Taft Correctional Institute

August 17 - 23, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

August 17 - 23, 2012 • Volume 7 Issue 8www.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

Kern County Code Enforcement On South Taft: This is as Good as it Gets

Over 50 Different Craft & Imported Beers

531 Center Street(661)763-1123

WE SERVICE MOST MAKES AND MODELS

MESSENGER AUTOMOTIVEOver 36 Years

Experience Combined

SEE US FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDSMONDAY - FRIDAY8:00am - 5:00pm

SENIOR & MILITARY

DISCOUNTS*Must ask for discount

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

Home Sweet Home: Taft Reopens Community Correctional Facility To 512 LA County Prisoners

By Jane McCabe

West side Recreation Report

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 17 - 23 2012

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

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

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

3995*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. August 31, 2012

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Nail Services:Gel Polish • Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic

Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

(661)745-4913

Like Us on Facebook

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

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

Residential • Commercial

Fast • Friendly • Affordable661-765-4377

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

WE SHIP!

Lic # B-721903

WE HAVE MOVED!Now located at 210 6th Street

(661)763-4176

Electronics • Prepaid Phones Service • Accessories

A Hint of ClassName Brand Clothing

Shoes • JewelryAccessories & More

Inside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Summer EssentialsIn Stock

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

Leanin Tree Greeting Cards

2 for $1.00

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]

415 Center Street

Yankee CandlesShoes & Sandals

Sunglasses& More!

Black GoldCafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6556

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

Hot Summer SalesCheck in each week

for new savings!

New Arrivals Coming.

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

610 Center Street • 661-745-4954Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

HTC EVO Design 4G

Coming Soon!Internet Corner.

Now Available


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

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

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

Westside News.................5

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

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

Liberty Under Fire.........8

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

Shop Taft........................11

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]

Advertising

Contributing Writers June Woods, Kent Miller,

Wesley Morris, Nicole Frost

ColumnistsRandy Miller

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Subscriptions\DeliveryTim Webb, Patrick Harget

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday August 21, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA

(661) 763-1222AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD

OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ANDPOSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE

www.cityoftaft.orgTELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11:

Wednesday 8 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.

News Briefs

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

Taft California“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument”

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Have a community event that you would like to include? Email it to us at [email protected]

Community Events

Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com

August 19th - Pinewood Derby

August 20th - School starts

August 23 - Farmer’s Market on Center Street

August 30th - Taft College 90th Birthday Party 12pm-2pm

August 30 - Farmer’s Market on Center Street

August 31st - September 3rd, Taft Bike Fest

September 27th - Last Farmers Market

September 29th - Taft College/ TIL Casino Night

The Second Annual Community Pinewood Derby August 19 There is still time to sign up for the Second Annual Community Pinewood Derby. This year’s derby will be held on Sunday, August 19. A great time was had by all participants at last year’s derby and this year it’s moving inside to beat the heat, Imagination Laboratories, Inc. has partnered with WSRPD and True Value to bring you this year’s event. Boy Scout troop 600 and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints have once again generously donated the use of their track. This year’s derby will be held at the WSRPD Community Cen-ter Auditorium. There are still some car kits are available to purchase at the WSRPD main office and at True Value home center. Registra-tion is only $6 for a car kit and event entry. Those with their own cars will be able to register the day of the event for $4. Registration and weigh-ins are from 12:00-1:30pm and racing begins at 2:00pm. For more information you can call WSRPD at 763-4246 or email ILinc at [email protected].

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

Support Your Local VFW

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT August 17 - 23 2012Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268

Open Monday- Friday 3:30pm to CloseFriday Night 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

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. 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

Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

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.

Letters to the Editor

CLOSED JULY 4thIndustry Night

July Industry Night will be Wednesday, July 11th due to July 4th being a holiday.

Industry Night for July is sponsored byLDL Services

The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and AnniversariesHall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft

TAFTFOX.COM

Week of Friday, August 17, 2012 through Thursday, August 23, 2012

ParaNorman (PG) No Passes AllowedFri: (3:00), (5:15), 7:30

Sat & Sun: (12:50), (3:00), (5:15), 7:30Mon - Thu: 5:15, 7:30

The Bourne Legacy (PG-13) Fri: (2:50), (5:30), 8:15Sat: (3:40), 6:30, 9:15

Sun: (3:40), 6:30Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM

The Watch (R) Fri: (3:10), (5:30), 8:00, 10:20

Sat: (1:10), (3:30), (5:45), 8:00, 10:20Sun: (1:10), (3:30), (5:45), 8:00

Mon - Thu: 5:30, 8:00


California Has 4 Times the Oil that’s in the North Dakota Bakken Formation Think that most of the oil in North America is in Texas or North Dakota? Think again. Take the Monterey Shale Formation in California which includes West Kern County. It is estimated to have 64 percent of the recoverable shale oil reserves in the lower 48 states, according to the US Energy Information Administra-tion report: “Review of Emerging Resources: U.S. Shale Gas and Shale Oil Plays - July 20112”

