400 Kern Street

Taft, CA, 93268

Phone: (661) 765-2165

Fax: (661) 765-6639

www.taftchamber.com

TaftChamber@gmail.com

Our Gold Sponsors

Our Platinum Sponsors

Taft Fireworks Show is a Go!

As an event coordinator, I have extensive knowledge of the planning process that goes into each event. Depending on the type of event, budgets, and activities slated, the planning process is the first step in ensuring a successful event. After a successful 7th annual car show in Taft this past weekend, I am confident that this process works.

Knowing how successful the previous Riverwalk Fireworks Show has been, I was surprised to learn that it had been cancelled for lack of a sponsor. After the pub-licity surrounding the cancellation of the show, I was not surprised to see that two large companies acted quickly to sponsor the event. In Taft, we are hosting a fireworks show for the 3rd year in a row at no charge to the community this year on July 3. And we, too, depend upon sponsors.

As this event is costly, one rule of our fundraising efforts for the Taft Fireworks Show includes offering several levels of sponsorship and community donation days to ensure more local businesses and individuals can donate to the show. "Fund the Fireworks" is our effort to include our community, where we work with Kern County Fire Department, to collect loose change and dollar bills from passing drivers. Each coin and bill collected helps contribute to the fund that brings fireworks to the Taft community and it makes it possible for everyone to join in the process. Also, it serves as an opportunity to show the community we are making every ef-fort to make the event a reality.

Our commitment at the Taft Chamber to bring a professional fireworks display has taken the better part of a year, gaining momentum from our local businesses and residents dropping loose change and dollar bills to help fund the show. These contributions and continual fundraising efforts allow the show to be funded by the community, for the community.

In February, the Taft City Council voted a contribution to the show of $5,000 (an increase from the budgeted $2,000). This act by our City Council is foreword thinking and gives our community the piece of mind that we can count on an-other successful event in Taft. The Taft Chamber and the City of Taft would like to invite you to celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd. Come to Taft on Friday, July 3, and if you are lucky, at about 9pm, will be awed at the beautifully dis-played and safe fireworks show accompanied by live music, right here in Kern County.

Thank you to our sponsors: City of Taft, Huddleston Crane, Aera Energy, Artz Liquor, Colston Construction, Fastrip Food Store, Hall Ambulance, Jerry Melton and Sons Construction, McKittrick Waste Management, Midway Laboratory, West Side Waste Management, EB Preferred, Oildale Tire, Dr. Tang, Randy’s Trucking, Acme Jewelry, Deanna & Jim Swearengin, Jessica Ellis, Paul Linder, and ABS Bal-loons. Thank you to everyone who has donated on the Fund the Fireworks days, Taft Oildorado Maids of Petroleum, and volunteers. This year’s event will be a celebration of Independence Day and our community joining together to bring Fireworks to Taft. ~Shannon Jones

May 6, 2015--Relay for Life, Donna Herman

Donna Herman, Community Service Director for the Kern Coun-

ty Relay for Life, spoke to the group about the successes the

Taft Relay for Life event has had in the past. Last year 40 teams

participated. So far this year there were 27 teams registered.

Last year’s Relay netted $23,000; the goal for this year is

$58,000. Remember, the end of the year for Relay is August 31;

so folks can continue to give even after the Relay in their com-

munity is over. Each Relay event begins with the Survivor Lap,

reminding us to celebrate those who have been successful in

their challenge against cancer. The evening ends with the Lumi-

naria, recalling those who have lost their fight with cancer. The

Fight Back Lap is the official end of the Relay on Sunday morn-

ing. The Fight Back Lap is meant to encourage those who are

themselves or those with family and friends currently in the

fight against this disease.

May 13, 2015—West Kern Petroleum Summit, Sheri Horn-

Bunk

Taft College Foundation Executive Director Sheri Horn-Bunk,

visited Sit n Sip to update the plans for the second West Kern

Petroleum Summit. The Summit will be held during Oildorado

Days, on Friday, October 16, in the big tent on the Rails to Trails.

The Summit of 2013 was held in a tent on the Taft College

grounds, but it held only 340 people and was sold out in 28

days. The big tent has double that capacity; however, tables

are going fast.

The tent will open at 7:30 a.m., and the first speaker, Kevin

McCarthy, will kick off the day. There will be a panel discussion

of federal energy issues as well as a look at how we power Cali-

fornia. The Keynote Speaker of the event is 85-year-old T.

Boone Pickens, noted oilman and entrepreneur. This “Grandpa

of Oil” will share his journey and his insights into current petro-

leum issues. Alex Epstein, author of The Moral Case for Fossil

Fuels, who is NOT an oilman, will share his perspective on the

challenges surrounding petroleum today. Other notables may

include Senator Jean Fuller, Dr. Bryce Harris, Chancellor of the

California Community Colleges, and California Governor Jerry

Brown. Individual tickets for the Summit are available now; pric-

es are $100 per person, $75 for veterans.

