 765-6550
Fax: 765-6556
Email: [email protected]
Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.
ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $2.00 per line. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.
Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed ads are $5 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.
Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.
Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon)
Phone: 765-6550
Fax: 765-6556
E-mail: [email protected]
Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 508 Center St., Taft, CA 93268
Business ServicesRite Away Carpet CleaningCarpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General CleaningOwner OperatedVisa\Master Card 765-4191
YARD SALESAdvertise your yard sale ad. 3 lines for $2, additional lines after that $2 each. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 12 p.m. Wednesday.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-379-0848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.
HELP WANTEDRestaurant seeking cook and two bartenders. Experienced only. (661) 809-4634.
Part-time Waitress. Black Gold Brewing Co. Exp. Req. 508 Center Street.
Looking to fill part-time and full-time positions. Must have clean DMV. Must have a clean background. Must be flexible to work weekends. Must have reliable transportation. Visit abm.com to apply. Call 661.322.3289 if you have any questions.
SERVICES
Real Estate eBroker Inc.By Appointment
Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971
661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com
Real Estate Sales & Purchase
Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating
Cooler Services. Swap Cooler services and repair. Pumps, motors, etc. (661) 900-0917.
Need Extra Cash?I need: Dust wiped from drywall. 3 walls to be drywalled and taped. Approx. 10 outlets to be installed. Someone strong to move items from yard and inside house. Call (626) 485-7852.
CHILD CARESERVICES
WANTED
FOR SALEClose out sale on dog accessories and clothes formerly Bow Wow Baker.y 420 Center Street. 745-4894.
1999 GMC Sonoma V-6 80,000 miles. $6,000. 763-3878.
South Taft Lot. With sep-tic and cess pool. Power and water on lot. Make offer. (661) 835-3997. 5-5.
AUTOMOBILES
PETS
LOST PETS
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Taft Property Management
1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good
areas.
30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634
We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists
Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507
Plumbing • Septic • RooterFraming • Electrical • Concrete
Real Estate Services and Property ManagementListings – Sales - Property Management
Local Service You Can Depend On
322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268(661) 765-5000
Visit Us Online atwww.taftindependent.com
North St. B. $450. 3bd 1 ba in Dustin Acres
$800 mo + dep. .765-5000
License 01914953
902 Williams Way. 3 bd. 1 bath, plus large office or 4th bedroom. Large
fenced back yard. Large 2 car garage. Good
neighborhood in Taft. $1,150 mo plus dep. Renter pays utilities. Avail. June 1st. 623-
4296
3bd. 1 ba. New wood floors and refinished oak floors. Lrg rooms, huge
laundry, fully fenced. Avail now. $850 Mo. plus
$1,100 dep. 2 bd. 1 ba. all remod-
eled. Large rooms. l aundry, downtown. $650.
mo. plus $950 Dep. (805) 689-4122.
APART. FOR RENT2 bedroom 1 bath Apt.
in newer duplex. Central heat and air. Very nice
with private fenced front yard. carport. $600. mo. plus dep. Renter pays
all utilities. Credit check req. 623-4296. Michael.
Studio 350 inc utilty866 367 8171 alintaft@
yahoo.com. 4-20
Creekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.
765-4191 or 549-1068
Be Seen!
Classified Ads
in the
Taft
Independent
$2 per line
Box your ad
for $5 more
Writers Wanted
At the Taft Independent
Experience Required.
Please call 765-6550.
For Rent 520 Shattuck
$750 monthPaul Joyce
805-218-1686 Joyce Properties
661-765-6300
2 bed - 1 bath home411 Shattack $575.
3 bed 1 1/2 bath home118 Crystal $775Call Paul Joyce(805) 218-1686
Joyce Properties(661) 769-6469
Preserving for the Future
G&S CARPET CO“No Job To Small”Immediate Installation!Carpet
Vinyl HardwoodLaminate Ceramic Tile
661-398-30447000 District Blvd Bakersfield
Contractor’s Lic. #352844
Hours:T-F 9-5
Sat. 10-3Closed Sun./Mon.
Eve By Appt.
West Side Health Care District- Job Fair
10:00am-2:00pmTuesday, May 28, 2013
Cougar Room at Taft College 29 Emmons Park Drive
West Side Health Care District will be seeking energetic, professionals
with strong customer service skills for the following positions, RN, LVN, MA,
Reception, Front office Manager.
Please bring a Resume and references. No phone calls please.
Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 to $500 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. No Pets Allowed. Call (805) 375-1458 or (661) 765-7678.
Studio 350. Month 866 367 8171 [email protected]
Classified Ad Deadline.Wednesday 2 p.m.
