opal smith
DESCRIPTION
Opal Smith Passes AwayTRANSCRIPT
May 24 - 30, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT
May 24 - 30, 2013 • Volume 7 Issue 45www.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
Opal A. SmithOctober 29, 1909-
May 21, 2013
Get Your Sweet On
Bakery and Sweet Shop
SODA JERK BIRTHDAY PARTIESSchedule Your Party Now!
Now Serving NachosFridays and Saturdays
Single and Double Scoop Ice Cream ConesHours M-F 10am - 6pm Saturdays 9am - 2pm
420 Center Street, Taft (661) 745-4894
2 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 24 - 30, 2013
Shop Taft
1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899
Ten Percent Firearms
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
Summer 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
Cards
$10 off any Phone
of $50 or more Value
Free Screen Protector
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
Get Your Sweet On
Bakery and Sweet Shop
SODA JERK BIRTHDAY PARTIESSchedule Your Party Now!
Now Serving NachosFridays and Saturdays
Single and Double Scoop Ice Cream ConesHours M-F 10am - 6pm Saturdays 9am - 2pm
420 Center Street, Taft (661) 745-4894
May 24 - 30, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT
Community Events.........3
News Briefs......................3
Westside News.................5
Westside News.................6
Westside News.................7
Liberty Under Fire.........8
Obituary...........................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
Events
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
Father’s Day June 16th
Watches New and Vintage
Tactical Flashlights
Knives - Spyderco, Kershaw and Others
Mechanical Clocks
426 Center Street (661)763-5451
By John Swearengin
Check out the West Side Recreation and Park District and see what they have for you. Indoor activities and out there is family fun for everyone. The Taft Na-tatorium will soon be open for another great Taft summer. If you have not been there in the last few years you definitely need to stop by and check it out. They are having Lap Swims in the morning and Evening as well as instructional classes. The Rec’s beautiful Weight Room expansion is finished at the new building and don’t forget to stop by the Bowling Alley and throw a strike. Senior Citizens check out the new Senior room, it is a beauty and a great way to beat the heat.
Coming soon- The Taft Chamber will have a Radio Station on WQLV am 1610.Thursday Night- “Last Chance Showing” at the Taft Fox Theatre.
Saturday May 25th- Kern Honor Guard Flag Ceremony at Taft Veterans Hall at 218 Taylor Street at 10a.m.Family Fun Day Fundraiser for Ashley Ramos at Franklin Field at 11a.m. Horse-shoe Tournament, Dunk Tank, Face Painting, Bake Sale, bounce houses. For more info call 932-6034.
May 28th – Conley turns 100! There is a celebration at Conley school at 4:00. There will be a tour, pictures and cake. If you went to Conley stop in for the picture and to celebrate.
Saturday June 1st- Kern County Baseball’s Best Showcase at Taft College.
Future Events: June 5th Industry night at the Taft Petroleum ClubJune 6th Farmers Market is every Thursday at the Chamber June 7th Cruise Night June 8th Rails to Trails Car Show June 10th-14th West Hills Church of the Nazarene Vacation Bible School July 3rd Firework Show July 4th Family Fun Day
Taft now has a 10 years and younger Travel Baseball Team, The Taft Longhorns. They formed about a year ago and have been going strong since. They played last week in SLO and won one and lost one. This Saturday they play at home at The West Side Little League Field #2 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Longhorns have the best future athletes in Kern County. They are having try-outs for new teammates in June. Keep a look out for the dates. The Longhorns work hard to raise money for their trips and equipment by selling candy bars, washing cars, bake sales, and help deliver baskets to the elderly during the Holidays with the Sunset Lions Club. They are coached by Les Clark III, and Tom White Jr. Their Treasurer is Wendy Berry and they have a great group of involved parents. Please support the Longhorns by cheering them on or donating for their trips. Support-ing our youth is investing in the future of Taft and Kern County. Stay Positive Taft!
Taft College Scholarship Luncheon Friday, May 24 On Friday, May 24, 2013, Taft College will host its 9th Annual Scholarship Luncheon, at OT’s Restaurant, 205 N. 10th Street, Taft, CA 93268, beginning at 11:30 a.m. This year fifty (50) different scholarships will be presented to 68 student recipients totaling approximately $57,600. With both Summer and Fall registrations currently in progress, demand for classes has Increased: 15% for summer and 18% for fall. Petitions for gradua-tion have also increased, totaling 377 students. In addition, 203 students have petitioned for Certificates. Commencement will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2013 in the Taft High School stadium. This is a most exciting time of the year for Taft College, its students, faculty and staff !