May 20, 2015—Taft City School District, Julie Graves

Taft City School District Superintendent Julie Graves visited Sit n

Sip to give an overview of the important issues in our elemen-

tary schools. Most important is academic progress, and Mrs.

Graves spoke of how the district is coming into compliance with

the demands of Common Core. Smart-

er Balance testing (testing carried out

on computers) has been completed for

the first time-- that counted. Last year

the students tested using computers,

but the results were not released. This year the students tested,

and the results will be announced.

The Local Control Accounting Plan (LCAP) has become the new

way public schools in California are funded. This new ac-

counting has been a good thing for our elementary district. The

plan focuses on goals, such as implementation of Common Core,

academic intervention, and technology.

Construction phases continue at Taft City. The phases complet-

ed so far are solar and lighting, HVAC and roofs, Conley re-

strooms, and some Jefferson issues. Now the focus is on the

Lincoln School cafeteria, a project that has been put on the back

burner (so to speak) for many years. The Lincoln cafeteria not

only feeds the Taft City school children, it prepares meals for

Midway, Lakeside, McKittrick, and Maricopa School Districts. It

will be a challenge to keep all the breakfasts and lunches coming

while the remodel is going on.

The Annex across the street from the Taft City District Office will

no longer house the sixth graders of Lincoln School. The sunset

of the QEIA projects allows for class sizes to increase to the

point that sixth grade students can be housed on the same site

with seventh and eighth graders. This action will eliminate the

safety challenges and the time lost in walking students back and

forth across Sixth Street.

Changes in personnel will begin with the new 2015-16 school

year. Lavonna Callahan, the former Assistant Principal of Lincoln

School will become the new Principal of Roosevelt. Nancy Hick-

ernell, Roosevelt’s Principal for a record number of years will

move to a categorical programs position at the District office.

Fourth grade teacher Stephanie McDaniel will be the new Assis-

tant Principal of Lincoln School.

Mrs. Graves gave us a very comprehensive overview of the new

situations in our elementary schools. We are happy that our

children are in such good hands.

Wednesday mornings @ 9AM Taft Chamber, 400 Kern Street

UPCOMING SIT N SIP SPEAKERS

June 3—Bill Holl, ADA Compliance in your Business

June 10—Kathy Murray, EF High School Exchange

June 7—Michael Monji—SCORE Workshops

June 24—There will be NO Sit n Sip

Don Koenig, Director of the West Side Recreation and Park District shared that the Junior

Football League (JFL) will become Valley League Football and will field four traveling teams begin-

ning this Fall. This move is the result of the WSRPD taking over JFL, much as they did with Soccer

a few years ago. Cheerleading will be offered, too. The big difference for participants in Valley is

the upgrade in equipment and the availability of trainers during football games. Koenig predicts

there will be a rise in participation in the program much as there was in soccer when the Rec took

over that program. He also announced the upcoming Little League Tournament which will begin

Saturday, June 13, running through Sunday, with the last games beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday,

June 15. These tournaments bring hundreds of people to Taft to eat and shop.

Don Maxwell, Founder of Paulette’s People, reported that the Purple Stride held at Exposition

Park in Los Angeles, on May 2, was a success. The Purple Stride is a walk against pancreatic can-

cer, and the 17-person team honoring the memory of Paulette Maxwell, Don’s late wife, walked in

her memory. Paulette’s People raised $13,951 and was the fifth highest contributing team at the

Stride. Don and his children, Megan and Andy, thank the many people who contributed to the dona-

tion in Paulette’s memory.

David Chavez of the Kern County Board of Trade announced the Board of Trade would be a

presence at the International Pow Wow (IPW) Convention in Orlando, Florida. This is a meeting of

all thongs tourism, wherein our Board of Trade will meet and “pitch” Kern County to the many tourist

companies that arrange travel packages for international visitors.

Jerry Starr, Executive Director of the Westside Health Care District, reported that he recently

returned from an urgent care conference in Chicago where he found that the physician shortage is

nationwide. There already exists a shortage of 50,000 primary care physicians, and that number is

expected to go to 75,000 within a couple of years. Reasons cited for this increased shortage include

the advent of the Affordable Care Act (ADA—“Obamacare”).

Houchin Community Blood Bank is looking for new community partners to sponsor blood

drives throughout Kern County this summer. From June 1st to mid September, 25 blood drives are

needed to help ensure enough blood will be coming in to meet patients needs. A minimum of 30-35

people committed to give blood is all to takes to host a mobile blood drive serving the critical needs

for hospitals and transfusion centers. Helping to provide an adequate blood supply is greatly appre-

ciated. For more information please contact the Community Development Office at 661-616-2523 or

email thunter@hcbb.com.

