Christmas In Taft, Taft's Tour of Trees

December 9 - 15, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 9 - 15, 2011 • Volume 6 Issue 24www.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]

Stephanie House’s Westside Recreation Report

Lunch specials served daily from 11am to 3pm and

includes drink

Lunch Specials

$8.9511am-3pm

includes drink

101 B. Street • Taft

(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

Also Inside:Westside Watcher Christmas Parade Report

Taft Christmas Parade Winners

Tour Of Trees Passport Information

Community Voices

Classified Ads

Taft’s Tour of Trees

508 Center Street • 765-6550

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

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

$15 per person

Thursday, December 15th 5:30pm -8pm

Dessert Wines & Champagnes

Holiday Wine & Dessert Tasting

West Kern Oil Museum End of Times Gallery True Value

Hayden’s HopeMiller’s Beauty SupplyAcme Jewelry

Taftindependent.com

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 9 - 15, 2011

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

Candies • Candles • And More!

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

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

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

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

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

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

SAN JOAQUINAutomotive Center

$199.99

Billy MessengerVoted Best

Mechanic for2009 and 2010

Cooling System Flush(includes up to 2 gal coolant, flush kit, conditioner)

A/C Service(includes up to 3oz of Freon, 2oz dye)

Overall Vehicle Inspection(visual inspection of all external components)

(tax, haz waste fee included)

EVERYDAY OIL CHANGES

DIESEL ENGINE $71.99 OR LESS

531 Center Street • 763-1123

FALLSPECIALS!

Get Your Car Ready

GAS ENGINE $35.99 OR LESS

(up tp 7 qts oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

(up to 3.75 gal oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

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

Recycling is OUR Business

J & D Recycling1277 Kern Street

Personal StyleWomen • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

A Hint of Class Name Brand ClothingShoes • Jewelry

Accessories & More

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

2995*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. Dec. 31, 2011

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Acme Jewelry Extended HoursSunday, Dec 18th 11am - 4pmMonday - Friday 9:30am - 5pm

Saturday the 24th 9:30amLike Us on Facebook

Gift Certificates Available NowMP3 Players and IPOD Speakers

Childrens Christmas Toys!

Now authorized dealers Boost Mobile Pre Paid Cards

Pay your bills here for prepaid phones

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

24 Hours/ 7 Days a WeekSe Habla Espanol 661-301-4660

Residential • Commercial

Fast • Friendly • Affordable

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

Give The Gift That Keeps On Giving....A Membership To Next Step Cardio!

Hablamos Espanol661-745-4954610 Center Street

Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

661-765-4377Lic # B-721903

Layaway available on phones

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

LA IDOL Jeans$44.00

Taft [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTSSERVICES

November 21 - December 31

Layaway Available for Christmas!

Inside The Historic Fort • 623-1783915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Special Orders Available!

Miss Me JeansUgg Boots

Ed Hardy BootsJuicy Couture

Receive 10% Off Any $20 or more service

December 12th - 17th

New MarkdownsStore Wide!

LA IDOL T-Shirts $8.95

Watch for our weekly specials


Community Events.........3

News Briefs.......................3

Westside Watcher............4

West SideRecreation Report..........5

Westside News.................6

Westside News.................7

Community Voices.........8

Obituary............................9

Classified Ads.................10

Inside

The Taft Independent

508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,500 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Independent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

We welcome contributions and suggestions. Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscription home or businessdelivery of the Taft Independent is available for $6.50 per month or $78.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR.Send us your letter to Taft Independent at the above address. Limit it to 300 words and include your name, address, and phone number. Fax: (661) 765-6556. Email your letter to: [email protected].

ADVERTISING.Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representative at (661) 765-6550, or email to [email protected]: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone orders are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Managing EditorAdvertising

Jessica Skidgel

Layout & DesignJessica Skidgel

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris,

Nicole Frost

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins,

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Subscriptions\DeliveryTim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

Taft California“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument”

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm

The VFW will hold Bingo Night every Tuesday at 6:30pm at 600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa. Doors open at 5:30pm, buy in is $5 a pack, food will be served. Come on out, bring a friend and support our vets!

End of Times Gallery Fall Art Classes

The End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is offering the following Fall classes: Tuesdays - Adult drawing class, 1-2:30pmWednesdays - Adult Painting Class (acrylics) 1-2:30pmThursdays - Adult Water Color Class, 1-2:30pmSaturdays - Children’s Art Class, 10-11:30am. Supplies provided for a $3 fee per class. All classes are $12 per session, $40 per month.Please call for supply lists. For more information, please call Jane at 661-765-4790 or 661-623-0494.

West Hills Church of the Nazarene Drive Through Nativity Scene Friday and Saturday, December 9th & 10th

The West Hills Church of the Nazarene will be putting on their annual drive through nativity scene on December 9th and 10th from 6pm to 8pm at the church, located at 300 Lassen Ave. This event is free and open to the public.

Soroptimist Home Tour, Luncheon & Fashion Show Saturday, December 10th

Soroptimist Home Tour Luncheon and Fashion Show Saturday, December 10th. Home Tour 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 103 E. San Emedio Street, 202 Irene Street, 4 Grey Way. Luncheon at the Westside Believers Churc. Doors open at 11:00 with lunch being served at 12:00. Tickets: $25.00 per person. Tickets are on sale for $25 and are available from any Soroptimist member. Tickets are also available at Jacks Flower Shop and Personal Style. Homes on the tour are located at 103 E. San Emidio St., 202 Irene St. & 4 Grey Way. Proceeds benefit the Criti-cal Care and other local projects.

Mobile Office Hours forCongressman Kevin McCarthy Wednesday, Decem-ber 14th

On Wednesday, December 14, a Field Representative for Congressman Kevin McCarthy will hold office hours in Taft. “Mobile office hours offer a great oppor-tunity for people with questions, concerns or troubles with federal agencies to speak directly to my staff,” said Congressman McCarthy. “I encourage everyone to come out and take advantage of these office hours and wish everyone a very happy holiday season.” Mobile office hours will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at the Taft College Library, 29 Emmons Park Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Vince Fong, District Director for Congressman McCarthy (661) 327-3611 Congressman McCarthy’s Website: http://www.kevinmccarthy.house.gov/

Community Christmas Carolers Sunday December 18th

Let’s join our voices. Community Christmas Carolers Sunday, December 18th at 4pm. Meet at Peace Lutheran Church, 26 Emmons Park Drive. Return later for soup, sandwiches, hot chocolate and coffee. For more information call 765-6248.