Chevron, Taft College Project Connect Offering Workshops on Employment Learn Basic Job Hunting Skills That Get You Hired Chevron and Taft College have partnered with Work Logic HR, to provide workshops for individuals seeking employment in the oil and gas industry. The purpose of these work-shops is to develop basic job hunting skills required to apply for a job, including filling out an application and preparing for job in-terviews. This project is funded by Chevron’s Economic Initiative Grant to the Taft College Foundation. The specific schedule is as follows: May 31, 2013, 8:30 am – 11:30 am – “Getting Your Foot in the Door” – tips on filling out an application completely that will generate approval by human resources June 7, 2013, 8:30 am – 11:30 am – “Preparing for the Interview” – steps on creating a resume which meets the requirements of large oil and gas companies, as well as tips on interviewing successfully June 14, 2013, 8:30 am – 11:30 am – “Mock Interviews” – practice sessions in mock interviews to illustrate techniques for success June 21, 2013, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm – “Speed Interviewing & Lunch” – participants will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from oil & gas companies for a round of “speed interviewing” and then network during lunch Workshops will be led by human resources professionals affiliated with the oil and gas industry who will provide tips on successful hiring and will include: Nicole Gloria – Key Energy Bo Bravo – Chevron Tracy Chitwood – Southern Sierra General Engineering Todd Yepiz – PCL Larry Williams – Workforce Staffing Tawn Moore – Act 1 Finally, participants will also be eligible to receive a $100 scholarship to assist in your employment efforts. To reserve a space please contact Robin Paggi at 661.695.5168 or [email protected].
4 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 24 - 30, 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 24, 2013 through Thursday, May 30, 2013
Fast & Furious 6 (PG-13) No Passes AllowedFri & Sat: 5:30, 8:30
Sun: (12:45), (3:30), 6:15Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM
The Hangover Part III (R) No Passes AllowedFri & Sat: (5:00), 7:30, 10:00
Sun: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00Mon - Thu: 7:30 PM
Star Trek Into Darkness (PG-13) No Passes AllowedFri & Sat: 5:45, 8:30
Sun: (1:00), (3:45), 6:30Mon - Thu: 7:00 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.
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
Enterprise Zones work. In minority and distressed communities across California, Enterprise Zones are integral to reviving our state’s economy and putting people back to work. For more than 25 years, Enterprise Zones have been an important tool used by small businesses to create and retain jobs in distressed, minority communities in California.I support Enterprise Zones! I oppose efforts that undermine and/or significantly harm or eliminate Enterprise Zones. I oppose legis-lative or regulatory efforts that change the intent of this successful program and those that disproportionately hurt minority, Latino and African American communities and workers, like SB 434. I support strengthening California’s Enterprise Zones by making positive improvements to the program that will help small busi-nesses and employees, like AB 28.
Dear Editor,
I went to my first relay for life event this year. It was an amazing feeling to cheer on the cancer survivors and to take a lap for my mother, who survived breast cancer. I understand that the closing ceremonies are also vey moving.
Sincerely, Jill Jackson
Carrie AbbottHeather AdamsEmalee AdkinsNaomi AguayoObdulia AguilarThomas AguirreJordan AikenDerrick AldenKrystal AllikasReyes Alonzo GarciaAlfonso AlvarezLiliana AlvarezPedro AlvarezRodrigo AlvarezBrooklyn AmdorAmy AmesBezait AnbesseAnthony AnglinJeannie ArjonaChristian ArmendarizJulia ArmendarizJose ArmentaIvette ArrietaShawn AsselinMartha Avalos-VazquezJennifer AyalaLizbeth AyalaYesenia AyalaEvangelina AyonBryannna BacotWendy BaileyAmanda BarajasTiffany BarbourSchalon BaysingerVicky BedollaHailey BellRyan BerlangaAllie BlanquetteGinger BookerKrista BrandonTrevor BrashearTravis BrehmJoseph BrennanRyan BrownPeyton BuenLisa BurudMarisela CabezasElise CabralDavid CalderonNicole CaldwellChanel CantereDevin CapelaAnthony CardonaRegina CarrasquelAaron CarrilloGladys CastroLuis CastroEdwin CazaresKathleen ChavezOlivia ChristensenRebecca ChristianBaylie ChurchmanMonica Cisneros-CamposAdrienne Cloud
Hayley CokerChelsey ColettiEdgar ContrerasKarla ContrerasAbraham CorderoAlicyn CorreiaLinette CortesIrma CortezStacie CottonBrandy CramerKaytee CrankFranco CruzDiana DavilaShawn DavisAmber DeanRamandeep DhaliwalPatricia DillMonica DominquezMichelle DunhamZanoria EcholsBrandi EddlemonKimberly EllisStephanie ElrodRaul EscobedoJuana EspinozaEsther FernandezDavid FernandezJose FigueroaAndreina FloresJose FloresPatricia FloresBryson FrazierKelsey GainesMarisol GallardoJorge GalvanPeter Galvan JrJesse GamaKylie GamezIvonne GarayAndrea GarciaClaudia E GarciaClaudia Y GarciaDeyanira GarciaFrancisco Garcia JrJennifer GarnerAshley GeorgeGagandeep GillShelly GillNancy GipsonEmily GollenherBianca GomezDanielle GomezAlexis GonzalezCristina GonzalezGabriel GonzalezGerardo GonzalezJacqueline GonzalezJuan GonzalezNathan GonzalezRoberto GonzalezSergio GonzalezSarah GraysonTaylor GrijalvaLeticia GuerraJacqueline Guevara
