Taft New Year

December 28 - 3, 2012 TAFT INDEPENDENT

December 28 - 3, 2012 • Volume 7 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] TaftIndependent

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from all of us at the Taft Independent!

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2 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 28 - 3, 2012

Shop Taft

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

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

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

Recreation Report..........4

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

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

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

Movie Review...................8

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

Opinion and Feature....11

Shop Taft........................12

Inside

The Taft Independent

508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

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

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A History of the New Yearby Borgna Brunner

The celebration of the new year on January 1st is a relatively new phenomenon. The earliest recording of a new year celebration is believed to have been in Mesopotamia, c. 2000 B.C. and was celebrated around the time of the vernal equinox, in mid-March. A variety of other dates tied to the seasons were also used by various ancient cultures. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Persians began their new year with the fall equinox, and the Greeks celebrated it on the winter solstice.

Early Roman Calendar: March 1st Rings in the New Year

The early Roman calendar designated March 1 as the new year. The calendar had just ten months, beginning with March. That the new year once began with the month of March is still reflected in some of the names of the months. September through De-cember, our ninth through twelfth months, were originally positioned as the seventh through tenth months (septem is Latin for “seven,” octo is “eight,” novem is “nine,” and decem is “ten.”

January Joins the Calendar

The first time the new year was celebrated on January 1st was in Rome in 153 B.C. (In fact, the month of January did not even exist until around 700 B.C., when the second king of Rome, Numa Pontilius, added the months of January and February.) The new year was moved from March to January because that was the beginning of the civil year, the month that the two newly elected Roman consuls—the highest officials in the Roman republic—began their one-year tenure. But this new year date was not always strictly and widely observed, and the new year was still sometimes celebrated on March 1.

Julian Calendar: January 1st Officially Instituted as the New Year

In 46 B.C. Julius Caesar introduced a new, solar-based calendar that was a vast improvement on the ancient Roman calendar, which was a lunar system that had become wildly inaccurate over the years. The Julian calendar decreed that the new year would occur with January 1, and within the Roman world, January 1 became the consistently observed start of the new year.

Middle Ages: January 1st Abolished

In medieval Europe, however, the celebrations accompanying the new year were considered pagan and unchristian like, and in 567 the Council of Tours abolished January 1 as the beginning of the year. At various times and in various places through-out medieval Christian Europe, the new year was celebrated on Dec. 25, the birth of Jesus; March 1; March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation; and Easter.

Gregorian Calendar: January 1st Restored

In 1582, the Gregorian calendar reform restored January 1 as new year’s day. Al-though most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted among Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire —and their American colonies— still celebrated the new year in March.

New Year’s Traditions

Auld Lang Syne

The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year’s eve, “Auld Lang Syne” is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns’s homeland.

It is often remarked that “Auld Lang Syne” is one of the most popular songs that no-body knows the lyrics to. “Auld Lang Syne” literally translates as “old long since” and means “times gone by.” The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness, “For auld lang syne, we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet.”

The lesser known verses continue this theme, lamenting how friends who once used to “run about the braes,/ And pou’d the gowans fine” (run about the hills and pulled up the daisies) and “paidl’d in the burn/Frae morning sun till dine” (paddled in the stream from morning to dusk) have become divided by time and distance—”seas between us braid hae roar’d” (broad seas have roared between us). Yet there is always time for old friends to get together—if not in person then in memory—and “tak a right guid-willie waught” (a good-will drink).

But it was bandleader Guy Lombardo, and not Robert Burns, who popularized the song and turned it into a New Year’s tradition. Lombardo first heard “Auld Lang Syne” in his hometown of London, Ontario, where it was sung by Scottish immi-grants. When he and his brothers formed the famous dance band, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, the song became one of their standards. Lombardo played the song at midnight at a New Year’s eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1929, and a tradition was born. After that, Lombardo’s version of the song was played every New Year’s eve from the 1930s until 1976 at the Waldorf Astoria. In the first years it was broadcast on radio, and then on television. The song became

such a New Year’s tradition that “Life magazine wrote that if Lombardo failed to play ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ the American public would not believe that the new year had really arrived.”

Auld Lang Syne and other New Year’s customs

“Auld Lang Syne”Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And never brought to mind?Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And auld lang syne.

CHORUS:For auld lang syne, my dear,For auld lang syne, We’ll tak a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne!

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp, And surely I’ll be mine, And we’ll tak a cup o kindness yet, For auld lang syne!

Scotland

The birthplace of “Auld Lang Syne” is also the home of Hogmanay (hog-mah-NAY), the rousing Scottish New Year’s celebration (the origins of the name are obscure). One of the traditions is “first-footing.” Shortly after midnight on New Year’s eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year’s wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party.

Japan

The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal. In December, various Bonenkai or “forget-the-year parties” are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. Mis-understandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed. At midnight on Dec. 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in a effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year’s day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside. Sending New Year’s cards is a popular tradition—if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year’s cards on Jan. 1.

Spain

The Spanish ritual on New Year’s eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradi-tion is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.

The Netherlands

The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.

Greece

In Greece, New Year’s day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil’s cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

United States

Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.

A traditional southern New Year’s dish is Hoppin’ John—black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, “Eat peas on New Year’s day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year.”

Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tourna-ment of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year’s day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

Widely Observed New Year Symbols and Traditions

Resolutions: It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year.

Fireworks: Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year’s eve is believed to have origi-nated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks and use them to spectacular effect in their New Year’s celebrations.

We twa hae run about the braes, And pou’d the gowans fine, But we’ve wander’d monie a weary fit, Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,Frae morning sun till dine, But seas between us braid hae roar’d Sin auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty fiere,And gie’s a hand o thine, And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught,For auld lang syne.