News BriefsCommunity Events

www.taftindependent.comTaft [email protected]

Soroptimist Annual “Homes For The Holidays” Soroptimist International of Taft presents their annual “Homes for the Holi-days” Home Tour, Luncheon & Fashion Show on Saturday, December 10. The Home Tour is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Again this year the Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held at Westside Believers Church and will begin at 12:00 noon with the doors opening at 11am. Fashions will be presented by: A Hint of Class and Personal Style. A raffle will be held for Christmas baskets. Tickets to the event are $25 and can be purchased at Jacks Flower Shop, Personal Style and from any Soroptimist member. Proceeds benefit the Critical Care and other local projects.

The West Hills Church of the Nazarene will be putting on their annual drive through nativity scene for the community on December 9th and 10th from 6pm to 8pm both nights at the church, located at 300 Lassen Aveneue across from the West Side Recreation and Parks District. The West Hills Church has been providing this nativity scene to the community for the past 12 years. The cast members, all young and old alike, are members of the Nazarene church. There will be live animals in the cast as well. The tour will be narrated and as you drive along the path you can hear the story about the birth of Jesus through a sound system. This event is free of charge.

West Hills Church Drive Through Nativity Scene

Music Man Production Delights Taft Audience

By Jane McCabe

Ever since it was first performed on Broadway in 1957 The Music Man has been an American favorite. It’s a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Mer-edith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. In River City, Iowa, prim librarian and piano teacher Marian Paroo sees through him, but when Hill helps her younger brother overcome his fear of social interactions due to his lisp, Marian begins to fall in love with him. Harold, in turn falling for Marian, risks being caught in order to win her…In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, includ-ing Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for “Best Original Cast Album”. The show’s success led to revivals and a popular 1962 film adaptation and a 2003 television remake. It frequently is produced by both professional and amateur theater companies. And so it’s not surprising that director Krista Long chose to put it on in Taft, with the backing of Westside Community Center. The Longs, Krista and Billy, were instrumental in nearly every aspect of its production. Krista directed it; she and Billy did the set design and helped with its construction. Krista and Kelly Morris designed the choreography. She and Billy provided the props. AND Billy starred in the leading role of Professor Harold Hill—his perfor-mance was at once ebullient and good natured—infectious in its good humor. You can’t help but like the man. Kelly Morris co-starred in the role of Marian Paroo. She has a splendid voice and displayed the appropriate amount of old-maid, librarian-like fussiness. Kathy Orrin displays a remarkable stage presence. She added a fine comic sen-sibility to her role of Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, the mayor’s wife. The supporting cast, including the kids who played the River City children, all gave creditable performances and seemed to enjoy themselves. Who can resist songs and lyrics like “You got trouble, right here in River City, and it starts with T and ends with P,” and “Seventy-six trombones led the hit parade”? If I am to make any criticism, I would say the production could use a bit more fine tuning. A big thanks to all who participated in bringing The Music Man again to Taft!

West Side Senior CareResidential Care Facility for the Elderly

Full Time Live-In Care

Now Open3 Openings Available • Women & Men Welcome

115 Adkisson Way - (661) 745-4220State License No. 157202510


Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 4:30pm to Close

Ribeye Steak or Chicken Dinner from 6pm - 8pm

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pmSaturday 4 pm - 9 pm

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pmDinner by Reservation

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 7 am to 4pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 10 am

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineOpen Monday to Saturday

Lunch served 9am-1pmDinner served 5pm - 8pm

508 Center Street765-6550

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pmSaturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm

Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. 6 am-8:30 pmSun. Wed. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm

765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pmDinner by Reservation

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Your Restaurant ListedHERE

Call 765-6550

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

Live Music Saturday Nights

Westside Entertainment

Sagebrush Annie’s

Wine TastingDinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

Get Your Events in the Westside Entertainment Guide. Call 765-6550 or fax 765-6556

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call765-6550!

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

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

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call 765-6550!Starting as low as

$12 per week!

Industry NightRandy’s Trucking is our sponsor for the month of December. We will have

a special Basque style Top Sirloin with some great dishes. Bar opens at 4:30

Dinner served at 7:30Book Your Christmas Party at the Club!

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 4:30 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 22nd Year

Taft City CouncilBy Kent Miller

Work on the rehabilitation project for Sixth Street – between Ash and Warren streets – will be starting soon, after Taft City Council approved a nearly $300,000 contract with Bowman Asphalt of Bakersfield.The project includes installing stop signs on Sixth Street at Em-mons Park Drive.The council, at its Tuesday evening meeting, accepted the $294,507 bid by Bowman over three others for the project. The winning bid was the lowest, with all the others at nearly $309,000 or higher.The work will link up with that being completed on Harrison Street, from Highway 119 to Ash. Harrison becomes Sixth Street at Ash as it enters the city.The work will start soon and hopefully be completed during or soon after the Winter Holiday period, according to a city spokes-person. The work will effect traffic going to Taft College, Taft Union High School, Lincoln Junior High and Roosevelt Interme-diate School.Classes will be out for the college after Friday, Dec. 16. The col-lege resumes classes on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The high school and city schools’ last day of classes before winter break is Friday, Dec. 23, with classes resuming on Monday, Jan. 9.Bowman will have 21 working days to complete the project, with extra time for rain and cold weather delays, said Craig Jones, city public works manager.The project involves grinding down two inches of asphalt on the streets, laying two inches of new asphalt, painting street markings and installing thermo-plastic crosswalk markings, Jones said.“The new plastic markings last longer than paint, are brighter and are raised,” he said. “They are easier to see.”Crossings that are now yellow, and possibly the stop bars, will get the plastic markings, he said.

Truck parkingThe council on Tuesday approved an application seeking up to $2.9 million from the Truck Parking Facilities Discretionary Grants Program to construct a commercial motor vehicles parking facility on Kern Street/Highway 33 at the Albertsons shopping center.There will be no motor home or recreation vehicle parking at the plaza, councilmembers were told.The facility would enhance traffic flow, reduce incidences of illegal