You may remember when, late last year, California Gov. Jerry Brown pushed for a top state regulator to ease regula-tions for energy companies seeking to drill for California’s oil. The official refused. A week later, Brown fired the regulator — along with a deputy administrator. The governor appointed replacements who agreed to stop subjecting every fracking project to a top-to-bottom review before issuing a permit. California could have more than four times the recover-able shale oil than the Bakken in North Dakota. It has more than 4.5 times the reserves of the Eagle Ford Formation in Texas. And it has nearly ten times the shale oil reserves in the Avalon and Bone Springs Formation in New Mexico and Texas. According to the same EIA report: The largest shale oil formation is the Monterey/Santos play in southern California, which is estimated to hold 15.4 billion barrels or 64 percent of the total shale oil resources shown in Table 1. The Monterey shale play is the primary source rock for the conventional oil reservoirs found in the Santa Maria and San Joaquin Basins in southern California.

Taft Diving Team 2012 Taft Diving Team an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Diving team is forming at the Taft Union High School beginning August20th at 3:15 pm. Coach Abbe Gore a was former Junior Olympic Champion, collegiate diver for the University of Arizona as well as a professional high diver with the U.S. High Diving Team. She will be signing up interested children through high school age students for the Taft Diving Team. Divers must be able to swim 2 laps in the deep water proficiently.

Gore is a certified AAU coach and has coached U.S. Na-tional finalists at CSUB and assisted coaching Bakersfield area high school divers in the past. Her love of the sport has inspired her to begin a program here in Taft. Last school year her daughter Melissa won the Div. 2 CIF Champion-ship. The facility at Taft High is a wonderful pool and now it can be used for a club team. She hopes this will help feed the High School diving program and get kids interested in the sport of competitive diving. As an Olympic sport diving is one of the most popular sports on television. The U.S. earned a total of 4 medals in the diving events this summer.

Diving is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn self-con-fidence and have fun challenging their acrobatic and athletic abilities. The basics will be taught first such as the proper approach and hurdle then the five basic diving groups on springboard will be introduced. Those being forward, back-ward, reverse, inward and twisting groups.

Anyone interested in joining the team should come to the pool August 20th at 3:15pm to find out more information and sign up for the team. There will be a $25 trial member-ship fee that will allow participants to begin diving from the 21st till the 31st. Forms will be available at the first meeting and as soon as the fee and membership are complete the children can begin the program. This will also allow partici-pants to dive through the end of August. Then beginning September 1st there will be a one time annual membership fee of $25 and $40 per month coaching fee due on the first practice of every month. For further information you can email [email protected] or find us on Facebook “Taft Diving Team”, or call 661-205-1534.

The next largest shale oil plays are the Bakken and Eagle Ford, which are assessed to hold approximately 3.6 billion barrels and 3.4 billion barrels of oil, respectively. How long is California going to ignore the potential that oil development offers in terms of higher revenue and in-creased employment while the state looks to facebook stock options and higher taxes to fix the fiscally and ideologically bankrupt state budget? Just think what California could be doing in this time of high gasoline and soaring electricity costs to homeowners and businesses in the state. The problem in Sacramento is that the legislature is con-trolled by liberal and environmental interest who’s article of faith is to eliminate oil production and consumption and replace that with wind farms, solar and other alternative energy uses. In the meantime, Sacramento’s ignores what the state has to do to provide consumers with cheap and reliable energy until these alternatives come about. Highly unlikely for another 50 years.


Letters to the Editor

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

[email protected]

West Side Recreation Report

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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


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 CASINO BUS TRIPMonday, September 3, 20127:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Bus leaves from the Community CenterAges 21 and older$3 per personCall 763-4246 to reserve your spot!

NIGHT SWIMAugust 20-30 (extended dates!)Monday and Thursday Evenings7:00-8:30 p.m.Natatorium Swimming Pool, 821 4th Street, TaftAdmission: $1 per personCome cool down with a swim after a long day at work or school! Ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Monthly/season swim passes are no longer valid; all swimmers pay $1 admission.

YOGAWho: Ages 14 and olderMorning Flow Yoga – Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 5:15-5:45 a.m.Hatha Yoga – Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.Hatha 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-HYIThis is the perfect class for beginners looking to improve flexibility and enhance general fitness. Class goals are to strengthen muscles and joints, improve circulation and relieve stress through common yoga stretches. Students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Class space is lim-ited – registration is REQUIRED prior to attending class.

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION UNDERWAYThe West Side Recreation & Park District’s Preschool program is now enrolling students for the upcoming 2012/2013 school year. Classes begin the week of August 27. The program is for chil-dren ages 3-5. Fees vary per class. As of now, there are still spots available in the Monday-Thursday and Monday/Wednesday classes. For more information, please phone 763-4246 or send an email to [email protected]. Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Class: 8:30-11:00 a.m.Monday/Wednesday Class: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Tuesday/Thursday Class: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

GYMNASTICSWho: Grades K and olderWhen: Monday EveningsTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Sessions: September 10 – October 15 and October 22 – November 26Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional sibling)Instructor: Suzanne Hale

DANCE CLASSESWho: Ages 3 and upWhen: Mondays or WednesdaysSeason: classes begin the week of September 10Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $25 per monthInstructor: Vicky WaughParticipants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes take place one day per week either on Monday or Wednesday. A full class listing is available in the District Office or on our website. Class enrollment is limited.