Matthew GundersonHali GunterMariana GutierrezArturo GuzmanJonas Guzman-RodriguezErica HarringtonBrittany HernandezKarlene HernandezDiana Hernandez-LopezJoshua HickleRickay HidalgoAbigail HilliardParker HinsonRebekah HortonKirk HowardApril HudsonSarah HuntGonzalo HurtadoAlonso HurtadopatronChristina HutchingsLaura ImbelloniAmber IsbellAmanda JacksonDesiree JaimeMauricio JaimesPaula JamesAllison JarvinenSheri JassoAnthony JenkinsJanett JohnsonLindsey JohnsonTaryn JonesClinton JorgensonJulius KabukuruKristen KamakeleVirender KaurStephanie KeithJoshua KinerGerrell KingTravis KingAna KittredgeTimothy KoppiCharles LancasterNancy LandrethLydia LaraMadison LawleyKristin LeflerJose Leon SanchezJordan LewisDavid LidgettSamantha LilleyRobert Linder IIEdgar LopezHeriberto LopezKathleen LopezSandra LopezLuis LopezDulce Lopez-BernardinoJulio Lopez-SandovalCarlos LoveraStephanie MachucaRashad MagsbyKera MallardRoberto MariscalKerry Marlett
Kara MarquezJannette MartinJuan MartinezTammie MasonPaul MathaSina MaugaMary McCoyAshley McKeownMarissa McMahanRonald McOwen IIIBethany McWhorterTaylor MeditzChristopher MeneleyLeandro MenendezAubrey MesaErica MillerBrandon MitchellKathy MixonBerlynn MooneyNick MurdochAshlan NapierRaquel NavarroJessica NavejasAshleigh NealJessica NeherKenny NeherRye NelsonCatherine NguyenLinh NguyenErika NoelRodolfo NoriegaJacob NuncioVanessa OaksPresley ObenshainJanine OroscoBianca OrozcoAlma OrtizBrandon OscarsonJanette OspitalWarren OwensEdgar Padilla OsornioChristina PalmerDylan ParkerShelby ParkerStacie ParraBryan Payne JrTatiana PearsonMorgan PenaCaritina PerezEmily PerezGeorgina PerezMayra PerezEdgar PlascenciaCody PolachAlicia PorterMelissa PowersRandi PresasCarson PuryearWhitney RainwaterJennifer RamirezKarla RamirezMarlen Ramirez-MolinaStepani RanaKerstyn RandallMelissa RaymondTiffany ReedAndy ReyesKendy ReynosoKristen RiemanGabriela RiosDaniel RodelaSonia RodelaRaul RomoNickale RossSamuel RufusJessica RyanTisha RyersonJennifer RyleLiliana SalasYesica SalazarAmy SanchezIvan SanchezMelissa SanchezAllan Sanchez TapiaRegenia Sanders
Amelia SandovalStacie SandsGabriela SantoyoMelissa ScaliaJessica SchulzArianna SchwindMichael ScottChristian SelbyPinkal ShahFatima SilvasChristina SliterAlyssa SmallwoodBradley SmithCassandra SorianoReyna SotoBrandon SwansonKenneth TackAdrienne TanusLauren TaylorJacob ThompsonMelissa TovarLuis TrinidadMarc TushnetAnthony UranAlyssa UrandayNancy UriasEsperanza UribeMarcas UribeLuis VacaMaria ValdezPerla ValleMichael VaqueraAlberta VegaSusan VicunaJasmine VillarrealBrittany WagnerJoshua WagnerAdam WalkerJazmine WallsStephanie WellsHannah WhiteDarren WhitingKimberly WilliamsMoriah WilliamsBailey WrightEstela Zavala
Receipients of Taft College Certificates
Carrie AbbottJeannie ArjonaYesenia AyalaFabian BarrazaXan BlackwellTravis BrehmJeremy BressickJessica BrownMorgan ButlerBrett CarmodyRegina CarrasquelRamona CartyKathleen ChavezCooper ChristensenRebecca ChristianBaylie ChurchmanBrooke CoburnKarla ContrerasStacie CottonRaymond CruzShawn DavisDaniel DesmondPatricia DillRebecca DyeDana-Lee EffrenCarolyn EllsworthGuy EnglishArianna FreenyTori FurmanClaudia Y GarciaAlejandra Garcia De Arteaga
Taft College Class of 2013 Graduates. Congratula-tions to those Taft College students who graduate this Friday, May 24, 2013
Amy GlagovichNorma GonzalezMaximillian GosselinJesley HandyKristen HarmonEvelyn HernandezDiana Hernandez-LopezQuinn HillLeah HogueApril HudsonRichard HudsonMicaela HuertaSarah HuntMichael IngramAmanda JacksonSheri JassoShandy JeterEdmund JewRichard KatoBeth KayserDarren KissickEvan KlienChristopher LacefieldShanna LloydLuis LopezCaroline MacieyRafael Madrigal-TorresMichael MaharreyErin MarentetteKara MarquezJessica MarreroLurdes MartinezElizabeth McCormickColin MeyerMichelle MillarKathy MixonChristopher MooreCatherine NguyenLinh NguyenJudy NighVanessa OaksLaura Onstead-CortezJulie OrndorffJanette OspitalChristina PalmerSamuel PeckCaritina PerezDora PerezGeorgina PerezMayra PerezCharlotte PierceSheryl PittmanMelissa PowersJasmin RamirezJennifer RamirezKarla RamirezStepani RanaMelissa RaymondClarice RuckerConnor RufeTisha RyersonMichelle RylandAmelia SandovalGabriela SantoyoJessica SchulzErick ScottPriya SharmaFatima SilvasMitchell SpenceBrian StarksJoseph StevenJori TrammellThomas ValdiviaRosa ValladolidPerla ValleAlberta VegaKimberly WigginsPaula WilliamsMorgen WilliamsThomas WolkMatthew WoodwardJenna YeeJosh ZachariahGabrielle Zoger
May 24 - 30, 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, Me-rengue, 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.
