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May 6 - 12, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

May 6 - 12, 2011 • Volume 5 Issue 45www.Taftindependent.com

“Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley”

[email protected]

Taft Hits The Streets To Raise Funds For Kern County Veterans Wall Of Valor

508 Center Street • 765-6550

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

Mother’s Day SpecialSpaghetti & Meatballs $8.95Saturday 9am - 1pm 5pm - 8pm

Cinco De Mayo On 5th Street Plaza

By Jessica G Miller

Kern County’s own Mariachi Real de Jalisco

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT May 6 - 12, 2011

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Nail Services:Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

(we also treat ingrown nails)Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

New ClassesStarting SoonJOIN TODAY!

Shop Taft

Anderson Business ServicesBookkeeping • Income Tax • Notary

Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Sandy AndersonNotary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments & Jurats

$10 per signatureMortgage Documents

$150 per setMobile Notary Service

$1 per mile

Call For Appointment 765-7665 Sandy 577-6790 • Greg 577-6032

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

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

(661)745-4913

Ben’s BooksThe Largest, Cheapest and Only

Used Book Store in Taft

(661)763-3030

Miller’s

661-763-5445 510 Center Street • Taft

Beauty Supply

Call for an appointment Today

Glam Squad on PremisesBarbara Van Pelt • Melissa Thornsberry

Laci Rodart • Christine Dunning Carolyn Easley • Shop Manager - Jessica G. Miller

Beauty Supply • Salon • BoutiqueHair & Skin Care Products • Salon Services

Synthetic Hair Wigs & Human Hair ExtentionsHair Accessories • Jewelry • Pictures & Prints • Massages

We are an Independent Agency WithMany Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies

To Best Suit Your NeedsWe Represent You To Give You The Best Service

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

www.edherrerainsurance.com

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public

Our Friendly Staff

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

Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

423 & 421 Center Street • 763-3527

Cardio Kickboxing Classes and Boot Camp start in May!

SIGN UP TODAY!Weight Training Class

Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-5:30pm

Precision Bodyworks & Towing

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

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

Candies • Candles • And More!

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

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Watch Batteries

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1/2 PRICE SATURDAY50% OFF Our Already Low Prices

Everything in the store 1/2 Price*Only on Saturdays*

Acme Jewelry will be closed on Tuesdays when Ray is in L.A.

Please call first. 763-5451Thank You

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

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

Personal Style

Your One Stop for the Entire Family

Family Boutique & Salon

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Estate and locally sourced premium wines

Wine TastingFriday through Sunday 11am to 5pm at the Winery. Wines can also be tasted at Black Gold Cafe & Deli

508 Center Street • TaftMention this ad and receive a 10%

Taft Discount on all purchases

SAN JOAQUINAutomotive Center

$199.99

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Short Curly Perm $35Short Curly Perm with

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Phone (661)763-4420

FAX (661)763-1389

Cell (661)577-6785

10% OFF$25 or more ServicesValid May 13th-31st


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

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

Letters to the Editor.................................4

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

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

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

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

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

Westside News...............11

Negocios Hispanos........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 Indepen-dent 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 mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 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 representa-tive at (661) 765-6550.Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone order are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Managing EditorAdvertising

Jessica Skidgel

Layout & DesignJessica Skidgel

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris,

Jessy McCulloch, Nicole Frost

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins,

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

Community Events News BriefsTaft California

“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument” “Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm

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

Thursday Afternoon Watercolor Class from 1pm to 3pm

End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is accepting students for their watercolor class on Thursday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm. Please bring a watercolor block approx. 12 by 14 inches, a good quality set of water colors, palette, brushes and water can. Also, please bring a board about 16 x 20 inches on which to work. All classes are $40 per month and students can pay weekly but will be charged for missed classes. For more information please call 765-4790.