CHEERLEADINGWhen: Tuesday EveningsAges 3-5, 4:30-5:00 p.m.Grades K-1, 5:15-5:45 p.m.Grades 2-3, 6:00-6:30 p.m.Session: September 18 – November 6 Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $30 per person *poms and shirts are available at an additional costInstructor: Nicole Cleveland

COMPETITION CHEERLEADINGWho: Grades K-8 (in the 2012/2013 school year)Monday, 6:30-8:00 p.m.Wednesday, 4:00-6:00 p.m.Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.Where: Community Center AuditoriumTerm 2: September 5 – October 29Fee: $100 per person (20% discount for additional siblings)Coaches: Nicole Cleveland and Heather FossWould you like to be a part of the Fire & Ice Elite Competition Cheerleading Squad? This competi-tion program will operate year-round. There are no try-outs; all children registered will participate. Squad(s) will compete according to skill level. Cheerleaders must be enrolled for Term 2 (final regis-tration date – September 7) to be a part of the squad. For a packet with complete program, give us a call or email a request to [email protected].

TENNIS CLASSESWho: Ages 9-14When: Monday and Wednesday, beginning September 5Time: 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 will operate on a monthly basis.

GLEE CLUBWho: Ages 4-14When: Monday AfternoonsTime: 4:00-5:00 p.m.Session: September 17 – November 5Where: Community Center Activity BuildingFee: $40 per session Registration deadline: Thursday, September 13Instructor: Crystal Mitchell AzbillIn this Show Choir class, we’ll focus on vocal performance and choreography. This session’s “theme” will be Hip-Hop! Classes are open to any skill level.

TINY TOT KARATEWho: Ages 3-5 (preschool)When: Tuesday AfternoonsTime: 4:45-5:15 p.m.Sessions: September 11 – October 9 and October 16 – November 13Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $25 per session Instructor: John Dodson

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 CENTER: SUMMER MEMBERSHIP SPECIALMonthly Memberships (new or renewal) are just $20 through August 31Regular price is $30 – you save $10!Recreation Center Memberships cover use of the gymnasium and weight room for drop-in activities. For more information, contact the Recreation Center 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 Center. 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. Call 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.


Westside News & Business Briefs

Tacos Y MaricosCasa Tabares

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria

! ! ! Grand Opening ! ! !Saturday, August 18th - 9 a.m.

Open 7 Days a Week4 am to Midnight

330 Kern StreetCorner of 4th and Kern Street

745-4898 www.kcphotographyandframing.com

Seniors! It’s Portrait Time!

CALL NOW 763-5429

* s t o p b y f o r d e t a i l s a n d a p p o i n t m e n t s

427 Center Street • Since June 1986

Proof # Date

1 4/6

Now offering “inspired” portraits, as unique as you are.

Photography done by Aug. 20th Save $25 - $75 on Pkg.

Taft Correctional Facility Toured by Taft Chamber of CommerceBy Jane McCabe

The Taft Correctional Facility on Commerce Way, which was closed last November when the city lost its contract with the state to operate the facility, is being readied in preparation for an influx of prisoners from Los Angeles County. The Taft City Council has approved an agreement with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to house up to 512 prisoners at the currently vacant facility. This is good news for the city of Taft coffers—the agreement will help replenish much of the $770,000 the city lost when the state ended its contract, the more than $500,000 in unemployment insurance the city had to pay to unemployed correctional officers and staff. Los Angeles county jails are currently overcrowded because the state released certain classes of prisoners back to county jails, forc-ing the Los Angeles County Sheriff to find alternative locations to house inmates. Those inmates to be sent to Taft are classified as N-3’s: non-violent, non-sexual, non-serious (criminals,) and non-psychotropic prisoners, in other words, the least threatening of prisoners in the California prison system. The Taft facility may be ready to house in-mates as early as Sep-tember. With this in mind, Taft Chamber of Commerce members were given a tour of the facility conducted by prison employee Tammy Holt on Wednesday, August 15th, at their weekly sit-and-sip meeting. Taft Chief of Police Ed Whiting was on hand to answer questions. Taft has been negotiating with Los Angeles County for more than a year and approval of the contract will see the rehiring of former correctional officers and staff. Taft stands to benefit financially when the contract goes into ef-fect this Fall when prisoners arrive. The city will receive up to $61 per prisoner per day, and when the facility is full, receive $31,000 per day, or $11 millions dollars annually. Los Angeles County stands to benefit financially as well, saving as much as half what they would normally pay to house inmates in Los Angeles -- paying Taft $61 per prisoner per day verses paying $121 per prisoner per day in Los Angeles. The tour started at the visitation room, which holds eight tables to accommodate four people each. Prisoner visitors can bring up to $20 for their family members. They are not allowed to wear blue jeans or blue shirts, because that is the uniform of prisoners. Visi-tors cannot wear inappropriate dress, like spaghetti straps, or halter tops. Nothing risqué is permitted. Next the group was shown the control booth, which is the “brains” of the facility, where all prison activities are monitored by