Continued on Page 8

Holiday Wine & Dessert Tasting

Thursday, December 15th5:30pm - 8:00pm

Dessert Wines & ChampagnesCandies, Chocolates, Cakes, and Pies

Black Gold Cafe & Deli508 Center StreetRSVP 765-6550

$15 Per Person

Late for the Parade, the Fox Theater and Changing of the Guard at the Taft Police Department If you were one of the several thousands of people who attended the downtown Taft Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade on Mon-day night, you witnessed the return of a great tradition of celebrating Christmas in Taft. Nearly 70 floats, bands, clubs and other displays were on show down Center Street. The parade was put on by the com-munity’s five service clubs – the Rotary, Soroptimist, Kiwanis and both Lions Clubs – and sponsored by the Taft Chamber. Good job by everyone involved. The first place winner was NTS, Inc. Congratula-tions to NTS. Speaking of the first place winner, there was also a last place winner. It was a late parade float entry you didn’t get to see around midnight Monday - a silver blue Cadillac - in the catch-me-if-you-can category - driven by the late former councilman and former mayor Cliff Thompson. Yes, Mr. Thompson was caught by Taft’s finest driving and weaving erratically in the wrong lane down Center Street. Seems an alert citizen observed Mr. Thompson and called police. So Thompson was stopped and arrested for DUI, cited and taken to a secret location in Bakersfield where he was later released. Police think that Thompson was on medication. This would be funny except that this is the second time in 3 weeks that Thompson had been arrested by Taft Police and cited for DUI. Many folks – including the Watcher - are wondering why Mr. Thompson has been allowed to keep his driver’s license, or his car for that matter, being a danger to him self and others. Seems that the law allows those cited for DUI to keep a temporary drivers license up to 30 days after being cited, while the police confiscate the driver’s actual license. In those 30 days, drivers can appeal or settle the case in court. But until then, watch out for Mr. Thompson if you see him coming your way, especially if you see him coming out of the Oasis. It may not be a happy holiday for an unsuspecting victim. Good news about the Taft Fox Theater. Several owners of the open-again closed-again theater on Center Street have shared with the Watcher that they are close to passing city and county fire inspections so that the theater may once again reopen and begin showing movies and concerts. Former Taft resident Kent Coke - who managed the theater back in the day when the theater was your favorite place to take your high school honey or drop off your kids for the afternoon show - has expressed great interest in leasing the theater from the owners who invested a great deal of money to bring the theater back to its old glory. The success of the theater, regardless of who opens it, depends on the people of Taft supporting the theater. Word is that the New movie 25 Hill that was filmed partially in Taft will debut at the Fox this Spring. And big changes are in store at the Taft Police Department. After serving many distinguished years in law enforcement with the Kern County Sheriff ’s Department and the Taft Police Department where he has been serving as Police Chief, Chief Ken McMinn is set to retire at the end of this month, and not too surprisingly, Lt. Ed Whiting will take his place as interim police chief until a new chief is selected. Word is that Ed will be picked to succeed McMinn.


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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR BINGOThursday AfternoonsGames start at 1:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomAges 21 and olderBuy-in varies, $10-15 averageCash pots! Pull-tabs also sold.

EAGLE MTN. BUS TRIPMonday, January 9, 20127:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Bus leaves from Community CenterAges 21 and older$3 per personCall 763-4246 to reserve a spot on the bus!

by Stephanie House

Check us out online!Need more information on

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

www.wsrpd.comwww.facebook.com/wsrpd

www.quickscores.com/[email protected]

West Side Recreation Report

LITTLE ELF’S BAKERYTuesday, December 133:00-4:15 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomAges 4 and up$3 per personIn this cookie workshop, we will make jumbo sugar cookies and then decorate them. While the cookies are baking, we will watch holiday cartoons and drink hot chocolate. Little elves will need a helper!

KIDS NIGHT OUT!Friday, December 166:30-10:00 p.m.Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades K-6$8 per person ** registration deadline – December 15Join us for a fun evening of games, movies, crafts, pizza, snacks and more! The more the merrier, so be sure to sign-up with a friend! This is the perfect time for parents to get some time to themselves during the busy holiday season. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

LETTERS TO SANTAChildren ages 8 and younger can write letters to Santa Claus in care of his helpers at the Recreation District. We will make sure that he gets your letters and writes back. Please write to Santa before December 15. Don’t forget to include your address! Send letters to:Santa Clausc/o WSRPDP.O. Box 1406Taft, CA 93268

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCESaturday, February 4, 20127:00-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium500 Cascade Place, TaftGirls ages 4 and up$30 per couple ($10 each additional daughter) Don’t miss out on the 4th Annual Father Daughter Dance. Girls ages 4 and older may be accom-panied by their father, guardian or adult relative. The special evening includes music, photographs, snacks and more fun surprises. Tickets are limited and must be purchased by February 2. No tickets will be available the night of the event, so buy yours now!

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

YOUTH HOLIDAY BOWLING LEAGUEWho: 3 groups – 14U, 12U and 10UWhen: December 26, 2011 – January 8, 2012Times: 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.Where: Recreation Center Bowling AlleyFee: $50 per child ** STOP Scholarship funds available for partial fee payment In our first ever Youth Holiday Bowling League, kids will bowl 21 games between December 26 and January 8. There will be trio teams and 2 squads. Fee includes USBC membership, jersey, magazine, and shoe/ball rental. The league will be sanctioned by the Golden Empire USBC. For more infor-

mation, please contact the Bowling Alley at 765-6677. Register now at the Recreation Center!

TINY TOT & INSTRUCTIONAL P.E.When: Monday – Friday Ages 2-3, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Ages 4-6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.Program operates year-round (new students welcome at any time!)Where: Recreation Center GymnasiumFee: $3 per child, per day or $25 monthly What a great way for your little one to burn off some energy before nap time! This is an open gym session designed exclusively for little ones. Enjoy this fun-filled parent & me multi-sport/physical activity time with your child by tumbling on mats, shooting baskets, catching footballs, kicking soccer balls, running obstacle courses and other fun activities. A t-shirt is included in the price of monthly memberships.

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALLTiny Tot: Ages 2-3Instructional I: Ages 3-4Instructional II: Ages 5-6When: January 17 – February 11, 2012Practices: Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00-6:00 p.m.Games: SaturdaysPlace: Recreation Center GymnasiumFee: $25 per personRegistration deadline: January 5

TINY TOT KICKBALLWho: Ages 2-4When: Thursday EveningsTime: 6:00-7:00 p.m.Session: January 26 – February 16, 2012 Place: Recreation Center GymnasiumFee: $25 per personRegistration deadline: January 19

PONYTAIL SOFTBALL – EARLY REGISTRATION$40: November 1 – December 22$45: December 27 – February 23$50: after February 23 (dependent on program availability)NO SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 23.Sign-up early for Ponytail Softball and save 10%! Early bird registration fee is only $40. The softball program is for girls ages 715. Practices begin the week of March 12, 2012 and the season begins April 14, 2012.