Thursday Night Painting Class from 6pm to 8pm

End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is accepting students for their painting class on Thursday nights from 6pm to 8pm. Please call 765-4790 for supply list. Acrylic paint is the preferred medium. All classes are $40 per month and students can pay weekly but will be charged for missed classes.

Children’s Art Classes at End of Times Gallery

End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is now accepting children for private and group art lessons. Available times are Wednesday afternoons from 1:30pm to 3pm and Saturday mornings from 10am to 11:30am. The cost is $40 per month, $10 per child per lesson, plus a $5 materials fee. If interested, please stop by the gallery or call 765-4790.

Pancake/Waffle Breakfast Saturday, May 7th

The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce is holding their monthly pancake/waffle breakfast at the Taft Veterans Hall located on the corner of Taylor and Cedar Street Saturday, May 7th.

Quail Springs Open House Saturday, May 7th

Saturday, May 7, 201110am-2pm. At long last we’ve scheduled our Spring Open House (previously called Farm Tour)! Please join us to learn about permaculture design and how sustainability touches the ground here at Quail Springs. And share a delicious catered lunch at the farm. This is a daytime event, yet there are local options to dine and camp overnight in the Cuyama Valley - more info is available on the pre-registration page. Event Cost: $20/adult or teen, $5/child All ages are encouraged! Please pre-register a week or more in advance as these events tend to fill up.

McCarthy Announces Mobile Office Hours Wednesday, May 11th

On Wednesday, May 11, a field representative for Congressman Kevin McCarthy will hold office hours in Taft. “I encourage members of the community to stop by and take advantage of this month’s mobile office hours,” said Congressman McCarthy. “Mobile office hours are a great opportunity for residents to engage directly with a representative from my office and get questions answered and concerns addressed.” Office hours will be held: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Taft College Library, 29 Emmons Park Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Local Contact: Vince Fong, District Director for Congressman McCarthy (661) 327-3611

Pioneer Days at West Kern Oil Museum Saturday, May 14th

The West Kern Oil Museum will hold their annual Pioneer Days on Saturday, May 14th. There will be a Gas Engine show, working blacksmith shop, raffle, plant sale and BBQ. Serving for the BBQ begins at 11:30am and includes homemade desserts and drink for $10. There is no admission charge to the event. West Kern Oil Museum is located at 1168 Wood Street.

Taft Relay for Life Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and 22nd

The 3rd annual Taft Relay for Life kicks off Saturday, May 21st at the TUHS track. Join the fun and help support the American Cancer Society and make this Relay better than the last two!

Taft High & Lincoln Bands Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Saturday, May 21st

The Taft High and Lincoln bands will be holding a buscuits and gravy breakfast on Saturday, March 21st from 7am to 11am at the Taft High Cafeteria. $5 per person. All proceeds go to support the bands participation in the Pearl Harbor Anniversary Celebra-tion in Washington D.C. November 7-10, 2011.

4th Annual Taft Independent Community Yard Sale Weekend

The Taft Independent is preparing for their 4th annual Community Yard Sale Weekend which will take place the first weekend of June. This annual event features a free treasure map that guides bargain hunters across the city to explore a concentrated number of yard sales, church sales, fundraisers and more. Maps will be avail-able June 2nd-4that the Taft independent office, 508 Center Street, and at all our other drop off locations. Deadline to place your yard sale ad is Wednesday, June

1st. Call us at 765-6550, fax us at 765-6556 or email us at [email protected].

3rd Annual Rails To Trails Car Show The Taft Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau is getting ready for their 3rd annual Rails To Trails classic car, truck and bike show on Saturday, June 11th honoring the Taft Oilworkers Monument. Registration begins at 7am on the day of the event til 9am with judging beginning at 10am. Pre-registration is available for $25 and can be done at the Taft Chamber of Commerce. Pre-registration includes a t-shirt and goodie bag. Registration can also be paid the day of the event for $30. The event will be held on the Rails to Trails at 6th Street between Main Street and Supply Row and will have a wide variety of food, vendors, raffles, games, prizes and more. If you are interested in a vendor/food booth or would like more information on the event and registration please contact the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 765-2165 or stop by at 400 Kern Street.