cameras. A panel of red and green lights reveal which doors are open—the prison is secure when the panel shows only green lights. Next we were shown the receiving area, where five cells provide temporary housing for incom-ing prisoners. Five cells can hold up to ten prisoners each. In the receiving area, new inmates, wearing jumpsuits are pho-tographed and given ID’s and their prison uniforms. There are three medical holding cells in the medical area. A doctor and dentist will be on hand in the mornings, Mondays through Fridays. Basic medical care will be available 24/7—reg-istered nurses and licensed vocational nurses will be avail-able when the doctor and dentist are absent. The facility does not have an X-ray ma-chine. If urgent care is required prisoners can be taken to the Taft Urgent Care facility or to Bakersfield. A separate cell with a separate ventilation system is available for those who might be infected with contagious diseases. Four separate dormitories can sleep 64 inmates each, making the maximum capacity of the prison 512 inmates. Attempts will be made house prisoner appropriately, to segregate gang members and prevent prisoners being housed alongside members of enemy gangs. The dormitories are furnished with cots and lockers for each inmate, with wash basins and showers, tables for conversation and board games, and with telephones and television sets. Prisoners are required to buy their own toiletries. A rather Spartan paved yard surrounds two sides of the prison, where basketball, volleyball, horseshoes and hand-ball can be played. Prisoners are not forced to go outside. The yard contains a booth where a correctional of-ficer is stationed. A public address system allows for announcements as needs be. No firearms are allowed inside the prison. Correctional officers will however carry pepper spray and Tasers. The facility holds a small library; inmates will provide librarian duties. Prisoners can work towards acquir-ing their GED, and taking ESL classes and developing skill in basic computer applications, skills that will aid them in acquiring employment when they are released. Computers available to prison-ers will not be connected to the Internet and thus will lack Facebook, Twitter, and other common computer aps. Chapel services will be available on Wednesday nights and on Sunday morn-ings. The last stop on our tour was the din-ing room, where the tour group was treat-ed to biscuits and gravy compliments of Kathy Orrin, Chamber Director, and Jessica Miller, her assistant.

According to Police Chief Whiting, when prisoners are set to be released, they will be bussed back to Los Angeles. He says the people of Taft have been largely positive about this prison. The prison requires about sixty employees to function properly. As stands, some fresh correctional officers, who have passed the BOC (Board of Corrections) test, are needed and some teachers qualified to teach GED, ESL and computer skills. If interested applications for available positions can be obtained at the Taft City Hall, 209 East Kern Street. People who reside in Taft are given priority over those from beyond. Los Angeles County will pay an initial $475,000 in start-up costs to Taft as soon as the agreement is signed. Taft will begin receiving the first of 260 prisoners this September.

Three hots and a cot. One of eight dorms that will house up to 512 inmates.


Westside News & Business Briefs

Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion

Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

Ben’s Books

Shop Our Huge Selection of Half Priced Books!

The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

HAYDENS HOPE“We can keep our Teens off the streets!”

428 Center Street • TAFT

THRIFT STORE

God Bless!We Take Donations!Drop Off Or Call For A Pick Up!745-4963 745-4963

New School HoursMon. & Tues.9am - 2pm

Closed WednesdayThur. & Fri. 9am - 5pmSaturday 10am - 2pmClosed Every 2nd Sat.

of the Month

Back to School Sale! Buy one article of clothing and get one free.


Fire Sale in South Taft Here’s a former 3 bed, 2 bath fixer upper with fenced yard that had a small fire a while ago in South Taft. To the chagrin of neighbors and others who have to drive by this shameful hazard. Why would anyone want to open a business or live in this neighborhhood, much less build a home here, when Kern County Code Enforcement is out of sight and out of mind. With so much talk about consolidation of county departments as a money saving device, perhaps the board of supervisors should declare bankruptcy, close down code enforcement, take away their employee pen-sions and bring over the inmates from Taft’s newly restocked prison and have them clean it up for a few McDonald’s hamburgers. This home is one of dozens in the South Taft gulag we plan to show you over the next few months that plague this and other neighborhoods. Perhaps if we had an aerospace industry, military base or Kern County employees who lived here, they might appreciate the blight. Unfortunately for the people who live in this neighbor-hood, they have no recourse and they have to tolerate trash pickers, vermin and the kind of crime and drug labs that are attracted to rural county areas like this where they will be left alone - like This Old House. Next Week’s Photo: It’s A Lovely Day in the Neighborhood