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

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

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

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


Taft Christmas Parade Winners What an amazing Christmas Parade! While riding on the Taft Chamber vehicle, I got to see the sidewalks of Center Street filled with people from 8th Street down to 2nd Street on Monday, December 5. The Taft District Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of the service clubs for assisting with putting together the parade and the community support in both participating and attending. We had 65 entries in this year’s parade and a number of people met with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the Parade at the Historic Fort. The winners are as follows: Sweepstakes Winner– NTS, IncFloats: 1st – Calvary Baptist Church, 2nd – Taft SDA Church, 3rd – Midway 4HWalking Groups: 1st – Community Action Partnership, 2nd – Used to be Paul’s Bike Shop, 3rd – American Cancer SocietyMarching Bands: 1st – Lincoln & Roosevelt Beginning Band, 2nd – Conley After School Band, 3rd – Lincoln Lion Pride Band & Color GuardEquestrian: 1st – Kern Trail Riders, 2nd – Miss Rodeo Glennville 2011 Royalty Cheerleaders: 1st – West Side Recreation Cheer, 2nd – Lincoln Jr High CheerleadersAuto: 1st – Hellfighters Motorcycle Ministry, 2nd – West Side Hot Rods & Classic Cars, 3rd – M & S Security Services, Inc. Thank you to the Rotary Club for organizing the Vanguard and Filming the Parade, the Kiwanis Club for arranging the Awards and Trophies, the Soroptimist Club for Judging, the Midway Sun-set Lions and Lions Club for Staging the Participants and Santa, and the Chamber staff for organizing the entries. Without the help of Randy’s Trucking, Black Hall Construction, the Midway Sunset Lions, and Community Christian Fellowship, we would not have had such a beautiful judges stand with sound! Kmart, Albertsons, and the Chamber donated Candy for the parade and Jacks Trophy Shop for donating the sweepstakes trophy. Spe-cial thanks to Taft Chevrolet for providing the vehicles for the Vanguard and the Hummer Limo for the Chamber. Visit the Taft Chamber Facebook to see photos from the parade. You can email additional photos to [email protected]. See you the parade next year!

Westside News & Business Briefs

CookhouseOT

& SaloonSpecializing in Steak & Seafood

Lunch DinnerTuesday - Friday11a.m. - 2p.m.

Tuesday - Thursday 4p.m. - 9p.m.Friday & Saturday 4p.m. - 10p.m.

CLOSEDSUNDAY/MONDAY

205 N. 10th St.(661)763-1819

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 12-13-11 thru 12-17-11)

Tues.12-13-11

LunchTues.

12-13-11Dinner

Wed.12-14-11

Lunch

Wed.12-14-11Dinner

Thurs.12-15-11

Lunch

Thurs.12-15-11Dinner

Fri.12-16-11Dinner

Fri.12-16-11

Lunch

Sat.12-17-11Dinner

OTC Chinese Style Steak

Prime Rib$16.95 Small/ $19.95 Large

BBQ Beef Ribs

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

$9.95

$11.95

$8.95

$8.95

205 N. 10th Street . (661)763-1819

$16.95/ $19.95

Lasagna

$11.95

Roast Pork Loin

$14.95

Veal Liver with Bacon & Onions

Chicken Club

$9.95

BBQ Pork Ribs$14.95 Half/ $16.95 Full

$14.95/ $16.95

Roast New York

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Ben’s Books

Come in and look at our Unadvertised Specials!

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in TaftChristmas is Coming

West Hills Church of the Nazarene 300 Lassen Ave, Taft

Free of charge ~ our gift to the community

Visit Local Businesses, Win Prizes! The Taft Dis-trict Chamber of Commerce has created a Taft Tour of Trees Passport for 2011. Several businesses are setting up Christmas Trees in their stores and are included on our Tour of Trees Pass-port. Visit any and/or all of the busi-nesses on the card this holiday season, take care of your Christmas shopping needs, admire their decorated trees, and vote for your favorite tree. Each business will stamp your passport card in order for you to receive credit for visiting their store. For each stamp, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win several prizes from local businesses! Participating businesses in the Taft Tour of Trees Passport include Acme Jewelry, Ben’s Books, Black Gold Café, City of Taft, End of Times Gallery, Hayden’s Hope, H & R Block, Jacks Flower Shop, KC Photography, Miller’s Beauty Supply, Next Step Cardio & Fitness Club, Personal Style, Pizza Factory, Taft Chamber, Taft Manna 4 U, True Value, Tumbleweed Café, West Kern Oil Mu-

Live Drive Through NativityDecember 9th & 10th

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Fuller Announces Kick Off Of 8th Annual Operation Christmas For Our Troops Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakers-field), is honored to announced the kick-off of the 8th Annual Yellow Ribbon America “Opera-tion Christmas for our Troops” statewide toy drive. Fuller has joined with other members of the California Legislature and representatives from Yellow Ribbon America to seek the public’s assistance to collect toys for the families of military personnel. “Those serving our nation at home and abroad sacrifice daily to protect the freedoms that we too often take for granted,” said Fuller. “While our soldiers are called to active duty their families are often left at home and deserve the same level of attention and gratitude that we show the men and women in uniform. During the holiday season, it is my hope that our communities rally around and support the efforts of Yellow Ribbon America and its Operation Christmas for Our Troops.” This is the eighth consecutive year that members of both sides of the aisle have come together to push a toy and DVD drive to benefit the families of military personnel. In the last seven years, over 500,000 dona-tions have been collected statewide in support of the “Operation Christmas for Our Troops” toy and DVD drive. This is the most successful drive in the nation supporting our troops and their families. Donations will be accepted at Senator Fuller’s Bakers-field District Office, located at 5701 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 150, through December 23rd. Those with questions or an interested in participat-ing, are encouraged to contact the District Office at (661) 323-0443.

Gift certificates are available They make great stocking stuffers!

seum, Westside Furniture, and Westside Recreation. Pick up your passport card at any of these businesses or at the Taft Christmas Pa-rade, December 5. This is a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done locally and enjoy the Christmas trees in Taft. No purchase necessary. Only one stamp per business per card, limit 2 cards per person. Turn your passport cards into the Taft Chamber (400 Kern Street) by December 20 to win!! Prizes to win include a $30 Gift Certificate to Ben’s Books, 12 Joy Archibald paintings from End of Times, a Pizza Factory XL Pizza Certificate, a ladies watch from Personal Style, a gift from Jacks Flower Shop, and a grand prize of a Westside Furniture La-Z-Boy Recliner. Winners announced on Wednesday, December 21. Merry Christ-mas and Happy Shopping!