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 28 - 3, 2012Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

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Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineCraft Beers

Open Monday to Friday6:30am to 8pm

Saturday7:30am to 8pm

Sunday10am to 2pm

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Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

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

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Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

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

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Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

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Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

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

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

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Week of Friday, December 28, 2012 through Thursday, January 03, 2013

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Letters to the Editor

Thanks From Toys For Taft

Once again, the people and businesses of Taft, have made the "Toys For TAFT" a huge success for the 31th year. I would like to thankFloyd Adams, Chuck Bailey, Jaime Brockett, Cliff Brockett, Larry Burden, Sandy Burden, Ronda Cope-land, Jason Crawford, Janee Edgar, William Gillette, Lyn Gorner, Chuck Havens, Logon Havens, Brittney Howes, Jeremy Howes, Keith Jones, Brian Kightlinger, Therese Kight-linger, Jerry Maxwell, Jesus Mendoza, Bill Nichols, Gloria Nichols, Ron Price, Larry Robison, Shawn Robison, Lance Stephens,TammyStephens, Steve Steinhoffer, Dottie Waldrop, Jamie Waldrop, Rachel Waldrop, Scott Waldrop, Jeff Sweaney, VFW AUX 1468-Bakersfield, Susan Walker, Dale Watson, Herman, Watson, West Side Community Resource Center, Connie Wheeler, Gary Wheeler, Debby Young, Caleb Young, Vahnita {Hooker} Byers, Dolores Hooker, Taft Correctional Institution, J & L Locksmith, Waldrop’s Auto Parts, Macayla Wells, Chilled & Grilled, 2 Wheel Production LLC, Dollar Store, Hot Tap's Service, Alan Harris, Jonath Harris, Katlyn Harris, Shannon Harris, Laura Priess-Estates of Patrick A Bennett, and the Taft Lions Club. If I have left anyone out, please forgive me. Everyone pitched in and helped to make this holiday season what a holiday season should be, a time for love, caring, and giving. 2012 Chairman Ron Waldrop, Taft Lions Club

THANKS FROMTOYS FOR TAFT (31Years)

Without the dedication and professionalism of these friends and colleagues we could never have been able to give all the toys we did. Chilled & Grilled at 621 Center Street, Ron & Terri O’boyle and Jack & Shannon Hedrick and all of their helpers 2 Wheel Production LLC on the Toys for Taft Poker Run for 2012. We want to take this opportunity to thank every one of you that came out to this GREAT event The great number of people showed up and paid to be part of the excitement, they were courteous, and respectful. Everyone was having a fabulous time. Thank you, TAFT, we are a friendly, caring town. I appreciate where I live. The toys represents much more than just a finan-cial windfall for the organization. It represents the fact that we, organization and donor, are, as our name suggests, a community. A Community of people who give of our resources to assure that other people, with disabilities, have every opportunity to live valued lives in our community. The act of giving has value that is at least as significant as the amount of the gift. We have seen that giving, when done with hope and expectation, produces extraordi-nary results-results such as we only dream about. On behalf of the Taft Lions Club and Toys for Taft, the families and children of Taft, we want to thank you for your time and generosity.

Ron Waldrop, Chairman Taft Lions Club

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Congress in 2013

While many Americans resolve to make 2013 the year they really do slim down, exercise more, and spend less, Congress could afford to commit to a few such resolutions of its own. Call them budget resolutions—something Congress hasn’t had in a while. Here are five suggestions: Cut spending. The federal government is on course to run a trillion-dollar-plus deficit for the fifth consecutive year, driven by ex-cessive spending. It spent $29,691 per household in 2012, borrowing $3.20 of every $10 it spent. Just as families must make budget priori-ties and live within their means, so too should Congress. Lawmakers should scale back the size and scope of the federal government, reform entitlement programs, and root out waste and abuse. If debt and defi-cits are ever going to be brought under control, Congress must curb its spending addiction. Return to the regular budget process. Congress has fallen out of the practice of budgeting, instead opting for ad hoc budget measures such as the debt limit deal (Budget Control Act of 2011) and continu-ing resolutions to fund the government. Budgeting is one of Con-gress’s main responsibilities; it forces Congress to regularly prioritize spending on programs, which is sorely needed. Congress must return to budgeting according to the regular order to control spending and promote transparency. Avoid budget gimmicks. Lawmakers and the White House have demonstrated their penchant for claiming savings that do not in fact exist. Practices currently en vogue include counting already planned reductions in war spending, promising vague savings, and exploit-ing budget loopholes to justify “emergency” spending and disaster assistance without offsetting it with cuts elsewhere. Lawmakers should reject these gimmicks and build their budget on policies that deliver real savings to restore their credibility and to rein in spending. Reform entitlement programs. Much more ominous than the fiscal cliff is the country’s real fiscal crisis, driven by the unsustain-able growth in entitlement program spending. Social Security and Medicare spending in particular will be unaffordable if these programs remain unchanged. By the time today’s kindergartners enter college, spending on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and interest on the debt will consume all tax revenue. Congress should pursue reforms with confidence, as some entitlement reforms—raising the Social Security and Medicare eligibility ages, adopting a more accurate measure of inflation for Social Security’s cost-of-living-adjustments, or reducing the Medicare subsidy for upper-income beneficiaries—claim bipartisan support. Bottom line: Washington must get serious about entitlement reform in 2013. Say NO to tax increases. Hiking taxes, particularly on the wealthy, as President Obama and some lawmakers want to do, would harm job creation when it is most needed. Higher taxes won’t fix Washington’s spending problem, relieve the burden of entitlement program spend-ing, or close budget deficits. Tax hikes would only ensure more spend-ing. Lawmakers must resist pressure to raise taxes and instead remain steadfast in efforts to cut spending. The start of a new year invites a sense of optimism and offers an opportunity to get back on course. To reduce uncertainty in the economy, save young Americans from a mountain of federal debt, and restore its own institutional integrity, Congress should embrace these resolutions.