Alpha House to Benefit from Taft Second Annual Bike Fest Taft’s Second Annual Bikefest scheduled for Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 will once again benefit Alpha House, a safe ha-ven for women and children threatened by domestic violence. This year’s four-day event, sponsored by 2 Wheel Productions, is in memory of Trinity Hannah, a 3-year-old Taft girl whose mother’s boyfriend was accused of killing in January. Alpha House director Holi Allen said that last year’s event brought the charity a much needed $2,000. “We were facing severe financial problems,” she said. Alpha House benefactors had been reduced; some had moved away, some had fallen on difficult economic times and others had passed away. “It was not only the $2,000 that helped,” Allen said, “2 Wheel Productions helped our name get out in the community. A lot more people have heard of us now.” “Last year went great,” said Gene Jones, president of the 2 Wheel Production board. “We had 5,000 people; this year we’re hoping to get double that. Formed two years ago, the group’s other board members are Mike Clark, Mike Jewell, Larry Disney, Ron O’Boyle, Andrew Murch and Donnie Schwerdetfager. Jones said that many of the events 2 Wheel Production featured at last year’s Bikefest will be repeated. “But there are going to be more vendors, more concerts and more contests,” he said. The motorcycle bike shows and motorcycle stunt contests and tattoo contests are among the best attended events at the annual Bikefest. The beer garden is a big draw and there are lots of nearby retailers and restaurants that will offer specials to draw in participants. To improve the experience over last year, there are a few added features, such as cooling stations with misters and a kids’ zone. “There is also going to be a full track where the concerts are going on,” Jones said. Vendor booth space at Rails to Trails is still available through Taft Chamber of Commerce. Jessica Miller, Taft Chamber of Commerce administrative assistant, said that many of the same

popular vendor offerings featured at last year’s event will be of-fered again this year. “There will be tacos, barbecue sandwiches, sno-cones, just about everything you can think of ready to go,” Miller said. She noted that food vendor space is already sold, but they do have a waiting list. Spaces are sold for $150 for the four days, and those who would like to camp out behind their vendor booth may do so for an added $40. Spaces accommodate tent, RV or trailer camping. Allen said that their work costs about $10,000 per month. The Alpha House Thrift Store, 411 Center St., also helps the organization sustain the work it does.The need varies from day to day, she said, and so do the number of women and children who reside there. “There was one week-end that we had one woman and two children at the house, but when I came in the following morning, we had nine women and 16 children staying at the house.” Alpha House also operates a 24-hotline that is nationwide. Allen said that most of their clients are local, but they have had women in trouble come from outside the area. “We once had a woman and her three children come here from Texas. She needed to relocate for safety.” The donations that come to Alpha House are used to maintain the house, pay for utilities, insurance, food and for emergency needs that arise. “Some emergencies, such as the need for clothes and shoes for clients, we are able to accommo-date through donations to the thrift store,” Allen said.

Manna 4 U Moving From 6th Street Location, Seeking New Home Manna 4 U, one of Taft’s non-profit aid programs, will be moving locations from 201 Harrison Street to Wood Street by September 1st. “We don’t know the exact location, but we will be mov-ing to the old Wood Street Market area,” said Bob Jordan, the Manna 4 U operator. “We will still give out free clothing and hot meals. Our kitchen is currently closed, but we are still giv-ing out clothing and we will start serving food again when we reopen.” Manna 4 U is a 501(c) non-profit program that provides people in need with free food and clothing. They are open on Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Anybody is welcome and there are no requirements such as income, age or family size. This program was established in Taft in May 2007 at the Harrison Street location. The program was originally associated with the New Life Community Foursquare Church. “We serve about 400 people a month,” said Jordan. “We are always accepting donations of food, money and/or clothing. Manna 4 U also provides counseling services for the partici-pants. They give information about bill pay, where to get medi-cal help and more. They also have volunteers who can commu-nicate in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Manna 4 U holds dinners that are open to the public. “We are not closing and we are not changing our services,” said Jordan. “As of right now, we aren’t sure if our days and hours will be the same. The Board will decide if we are adding days or hours.” For more information about Taft’s Manna 4 U, call (661) 765-5851.


Liberty Under Fire

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Gas Prices Increase 23.0 Cents Per Gallon California, August 13- Average retail gasoline prices in California have risen 23.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.07/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 5.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.67/g, according to gasoline price website CaliforniaGas-Prices.com. Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices yesterday were 34.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 38.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 24.8 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 5.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. “The national average has spiked 25-cents per gallon just in the last month, thanks to an onslaught of refinery problems- mainly in the Great Lakes and California,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “While these situa-tions are temporary in nature, it goes to show this nations dependence on domestic refineries. While oil prices have gained in recent days, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for motorists: driving season will be over in less than a month and soon thereafter the EPA also relaxes gasoline mandates, meaning cheaper winter fuel,” DeHaan said.