Taft Independent 4th Annual Community Yard Sale June 4th and 5th.

It’s time to clean out all your old junk! Get your yard sale in the Taft Independent for the weekend of June 4th, to be a part of the Community Wide Yard Sale. The West Kern Oil Museum will also be holding their yard sales this weekend to have maximum outreach to the community. A pull out map will be available on Thursday, June 2nd of all the yard sales that weekend. Deadline to place Yard Sale Ad is Wednesday, June 1st. For more info contact us at 765-6550.

Imagination Laboratories, Inc. Community Pinewood Derby Saturday, June 11th

Saturday June 11 the Imagination Laboratories, inc community Pinewood derby will be held on 5th street plaza. Certification of cars begins at 9:30 a.m at the plaza. Competition age groups are: 10 and under, 11-14, 14-18, and Open (18+)Pinewood Derby car kits can be purchased at Cooper’s True Value for $6, which includes the registration fee and form. A full list of rules and regulations is available at True Value as well.

Team Albertsons For Relay For Life

Julie Malone, Marie Pullar, Christina Mathis and Stephanie Doyle of Team Albert-son’s Relay for Life team held a bake sale on Friday in front of Radio Shack to raise money to fight cancer. The team along with over 40 other Taft relay teams will old their annual Relay for Life event at Taft High School on May 21st and 22nd.

Taft Independentwww.taftindependent.com

[email protected]


Editorial

Westside WatcherYour Guide To The

Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 3:30pm to Close

Every Friday is Ribeye Steak & Chicken Dinner Night

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 1 pm

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineOpen Monday to SaturdayLunch served 11am-1pmDinner served 5pm - 8pm

Wine Tasting on First Thursdays508 Center Street

765-6550

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

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

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

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. Sat. 6 am-8:30 pmSun. Wed. Fri. 6 am - 10pm765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

El Jacalito Authentic Mexican Dining

We do Catering for any Special Event!Orders to go.

Sunday - Thursday10:30 am - 8:00 pmFriday and Saturday10:30 am - 9:00 pm101 B. Street, Taft

763-9890763-9892 fax

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

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

Live Music Saturday Nights

Always Fresh!

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 2;30pmDine In or We Deliver

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines766-2319

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

Chilled & GrilledBreakfast served

Saturday and Sunday 7am-11am

Brunch served Sunday 7am-2pm

Lunch served daily 11am-4pm

Dinner served daily 4pm-9pm765-2000

621 Center Street

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

Your RestaurantListed Here.

Call765-6550.

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat. 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wed, Fri. 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