Kern County Supervisors Appoint Strickland to Head County Airports The Kern County Board of Supervisors appointed airport administrator Rich-ard Strickland as Director of Airports to replace retired Director Jack Gotcher. Strickland assumes the Director position on May 13, 2012. Taft Airport is one of the county airports that Strickand will oversee. Mr. Strickland has more than 15 years of experience in international airport management. He comes to Kern County from Axis Con-sulting of Chicago, where he conducted financial feasibilitystudies for a number of international and foreign airport projects. Prior to his consulting work, Mr. Strickland managed aviation for San Diego International Airport. He was assistant Airport Director of aviation services at Detroit International Airport beforethat, and he began his career as deputy director of Palm Springs International Airport. In these positions, Mr. Strickland oversaw property leas-ing and airline relationships, managed operating andcapital budgets, conducted revenue analysis and developed capital financing plans. Mr. Strickland earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from San Diego State University, and he is a member of theAmerican Association of Airport Executives. “The Board interviewed an excellent field of candidates for the Airports Director position, and Richard Strickland emerged as the most qualified of a very strong group to deliver outstanding airtravel service at Meadows Field,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Maggard said. “The Board offers our con-gratulations and best wishes to Mr. Strickland.”
Richard Strickland
Giving Students the Gift of a Prosperous Professional Future By Keith Peden Every spring, Americans celebrate volunteerism during National Volunteer Week. So now is precisely the time to ask ourselves how we can best donate our time and talents. Of course, there is no shortage of worthy causes. But one area where volunteer work is particularly impactful is educational programs that help young Americans develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and math -- the so-called “STEM” fields. Developing proficiency in these subjects can set students up for a career in some of the nation’s most promising industries. Even during this period of high unemployment, the demand for qualified STEM workers vastly outpaces supply. A recent report from the non-profit Change the Equation found that, in the broader economy, unemployed Ameri-cans outnumber job postings by three to one. However, for STEM professions, there are about two open jobs per jobless American. The demand for well-trained professionals in fields such as biotechnology, aerospace, and software development won’t wane anytime soon. A recent report from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology found that for the United States to remain a dominant force in science-based industries, we will need to produce roughly 1 million more STEM professionals over the next decade. Achieving this goal starts with motivating young Ameri-cans to pursue STEM degrees. Today, a mere 300,000 Americans earn a bachelor or associate degree in a STEM subject each year. More troubling still, only 40 percent of students who intend to major in one of these areas actually completes a degree. Students who end up pursuing a STEM education often developed an interest in science and technology at an early age. A single formative experience can provide a lifetime’s worth of motivation. That’s why helping young Americans discover their passion for these subjects is such a worthwhile volunteer opportunity. Executives in technology and science-driven industries have an enormous role to play in sparking an early enthusi-asm for STEM subjects.
Already, some industry leaders are doing their part to generate STEM excitement in our schools. For example, tech giant Google uses its talented work-force to help spark student interest in science. In collabora-tion with the Citizen Schools initiative, Google volunteers have participated in 139 apprenticeship courses. These educational programs expose middle school students to technical subjects like software engineering and robotics. Students in these courses receive hands-on instruction from some of the most talented minds in the tech world. Last year, Altria gave a sizeable donation to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to help new middle school teach-ers learn hands-on approaches to making math and science instruction interesting, relevant and fun. Here at Raytheon, we have a rich culture of STEM-related philanthropy. For instance, firm employees give their time to initiatives like MATHCOUNTS, which inspires interest in math among middle school students through competitions, clubs, and other enrichment programs. Firm employees also give their time to initiatives like the FIRST program, which engages high school students in robotics competitions nationwide. Volunteerism is strongly encouraged at Raytheon. In fact, during 2011 and 2012, company employees donated nearly 400,000 hours to serving their communities. The emphasis we place on volunteerism is in line with a broader national trend. In 2011, the number of American volunteers reached a five-year high of 6.4 million. And more than 18 percent of those volunteers spent their time teach-ing or tutoring. These efforts to encourage student achievement in the STEM fields are extremely important when it comes to preparing young Americans for the jobs of tomorrow. If the United States is going to produce the kind of qualified professionals that the job market demands, industry leaders must continue to donate their time to cultivating STEM passions in local student bodies. National Volunteer Week is the perfect opportunity to re-double our efforts to improve the lives of young Americans and set them on a path to professional success.
Keith J. Peden is senior vice president of Human Resources and Security for Raytheon Company.
12 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 10 - 16, 2013
The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant
24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations
Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway
Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe
Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987
(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for
Smog Check!
General Automotive Repairs
• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street
Qik Smog & Tune
Devon’s Body Shop
408 Main Street • (661)765-4337
western shop & PET Wash
HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft
(661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax
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$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad**1996 Vehicle or newer
Black GoldCafe and Deli
508 Center Street 765-6556
We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar
AvailableFor Your Special
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Used to be Paul’sBike Shop
608 Center St. 745-4919
BMXBikes
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Full Grooming Salon
www.shawswesternshop.com
Andy’s Septic Tank & SewerUNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
(661)765-5000 or (661)343-0507
Randy’s Trucking
(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street
Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping
• Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades •
• Rear Operator Control Panel • We Love Cats!Grooming and Washing(Include Wash, Cut and Nails)
Dog Nail Trim 12.00 2nd Pet $9.00
Birds - nails and Wings $9.00 with beak $14.00
New Arrivals In Time forMother’s Day
Cool, Cotton Tops Sizes Sm thru 2X
Women’s Western Jeans
Western Purses and Matching Wallets
Montana Silver Jewelry