ESSAGES FROM OUR MEMBERS M

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

6pm, City Council

3

9am, Sit N Sip

8pm, TUHS Graduation

4

8pm, Lincoln Jr. High School Graduation

5

8am-12pm Fund the Fireworks, 4th Street & Kern 6pm-10pm, First Friday Cruise Night

6

7 8 9

10

9am, Sit N Sip

6pm, Industry Night at Taft Petroleum Club

11

12 13

10am-2pm, Paws in the Park at Veteran’s Park

14 15 16

6pm, City Council

17

9am, Sit N Sip

6pm, Planning Commission Meeting

18

19 20

21

Fathers Day

Summer Begins

22 23

12-6pm , Houchin Blood @ Chamber

24

NO Sit n Sip

25 26 27

28 29 30

11:30am-1:30pm, GTEDA Stake-holder Luncheon, West Kern Water District

JUNE 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

9am, Sit N Sip

4pm, Chamber Board Meeting

6pm, Industry Night

2

3

5pm-10pm, Taft Fireworks Show, Fireworks at 9pm

4

Fourth of July

5 6 7

6pm, City Council

8

9am, Sit N Sip

9

10 11

12 13 14 15

9am, Sit N Sip

16 17 18

July 2015

July 2015 (continued) 21, City Council Meeting

22, Sit N Sip & Planning Commission Mtg. 25, Ford City Park Animal Vaccine Clinic