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.
MINI CHEER CAMPWho: Ages 4-12When: June 25-27, Tuesday through ThursdayTime: 3:00-5:00 p.m.Where: TUHS Girls GymFee: $30 per personT-Shirt Guarantee Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 19Final Registration Deadline: Monday, June 24 The Taft Union High School Cheer Squads, along with their TUHS Coaching staff, will be hosting this fun cheer camp where kids will learn cheers, chants and a dance. A performance for parents will also be held. Registration includes a t-shirt.
JR. THEATRE CLASSWho: Ages 7-13When: Tuesday Evenings Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.Session: June 18 – August 6Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $40 per person ** registration deadline – June 13Ages 7-11 (grades 2-8 in the 2013/2014 school year) are invited to participate in this fun acting class. You learn how to memorize a script and what it takes to put on a drama performance. We will be studying and performing a fun theatre production. The performance will be held at the end of the session for family and friends. Instructor is Krista Long.
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 underway now!Session 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 24 - 30, 2013
Westside Feature
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
Taft’s Grande Dame Opal Smith Passes Away
Taft’s oldest and most beloved resident Opal Smith passed away this week. She was 103 years old. Opal was an inspiration to many with her bright blue eyes, friendly charm, quick wit and genuine love of life. She came to the Westside with her parents when she was 11 years old and lived most of her life in Taft, working for an oil company and living with her late husband Bill. Below is an unpublished interview with Opal on the celebra-tion of her 102nd birthday that will appear in the new Taft Inde-pendent publication, Westside Living, in the Fall of 2013.
By Jessica Skidgel
Taft’s grande dame, Opal Smith, turned 102 on Saturday, Octo-ber 29th. I had the chance to sit down with Opal a few weeks ago, nearly four years from the first time The Taft Independent interviewed her. Always smiling, she called me Kid and Honey throughout the interview. When the Taft Independent met with Opal in 2008 she was liv-ing alone and maintaining her own condo. Today, as she turns 102, her life is still very much the same except she now stays with her 89 year old nephew Harry Wilson in his condo, next to hers. Opal is well known for being a “neat freak” and often refers to her nephew as a “fanatic” when discussing the cleanliness of their homes. “Harry keeps house, kid. He’s a fanatic like me, ya know. He
vacuums everyday.” As Opal is telling me this, Harry is in the back-ground getting ready to dispose of his old vacuum as he received a new one that morning. You can see Opal and Harry most days at Black Gold Café & Deli having a bowl of soup and the sandwich of the day. On Thurs-day, October 27th the staff at Black Gold Cafe & Deli surprised Opal with a birthday party and cake big enough to feed an army. “This is the prettiest cake I have ever seen,” Opal said. In 2010 Opal was the grand marshal of Taft’s 100th birthday celebration dur-ing Oildorado, it was only fitting as she was 100 years old herself and has seen Taft through eyes that only few can imagine. Opal began her time on the Westside in 1920 when she first arrived in Taft by train at age 11. Opal came to Taft in a time that is hard to imagine today...no sidewalks, a small town atop 25 Hill, and no bathrooms in the home. Opal’s nephew, Harry, was born the next year in December. Opal’s mother helped deliver Harry and called Opal on the phone that day. “We had telephones back then, kid. My mother called me and then she came to get me to see him that very day,” Opal recalls. Opal went to Conley School for one year when she was in the fourth grade and then her father received a job on a lease in Maricopa where the family then moved. Opal attended school in Maricopa from fifth grade through high school. In 1927 at the age of 17 Opal married the love of her life, William Earl Smith (Bill) who was 10 years her senior, they were married for 72 years and 23 days, Bill passed away 12 years ago this month. At the age of 21 Opal found her faith and became “saved”. She has been a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Taft ever since. When she became saved she stopped drinking, and shortly thereafter Bill followed suit. Opal and Bill had a wonderful love for each other. They never had children, but their nephew Harry was like the son they never had, taking him with them on trips. They took Harry to Europe on six different occasions. “Bill just loved Harry, we have always been so close,” Opal says. Opal and Bill did a lot of traveling throughout the years, they have been to Europe 7 times, the orient 3 times, China, Japan, Australia, Hawaii 8 times and to the Holy Lands. During the 1940’s as many were getting ready to serve the coun-try, Opal feared that Bill would get drafted so she decided to get a job. To get started she needed to finish high school. She went back