Letters to the Editor

Four students at Taft Union High School have been honored as students of the month for September and another four for October. The students were selected by the Renaissance program, which promotes academics. Students of the month for September were: senior Bobbi Preskitt, junior Taylan Erro, sophomore Jen Rivera and freshman Ilse Flores-Martinez. Students of the month for October were: senior Brian Hill, juniors Zack Fearon and Alejandro Bautista, and sophomore Savannah Gregory. Bobbi Preskitt is the band’s hard-working drum major “who is beyond dedicated,” band director Amanda Posey said. Bobbi also plays trumpet in the jazz band. “She has the amazing talent of leading students when things are going great and when things are not go-ing well at all. Bobbi has a great poker face and can keep the band going,” Posey praised. “She invests a lot of her personal time helping the students at Lincoln and the beginning band at Roosevelt. She is a great help to ALL the music students in Taft and goes above and beyond every day.” Taylan Erro “is a true scholar-athlete who plays four sports. She is an A student and a great role model as the No. 2 player on the Valley champion varsity tennis team,” praised coach Jim Carnal. “I know I can always count on Taylan to be where she is supposed to be, to try her best and to do the right thing. I can’t even say that about some adults.” She also runs, cross-country, plays basketball and runs track. Foods teacher Lynn Bramham added, “Taylan is a very respectful student.She works well with others in class and during labs. Taylan is always willing to do what is asked of her, and she does it with a smile. She is a pleasure to have in class.” Jen Rivera “is a fantastic AVID sophomore!” according to teacher Mike Cowan. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) provides instruction and framework for students to succeed in college. “She’s always well prepared, happy to be at school, and ready to learn. She knows that hard work now will pay off later and she has a bright future in college and beyond. I wish more students were as focused and responsible as Jennifer,” Cowan praised. “Jen has had to work really hard in chemistry this year. She just this week got the highest grade on our latest test. So, the hard work is paying off ! She is always respectful and very pleasant, and gets along so well her classmates,” added Harold Heiter. And she is just as determined in sports. “She is the kind of student you want in your class or on your team. She played No. 2 on the 12-0 JV tennis team and had a 27-4 record, varsity coach Jim Carnal said. “Ilse (Flores-Martinez) brings enthusiasm and energy to class every day. She was the top AR reader in all of my classes the first quarter,” praised Jackie Peavyhouse. “Other students turn to Ilse for language support and friendship. She makes teaching a rewarding experience.” “Ilse says it best herself; when turning in assignments, she remarks, ‘I did my best!’ She lives up to her personal motto every day in our class,” added Reading and Writing teacher Karen Hillygus. “Brian Hill has the kindest heart a student can have. He is our gentle giant in class. He is always joyful, and an asset for our Special Education program,” praised teacher Abel Pedro. “He has taken great strides to improve his attendance this year and we are happy to have him. He recently acquired his California Iden-tification Card that he is very proud of. He is like another teacher aide. He helps out and assists in carrying things, rolling wheelchairs, and most of all assisting his fellow students wherever we go. He also participates in basic computer class and adaptive physical education. He helps out with the girls’ soccer team as an equipment manager for home games and may be a thrower for track and field this spring. Brian is like my, ‘Radio.’ He is good-natured and without a doubt an example student, not just in my class, but in the whole school. Taft High School is fortunate to have such a good charismatic student.” “Zack (Fearon) goes above and beyond in every area. He is an amazing musician and plays piano in jazz band and percussion in marching band. He recently designed the new signs for the music building. He does his job perfectly and can also handle the jobs of others too! Zack is a great kid with loads of talent and a great attitude,” bragged band director Amanda Posey. Graphic communications teacher Mark Fitzsimmons added, “Zack is a very non-demanding student. He gets his work done very successfully without a lot of fanfare, and quietly waits for his turn to complete tasks. A classroom full of students like Zack Fearon would lower the stress level for any teacher.”

Four students at Taft Union High School have been honored as students of the month for November. They are: senior Matt Smith, junior Brad Odom, sophomore Kassandra Galaviz and freshman Chase Brown. The students were selected by the Renaissance program, which promotes academics. “Matt (Smith) is quite the entertainer! He does good work, and keeps me entertained at the same time. Great to have in my class!” said Mark Fitzsimmons, graphic communications teacher. “Matt is a smart student and reads his parts in English class with gusto and often with the appropriate accent. I’m glad he is one of my students,” praised Jim Carnal. “Brad (Odom) is a great leader and talented musician. … He plays baritone in the marching band … trombone in the jazz band and … tenor drums in drumline,” band director Amanda Posey said. “Most importantly Brad encourages people to do their best and has a great attitude. He works hard EVERY DAY to help make the band sound better. He also has a great way of holding people accountable for their actions without losing his temper. Brad is very brave and will stand up when he feels someone is being treated poorly. He will speak his mind and defend other students when they are being picked on. Whenever we are around other schools at band events he always does his best to make friends and when it is time to leave he manages to get a ton of hugs from his new friends. Brad has a heart of gold.” “I had the pleasure of having Bradley as a student during his freshman year … and (now) as junior,” Eng-lish teacher Alan Popejoy said. “It is rewarding to see a student who has grown as much as Bradley has; he has made tremendous gains with … his academic performance and … his overall character.” “He is polite, respectful, and has just the proper amount of silly,” geometry teacher Stacey Haiungs said. “Brad applies himself, works hard and puts in the extra effort to ask questions even after class to further his understanding. I admire all of these qualities and believe he will be successful in life because of them.” “Kassandra (Galaviz) is the most energetic, positive student at Taft High. She comes to class in a good mood every day and actually hums or sings while she is working independently. She is a favorite with the other students and with me,” praised English teacher Jackie Peavyhouse. She “works constantly and is always 100 percent engaged in her learning and advancing her abilities with English. She’s constantly reading and brings a fabulous attitude and work ethic every day. She is sweet and intelligent and a total doll,” reading teacher Lisa Polk added. Freshman Chase Brown has already made a big impact. “He may be a little guy but he has a huge person-ality. Chase is a hard worker and very creative. He is so much fun to watch during performances in Begin-ning Drama. There is never a dull moment when Chase is around,” according to drama teacher Kelly Morris. “Chase is a charismatic, entertaining, intelligent, young man. His genuinely radiant demeanor is conta-gious,” praised English teacher Alan Popejoy. “He is an excellent student. He has a great attitude and enjoys school. He is very well respected by his classmates and makes others around him better,” concluded science teacher Eric Newton, who nominated Chase.