Is Army Takeover of the National Guard Constitutional? By Dr. Harold Pease A recent announcement, by General Ray Odierno, Army chief of staff, that National Guard unit

training for overseas deployment will be increased rather than decreased following our “drawdown” in Afghanistan, invites a serious constitutional challenge. Sir, only Congress was given the authority “to make Rules for the Government and Regula-tion of the land and naval Forces (Article I, Section 8)” and none of your new rules came from them. Moreover, the Guard was never constitutionally designed to have an external protec-tive function. The General’s announcement, as reported in USA Today, that the traditional schedule of drilling one weekend a month and two weeks a year, established by Congress in 1903, is not enough combat training and will be abandoned beginning the new year. “Instead, they will keep preparing for war, with training periods away from home each year that would grow from a two-week block to up to seven weeks,” in addition to the one weekend a month. But the U.S. Army’s “take-over” of the rule making power specifically left to Congress alone is not the most serious consti-tutional violation. Let us be reminded that Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution left all war making powers: raising armies, providing for a navy, and declaring, funding, and maintaining war with Congress alone. Defending the country is their prime responsibility. The militia, since 1903 commonly referred to as the National Guard, however, is a separate body from the army and navy and has a distinct internal role instead. Notice the wording in the Constitution, “to provide for calling for the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Inva-sions.” Its three functions are to execute the laws in the United States, suppress insurrections within our country, and to repel invasions to it. How can the militia do any of these functions, for which it is specifically charged, if on the other side of the world? They were never to be thought of as merely a pool of reserve troops for the army. Impeachment proceedings should have been threatened against President George W. Bush when he

treated them as such deploying 100,000 of them in 2005 to Iraq and Afghanistan rather than to ask Congress to restore the draft when enlistments were not enough. This alteration of the Constitution is that serious. The National Guard was simply an easy target and no one from either party objected. It cannot perform its constitutional duty outside the United States. President Barack Obama’s mimick-ing the practice, and the General’s admission that at least one-year deployments of Reserve troops will continue in Afghani-stan until we leave in 2014, indicates that the Constitution will continue to be violated by Democrats as well. The rational for a militia is very simple. The first line of defense from unwanted aggression is oneself, followed by local law enforcement agents, followed by the National Guard (guarding the nation from within), followed by the military. As in soccer it is the goalie.

Should invasion occur while the militia and the army are overseas we would be defenseless; by doing so both recent presi-dents have unconscionably left, or are leaving, us vulnerable and without a goalie. General Odierno spoke of the need to keep the National Guard more prepared for war by extending their combat training. As “repelling invasions,” is the only one of their three constitutional functions dealing with knowing how to make war, I wonder how much training they will get in the other two, “executing the laws of the union and suppressing insurrections,” both mostly law enforcement support functions.

The General did not mention any but, then again, he wrongly views them as an extension of his army—mere fodder. Congress needs to set him, and the Executive Branch he repre-sents, straight. Will you help awaken Congress so that it will do so? After all, it’s about your liberty which is under fire. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Found-ing 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.

HIV Testing Available at Taft Baptist Church People who have never been tested for HIV are being encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be tested. “The CDC’s push is to have everyone from 16 to 65 to have had at least one test,” said Denise Smith, director of disease control with the Kern County Public Health. To help make testing easier for Westside residents, the county Health Department partners with Dignity Health (formerly Catholic Healthcare West) to conduct free testing on the first Wednesday of each month at Taft Baptist Church, 220 North St., from 9 a.m. to noon. No appointments are necessary and there are no costs for services. Clients are not required to bring anything with them, and the service is confidential. The next testing date is Sept. 5.According to Kern Public Health, 2,617 people in Kern Coun-ty are living with HIV/AIDS. “It’s estimated that 2 percent of those are living on the Westside,” Smith said. Smith said that clients who come to be tested will first meet with a counselor and receive a risk assessment. Clients will learn what behaviors increase the risk of becoming infected—such as unprotected sex, blood transfusion and the consumption of other blood products, and intravenous drug use. Clients may find out in about 20 minutes whether they have the human immunodeficiency virus. A client is free to decide after the risk assessment whether to take the test, which entails a swab sample from the mouth. “People who learn about the disease early and get on medica-tion do have an increased chance of survival,” Smith said.

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 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 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.

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

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 Services 10am1000 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 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 Mocha

Fat 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

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Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5:00 pm.

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must be NCCCO certified with 2-3 years

oilfield experience, Class A commercial license is required.Candidates will be

required to successfully complete a pre-

employment physical and drug screen.

Southern Sierra offers a competitive salary and benefit package.

Applications may be picked up at our business office or

resumes may be faxed or emailed to:

Southern Sierra General Engineering, Inc.

P O Box 1113857 Oleander Road

Taft, CA 93268661-765-6182 Office661-765-6155 Fax

www.southernsierrainc.com

[email protected]

Front desk help. Next Step Cardio on Center Street. Part-time. 205-5579.

Free Lance Writer. Taft Independent seeks free lance writer. Writing Exp. Req. Feature, news, interviews. Need digital camera. 765-6550.

CHILD CARESERVICES

WantedWANTED

For SaleFOR SALE

Mens Shoes sz13 EEEEE width some like new - boots, dress, sandals, New Balance. 7 pr top quality for $100. Plus 10 pair of new socks xxl. 661 - 763.3845 - 8-17.