EditorialQuote of the Week

Saturday, May 7thAll Ages Show

$5.008pm

Featuring:Alast

All The Kings MenX-Statik

By Kent Miller

Taft City Council meetings and fireworks are no strangers.But usually it was councilmembers’ comments leading to the fireworks, not the fireworks leading to the councilmembers’ com-ments. However, at Tuesday night’s Taft City Council meeting it was the latter case. The first item on the council’s agenda item was the awarding of four Safe and Sane Fireworks stands and one alternate for July 4th celebrations. Eight applicants sought approval to sell fireworks in the city: Calvary Temple Assembly of God, the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Taft Lions Club, Taft Midway-Sunset Lions Club and Taft Midway-Sunset Lions Foundation (only one of the Taft Midway-Sunset representatives could win), Taft Sportsmen Club, and Taft United Pentecostal Church and Taft United Pentecostal Church Ladies Auxiliary (only one of the church’s representatives could win). And the winners were: Calvary Temple, Taft Lions Club, Taft Midway-Sunset Lions Foundation and the Pentecostal Church. The Sportsmen Club is the alternate if one of the four winners drops out. Council compensation Last year, the councilmembers – three of whom are still in office – voted to suspend their $300 a month compensation until the city’s budget was in better shape. This year the council voted to reinstate the stipend because much of the $1,500 a month was donated to charities or local proj-ects, such as the Veterans’ Memorial Park. However the money was listed as income for each councilmember and taxes were deducted from each donation. Tuesday the council approved introducing an ordinance amend-ing the city code to allow individual councilmembers to designate a charity or the city as direct recipient of funds paid in lieu of council salaries. Thus, the charity or city project would receive the full $300. The council voted 5-to-0 for the motion. GIS services The city now has a geographic information systems contractor, replacing the temporary-employee position with a maximum of 1,000 hours of GIS work a year. Juan Gonzales had been providing “high quality” GIS services to the city but reached the 1,000-hour maximum for a temporary employee.This meant: * Gonzales would have to take a hiatus during a time when his GIS abilities are in high demand; * He would have to be added as a full-time employee with benefits, with the council reluctant to adding the expense of a permanent employee to the budget; * A contract position with a set hourly wage and maximum financial liability to the city would be created.

The council voted to contract with Gonzales at $35 an hour for a maximum liability of $72,800 (2,080 hours, or 40 hours a week for 52 weeks) for the 12 months from May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012. Gonzales will have to handle his Social Security, state and federal tax matters and health insurance, and adequate liability insurance. Gonzales was happy with the contract, stating “I can get the job done.” Gonzales’ supervisor, GIS and Development Services Manager Bud Rice, was happy. And the council was happy. Other matters In other matters, the council:* Voted to switch its grant writing services from Passantino An-dersen to Acquisition Partners of America, while maintaining the cost of $3,000 a month. Former Passantino Andersen employee Sonia Hall assisted the city with grant writing services since 2007 and will continue to do so as an employee of Acquisition Partners. The change will take effect on June 5. * Adopted a resolution opposing Gov. Jerry Brown’s idea of repealing California’s Enterprise Zone Program. * Heard from the public regarding coming events, including the Family Games theme of the Second Friday at the 5th Street Plaza on May 13; the Saturday, June 11, car show at the plaza, which will include the first Farmers’ Market; the Chamber of Commerce’s golf tournament has been moved to June 25; an open-to-the-public Pinewood Derby, sponsored by Greg and Leigh Golling’s Imagination Laboratories, will be held June 11, giving the community the car show, farmers’ market and derby downtown on that Saturday; and today the Kern Wall of Valor Memorial fund-raiser will be held at the corner of 10th and Kern streets with a goal of raising at least $10,000 as the Westside’s donation to the memorial honoring Kern County’s members of the military who gave their lives in service to the country from World War I on.

“We’re noticing a big Hispanic community in Taft,” he said. “So, it would only be fitting to recognize Cinco de Mayo.”

Taft businessman Ed Herrera on Taft’s Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Taft residents turned out today for a very worthy cause at the intersection of 10th and Kern Streets. In case you didn’t know, Kern County veterans have organized to build a Wall of Valor in Bakersfield that would recognize Kern County war veterans who died in combat since World War One. When approached by the organizers and asked for a $10,000 donation, the Taft city council had a better idea. Instead of using tax-payers dollars, Mayor Randy Miller and the other council members decided to go out and raise the money from local citizens. Before Friday’s event the committee had raised about $4,000. As of noon Friday (press time for the Independent), the volunteers had raised over $12,500 from passing motorists who gladly donated to this great cause that will recognize the over 1,000 Kern County residents - approximately 110 from the Westside - who died defending our country. We should all give thanks to the city council and city staff and the hard working committee that organized the event. And special thanks to city employee Debra Elliott who worked in the background to ensure that the committee and event was well organized and got the job done. And thanks to those of you who made the event a suc-cess by donating to this very important and worthy cause.