29, Sit N Sip

August 2015 4, City Council Meeting

5, Sit N Sip & Industry Night 7, First Friday Cruise Night

12, Sit n Sip & Together We Can 18, Houchin Blood Mobile & City Council

19, Sit n Sip & Planning Commission 22, Moron Golf Invitational

26, Sit n Sip & Chamber Board Meeting

FOLLOW THE COUNTDOWN

BUY YOUR WINDOW STICKER AT

TRUE VALUE AND AT THE TAFT

CHAMBER

Only $3

Pre 48 Open Top 1

st: Barry & Ramie Holstone - 1946 Ford Convertible

2nd

: Roger Jones - 1926 Ford T 3

rd: Harry Hosking - 1932 Ford Trac Roadster

Pre 48 Closed Top 1

st: Mike & Brandy Young - 1934 Ford Victoria

2nd

: Lillard Hill - 1934 Ford 5W 3

rd: John Boyles - 1934 Ford 5 Window Coupe

Pre 48 Truck, SUV 1

st: Winfield May - 1920 Ford Model T Truck

2nd

: Jack Vetter - 1940 Ford PU 3

rd: Bill Heisey - 1937 Dodge PickUp

48-73 Stock 1

st: Lea Lehman - 1968 Dodge Coronet 500

2nd

: Rick Jones - 1958 Chevy Brookwood 3

rd: Leona Marcell - 1955 Ford T-Bird

48-73 Modified 1

st: Paul Little - 1960 Chevy Impala

2nd

: John Scherer - 1952 Chevy Coupe 3

rd: Dustin Parker - 1965 Chevy Chevelle

49-58 Truck, SUV 1

st: Terry Evans - 1955 Chevy Pick up

2nd

: Cliff Hill - 1951 Chevy Suburban 3

rd: Dale Langlois - 1956 Ford F100

55-57 Chevy 1

st: Bruce MacKinnon - 1956 Chevy Bel Air

2nd

: Tim Miller 3

rd: Benny Craig - 1955 Chevy Nomad

59 and up Truck, SUV 1

st: Joe Pena -1972 Chevy C-10

2nd

: Bill Alexander - 1969 GMC Pick Up 3

rd: John & Chris Sheehan - 1968 Chevy C-10

Mustangs 1

st: Joel Lorenzana - 1965 Mustang

2nd

: Deana Linstead - 1966 Ford Mustang 3

rd: Dennis McMillan - 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang

Corvettes 1

st: Allen Pierucci - 1977 Chevy Corvette

2nd

: Allen Pierucci - 2002 Chevy Corvette 3

rd: Armando Almanza - 2005 Chevy Corvette

Modern Muscle 1

st: John Neumann - 2013 Dodge Viper GTS

2nd

: John Neumann - 2008 Dodge Viper ACR 3

rd: Frank Sanchez - 2013 Nissan GTR

PT Cruiser 1

st: Anita Hall - 2002 PT Cruiser

2nd

: Sharon & Wyman Hunt - 2002 PT Cruiser 3

rd: Sharon & Wyman Hunt - 2001 PT Cruiser

Rat Rod / Project / Construction 1

st: Isy Cooper - 1931 Ford Model A

2nd

: Kenny Woodruff - 1939 Ford Pick up 3

rd: Tony Todd - 1937 Willys Sedan

Custom 1

st: Race Slayton - 1949 Ford Business Coupe

2nd

: Jill Gipson - 1968 Chevy Camaro Rally Sport 3

rd: Ryan Hickernell - 2008 Halfscale Jr Dragster

Motorcycles: Vintage/Old School 1

st: Rick Roeder - 1972 Yahama DT2MX250

Motorcycles: Stock/Touring 1

st: William Martin - 2010 Harley Limited Edition

2nd

: Samuel Gregory - 1990 Harley Ultra 3

rd: Marvin Burleson - 2007 Harley Fat Boy

Motorcycles: Custom 1

st: Clint & Donna Van Hooser - 1992 Harley Davidson

Softail with Side Car 2

nd: Ron Throckmorton - 2012 Heritage Softail

3rd

: Kevin Crawford - Harley Fat Boy Low Motorcycles: Metric 1

st: Rene Salinas - 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500

BEST IN SHOW Lillard Hill - 1934 Ford 5W

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Emmanuel Campos Monarch Fleet Services

1st Vice President: Ron Sousa

Albertsons

2nd Vice President: Jordan Miller Roger Miller Insurance Agency

Treasurer: Bart Hill United Security Bank

Devinder Bains

Taft Chevrolet—Buick

Glenn Black Black/Hall Construction

Eric Burkhart

Total Western Inc.

Les Clark West Side Recreation and Park District

Tony Cordova

Synagro

Bob Hampton Westside Waste Management

Ed Herrera

Edward J Herrera Insurance Agency

Greg Hill Old’s Cool Antiques and More

Sharon Hill

Taft Union High School

Shawn Johnson David Janes Company

Sandy Koenig

Westside Community Resource Center

Orchel Krier Tumbleweed Café

Dr. Dena Maloney

Taft College

Yvette Mayfield City of Taft

John Neumann

Accelerated Environmental

Dennis Schertz Asian Experience

Harry Starkey

West Kern Water District

John Swearengin Kern County Sheriff’s Office

Dan Tosti

Aera Energy LLC

Adele Ward Taft City School District

Rodney Wikoff

West Hills Church of the Nazarene

400 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268

661-765-2165

www.taftchamber.com

OUR STAFF

Executive Director: Dr. Kathy Orrin kathy.taftchamber@gmail.com

Event Coordinator: Shannon Jones

shannon.taftchamber@gmail.com

Mandatory Water Restrictions

Dear Water Steward,

I am writing to thank you for your ongoing efforts to conserve water during

this historic drought. We achieved a 7% reduction in water usage over the past

year and that is appreciated . However, the effects of this drought are worsen-

ing and the State Water Resource Control Board has adopted additional emer-

gency regulations. These regulations make additional conservation measures

mandatory effective May 15, 2015. As a result, West Kern is Initiating the fol-

lowing water restrictions through February 28, 2016 in an effort to achieve a

28% conservation mandate as compared to 2013:

1. Limit lawn watering and landscape irrigation to the assigned days as fol-

lows:

A. A resident with even street number addresses water on Wednesday,

Friday, and Sunday.

B. A resident with odd number street number addresses water on

Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

C. No watering is allowed on Mondays.

2. Using outdoor irrigation during and 48 hours following measurable precipi-

tation is prohibited.

3. Hoses must be equipped with a shut-off nozzle. Hosing down driveways,

street/parking lot, sidewalks, or buildings is not permitted unless necessary for

healthy or safety.

4. Avoid excessive watering that runs off onto sidewalks, streets, or gutters.

5. Irrigation of residential and commercial landscape is not allowed between

the hours of 10am and 6pm. Lawn watering and landscape irrigation should be

adjusted as necessary to void runoff.

6. Washing of motor vehicles, trailers, boats, and other types of equipment

shall be done using a bucket and/or a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle,

high pressure/low volume wash system, or at a commercial site that recircu-

lates water on-site.

7. Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.

8. Hotels, motels, and any other commercial lodging establishments must offer

the option of not laundering towels and linens daily.

9. Pools, spas, and ornamental fountains/ponds should be recirculating and leak

proof. Draining and refilling is only permitted for health, maintenance, or

structural reasons.

10. Repair all leaks within twenty-four (24) hours of notification by the district

unless other arrangements are made with the General Manager.

11. Large landscape irrigators should reduce water usage by up to 25%

12. Penalties will apply to repeat infractions.

We thank you in advance for your additional efforts to conserve and pledge to

offer our assistance to help you conserve water for future Westside generations.

Sincerely,

Harry O. Starkey

General Manager