TUHS Honors September, October and November Students of the Month

Taft High students of the month for November were: junior Brad Odom, sophomore Kassandra Galaviz, freshman Chase Brown and senior Matt Smith. Photo by Jim Carnal.

Taft High students of the month for September were: ( first row) sophomore Jen Rivera, junior Taylan Erro, senior Bobbi Preskitt and (not pictured) freshman Ilse Flores-Martinez. October students of the month were: (back row) sophomore Savannah Gregory, senior Brian Hill and juniors Zack Fearon and Alejandro Bautista. Photo by Jim Carnal.

Alejandro Bautista was nominated by history teacher Brad Van Roekel and modern life skills teacher Anthony Reed. Van Roekel said Alejandro “always tries his hardest, greets me every day when he walks in, is always smiling, is a good classmate who makes his classmates laugh, and is nice to everyone in the class.” English teacher Debra Popejoy added, “Alejandro is always willing to do his best and have a positive at-titude while doing it! He is supportive of his classmates and gets along with everyone!” “Savannah (Gregory) has been a great addition to the Taft Oil Technology Academy. Her work is of the highest quality and she always has a smile!” said teacher Ted Pendergrass. “Savannah is one of the standouts in my sophomore Honors English class,” Bill Wolfe said. “She is smart and consistently does good work. For example, today she recited an excerpt from Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ in front of the class without making a single mistake. I’m sure this will be only the first of many academic honors she will earn.” Geometry teacher Joy Reynolds added, “Savannah is an organized, intelligent, hard-working and respon-sible student who I enjoy having in class. When she is absent, she promptly gets her make-up work done. She comes to class on time and prepared to work. She asks meaningful questions, stays on task and helps her peers when they request help.” “Savannah is sweet, quiet, kind and very smart. She is more than happy to help other kids who are strug-gling. And even though she never says much, she always wears a smile!” Spanish teacher Sandra Torres concluded.


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Taft Tigersharks Winter Swimming Schedule The Taft Tigersharks Swim Club will be starting their winter training program on Monday, January 7, 2013. Swim practices will be at the Taft Union High School swimming pool every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and continue until May 3. Fees for the entire session are $125 for the first family member and $85 for each additional member (Monthly payment plans are also available). Swimming fees can be defrayed by selling Rotary Club Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast tickets.

Swimmers aged 5 – 18 that can complete one full lap (25 yards) without stopping are eligible to join the club. Head Coach Michelle Garner will be back for her 3rd sea-son to lead the Tigersharks.

In addition, the Tigersharks Masters Club will also begin on January 7 for all those adults looking to get in shape for the summer. Fees are $30/month.

Registration for the winter session will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 7 at the TUHS pool. Swim-mers should bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles and warm clothing for after practice. All interested swimmers and parents can contact the Taft Tigersharks by email ([email protected]) or by phone (Greg Golling 661 301-2125 or April Ash-more 661 330-2499).

KCSO Begins Investigation into Second Hand Dealers On December 19 and 20, 2012, Detectives of the Kern County Sheriff ’s Office conducted a series of compliance checks on legal and illegal second hand businesses in various parts of Kern County. These checks uncovered a large number of businesses which were not following the laws related to the operation of second hand businesses. When the inspections started there were 52 licensed Second Hand Dealers in Kern County. There are also a number of unlicensed second hand businesses operating in the area which have made no reasonable attempt to obtain a license or report their purchases to law enforcement. Of the licensed businesses, only six in Bakersfield and six in the outlying communities were currently complying with the legal requirements to identify the people selling property and sending those reports to the Sheriff ’s Office in accordance with the California Business and Professions Code. Any busi-ness buying second hand property (jewelry, gold, silver, appliances or any oth-er serialized second hand items) must have a Second Hand Business License and must follow the law. There are a number of laws all Second Hand Dealers must comply with besides the licensing requirement. Each business must fully identify the customer and create a record of the customers who sell them items, including the customers’ finger print. This record must completely describe EVERY item the business purchases from the customer and each item must be reported to the Sheriff ’s Office or to the law enforcement agency governing the license (Bakersfield Police, Shafter Police, etc,) at the end of the day. The items purchased by the business cannot be sold for a minimum of 30-days after submitting the records to law en-forcement and the business must retain a complete copy of the records, on the premises for a set period of time. In some areas it is possible to drive up the street and see businesses which are obviously dealing in second hand items. If they do not have a Second Hand Dealers License displayed, they are not a licensed to conduct such business.