By Nicole Frost

Westside News & Business Briefs

The 2011 Taft Union High School varsity baseball team was a hit in the classroom as well as on the field. The team won a Valley academic championship when the Taft ballplayers earned the highest team grade point average to top all 98 baseball teams in all divisions in Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno and Madera counties. They joined the 2009 TUHS baseball team and the 2008 TUHS vol-leyball team in earning the scholar-athlete honors. The academic championships are won by besting all schools in the Valley in each given sport, not just Division IV schools. The baseball team boasts four players with at least a 4.0 GPA. The baseball team also is excelling on the field. The Wildcats are undefeated in league and ranked second or third in the Valley. They are striving for their third straight league title, Coach Dave Roberston said. Robertson said, “We are most proud of the academic champion-ship. After all, as educators we constantly enforce the philosophy to our student-athletes that academics should come first and are much more relevant in the long run than on-the-field accomplish-ments. This is a highly prestigious award and an amazing achieve-ment for our students.”

Tracy Merickel, the counselor at Buena Vista High School, has been awarded the California Continuation Education Association District V Sup-port Person of the Year. Merickel will receive the award at a lunch ceremony May 6 at the CCEA State Conference in Oakland May 5-7. BV Principal Carolyn Wilson praised Merickel as the school’s “miracle.” “Several years ago, I managed to find grant funding for a 10-hour a week counseling position. I was hoping to find a mother who had taken time off work to be with her children or a retired person who still wanted to keep his/her finger in the work scene. Everyone outside Buena Vista High School laughed at my firm belief that a person existed who would want that job. Several went so far as to state it would take a miracle. Well, miracles do happen and Tracy was Buena Vista High School’s. No one could doubt it because her name even said it!” The 40-year-old Kernville native said, “It really is my dream job. I absolutely love it here.” She graduated from Kern Valley High School in 1989 where she was ASB president and a three-sport athlete. She was a hitter and setter on the volleyball team, forward on the basketball team and threw discus and shot put in track. The track MVP was the first Kern Valley High athlete to make it to state. She earned her BA in psychology at Fresno Pacific, a Pupil Personnel Services degree in school counseling at La Verne and another PPS degree in school psychology at Fresno Pacific. She earned her MS in school counseling at La Verne. She worked as a deputy probation officer for seven years, and as a counselor at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, as well as BV and Garces High School. Her husband T.R. is a probation department division director. They have two children: Grace, 8, and Paige, 5. They enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming and visiting zoos and mu-seums. “Our kids really like science and doing anything outdoors,” she explained.

BIG OPPORTUNITY...

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Have you ever wanted to be in the retail business but

could not afford a store?

For those of you that are hobby-hunters, the Maricopa Quilt Company is a one-stop shop for all of your quilting or sewing needs. The Maricopa Quilt company is a retail store that offers fabric, sewing classes and quilting services. Store owner and quilter, Vicki Destrampe, will quilt just about anything for anyone who wants to come in. Whether you need a project finished or have an idea for one you want to start, she can help you out. Sewing classes, taught by Debbi Lindgren, are offered for both the novice and the seasoned quilters. Lindgren will teach anything you want to learn. Classes are the first saturday of every month at 10:00 am for $10 per class. Destrampe has been sewing and quilting since she was 8 years old and she has passed the trade down to her four children and two grandchildren. “All of the children know how to sew,” said Destrampe. “One of my daughters still quilts as a hobby.” She isn’t solely a quilter, but a craftswoman in general. “When I have time, I like to do just about any type of craft,” said Destrampe. People come from all around to shop at the Maricopa Quilt Company. In fact, the store will be one of 11 shops participating in the second-annual Heart of the Valley Quilt Shop Hop on May 20-22. Quilt shops from across the San Joaquin Valley contribute by opening their shops for quilters to explore. Also, the participat-ing shops will donate money in gift cards to the main raffle. To enter this raffle, shop-hoppers must visit each of the shops and get a stamp on their “passport,” which is a card that tracks their progress. The grand prize is $1200 in gift cards, the second prize is $600 in gift cards and the third prize is $300 in gift cards. Quilters also receive a free 12” block pattern. “Last year, over a three day period, 459 people visited the shop,” said Destrampe. The store is a definite hit among quilters in the area. People have been attracted to the Maricopa Quilt Company from Tehachapi, Fresno, Coalinga and the Coast. “I shop all across the West United States and I still come back here for the best materials,” said Maricopa Quilt Company cus-tomer Debi Twisselman. “They have the best fabric and the place