to Taft Union High School as a senior, she was in the junior classes and graduated with straight “A’s”. Opal then attended school for a year at Central Califor-nia Commercial College in Fresno to brush up on some clerical skills. Upon returning to Taft, Opal landed a job and began her career at Standard Oil. Opal truly en-joyed her time at Standard Oil. “I never had a boss that didn’t compliment my work,” she said. Opal retired from Standard Oil in the late 1960’s. She had worked her way up to the head of payroll and even had her own private office. In 1950, Standard Oil employees were given the opportunity to purchase stock in the company. Bill and Opal each purchased 5%. As we continue talking about Taft’s booming days, Opal casually mentions that she has plans to donate to Taft College. I asked her why that was at the top of her list. “Honey, because I didn’t get to go, I worked. I want to help keep these schools good, they have always been top notch and that’s the best thing.” Sitting down with Opal was a special experience. At 102, she is a remarkable woman with a sharp, witty sense of humor. She asked just as many questions about me as I asked of her after the interview. We talked about goals, love and life in general, but the message she left me is one to remember for life. “I hope people really see there is a God, honey, and to serve him! I’ve had such a good life, even after Bill. I have maintained my life and kept going. I am so grateful for the past 12 years, even without him. You have to make the best out of what you’ve got. I have still lived in the same house. I have managed to carry on. You have to. Even now, I have imposed on Harry, but he takes such great care of me. God is so good.”
Opal with her nephew Harry who was here care-taker for the past 3 years.
Opal and her husband of 72 years Bill Smith
May 24 - 30, 2013 TAFT INDEPENDENT
Classified Ad Deadline.Wednesday 2 p.m.
765-6550.
Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com
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
Public Invited to the Maricopa High Production of “Robin Hood and Her Merry Women” The Maricopa High School drama class is in the final re-hearsal stage in preparation for the Thursday, May 30th dinner theater performance of “Robyn Hood and Her Merry Women.” In this fast-paced and funny one-act 21stcentury feminist update of the classic, we meet Robyn Hood and her merry band of women who bedevil the Sherriff of Nottingham as they practice their particular brand of justice and the “redistribution of wealth.” A single performance of the half hour dinner theater play will be held on Thursday, May 30th, at 6:00 pm, in the Mari-copa High Tea Room. Tickets will be available at the door the night of the show for $7.00, which includes dinner and the show, or $2.00 for the show only. The dinner menu will include taco casserole, salad, desert and a beverage. The evening prom-ises a good time for all ages, and the community is encouraged to attend.
Taft Relay for Life Huge Success
By John Swearengin
The Taft Relay for Life was a huge success last Saturday. They raised $100,612.78. It is great how the entire community comes together for events like this. They had something at the Relay for everyone. My daughter loved the dunk tank. Several people were dressed in their favorite 80’s clothes. Best of all, l there were so many people I have not seen in awhile. Through-out the day there were several contests such as “Dude look like a lady”, “Mullet”, and “Team Talent”. I was happy The West Hills Church of the Nazarene had a Prayer Booth. I also saw several of the Hell Fighters Praying with people. The Luminara Service was absolutely beautiful. Seeing the pictures of all the people that have beat Cancer was inspiring. It was very difficult to see so many lost loved ones but their strength motivates us all to continue to Fight Cancer. Barbara Schryver and Jenn Garcia spoke and were both edu-cational and inspiring. It was nice to see and hear Ken Swope and his family. They are such a great, strong family. Everyone walked a silent lap with them after they spoke. There are so many great things about Taft and walking the silent lap shows how everyone is ready and willing to support one another. As it started to get late and everyone was getting tired, Truxtun Mile played and rocked the track! After them was the Dance Party which I heard was a lot of fun. So many People, Churches, Schools, Businesses, and more work so hard to make the Taft Relay for Life great. It takes so much hard work to make these events successful. Billy Long, Heather Foss, and Justina Howell did a great job on Stage. It is never too early to begin thinking of ways to raise money for Relay for Life 2014.