If any part of their business involves the purchase, consign-ment, or pawn of second hand goods they must follow the laws established in the Business and Professions code which have been established for the protection of the citizens and crime victims. Fifty licensed and unlicensed businesses were inspected; 14 were licensed and reporting transactions, 17 were no longer in business or could not be verified, and 19 were not licensed or not following the reporting laws. By operating outside the law each of these businesses are making themselves a conduit for stolen property, acting as fences for the numerous items being stolen from homes, cars and businesses in the area. Such fencing makes it easy for the crooks to cash in on other people’s property. If the businesses follow the law, more stolen property can potentially be identified and potentially the prop-erty recovered and the thief identified and prosecuted. As such, each business was provided with a reference which summarizes the various laws and requirements.

In a similar, although unrelated event, two weeks ago Kern County Sheriff ’s Detectives acted on infor-mation from a citizen about a business taking in large amounts of gold jewelry, silver and other items in the 1300 block of Cham-berlain Avenue. Witnesses described the sellers of the

jewelry as “hoodlums, juveniles, and gangsters” who repeat-edly showed up carrying loose jewelry in their hands and then throwing away anything that the business would not purchase from them. The nearby trash can contained jewelry, watches, engravings, and a jewelry box. Detectives discovered a large amount of gold, jewelry and silver had been purchased, without keeping any of the legally required records. According to his receipts this “business” was making tens of thousands of dollars a week at the expense of burglary victims. Investigators expect to file a case criminal case against the businessman when the investigation is completed. Although the gold items were immediately destroyed and illegally cashed in a considerable amount of silver coins, collect-able silver items, some sterling silverware and silver ingots were seized. Some items have been identified as stolen and detectives are continuing to try to identify other victims. Many of the coins and ingots are potentially traceable by serial numbers on the ingots and by the type, design and/or year of the coins. One particular half dollar had an unusual number stamped into the coin which would have some significance to the victim. There were also a few high end watches, a Cal-State class ring and a charm bracelet with individual charms which listed the first names and birthdates of the six children, all of which may have been stolen. The Sheriff ’s Office asks anyone who has had collectable coins or silver ingots, similar watches, the charm bracelet, or class rings stolen within the last year to send an e-mail to [email protected] . This email should detail their full name and telephone number(s), the crime report num-ber the theft was reported under and jurisdiction, a detailed description of the items including the year (for coins), and photographs if you have them. Detectives will only call/speak with people whose description is sufficiently detailed to make a reasonable match.

Any business buying second hand property ( jewelry, gold, silver, appliances or any other serialized second hand items) must have a Second Hand Business License and must fol-low the law. Kern County Sheriff ’s Office


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The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Carrizo Plain National Monument is requesting public comments on In-terim Final Supplementary Rules affecting 206,635 surface acres of public land in eastern San Luis Obispo and western Kern counties. “The rules will ensure long term protection of the signifi-cant cultural and biological resources on the Carrizo Plain National Monument,” said Johna Hurl, Carrizo Plain Na-tional Monument manager. The new rules will implement decisions made by BLM in the 2010 Carrizo Plain National Monument Resource Management Plan. The interim rules are effective immediately and remain in effect until modified or rescinded by publication of the final rules. The interim rules include:

· Use of replica weapons (such as paintball, airsoft or war game apparatus) is prohibited. · Non-street-legal vehicles are prohibited with the follow-ing exceptions:

· When used for authorized, permitted, or administrative purposes, including those used in emergency situations.

· When used on a designated portion of the Temblor Ridge.

· All pets must remain leashed or caged at all developed sites including visitor centers, interpretive overlooks, trail heads and camping areas. · The following animals, objects and activities are unlaw-ful within the Painted Rock Exclusion Zone: · horses · dogs · motorized and non-motorized bikes (except in the Painted Rock parking area) · cache-type activities · discharge of firearms · campfires, with the exception of Native American ceremonial use. · Commercial still or video photography of the picto-graphs and petroglyphs is prohibited. Pictographs are images painted on the stone surfaces and petroglyphs are images carved into the stone surfaces by Native American people. · No non-native or captive-held native species shall be released within the CPNM. The rules are available online for public review at the CPNM webpage at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ba-kersfield/programs/carrizo.html. Paper copies are available upon request through the Bakers-field Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield Calif. 93308.

BLM Issues Interim Final Supplementary Rules for Carrizo

Taft Chamber of Commerce Thanks Community for Support The Taft Chamber of Commerce hopes everyone had a safe and memorable holiday season. We would like to thank the community for your support of our Holiday activities. From the Christmas parade to Photos with Santa, Taft Tour of Trees, and the Children’s Art walk, this holiday season included events for everyone. All of the area schools participated in the art walk and we hope to do another event like this in the spring. Bangs and Tangles won the award for best tree on the Tour of Trees and several raffle prizes were donated from Black Gold, True Value, Westside Furniture, and Taft Col-lege. Many of the businesses were open extended hours for your shopping needs and hope you were able to take advantage of sales and festive cheer by shopping local. Each purchase benefits our local economy and small businesses. We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to a prosperous 2013.


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Liberty Under Fire

Miller Time

There is anger out there not seen since the Civil War Dr. Harold Pease In mid November 2012, the nation was greeted with a movement, seemingly originating out of nowhere that can only be referred to as successionitis—a desire of the people to leave the Union—not seen in the United States since the Civil War. Without the Internet it would have been totally ignored and never known by the rest of us. The establishment press did not cover it until it was too big to ignore, then coverage was minimal. The media was largely dismissive citing the reelection of Barack Obama as the reason and the movement, largely of racists, certainly extremists, was simply sour grapes on the part of those preferring Mitt Romney. Certainly the movement did not actu-ally mean anything, they implied. They could not have been more wrong!! Universally devoid of coverage were questions: why so many participated, why the move-ment came on so fast and was so strong, and why it was so geographi-cally spread? Why would this not be a legitimate expression of the discontent of the people; even a warning to an overly controlling federal government? True, the petitions began in Louisiana the day following the reelec-tion of President Obama and within a week spread to all 50 states, but the anger had been mounting for at least 20 years when neither party appeared to follow the Constitution nor give heed to federalism—the concept of shared governance between the feds and the states, so criti-cal to freedom. It is also true that Obama represents a divided nation as never before since 1861 and is seen by half the nation as a facilitator of that divide, especially with respect to his push for income redistri-bution, better known as socialism and class warfare. Just as before the Civil War, there seems to be no middle ground. If compromise means further loss of liberty, petition signers want no more of it. Those who watch the Constitution disregarded or undermined on virtually a daily basis believe that there is no more freedom to surrender. Most of the petitions from all fifty states cited sections of the Declaration of Independence as justifying their requests. The