is just friendly and great. It’s amazing that people come from all around to the teeny-tiny town of Maricopa to come to the store.” Destrampe accredits her store’s success to her parents, both of whom have helped her with the business immensely. “I would not have been able to do this without parents,” said Destrampe. “My dad put in all of the labor for the store and my mom is just a tremendous support all of the time.” She likes so donate quilts to charity and her mother do-nates quilts regularly to the police department. The Maricopa Quilt Company is a friendly, down home store with a wide variety of products and great services. If you are a seasoned quilter or you want to pick up a new hobby, the Maricopa Quilt Company is the place for you.

Since it’s the week after Spring Fling, much of the energy from the events have shifted to studying and preparing for Final and AP exams. Also, sports are coming to an end which means a chance for League Championships. Finals aren’t quite here but, with less than a month left in school, teachers are already preparing their students. Baseball has had a great season by being undefeated in league. They also won the Academic Valley Championship by being hav-ing the highest team GPA among 98 schools in the central area. There are even a few people on the team who have over a 4.0 GPA. “Our season has gone great we’re 7-0 in league and we have three games left,” said junior left-fielder Tyler Adkins. “We’re currently undefeated and it’s going to stay that way.” Boy’s golf has had an excellent season as well by being League Champions. Both Swimming and Track have SSL Championships today so wish them luck and support your wildcats. The spring musical, Godspell, will be showing on May 5th, 6th, 7th and on Mother’s Day. The shows are on 7:00 pm on each night but Mother’s Day, when a matinee show will be held at 2:00 pm. General admission is $7, children ages 3-12 get in for $5, and on Sunday mothers get in for $5. Bring your family and come watch a great show. Luau is on May 13th and guest passes can be picked up in the attendance office. Tank tops and board shorts are allowed in any color but white, if not too revealing. Grass skirts and sarongs are also allowed if shorts are worn underneath. Don’t miss the last dance of the year. The senior Magic Mountain trip is on May 18th and permis-sion slips are due in the principal’s office by May 11th. Seniors that are wanting to go much have 90% attendance and be in good disciplinary standing. Graduation is quickly approaching and fines will prevent you from graduating. Seniors, don’t forget to turn in all of your athletic gear and books before the day comes. Also, no charges will be al-lowed in the cafeteria after May 1st.

G.F. Ink is printing limited edition red, white and blue t-shirts for $15. Half of the proceeds from the shirt sales will go to the Wall of Valor Memo-rial in Bakers-field. Shirts will be available at G.S. Graphix, located at 306 Center Street. Get yours today and support the memory of our country’s bravest. For more info give them a call at 745-4923.

Maricopa Quilt Company Not Just For Quilters

Vicki Destrampe in front of Maricopa Quilt Company, 370 California Street in Maricopa.