Free Christmas Dinner A free Holiday Christmas Dinner will once again be provided by the Taft Manna 4 U hot meals and free clothing program. A full Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings will be held at their facility at 201 Harrison Street (corner of Harrison and Burch Streets). The dinner will be held Thursday, December 15th from 11am to 2pm. Manna 4 U is in its 5th year of operation. Taft Manna 4 U gives free gently used clothing and soon once again will be providing regular free hot meals for all their friends in need and the hurting and lonely people of Taft and the Westside. Taft Manna 4 U thanks all the generous citizens of the community that have generously helped keep our doors open. Funds are needed to assist operational needs at Taft Manna 4 U. Taft Manna 4 U also needs everyday food, and turkeys and pies for their Christmas meal. During their last Thanksgiving meal they served about 200 people needing love and help. Volunteers are always welcomed. Taft Manna 4 U has no paid employees. Taft Manna 4 U is a 100% volunteer group so all donations go directly into the program. Please share your love this Holiday Season! Taft Manna 4 U can be reached by calling 661-765-5851.

Westside News & Business Briefs

101 B. Street • Taft

(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

$8.95 Lunch specials served daily from 11am to 3pm and

includes drink11am-3pm

includes drink

Lunch Specials

Free Parking No Fog, Free Gift Wrap

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

It’s Not Too Early...

14K • Black Hills • Tungsten Sterling Silver • Jewelry Wax Melters • Candles Reed Diffuser & More

To get everything on your list

426 Center Street763-5451

Large selection of gear moving clocks, spyderco knives & kershaw knives.

Home Tour - Fashion Show & Luncheon

Saturday, December 10thHome Tour 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Luncheon at the Westside Believers Church

Doors open 11:00 a.m. Luncheon Served at 12:00 noon

$25.00 per personTickets available from any Soroptimist member or at

Personal Style & Jacks Flower Shop

“Homes for the Holidays”

Soroptimist International of Taft

Presents

Proceeds benefit critical care & other local projects

On Monday, December 12, 2011, Taft College and the Taft College Foundation will hold a Press Conference to celebrate the awarding of a $50,000 STEM Corporate Circle Grant from Chevron. Since inception of the STEM Program at Taft College, Chevron has been a loyal supporter and founding member of the STEM Corporate Circle. Our event will begin at 11:00 a.m., with a VIP Tour of the Taft College STEM Building, followed by luncheon in the Cougar Room at 11:30 a.m. The formal presentation will be held at ap-proximately 12:00 noon. While the event is technically by invitation only, because of the luncheon service, the public is invited to attend the presentation in the Cougar Room at 12:00 noon. Should you have any questions, please contact Sheri Horn-Bunk, Executive Director, Taft College Foundation, at 661.763.7936 or [email protected] .

Check Presentation From Chevron For the STEM Corporate Circle Sponsorship

HAYDENS HOPEThrift Store

All New MerchandiseClothing • Electronics • Housewares

God Bless!Together we can help keep our Teens in Taft off the streets.

Merry Christmas420 1/2 Center Street

Find us on Facebook

Shop With A CopDuring the past years, taft Community Correctional Facility received donated bicycles which the CCF inmates restored. Taft Community Correctional Facility has in turn donated these bi-cycles that have been restored by inmates to community charitable organizations who pass them to needy children during Christmas time as gifts. This year the Taft Police Association (TPOA) (Shop with a cop) will assume the responsibility of distributing the bicycles to children in the community. However, new parts, tires, and paint require funds from com-munity businesses and organizations to make this project a success. Your contribution to Re-HAB these bicycles and new toys for any amount will be appreciated by the TPOA/Ahop with a cop, by the charitable organizations, and especially the receiving child. Won’t you help brighten a child’s Christmas in our community by your contribution for new bicycle materials and new toys by making a check payable to TPOA- Shop With A Cop320 Commerce Way, Taft, CA 93268

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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

Check Out Our Website!maricopaquiltcompany.com

And Facebook Page!

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131

531KernStreet-P.O.Box985(661)765-4798FAX

Taft,CA93268•(661)203-6694Cell

E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

All Clothing $1Dec. 10th - 16th

Some exceptions apply


New Bill Damages Bill of Rights and Could Target Americans for Military DetentionBy Dr. Harold Pease

Civil libertarians and constitutional buffs are angrier with the Federal Government now than at any time since the Bush Patriot Act was pushed onto the American people ten years ago. Buried deep with-in the over 600 page, $662 billion National Defense Authorization Act is language that “would require

the military to hold suspected terrorists linked to Al Qaeda or its affiliates, even those captured on U. S. soil indefinitely” and without trial, on the say so of the military through the President alone. Moreover, even Americans could be removed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba against their will and deprived of their constitutional rights. The fury has to do with U.S. citizenship. Originally Senators Carl Levin and John McCain, who sponsored the bill, did not exempt U.S. citizens—a serious omission which dumps sizable portions of Amendments 4, 5, and 6 of the Bill of Rights. Senators Rand Paul, Dianne Feinstein and others demanding a citizen exclusion proposed amendments to do so, all of which were rejected. Senator Feinstein noted that her goal “was to ensure the military won’t be roaming our streets looking for suspected terrorists.” The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, following the Civil War, forbade the U.S. military from performing law enforcement functions on American soil. The American Civil Liberties Union was also blunt. “Since the bill puts military detention authority on steroids and makes it permanent, American citizens and others are at greater risk of being locked away by the military without charge or trial if this bill becomes law.” When asked if it were possible for an American to be shipped to Guantanamo Bay, John McCain, a co-author of the bill, said yes. Senator Lindsey Long was more blunt. “When they say, ‘I want my lawyer,’ you tell them, ‘Shut up. You don’t get a lawyer.’” Finally, Dianne Feinstein successfully got Senate colleagues to accept a weakened version of the same thing, “nothing in the bill changes current law relating to the detention of U.S. citizens and legal aliens.” Even while getting this clarification Senator Levin was still arguing, “that the June 2004 Supreme Court decision in Hamdi v. Rumsfeld said U.S. citizens can be detained indefinitely.” So, since it was so difficult to get an exclusion for Americans, and the co-authors of the bill, Senators Levin and McCain, say that it does include U.S. citizens as well. Why would a weak exclusion give civil libertarians any comfort? It doesn’t. Some things are very clear. The terms “terrorists” and “affiliates” are not adequately defined, the President is given way too much power, and it violates the U.S. Constitution upon which everyone voting has sworn to uphold. It is hard to trust the government’s precise definition of terrorist when Vice President Joe Biden, a few weeks ago, referred to Tea Partiers as terrorists and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a few months prior to this referred to them as mobsters (a term also implying a threat to society). What guarantee do we have that the “new” enemy does not simply rotate to anyone defined as “anti-government,” citizen or not? The measure places too much power and trust in the office of the President which has not proved particularly trustwor-thy in the past with respect to the Constitution and civil liberty. Franklin D. Roosevelt, with the stroke of a pen, detained thousands of Japanese Americans in “relocation camps” in World War II on the basis of race and potential terrorism alone. Jose Padilla, allegedly an affiliate of al Qaeda, a U.S. citizen arrested in Chicago for having plans to detonate a “dirty bomb,” was tortured and confined, without benefit of a lawyer for three years, by then President George W. Bush; all this within the borders of the United States. No actual evidence of a “dirty bomb” was ever produced, nor was Padilla ever charged with a crime. Two other Americans, Donald Vance and Nathan Ertel, had similar torture experiences as did Padilla but with less time in solitary confinement, again without charges. (See details in the December 5 issue of The New American). Ultimately, with no evidence to support their confinement, they were set free. And if Americans are sent to Guantanamo Bay under this law, how much confidence can we have that if found innocent they would be set free, especially given President Barack Obama’s recent assertion, cited in the above reference, that were military commissions to find them innocent they still “would never be set free from prison.” This is so wrong! Why should we have confidence in any president to not use this power as seemeth him good? The threat of potential incarceration without recourse to a lawyer, judge and trial is very serious. The military perform-ing police duties here to for rendered by civil authorities is unconscionable in a free society. Ninety-three senators voted for this bill. Only seven understood the Constitution well enough to vote no. Should President Obama sign this bill into law, I will follow with an column on how it emasculates Amendments 4, 5, and 6 of the Bill of Rights. Until then pass this column along to others. It is your liberty at stake. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