AUTOMOBILESFOUND ITEMS

FOUND PETS

LOST PETS

Real Estate

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

BUSINESSFOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

By AppointmentKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

Purchase

Can’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short

sale!

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

on the process.

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list.

MOBILE HOMES

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500Lic # 01525550

FOR RENT205 W Ash #C 2/1.5

$700535 B Street 3/1 $850404 Fillmore 3/1.75

$850224 B St 3/1 $900

116 Franklin 3/1 $1,000127 Franklin 3/1 $1,000500 Welch 3/2.5 $1,200

108 Brandon 3/1.75 $1,500

_

Super clean. 1 bd. patially furn house. Stove, refrig. wash and dryer. Pest control and gardener provided. No pets. $800 mo plus. sec. dep. 765-4786. Between. 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. 8-24.

3bed, 1 1/2 bath. Newly remodeled, great neigh-borhhood. $985 plus

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.

325 Pine Dr. Sat. Aug. 18. Lot’s of glassware, babyitems, furniture, antique sewing mach., and much more.

302 Jackson St. Sat. 8-18. 6am - 3pm. Lots of clothes, misc., curtains, back packs, hair acces.

1011 3rd St. Sat. 7am - ?. gently used boys small and med. clothing - named brand. Jewlery and misc. cheap.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-379-0848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

BusinessServices

YARDSERVICES

COOLERSERVICES

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.By Appointment

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

Cooler Service: Motors,pumps, pads, cleaning,installations. New & OldScott 661-900-0917.

SERVICESOFFERED

Computer Repair. Daniel Loza. 661-293-0961. Hablo espanol. 6-24.

PC Repair. Fix your computer or make it run like new. $50 overnight - no charge if I can not fix it. (661) 623-2150. 8-20

HELP WANTED

CITY OF TAFT ACCOUNT CLERK I/II

Level I $1,111.29 - $1,350.79 Bi-weeklyLevel II $1,224.95 - $1,488.94 Bi-weekly

This position performs a variety of accounting, clerical, bookkeeping

and administrative work in accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general administration work

depending on area of assignment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Account Clerk I - Graduation from a high

school or GED; andTwo (2) years support

work experience, maintaining financial

and statistical reports. College or Business School course work

in accounting or bookkeeping may substitute for the

required experience on a year for year basis.Account Clerk II-Two

(2) years of experience performing duties

equivalent to an Account Clerk I.

Application and job description may be

obtained: at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street,

Taft, CA or at www.cityoftaft.org. Final

Filing Date: 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2012. Resumes will not

be accepted in lieu of application. E.O.E.

Crane Operator/Pumping Unit

Mechanic.

Qualified candidates

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 • Concrete

For Rent 426 Shattuck

2 bed 1 bath Cottage $550

Paul Joyce 805-218-1686

Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

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Independent

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Classified

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Starting At

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$1,000 dep. 763-1086.

3 bd. 2 ba. No pets. Large garage, patio shade. Pierce St. $750 plus dep. 301-2527. 8.17

116 Pierce St. 1bd. 1 Ba. $550 mo plus dep. 661 343-0507.

116 1/2 Pierce. 1 bd. 1 ba. $430 mo. plus dep. 661 343-0507.

310 Kern St. 3 bd. 1 ba. $850 plus dep. 661 343-0507.

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

PersonalsPERSONALS

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the Taft Independent

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Real Estate Services and Property ManagementListings – Sales - Property Management

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Rented!