Local Motorcycle Enthusiasts to Host Two Events for the Make A Wish FoundationBy Trent Unruh
On Saturday May 11th 2013, the Dirty Saints Riding Club will be hosted two events in one day to help sponsor a local Taft woman’s wish come true. The Dirty Saints Riding Club is a group of local motorcycle enthusiasts whose main focus is charity and assisting others in their community. They became involved with the Make A Wish Foundation recently in hopes to help a local individual’s wish come true. Casie Mobley, of Taft, was diagnosed with a terminal case of Ateriovenous Malformations over 17 years ago. Currently, she has been on the Make A Wish list for over 10 years. Casie’s wish is to go to Disneyworld. Each time she was to be granted her aspiration, medical is-sues would not allow her to participate. The Dirty Saints want to ensure that Casie’s wish comes becomes reality. The events raised $4,158 for Casie. The first event, RIDIN’ FOR WISHES, was a Poker Run that takes place in Bakersfield. The ride is leaving from from Bikersfield Garage and Boutique, on Rosedale and Fairhaven, at 10:00 am. Stops on the ride include Ethel’s Old Corral, Trout’s Night Club, Bakersfield Harley, and Vi’s Cocktails. All riders and motorcycle enthuisests are encoruaged to come. The cost to participate in the event is $20 per bike and $10 per passenger. The second event, ROCKIN’ FOR WISHES, was a concert at The Oasis, in Taft. With the successful events, the Dirty Saints have discussed making this annual series of occasions so that they may be able to assist in making other local wishes come true.
Photo by Jill Jackson
HOOKER’S AUTOMOTIVEComplete Automotive Service
218 HARRISON STREET (661) 765-2437
8 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 24 - 30, 2013
Liberty Under Fire ObituaryOPAL A. SMITH1909 – 2013
Funeral services were held in the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. for longtime Taft resident, Opal A. Smith, 103. Rev. Trent Meadors, pastor of Taft First Assembly of God will officiate and entombment will be in the West Side District Cemetery Mausoleum. Mrs. Smith was born in Winona, Missouri on October 29, 1909 and passed away in Bakersfield on May 21, 2013. Mrs. Smith moved to Taft in 1920 and later moved to Maricopa, and re-turned to Taft several years later. In 1928 she married William “Bill” Smith and remained together until Bill’s death in 1998. Mrs. Smith had been employed by Standard Oil Company for over 28 years. She was a longtime member of Taft First Assem-bly of God. Mrs. Smith enjoyed traveling. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and a brother. Mrs. Smith is survived by several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations in Mrs. Smith’s memory may be made to the Taft First Assembly of God, 314 Asher Way, Taft, CA 93268. To convey condolences or sign an online register, please visit www.EricksonAndBrown.com.
The Era of Purchased U.S. Senators Began 100 Years Ago This Month By Dr. Harold Pease On May 31,1913, one hundred years ago this month, the U.S. Constitution was changed by the Seventeenth Amend-ment nullifying the most essential safeguard and ingredi-ent in our remaining a republic. Although our “Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag” still uses the word republic we, on this date, took a giant step into a democracy from a republic and in doing so initiated the era of purchased U.S. Senators, something the Constitution had protected us from hereto-fore by having senators chosen by the state legislature rather than by the masses. Some unfamiliar with our history may not know that the Senate was specifically designed to protect state authority from federal goverment intrusion and to cool the emotional whims of the peoples’ branch—the House of Representatives. To accom-plish this, and to keep this body committed to, and aware of state needs, U.S. Senators were to be elected, not by the people at large as was the House, but by the state legislatures themselves. All prospective law was to be evaluated from two perspectives, the needs of the populace and the needs of the states. Why else would we need two branches of govern-ment essentially doing the same thing—making law? The 17th Amendment reduced lawmaking to but one perspec-tive virtually eliminating the perspective of the states. We live under two political systems: one primarily na-tional in function, the other primarily domestic. It’s called federal-ism—the two share power and are equal. Neither was to be subservient to the other and each was to have separate du-ties. Thomas Jefferson explained it best when he said, “The states are not subordinate to the national government but rather the two are coordinate departments of one single and integral whole…. The one is domestic the other the foreign branch of the same government.” Think of this relationship as an ideal marriage, where neither partner is subservient to the other. Neither feels beneath the other, rather they are a team.
The Senate was specifically charged with ensuring federal-ism but could only do so if they were not subjected to the popular vote. Again, that essentially ended on May 31, 1913, when the 17th Amendment made the senate popu-larly elected and responsible solely to the emotion of the masses that tend to vote with their stomachs. Prior to this date each state sent the two, usually from their own mem-bers, most qualified and able to defend the interests of their state—not who was best funded, best looking, most charis-matic, or worse, promised the most handouts to those less productive. These elections cost nothing and no one argued for term limits. It was not needed. Today, because of this amendment, U.S. Senators must raise between 5 and 10 million for a successful senate campaign thus they are always campaigning and attention to local constituency is the key to their survival—not atten-tion to their state legislature issues. Moreover, the candidate that spends the most money normally wins. The change allowed the moneyed interests to purchase U.S. senators, not the masses. The masses hardly care. “Indeed only about 60 percent of the general public can name one U. S. senator from their state, and only about 40 percent can name both of their U.S. senators” (Politics in America, Thomas R. Dye, Edition 13, p. 379). Some senators receive large sums from contributors outside their states enabling outsiders to help purchase their senator. But the biggest obstacle to retaining our republic, and thus our liberty, is that there now exists no body whose principle duty is to keep the federal government harnessed to the powers listed inArticle I, Section 8 of the Constitution and to protect Amendment 10 of the Bill of Rights that makes it clear that all power not listed remains with the people and the states. Without this body a republic deteriorates into a democracy, which deteriorates further into socialism, which goes into extreme debt because it can’t say no to the expensive whims of the masses. Sound familiar? We must rescind the 17 Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The New American said it best when it noted, “Today the federal government is involved in everything from our farms to our health and education, along with our sex lives (Viagra is covered by the prescrip-tion drug benefit for seniors, and contraception coverage is mandated under ObamaCare) and preschool programs for toddlers” (The April 1, 2013, p.39). Constitutionally all of this falls within state preroga-tive without a constitutional amendment authorizing the federal government to have these specific powers. If sena-tors represented their states, as designed, they would have prevented this federal intrusion and the high taxes that come with it and we would be a much freer people. Moreover, the era of purchased U.S. senators would never have become the practice. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitu-tion. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and apply-ing that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.