Community Voices

Your Weekly Gas Price Update Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen 6.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.63/g Monday, December 5th. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.29/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, December 5th were 44.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 20.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national aver-age has decreased 13.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 35.5 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. “Even as oil and gasoline futures rallied after strong Black Friday sales reports and a drop in unemployment, retail gasoline prices have mover lower,” according to GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “I have a suspicion that as we near 2012, we may see retail prices climb slightly higher again on upbeat holiday spending, which is indicative of a healthier economy. If we remember back to last year, positive holiday sales also led to higher gasoline prices as Christmas approached, which may play out again this year,” DeHaan added.

big rig parking – including in the Rails to Trails area – reduce and control emissions, and provide a safe parking area for drivers, said Lucille Holt, city grant administrator, in her report to the council.The truck drivers would also have easy access from the facility to several restaurants. The facility would have mobile truck air conditioning units, charging stations, bathrooms, a vending center and amenities such as landscaping, lighting and benches, Holt said. The plaza would be solar-powered, she said.The grant would require a 20 percent city match, but that would be covered by a second grant, Holt said.The facility would generate income from fees for the air conditioning units, charging stations and vending center in addition to possibly yielding

customers for restaurants and motels, she said.Paving of the plaza will reduce dust that now is raised when winds blow across the lot, councilmembers noted.

Other actions* The council approved funding for the Taft Chamber of Commerce for the April-June and July-September quarters of 2011.The money comes from the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax charged motel guests. Under an agreement reached in September 2008, the cham-ber receives 25 percent of the TOT received by the city each quarter.For April-June, the city received nearly $47,900, with nearly $12,000 going to the chamber. For July-September, the city gained nearly $13,800, with nearly $3,500 going to the chamber.

* The Tuesday, Jan. 3, meeting of the council was cancelled.“Normally, there is little or no activity requiring council action during the holiday period,” City Clerk Louise Hudgens told the councilmembers in the request for the cancellation.* Police Chief Ken McMinn reported on actions he is taking to seek inmates for the Taft Community Correc-tional Facility now that the state has removed its prisoners.California counties are being contact-ed to let them know that the facility is available to house their prisoners being returned by the state to the counties, McMinn said.He hopes to have up to 600 other counties’ inmates in the facility by the spring, reinstating an income flow for the city from the nearly 21-year-old prison.

City Council Continued From Page 4

Former Taft Mayor Thompson Arrested Second Time For Driving Under The Influence

Thompson Stopped by Police for Driving in Wrong Lane on Center Street After Taft Christmas Parade

Former Taft Mayor Cliff Thomp-son has been arrested for a second time by Taft Police for driving under the influence. According to Taft Police Lt. Ed Whiting, Thompson was stopped by police after being observed driving a silver late model Cadillac on the wrong side of the road in the 500 block of Center Street at approximately 11:45 p.m Monday evening. Police had been alerted by a witness who observed Thompson's vehicle being operated in an erratic manner earlier. It was Thompson's second arrest for DUI in 3 weeks by the Taft Police Department. In November, Thompson was arrested for DUI and hit and run involving property damage. Thompson was arrested and taken to Kern Medical Center where he was administered a blood alcohol test. He was later released.


EVELYN MAY ROWEFebruary 5, 1916 – December 4, 2011

Evelyn May Rowe, a spry 95 years young, passed away in Bakersfield, on Sunday, De-cember 4, after a brief illness. A native of Taft, she was born on February 5, 1916 to parents Theresia Kosel Beck of Austria and Lewis “Slim” Beck of Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of five siblings and was raised on the Derby Lease. At 5’11” in height, she had quite an advantage as an athlete in high school, playing field hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis and softball. Graduating in 1934 from Taft High School, she then attended Taft College for two years. Dur-

ing the 1930s she and her younger sister, Genevieve “Skip,” played on local softball teams. She played right field and Skip was a pitcher. With the growing popularity of softball as an organized sport for women, it was quite common for big busi-nesses in Los Angeles to back teams and recruit talented players. Evelyn played for four years, first for Payne Furnace Co., Beverly Hills and then Columbia Pictures, Burbank. Unlike today, the prestige of the sport did not pay her bills. She supple-mented by taking a job with Bank of America which she held for several years. Just before WW II broke out, she moved back to Taft. For 27 years Evelyn worked for Standard Oil Co./Chevron in the Drafting & Maintenance Depts., retiring in Oc-tober of 1971. Evelyn met the love of her life, Herbert John “Jack” Rowe, a Mari-copa lad, with whom she celebrated 51 years of marriage until his death in 2004. During those wonderful years, the two traveled extensively around the country by bus, car and boarding an occasional cruise liner. And, of course, there was always the annual yearly trek to Klamath River for salmon fishing. They were both loyal avid Taft College Cougar football fans, never missing a home or away game. She loved her Cadillacs because they had extra leg room for her long legs, although she could frequently be seen driving Jack’s Chevy truck around town. At all times she was truly a lady. Her hair and makeup was the morning must, always accessorized by wearing earrings. She wrote thank you notes with perfect penmanship, never missed a birthday remembrance with a $20 bill enclosed, looked forward to “girls night out” and never missed a party. Her favorite movies were “chick flicks” and Johnny Depp. She was a champion of Bingo, she enjoyed an occasional margarita and loved anything pink. Even in her 90s she had hearing like a bat and the eyes of an eagle. Although limited in the kitchen, she was famous for her carrot-pineapple Jello salad every Thanksgiving and Christmas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack and sisters, Genevieve “Skip” Jones and Thelma “Sam” Green and her youngest brother, Lawrence Beck. Evelyn is survived by her brother, Raymond L. Beck (Velda) of Penn Valley, CA. Auntie Evelyn will be deeply missed by her niece, Mary Crowley and family (Meghan (Tad) Garner, Shauna Crowley, Breanne (Tom-mie & baby Kieran) Zaby, Keegan, Seamus and Darby Crowley) from Huntington Beach, CA; and nephew, Jim Fiscus of Maricopa; and niece, Suzy Jackson and fam-ily from Taft. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so on Friday, December 9, 2011, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, December 10, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:a.m. at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday morning, December 10, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in the West Side District Cemetery.www.EricksonAndBrown.com

TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

Pastor Cindy BrettschneiderSunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM

Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AM

Adult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PMWednesday Night Service 6:00 PM

Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley DriveWe invite you to join us

each week as we worship

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 amSunday Morning Worship 11:00 amSunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning WorshipService 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening WorshipService 6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Gateway Temple CommunityChristian

Fellowship631 North Street

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’sEpiscopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.Rev. Linda Huggard

703 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

Angel Food Program Tues. 9am - 12pm Thurs. 3pm - 6pm

Sunday Services 10amUTURN Youth Service

Sunday 6pm1000 6th St.

Weekly Classes Mon - ThursPlease call 765-7472 for info

For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley www.nlctaft.org or [email protected]

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45Sunday Evening Worship 5:00

Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30

For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 487-2416Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

Mary A. McWhorter

604 Main Street • P.O. Box 578Maricopa, CA 93252 • (661)769-9599

YOUR CHURCH

AD HERE! CALL

TODAY! 765-6550

ObituaryThe Only Mortuary On The West Side

Where All Arrangements And Funerals Are Personally Directed ByLicensed Funeral Directors

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of TaftWednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS

All green waste must be bagged. Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTEDConstruction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/

Hazardous Waste/Tires

If Missed… Call Office at

763-5135

Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

Fat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

Open 7 Days - 763-51561010 6th Street • Taft

AdvertiseWith The

Taft IndependentCall Today!765-6550

Mary Marthaline Golden

A graveside Memorial Service was held on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Westside Cemetery in Taft for longtime Taft resident Mary Marthaline Golden. Mary was born May 24th, 1926 in Eudora, Mississippi and passed away June 11, 2011 in Port Townsend, Washington. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James Cecil Golden, her son Jesse Irvin Golden, her granddaughter, Kay Horton and her great grandson, Scotty Stonbraker. She is survived by her sons and daughters; Cecilia and Larry Perry of Port Hadlock, A, Jamie and ML Gregory of Maricopa, Gerald David and Dianne Golden of Taft, Carolyn Dixon of Taft,

Beverly Golden of Bakersfield, and Mike and Linda Golden of Maricopa. Mary had fourteen Grandchildren, fourteen Great Grandchildren, five Great Great Grand-children and a host of nieces and nephews living in Mississippi and Tennessee. Mary proudly served her country in the Women’s Army Corp during WWII and after raising her children she worked as a Nurse Aid at the Pacific Regency in Taft. Mary loved to travel and she loved to read. Mary didn’t know a stranger and was filled with many amusing stories that she shared with family and friends alike who will miss her great smile, kind heart and wonderful sense of humor.


out what we have in store for you! West

Kern Water District is seeking an energetic individual to join our

team who has the ability to work independently and read water meters

with a high degree of accuracy. Apply

immediately at 800 Kern Street, P.O. Box 1105,

Taft, CA 93268.

Deadline for submitting application is

Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District application.

The successful applicant will be subject to a

pre-employment drug screen, physical and thorough background

check. E.O.E.

Kitchen Manager

Buena Vista Golf Course now hiring managewment postion at Buena Vista Grill. Applications available at the Golf Course. Interviews start 12/26/11. Position starts Jan. 1. Call (661) 549-4653 Allan or (661) 319-1871 Chad.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WantedWANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661-293-0359 or 661-765-6497. We will pick up!

office) Maricopa616 Poso,(restaurant & dry good w/ beer & wine license)MaricopaResidential417 Tyler $60K 3bed/ 2 bath415 Buchanan St $35,500 cash only

Can’t make payments call me!!

Wondering how buying a house works? Set an appointment with Karri to watch a FREE video on the process.

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list or drop by the office.

MOBILE HOMES

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENT205 W Ash C 2/1.5 $600601 4th 2/1 $650435 B St 2/1 $700302 Calvin 1/1 $850528 D St 2/1 $850602 Elkhorn 3/1.75 $850404 Fillmore 3/1.75 $1,000

FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!Complete list of homes for Sale and Rent avail-able!

523 Naylor St. 3 bd/2ba $1,050 mo + dep.408 Jackson St. 3bd/1ba $880 mo + dep.1bd 1 ba. house. 707 Fillmore 3 bd/1ba $780 mo. + dep. (661)343-0507.

1/1 cottage incl ref, new bthrm sink vanity, private fenced yard, lots of ktchn cabinets, $410 mo. 1st & last month rent free. Sec. dep. depends on credit. Mark King 805-689-4122

3bd/2ba newer home lrg lot, emaculent cond. 2 car garage, AC $1,200 mo + dep 661-577-2158

1bd/1ba garage, alley entrance $550 mo + dep. 661-477-9636

APART. FOR RENT

MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo.

For SaleFOR SALE

ESP Electric Gtr., All Gold pt. + chrome. Lots of extras. Mint. $500. 238-9723.

Pickers Buy & Sell 428 Center Street

Hours 1-5pm Tues-Fri

AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock

FOUND PETS

LOST PETS

Real EstatePROPERTY

MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

BUSINESSFOR SALE

FOR SALE

Established local Taft business. Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli. Excellent location, near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $25,000. Room to ex-pand product offerings. Good family business. Call 661-623-4296.

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

Purchase

Commercial:330 California (old post

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, or $10 with a photo. Email us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $2.00 per line. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Sale ads are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon)

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 508 Center St., Taft, CA 93268

Business ServicesRite Away Carpet CleaningCarpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General CleaningOwner OperatedVisa\Master Card 765-4191

YARD SALESAdvertise your yard sale ad. 3 lines for $2, additional lines after that $2 each. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Moving Estate Sale Friday til gone! Everything goes! 715 Buena Vista St., entire household.

3 Family Huge Sale! Saturday 301 Jamison Ln. 8am to noon. Rain or Shine inside warehouse behind Jerry Melton’s. Do some Holiday shopping with us!