TUHS Ballplayers Earn Highest Team GPA

By Nicole Frost

Go ‘CatsBVHS Counselor Honored As Support Person Of The Year

Tracy Merickel

G.F. Ink Donates Shirt Sale Proceeds To Wall Of Valor



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OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 5-10-11 thru 5-14-11)

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The Chamber of Commerce’s Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Fifth Street Plaza was a tremendous success for a first time event. With a traditional mariachi band, Mexican food and even a singing contest for the youngsters, the evening was not without entertainment. As the evening progressed more and more people were drawn to the Plaza by the sounds of Mariachi Real de Jalisco echoing through downtown Taft. “I wanted to get out of the house and spend some time with my kids,” said one attendee, Melissa Payne. “We think it’s good for the community,” said Jerry Moreno of Napa Country and Truck who also had a booth set up at the fiesta. “We hope it will keep going for years to come.” The mastermind of the event was Chamber board member, Ed Herrera of Edward J. Herrera Insurance. “We’re noticing a big Hispanic community in Taft,” he said. “So, it would only be fitting

to recognize Cinco de Mayo.” “He did a crackerjack job,” said Interim Executive Director, Dr. Kathy Orrin. Martha Rodriguez, the Executive Administrative Assistant at the Chamber worked hard all day to help bring Herrera’s plan to life. “It think it’s a great turn out,” she said. “For the first time, I think we did a pretty good job. This wouldn’t have been possible with out Ed’s leadership and determination.” Although at first the day was exceedingly warm at first, after it cooled down it made the celebration that much more enjoyable. “There’s a lot more here [at the Plaza] then there used to be and there’s a lot more people here than I imagined,” said fifth grader and singing competition competitor, Dariana Calderon. “I’d like to see a parade next year.” Calderon and others who participated in the singing contest had Mariachi Real de Jalisco playing tunes for them as they sang and danced. The seven piece band consisting of Victor Gonzalez, Ithan Rameriz, Jase Ararambulo, Ismael Rameriz, Ilesseo Mendoza, Javier Herrera and Hipolito Valdez put on a great performance through out the entire fiesta. Competition winners include Dakota Shelly, age 5, 4th place, Destiny Shelley, age 8, 3rd place, Katelynn Gomez, age 6, 2nd place and Dariana Calderon, age 10, 1st place. At some points through the event, some people were dancing to the music and even singing along. It was a great night for Ed Herrera, The Chamber of Commerce and especially the people of Taft. It was definitely an event that marked great things to come for the Fifth Street Plaza this summer and in the years to come.

By Jessica G. Miller

Taft Celebrates Cinco De Mayo Taft Hits The Streets To Raise Money For The Kern Veterans Wall of ValorTaft volunteers turned out Friday at the corner of 10th and Kern Street to raise money for the Kern County Veterans Wall of Valor. The city agreed to raise $10,000 to donate top the wall which will honor Kern County veterans killed in action. By 11:00 am Friday, volunteers had raised more than $12,500. Any funds over $10,000 raised will go towards the local Taft Veterans memorial located at city hall.



J & D Recycling - 1277 Kern Street

We Offer Removal Of:Old Cars & Trucks

Junk & Farm Equip.

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We Can Haul Away Most Large Items • Call Us Today • (661)765-6752 • Recycling is OUR Business

We Have Expanded Our Services To The Community!

Give us a call to set up an appt.(661)765-6752

Open 9am - 5pm

The Place4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa(661)766-2660

Saturday, May 14th$10.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT

Tri-Tip salad, beans, and bread

$1.50 Domestic Drafts 5:00pm to Close

NO TO GO’s Starts at 5:00pm until gone!

LIVE MUSIC: X-Statik at 7:00pm

Saturday, May 28th$12.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT

Fish Fry coleslaw, rice and corn bread

NO TO GO’s Starts at 5:00pm until gone!