Louisiana petition read: “Peacefully grant the state of _____ to withdraw from the United States of America and create its own new government. As the founding fathers of the United States of America made clear in the Declaration of Independence in 1776: ‘When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the Earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation…Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and institute new government.’” Moreover, the loss of freedom in 1776 is identified with what petition proponents see as tyranny today. The Texas petition read: “The U.S. continues to suffer economic difficulties stemming from the federal government’s neglect to reform domestic and foreign spending. The citizens of the U.S. suffer from blatant abuses of their rights such as the NDAA, the TSA, etc. Given that the state of Texas maintains a balanced budget and is the 15th largest economy in the world, it is practically feasible for Texas to withdraw from the union, and to do so would protect its citizens’ standard of living and re-secure their rights and liberties in accordance with the original ideas and beliefs of our founding fathers which are no longer being reflected by the federal government.” My guess is that a third of America agree with these charges, though not necessarily with the solution. Petition signers be-lieve that the U.S. federal government is so mismanaged that secession is the only option for future prosperity. By November 15 the following states each had over 35,000 signa-tures: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennes-see, and Texas had 116,000 by itself by the twentieth of the month. Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri and South Carolina were above the 25,000 required of each state for the President to keep his word to answer their petitions within 30 days of initiation. Thus far I have found no response by the President, nor does the media appear to insist that he make one. The government’s website no longer posts the count, the Presidents response, or the issue, but we have reason to believe that a dozen more states were signifi-cantly increasing their numbers daily and therefore would have easily passed the required number, and that the total for all states exceeded a million citizens by the December 7, deadline (“50 States File Secession Petitions With D.C.” American Free Press, Nov. 20, 2012, by Pete Papaherakles). At this point the signers see their signing as only a veiled threat.

Few really want their state to leave the Union and all know that this could not ever happen without the state legisla-ture voting to do so. They also know that the federal government will never allow them to do so. How extreme for the media to believe so. For signers it was the only way that they could get attention to the issue so ignored by the establishment media and both major political parties – we are losing our liberty. But given the volume of signers, the geographical spread, and the speed and intensity of this dissent, the federal government should be placed on notice that there is anger out there not seen since the Civil War and it should work to remove such. Writing them off as some kind of joke only confirms citizen concern that those in power only seek to enslave them more fully.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Eliminating Annual Eligibility Verification Report On December 20th, the VA announced that, effective immedi-ately, it is implementing a new process to confirm beneficiaries’ use of pension benefits. The VA will monitor beneficiaries’ continued eligibility by working with the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. This means that recipients of the VA’s Aid & Attendance benefit will no longer be required to com-plete and submit an annual Eligibility Verification Report (EVR). The VA says it plans to redirect staff who formerly handled EVRs, to help process the claims backlog. Prior to the announcement, recipients of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s “Aid & Attendance” pension were required to submit an annual EVR that verified their eligibility to continue receiving the benefit. Failure to submit the report by March 1 would result in the cessation of all or part of a beneficiary’s pension payments. The elimination of a reporting deadline may seem like good news, but it means that beneficiaries who don’t keep a close watch on their income and assets, along with their allowable medical expenses, may be jeopardizing their pension. To qualify for the full amount of the need-based pension, applicants are required to demonstrate that medical expenses exceed income by at least five percent. Claimants who are approved for the benefit are required to remain in compliance by maintaining this income to medical expense ratio. But beneficiaries who work with Veterans Home Care will not need to worry about continuing to qualify for the “Aid & Atten-dance” benefit. Veterans Home Care has 10 years’ experience help-ing elderly wartime veterans or their surviving spouses to receive and retain their “Aid & Attendance” pensions, by helping clients analyze and accurately report changes to their financial status or medical expenses. “The VA’s elimination of EVRs is certainly a step in the right direction,” said Bonnie Laiderman, president of Veterans Home Care. “It eliminates the annual scramble on the part of elderly veteran families to submit paperwork before the deadline, or risk losing the pension. Invariably, people forget they got something from the VA, or papers get lost in the mail. Any of this can put the pension in jeopardy for elderly, disabled people who rely on it to help them receive home care and other services. But, people need to be aware that the VA’s elimination of EVRs means they need to keep a more careful watch on their income and medical expenses. That’s part of the service we provide at Veterans Home Care.” Veterans Home Care, a woman-owned business headquartered in St. Louis, was founded in 2003 to help veterans and their surviv-ing spouses who qualify, apply for a non-service related disability pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which pays for assistance with activities of daily living in their homes. VHC pro-vides home care, assigns attendant care workers and follows up to assure that the veteran remains in compliance with VA guidelines to continue receiving the pension. There are no out-of-pocket costs to the client; VHC furnishes an interest-free loan for the cost of home care until the application is approved and VA reimburse-ments begin. Veterans Home Care has helped more than 5,000 vet-erans or their surviving spouses to access VA benefits for the care they need. Veterans Home Care is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Black Gold Brewing Company508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268


TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”Pastor Cindy Brettschneider

Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AMAdult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AM

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

Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive

We invite you to join us each week as we worship

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

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning WorshipService 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening WorshipService 6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

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

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ITEMS NOT ACCEPTEDConstruction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/

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5135

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Available in Most Flavors

Open 7 Days - 765-6556508 Center Street • Taft

St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft

661 765-4292

Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 8:30A.M. English

11:00A.M. Spanish

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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

Check Out Our WebsiteMaricopaquiltcompany.com

And Facebook Page

Advertise

In

The Taft

Independent

Call Today!