May 24 - 30, 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
Miller Time
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 24 - 30, 2013
application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street,
Fellows, CA 93224.
Midway Elementary School is hiring a 7/8
grade combination class teacher. Must have at least 5 years of experi-
ence and also be able to teach P.E. to 5th through
8th grade girls. The deadline for applica-
tions is June 21st 2013 at 2 P.M. Interviews will be scheduled following the deadline. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an application at Midway School, 259 “F” Street,
Fellows, CA 93224.
Taft City School District is accepting applica-tions for a Custodian
for 8 hours per day/12 months per year with a salary range of $12.25 to $15.63 per hour in six steps. The benefit package provided in-
cludes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employment process
includes written exam, typing test, application screening, interview, DOJ fingerprint clear-
ance, and physical exam with drug screen.
Application and Job Description may be
picked up at the District Office, 820 Sixth Street, and must be returned by Monday, April 8 at 4:00
p.m. EOE
SERVICESPainter looking for work. Exterior/Interior paint. Residential/Commercial. Reliable, reasonable. 25 years experience. Available now. Please call Richard 661-742-7311.
CHILD CARESERVICES
WANTED
FOR SALEClose out sale on dog accessories and clothes formerly Bow Wow Baker.y 420 Center Street. 745-4894.
South Taft Lot. With septic and cess pool. Power and water on lot. Make offer. (661) 835-3997. 5-5.
AUTOMOBILESPETS
LOST PETS
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Taft Property Management
1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good
areas.CRIME FREE
HOUSING Brokers Licence
01417057661-577-7136
ROOMS FOR RENT
HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.
By AppointmentKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &
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.
507 Tyler St.... Starting at 7-1 on Saturday. Boy Clothes-Newborn-3T, Bedding Set, Baby Items, Desk, and ETC.
213 2nd Street. Lot so f stuff. 7am - Noon.
Sat. 7 am. 320 E. Woodrow St. Clothes for entire family.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HELP WANTED
Restaurant seeking cook and two bartenders. Experienced only. (661) 809-4634.
Part-time Waitress. Black Gold Brewing Co. Exp. Req. 508 Center Street.
Bilingual HR/Payroll Assistant for Cuyama
Farm!
A self-starter tech savy administrative role with a growing farm! Strong Microsoft Office skillset,
troubleshooter, Entry level to Intermediate
HR skillset, educational background,
or willingness to learn! Responsibilities will include, new hire
paperwork, communicating with
Real Estate eBroker Inc.By Appointment
Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971
661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com
Real Estate Sales & Purchase
Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating
various offices and employees/mgmt. in an
effective/clear manner, assist in
managing employee time keeping system,
light recruitment, document management,
etc. email your resume to:[email protected]
WEST KERN WATER DISTRICT
3 Temporary Positions for Summer
“Office Assistant” 2 - “Field Assistants”
West Kern Water District is looking for three
motivated individuals, who would like to join
our team for temporary full-time employment during the summer.
Apply immediately at 800 Kern Street. Must
be 18 years of age.
Deadline for submitting application is
Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of
District application. The successful applicant will be subject to a physical,
pre-employment drug screen, and background
check. E.O.E.
Midway Elementary School is hiring (3) 4 hour Teacher Aides.
Must have A.A. degree and experience plus qualify as a teacher aide. Deadline for
applications is June 21st at 2 P.M. Interviews will be scheduled following the deadline. For more information please call 768-4344 or pick up an
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
#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 RENT3bd 2 ba. house. $850 mo. plus dep. ask for Betty. 661 636-6465.
5-30
House for rent. 3 bd. 1 and 1/2 half bath.
Remodeled, great neigh-borhood. Ref. req. credit check. $985 Mo. PLUS $1000 DEP. 763-1086.
$700 Mo. Renter pays utilities 3 bd 1 ba. Pet’s
ok. Call 745-3211.
West ValleyReal Estate
(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550
FOR RENT2FOR RENT
224 B St #C Studio $475
103 ½ Buchanan 2/1 $600
400 Woodrow 1/1 $625522 Center 3/1 $700
765-4191 or 549-1068
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.