Brokering A Better Healthcare System By Janet Trautwein The Supreme Court just affirmed that President Obama’s health reform law is indeed constitutional. Supporters of the measure have rejoiced that America may finally be on its way toward achiev-ing universal health coverage. Unfortunately, the newly upheld law undermines one of the chief means of expanding access to affordable coverage, particu-larly among small businesses -- by threatening to put thousands of insurance agents out of work. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance companies to devote no more than 20 percent of premium dollars to admin-istration and profit. This “minimum medical loss ratio” may seem like a reasonable way to ensure patients get their money’s worth. But it puts the jobs of insurance agents at risk -- to their detri-ment and that of their customers. Last year, the Department of Health and Human Services ruled that insurers had to count commissions paid to agents as adminis-trative costs. Insurers responded by slashing commissions. The Government Accountability Office found that commissions for many agents were cut by 50 percent. Consequently, some agents are leaving the business or downsiz-ing, laying off employees just to keep their doors open. Already, one in five has done so. And that number will likely grow. Ironically, just when many consumers would benefit from brokers’ expert counsel on the healthcare law and its benefits, that same law is winnowing their ranks. Treating agents as mere overhead is a mistake. Just ask anyone who’s had to buy insurance on their own. Or ask the 75 percent of small businesses who rely on brokers -- including many who use them as de facto human resources departments. Independent agents do more than just sell insurance policies. They help consumers navigate a rapidly changing marketplace and secure the best coverage at the most affordable price. They don’t work for insurance companies but for their clients, often serving as consumer advocates when billing and claims issues arise. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners -- which represents state insurance regulators -- has called agents “essential” to a functioning, consumer-friendly marketplace. Take the case of John Walley, an Alabama-based agent. Upon meeting with an 80-year-old client, Walley discovered that she was living alone in a disheveled trailer and spending nearly a quarter of her $400 monthly income on Medicare premiums. Walley applied for Medicaid for his client, which waived her $96.40 monthly deductible. He also enrolled her in a Special Needs Plan that ex-empted her from paying the deductibles and co-pays that kept her from seeing a doctor for 15 years. Or consider New Jersey agent Thomas Kohler, who intervened on behalf of his client in a hospital billing dispute -- and succeeded in lowering the client’s medical bill from $7,000 to $3,000. Defenders of the medical loss ratio claim that brokers won’t be needed once the health insurance exchanges mandated by the ACA are up and running in 2014. Consumers will then be able to pick from a menu of health plans on a government website, they say. But shopping for health insurance is more complicated than buying a pair of shoes online. Consumers are often confused by pages of legalese describing benefits, deductibles, and provider networks. Some may be inclined to make choices based solely on price, which might not be the wisest course. More importantly, unlike a pair of shoes, a consumer will only find out if the policy “doesn’t fit” when he’s sick or injured -- when it’s too late. In its own programs, the federal government has experienced how difficult it can be to expand access to insurance without agents. Consider the health law’s temporary Preexisting Condition Insurance Program, which was supposed to provide coverage to “high-risk” consumers. The law initially gave agents no role to play in attracting people to the program. Not surprisingly, very few signed up. Just 18,000 had done so by March 2011 -- less than 5 percent of the 375,000 that federal officials expected by the end of 2010. So the feds enlisted the help of agents. Immediately, enrollment climbed -- by 400 percent over the past year and 24 percent over the last few months. Lawmakers have historically recognized the importance of agents and brokers. And they must continue to do so. Otherwise, brokers will vanish from the marketplace. That would be bad news not just for the patients who depend on them as advocates -- but for the broader job market, too.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Found in Two California Residents SACRAMENTO – The recent diagnosis of hantavirus pulmo-nary syndrome (HPS) in two Californians, one of whom died, has prompted Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Depart-ment of Public Health (CDPH) and state public health officer, to remind Californians to take precautions to prevent exposure to the virus that causes HPS at their places of residence, work, and recreation. “Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease spread by rodents,” Chapman said. “This disease can frequently become fatal, but there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure.” Public health officials believe the two recent patients might have been exposed to mice droppings or urine that contained hantavirus while vacationing at Curry Village in Yosemite National Park. CDPH and Yosemite National Park Public Health Service offi-cers routinely conduct rodent surveillance to monitor deer mouse abundance and virus activity in mouse populations. Yosemite also conducts routine rodent proofing and inspections of buildings and facilities throughout the park. Not all deer mice carry hantavirus, but deer mice with hantavirus have been found throughout the United States. With recommendations from CDPH, Yosemite National Park has increased routine measures to reduce the risk of hantavirus exposure to Park visitors. These efforts include regular thorough inspection and cleaning of rooms and cabins, exclusion of deer mice and other rodents from buildings, maintaining good house-keeping and sanitation levels to discourage rodent infestations, and public education. Since HPS was first identified in 1993, there have been 60 cases in California and 587 cases nationally. About one third of HPS cases identified in California were fatal. The two recent cases bring the total California case count for 2012 to four. Case-patients have been exposed to hantavirus in many areas in California where deer mice live, particularly from the eastern Sierra Nevada region and at higher elevations. HPS is caused by a virus that individuals get through contact with the urine, droppings or saliva of infected wild mice, primarily deer mice. Breathing small particles of mouse urine or droppings that have been stirred up into the air is the most common means of acquiring infection. The illness starts one to six weeks after expo-sure with fever, headache, and muscle ache, and progresses rapidly to severe difficulty in breathing and, in some cases, death. When you are in wilderness areas or places that harbor mice, you can take the following steps to prevent HPS: · Avoid areas, especially indoors, where wild rodents are likely to have been present. · Keep food in tightly sealed containers and store away from rodents. · Keep rodents out of buildings by removing stacked wood, rubbish piles, and discarded junk from around homes and sealing any holes where rodents could enter. · If you can clean your sleeping or living area, open windows to air out the areas for at least two hours before entering. Take care not to stir up dust. Wear plastic gloves and spray areas contaminat-ed with rodent droppings and urine with a 10% bleach solution or other household disinfectants and wait at least 15 minutes before cleaning the area. Place the waste in double plastic bags, each tightly sealed, and discard in the trash. Wash hands thoroughly afterward. · Do not touch or handle live rodents and wear gloves when handling dead rodents. Spray dead rodents with a disinfectant and dispose of in the same way as droppings. Wash hands thoroughly after handling dead rodents. · If there are large numbers of rodents in a home or other buildings, contact a pest control service to remove them.

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Randy’s Trucking

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western shop & PET Wash

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

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Taft Correctional Institute

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