765-6550Visit Us Online

taftindependent.com

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

8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319

www.sagebrushannies.com

Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985

(661) 765-4798 FAXTaft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Rich Miller • Jordan MillerKathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

600 Center StreetTaft, California

(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting. Call for Appointment Today!

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Yates’ Detailing

First Baptist Church

Pastor Scott Pearson

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

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens ProgramWednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft661 763-3138


PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

COMMERCIALFOR RENT

ROOMS FOR RENTRooms for rent. Furnished and unfurnished. For more info. 745-4211. 12-7.

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

By AppointmentKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

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

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

on the process.

Call 661-332-6597 for a current list.

Remodeled house. 110 Wood St. 4 bd. 2 ba. with central a/c. large house. fenced yard. 2 car garage. $1,000 mo. plus $1000. dep. (909) 239-8337 or (661) 717-9056. 12-14.

MOBILE HOMESFor rent. 3bd. 2 ba. moblie home. Maricopa. $800 mo. $800 dep. 661-289-0678. 12-28.

HOMES FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550

FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500Lic # 01525550

224 B St #A 2/1 $500205 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600

400 Woodrow #7 1/1 $625

501 ½ Jackson 2/1 $700307 Philippine 1/1 $700605 4th St 2/1.75 $750116 Franklin 3/1 $900306 Taylor 4/1.75 $900600 D St 4/1.75 $1,200

House for rent. 2bd. 1 ba. 661-747-6968.

3bd. 1 ba. 310 Kern St. $800 plus dep. 661-765-5000. on.

House for rent. 2bd, 1 ba. Very nice. $800 mo. plus dep. 203 Lucard. 765-4644 or 363-3005.

APART. FOR RENT1bd. 1ba. Upstairs. $475 Mo. plus $475 dep. 155 1/2 North Street. (661) 477-9636. 12-28.

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

Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath. $99 move in special. No Pets Allowed. 765-7678.

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.

Saturday. Yard Sale at 325 D Street in Taft. Lots of Christmas stuff and Antiques and plus size Men and Women clothing and tools.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New AA meeting just started in Taft at the Chevron Valley Credit Union Community Room. 7:30 am every Saturday morning. We read a topic from As Bill Sees It. 9-19.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.

YARDSERVICES

HELP WANTEDBrown & Reich

Petroleum

Is currently accepting applications for a full time delivery driver.

Requirements: class A license, HAZMAT and tanker endorsement,

clean DMV record, pre-

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

employment physical and drug screen

required. Experienced preferred, interested

applicants may apply at 215 S. 6th Street. Bring DMV print-out. 661-765-

5457.

NOW HIRING MACHINIST.

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]

CHILD CARESERVICES

WANTEDReloading equipment and supplies. Also lathe and milling machine. 661- 205-8706.

Junk Cars Wanted. Cash Paid. 805-0552.

FOR SALE

AUTOMOBILESPETS

FOUND PETS

LOST PETS

Lost Mini Aussie. Black\grey\white w/tan spot on face. Blue eyes, female. Rexxie. REWARD. 661-765-5862.

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

Get It Rented!

Real Estate Services and Property ManagementListings – Sales - Property Management

Local Service You Can Depend On

322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268(661) 765-5000

3,500Taft

IndependentsPublished

Each Friday, The Largest Weekly

Circulation Newspaper

in Taft!

Jackson’s Automotive

Smog Testand

General Repairs

Front End RepairsTransmission Service

Brake Service Tune Ups and Fuel Injection Service and Repairs

Call Today for an Appointment763-1055

Corner of 3rd and Center Street110 3rd Street - Taft, CA. (661) 763-1055

765-4191 or 549-1068

Be Seen!Classified Ads

in theTaft

Independent$2 per line

Box your ad for $5 more

call765-6550

Happy Holidays from the TaftIndependent

Your Business Ad Here

Will Make the Differrence$8 per week

and Up.Be Seen

in theTaft

Independent.call

765-6550

3,500

Taft

Independents

Published

Every Friday

- Free To Our

Readers.

The Largest

Weekly, Most

Widely

Read

Newspaper in

Taft!

Taft’s Only

Locally

Owned

Newspaper.

www.

Happy Holidays

andMerry

ChristmasFromThe Taft

IndependentWe look

Forward to Serving

Our Readersand

Advertising in a

Prosperous2013.


5 0 8 C e n t e r S t r e e t , T a f t , C a l i f o r n i a

T h e L a r g e s t C r a f t B e e r S e l e c t i o n i n K e r n C o u n t y

Have A Safe, Responsible and Happy New Year!