701 Taylor 2/1 $725400 Woodrow 2/1 $725320 E Street 2/1 $750
617 Buchanan 3/1 $775315 7th St 1/1 furnished!
$750623 San Emidio 2/1 $750103 Buchanan 3/1 $800
709 Kern St 3/1 $800223 Eastern 3/1 $800
302 Calvin St 1/1 condo $850
535 B St 3/1 $850410 Buchanan 2/1 $900
424 Lucard 3/1 $900340 F 3/1 + Studio $1,200
House for rent. Remod-eled 3 bed, one bath
$700 plus dep. 210 atlor Ave. (951) 818-4662. Se
habla espanol.
Homes for RentCall Paul Joyce (805)
218-1686Joyce Properties
(661) 765-6300
Westside Real Estate765-5000
119 South St, 4 bd, 2 bth, tile floors/garage $850 mo
+ Dep.319 1/2 San Emidio 1bd + office incl. utilities $650
+ dep. 402 Pierce 3 bd 1 bth w/
garage $825 + dep.3bd 1 ba in Dustin Acres
$800 mo + dep. .765-5000
License 01914953
3bd. 1 ba. New wood floors and refinished oak floors. Lrg rooms, huge
laundry, fully fenced. Avail now. $775 Mo. plus $1,100
dep. 2 bd. 1 ba. all remodeled.
Large rooms. laundry, downtown. $595. mo. plus $950 Dep. (805) 689-4122.
APART. FOR RENT2 bedroom 1 bath Apt. in newer duplex. Private,
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.
Creekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.
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.
Imperial Gardens. 2 1 bd, 1 ba. and 2 2 bd, 1 ba. with built-ins. (661) 900-7681.
Classified Ad Deadline.Wednesday 2 p.m.
765-6550.
Opinion: Our National Educational DilemmaBy Glenn Mollette Every American must have the opportunity to pursue college or vocational training. We are living in an era during which even previously trained persons need to sharpen their skills or retool for the future. Too many people are completing their education facing a massive dilemma of debt. Their next dilemma is trying to break into the job market saddled with back-breaking debt. We must make education within reach of all American citizens. The following will help make college possible for all: Colleges and all institutions of higher education must work as all businesses to guard against escalating costs. The government should provide low interest college or vocational loans to students who must borrow money for their education. Graduates should be given a three-year grace period before the payback begins. The government should forgive up to 20% of the loan if paid back in 10 years. Colleges should be encouraged to develop three year college programs which could cut as much as 25% of the cost of education. Everyone who has attended a four-year college knows they had four or five courses along the way they did not need for their degree program. This would also save tremendously on housing, food and fuel costs. Colleges are throwing extra courses at their students and keeping them longer to make more money. This means the students borrow more and end up financially crippled. Schools like all businesses must be financially competitive and non-traditional in their programs in order to survive this new era. The number of struggling colleges is growing. Already I hear someone screaming, “How are we going to compete with the Chinese, Japan and other foreign countries if we are cutting classes from education?” Most college programs have required approximately 30, four-hour classes or 40, three-hour classes. Everyone’s degree program will vary as they add additional courses. I like education as well as the next person. Hurrah for anyone who has the luxury of spending the time obtaining a 150-hour degree! This means a much greater expense, but if you can afford it, then so what? School can be fun and with that many additional classes you are surely learning a lot! My beef is that most American families cannot afford the luxury of a four-year degree being crammed into five, six or more years. We must keep the general college expe-rience to four years to complete. If the college can help students complete the degree in three or three and a half years it saves students, the families and even the govern-ment a lot of money. College trustees, administrators and faculty you are being served notice. Start doing your part to be part of America’s solution and not a central part of our problem. The people in America do not need another dilemma. Glenn Mollette is the author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion. He is also the author of numer-ous books and hundreds of articles and stories. He grew up in Martin County, Kentucky where President Lyndon Johnson began his campaign on poverty.
333 South 10th Street, Suite 4 * Taft Thursdays (by appointment only)
Save yourself the trip & the hassle & buy in Taft
FREE Hearing Evaluation!
For an appointment call
322-8444
Hearing Aids Priced Like Costco!
ReSound Vea 2 Custom fit - All sizes and styles
$799 each 2 for $1550
Limited Market Release Wanted 10 participants for Field Trial 30 Days Risk Free – Special Price Incentives
Verso by ReSound Now offered in 3 budget levels $1000 off per pair (for participants)
12 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 24 - 30, 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
Diagnostic SpecialistsService & Repairs • Smog Repairs
Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front EndBrakes • Fuel Injection
$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad**1996 Vehicle or newer
Black GoldCafe and Deli
508 Center Street 765-6556
We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar
AvailableFor Your Special
Event
FULLBAR
Used to be Paul’sBike Shop
608 Center St. 745-4919
BMXBikes
Are Here!
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 •
Flea and Tick Season is Here!Protect Your Dog Protect Your Cat
Bio Spo Defense System starts killing Fleas & Ticks within 15 minutesContains an insect growth regulator to keep your pets free from reinfestation
One Month Supply $11.99