Sat & Sun Dec 10th & 11th 9am -4pm 210 Harding Ave. Lots of everythimg!

404 S. 7th Street. Sat and Sun 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

436 Phillippine. Sat, and Sun. Tools, bicycle, CD’s misc.

ANNOUNCEMENTSGrief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

BusinessServices

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Computer RepairGraphic ArtsWeb Design

Virus Removal661-623-5188

YARD SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

Office cleaning, years of experience. Call Kathi 661-703-8186

EmploymentHELP WANTED

Meter Reader($2,943 - $4,623 per

month)

If you are looking for a career, come and check

Community

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

Plumbing • Septic • RooterFraming • Electrical • ConcreteTaft Property Mgt. 661

745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057

Imperial Gardens 424 Woodrow Street 2bd $625 mo. 1bd $550 mo. Stove fridge, dishwasher, pool, private car port. 661-293-0830 or 661-765-4299.

Creekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.

Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’s Pool,lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333.

2bd/1ba $750 mo + dep. Recently remodeled. Fenced front and back yards. 661-589-2720.

$350 Move In Special. 108 Center Street. 1bd/1ba (661)765-7678.

1 bd. 1 ba. apt. 709 North St. No. B. $475 plus dep. Credit Chk. Leora 661-302-1333.

PUBLIC NOTICEMichael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STET OF CALIFORNIACOUNTY OF KERN

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MICHAEL LONG TO HAVE THE STANDING OF THE TAFT INDEPENDENT AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION ASCERTAINED AND ESTABLISHED.

CASE NO: S-1500-CV-274771

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR ORDER DECLARING STATUS OF NEWSPAPER AS ONE OF GENERAL CIRCULATION (GOV. CODE 6021)

Notice is hereby given that, on January 18, 2012, at 8:30am, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in Department 14 of this court, located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, petitioner intends to apply for an order declaring the newspaper known as The Taft Independent to be a newspaper of general circulation for Taft, California.

DATED: SEPTEMBER 23-2011

Petitioner Michael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268 _________________

Michael Long, PublisherThat Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STET OF CALIFORNIACOUNTY OF KERN

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MICHAEL LONG TO HAVE THE STANDING OF THE TAFT INDEPENDENT AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION ASCERTAINED AND ESTABLISHED.

CASE NO: S-1500-CV-274771

PETITION TO ASCERTAIN AND ESTABLISH STANDING AS NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION (GOV. CODE 6008, 6020)

Petitioner, Michael Long, alleges: 1. Petitioner is the publisher of the newspaper known as The Taft Independent, hereafter referred to as “the newspaper.” 2. The newspaper is a newspaper of general circulation published for the dissemination of local news and intelligence of a general character in Taft, California. The business address of the newspaper is 508 Center Street, Taft, California. 3. The newspaper has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers, numbering 536, and a substantial distribution to paying subscribers, numbering 346, within the City of Taft, California. 4. For more than three years preceding the filing of this petition, the newspaper has been established under the name of The Taft Independent, and has been so established and published, that is, issued and sold or distributed regularly every Friday in Taft, Californai. 5. During each year of the three-year period preceding the filing of this petition, the newspaper has maintained a minimum

For Rent 220 Montview3 bed 1 bath.

Fenced yard. Granite counter tops $795.

Paul Joyce 805-218-1686

Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

The Cell Fone StoreMóviles y Accesorios y

alimentos y más510 Finley Drive661-765-2500

G and FFootwear

Athletic and Tennis ShoesVans - Nike - Levis

Adio and More!T-Shirts and Pants405 Finley StreetIn the Pilot Plaza

Phone 340-8609

coverage of local news and intelligence of a general character of not less than twenty-five percent of its total inches; it has had only one principal office of publication, located in Taft, California.

WHEREFORE, petitioner prays for judgment ascertaining and establishing the Taft Independent as a newspaper of general circulation, as defined in Section 6008 of the Government Code, for the City of Taft, County of Kern, California.

Dated this September 23, 2011

Petitioner

Michael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

I, Michael Long, am the petitioner in the above-entitled proceeding. I have read the foregoing petition and know the contents thereof. The same is true of my own knowledge, except as to those matters which are therein alleged on information and belief, and as to those matters, I believe it to be true.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.September 23, 2011, Taft, California.

SignedMichael Long

Collectables • Tools • Jewelry • Knick Knacks

Pickers Buy & Sell

20% Off Holiday DiscountOpen Tuesday - Thursday

1pm - 5pmMust bring coupon. ex: 12/31/11

One coupon per customer per sale.

428 Center Street


Taft [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTSSERVICES

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

Smog Check!Certified C.A.P. Station

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor You Special

Event

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway

Randy’s Trucking

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades •

• Rear Operator Control Panel •

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

Qik Smog & Tune

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

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

Open 7 Days a Week

Precision Bodyworks & Towing

We take the DENTS out of ACCIDENTS

317 Main Street • Taft

Phone (661)763-4420

FAX (661)763-1389

Cell (661)577-6785

608 Center St.

2012 Bikes are Arriving NOW!

745-4919

HARRISON STREETAUTOMOTIVE

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

www.shawswesternshop.com

Shaw’s Pet WashWith Dog or Cat Full GroomReceive 20% Off

Any new collar, sweater or jacket for your pet!

Just In Time For Christmas!

Gift Ideas for that Special Someone

western shop & PET SUPPLY

Thru December we will do a flea dip or shampoo Only

Christmas Special

$11.00 small dog$15.00 med dog$20.00 large dog$30.00 giant dog

This does not include shampoos, drying, brushing, or nails. It is always best to

follow up with a flea spot on to prevent reinfestation.

Great sales throughout the store!

Breyer Horses and OrnamentsMontana Silver Jewelry

Western Gifts Leather Wallets & Belts


Shop Local • Save Local • Support Taft

TAFT Chevrolet Buick

661-763-4201 501 North StreetTaft, CA 93268

A/C ServiceTransmission Service

Radiator Service

Tune Up ServiceOil Change

Tire Balance & Rotation

Fuel Injection ServiceComputerized Wheel

Alignment

Huge Inventory of Tires for all Kinds

of Trucks and Cars!

Joe Fuller Jr. Has Joined The Team At Taft Chevrolet!

Truck Load of Tires Sale Joe Fuller Jr.

WINTER SAVINGS!GM Certified Service Department

www.shoptaft247.com

Ask for our complimentary wash and multi point inspection with every oil change service!

We Service

All Makes and Models!

We Guarantee All Repairs!

AN AMERICAN R VOLUTION

Christmas In Taft, Taft's Tour of Trees

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