Beers On Tap 16oz 22ozFat Tire $4.50 $5.50Firestone CPA $4.50 $5.50Blue Moon $4.50 $5.50Sam Adams Seasonal $4.50 $5.50Alaskan Amber $4.50 $5.50Shock Top $4.50 $5.50

Craft Beer 12oz 22ozAMBERSAlaskan Amber $4.00 $7.00Alleycat Amber Ale Lost Coast $4.00 $7.00Deschuttes Green Lakes Amber Ale $4.00Old Scratch Flying Dog Amber $4.00Tioga-Sequoia Amber Lager $4.00

ALESAlex Smith Nut Brown Ale $8.50Anchor Steam $7.00Anchor Liberty Ale $4.00Anchor Barleywine Ale $4.50Arrogant Bastard Ale Stone Brewery $7.00Bear Republic XP Ale $7.00Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale $7.00Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale $4.50Firestone 805 Ale $4.00Firestone DBA $7.00Flying Dog Tire Biter Golden Ale $4.00Lagunitas Hop Stoopid Ale $7.00Pranqster North Coast Belgian Style Golden Ale $4.50Rogue Dead Guy Ale $7.00Uinta Anniversary Barleywine Ale $4.50

PALE ALESAcme Pale Ale $4.00Deschuttes Mirror Pond Pale Ale $4.00Drakes 1500 Dry-Hopped Pale Ale $4.00Tioga-Sequoia Mt. Whitney Pale Ale $7.00

IPAAlaska IPA $7.00Acme IPA $4.00Ale Smith IPA $7.00Avery Brewing IPA $4.00Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA $7.00Deschuttes Chasin’ Freshies IPA $7.50Deschuttes Hop Henge IPA $7.00Deschuttes Inversion IPA $4.00Deschuttes White IPA $4.00Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA $4.00Drakes Denogginizer Imperial IPA $8.00Drakes Jolly Roger Imperial Dark IPA $8.00Firestone Union Jack IPA $7.00Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA $4.00Flying Dog Classic IPA $4.00Lagunitas Hop Stoopid IPA $7.00Lagunitas IPA $7.00Lagunitas DayTime IPA $4.00Napa Smith Organic IPA $4.00Rogue Brutal IPA $7.00Sierra Neveda Ruthless Rye IPA $4.00Shipyard Monkey Fist IPA $7.00Stone IPA $7.00Tioga-Sequoia General Sherman IPA $7.00Uinta Hop Notch IPA $4.00

DOUBLE IPAFirestone Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA $8.50Flying Dog Double Dog IPA $4.50Dogfish Head 90 Minutes IPA $4.50Lagunitas Maximus $8.50Stone Ruination IPA $8.00Uinta Brewing Detour Double IPA $8.50Uinta Dubhe Imperial Black IPA $4.50

PILSNERS Scrimshaw North Coast Pilsner $4.00

STOUTS 12oz 22ozDeschuttes Obsidian Stout $4.50Drakes Drakonic Imperial Stout $8.00Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout $4.50Stone Imperial Russian Stout $8.50

PORTERS Alaska Smoked Porter $8.50Anchor Steam Smoked Porter $4.50Deschuttes Black Butte Porter $4.50Flying Dog Imperial Porter $4.50 WHEATLeinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat $4.00Tioga-Sequoia Half Dome Wheat $4.00

SEASONALSAnchor Brewing Small Beer $7.00Firestone Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout $4.50Flying Dog K-9 Winter Ale $4.50Deschuttes Jubelale Festive Winter Ale $4.00Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ $4.00Lagunitas Censored Red Ale $4.00Lagunitas Red Copper Ale $4.00Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin $4.00Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Wild Ale $7.50New Belgium Hoptober Ale $4.00New Belgium Snow Day Winter Ale $4.00Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale $7.00

FRUIT BEERSDogfish Head Apricot IPA $4.50Dogfish Head Punkin Ale $4.50Magic Hat No. 9 $4.00 $7.50Wailua Kona Passion Fruit Wheat $4.50Wild Blackberry Lager $4.50Wild Blueberry Lager $4.50Wild Raspberry Lager $4.50 SPECIAL EDITIONSBlack Butte 24th Birthday Reserve $17.00

CIDERSAngry Orchard $4.50Wyders Raspberry Cider $4.50Wyders Pear Cider $4.50

Imported BeerNewcastle $4.00Moreti $4.00Peroni $4.00Saint Pauli Girl $6.00Stella Artois $6.00Red Stripe $6.00Wells Banana Bread $6.50Youngs Double Chocolate $6.50Franziskaner Weissbeir $6.00Schneider Weise $6.00Weihenstephaner Weiss Bier $6.00Weihenstephaner Vitus Weizenbock $6.00

Domestic BeerBudweiser $3.50Bud Light $3.50Coors Light $3.50Mississippi Mud Black & Tan Quart $6.50

Wines and Champagnes Glass BottleBlackstone Merlot $6.50 $18.50Stella Rosa Red $6.00 $18.00Bella Sera Chianti $6.00 $18.00Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc $4.50Barefoot Chardonney $4.50Barefoot Pinot Grigo $4.50Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon $4.50Barefoot Merlot $4.50Tobin James California Champagne $18.00Moet and Chandon Imperial Champagne $45.00


The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway

Happy New Years from all of us at the Tumbleweed Cafe

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

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

Smog Check!

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Qik Smog & Tune

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

western shop & PET Wash

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

(661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

Diagnostic SpecialistsService & Repairs • Smog Repairs

Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front EndBrakes • Fuel Injection

$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad**1996 Vehicle or newer

Black GoldCafe and Deli

508 Center Street 765-6556

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor Your Special

Event

FULLBAR


608 Center St. 745-4919

BMXBikes

Are Here!

Full Grooming Salon

www.shawswesternshop.com

Andy’s Septic Tank & SewerUNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

(661)765-5000 or (661)343-0507

Randy’s Trucking

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

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

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades •

• Rear Operator Control Panel •

Storewide Sale Through December

Dog toys, collars, harnesses20% Off

Selected Flea items 20% Off

Dog Beds up to 70% OffOpen Christmas Eve December 24th

9am to 1pm

Special Christmas Touch For every good dog!

Color: nails or hair coat bow, bandana or dazzle hair extention

Regular grooming includes:wash and dry and sheddinggrooming cut (when needed)

nails clipped and filedteeth checked

Taft New Year

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