$1.50 Domestic Drafts 5:00pm to Close

Competition Cheer Squad Meeting Thursday, May 12th Cheerleaders in 7th grade to 18 years old (as of the 2011/2012 school year) are invited to get involved in the newest sport to come to Taft – competition cheerleading! The South Valley Heat All-Star squad is gearing up this summer and needs dedicated and hard-working athletes to join the team. Participants will go through a placement evaluation and assigned to the appropriate squad – there is a place for all cheerleaders. New cheerleaders may join the squad any time prior to August 15, 2011. Placement evaluations will take place in mid-August. The summer session of practices will get underway on June 7, with practices be held on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 pm in the Community Center Auditorium. The fee for the summer session is $75 per cheerleader. Registration is required prior to attending the first practice. Practice clothes, uniforms and accessories will be ordered at a later date for an additional fee. An informational meeting for interested cheerleaders and parents will be held Thursday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commu-nity Center Assembly Room. Attendance at the meeting is highly encouraged – coaches will be going over uniform costs, squad expectations, competition information and more. Starting in September, practices will be held three days per week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fees will then change to $50 per month. There will be a 20% discount for enrolled siblings (dis-count not applicable to the summer session – monthly fees only). Competition season is October through June. Cheer coaches are Brittney Odle and Kristina Hammons.

Free Community Carnival

May 14th, 2011 10am-2pm

300 Lassen Ave. (Across from the Rec)West Hills Church of the Nazarene

There will be games, prizes, waterslides, food, sno-cones and

cotton candy.Wear your bathing suit, bring a

towel and plan to get wet!

The Taft Petroleum Club was established in 1912. They are a volunteer organization who’s mission is to support the local petroleum industry and community. The Taft Petroleum Club has became a business partner of the Taft Union High School Oil - Technology Academy. They are honored to give their first scholarship of $1,250 to a graduating Senior in the Oil Technol-ogy Academy... Samantha Chatman. Gene Jones - President, and Sam Easley-Treasurer, present the scholarship. The Taft Oil-Tech-nology Academy is going to be one of the main missions of the Taft Petroleum Club in their community service goals.

Pictured left to right. Fred Holmes - Oil Technology Board, Ted Pendergrass Coordinator Oil Tech., Samantha Chatman Student- Oil Tech.,Gene Jones- President Petroleum Club, Sam Easley Treasurer- Petroleum Club.

Synagro Donates $10,000 To Taft Chamber of Commerce

Taft Petroleum Club Presents First Scholarship to TUHS Senior

Lorrie Loder of Synagro presents Taft Chamber of Commerce Ex-ecutive Director Dr. Kathy Orrin with a check for $10,000. Synagro has been a large contribu-tor to local Taft public institu-tions such as the Taft Community Gardens, and Taft College. Loder serves on the Taft Cham-ber of Commerce and Taft College Foundation Board of direc-tors.


Community Voices

TWE WRESTLING CLASSES$100.00 per month or $300.00 for One Year!

Make her feel PEACHY

this Mother’s Day!

Jacks

FlowerShop

430 Center Street • (661) 765-2442

Don’t Forget!Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8th

With Teleflora’s Peach Teapot Bouquet

Yard Sale

In Loving Memoryof JC Chitwood

Saturday, May 14th7:00 am to 1:00 pm

700 “B” StreetAll proceeds go to the JC CHITWOOD

Scholarship Fund

By Jane M McCabe

With the news that Osama Bin Laden has been tracked down and killed by a group of highly-trained Navy SEALS and with Memorial Day (May 30th) fast approaching, we Americans have more cause for pride in our armed services, cause to honor our wounded or killed in the line of duty, and for celebration than we’ve had in a long time! And so, it was fitting that the members of the Taft Chamber of Commerce be addressed by a Korean War veteran, Chuck Bikakis, at our May 4th Sit and Sip meeting.

We were heartened to learn of the many programs designed to help veterans in Kern County. Mr. Bikakis served in the US Navy and in the Marine Corps for twenty years. For the past 13 years he has been director of the Kern County Veterans Service Department, an agency which helps veterans to get jobs, secure compensations, and gives them assistance with vocational rehabilita-

tion and in many other aspects of their lives. Despite the edict that no American veteran should be homeless, according to Mr. Bikakis, about 30% of the home-less and a large percentage of those in prison are veterans. This number includes women who have served. Some of these, though not outwardly wounded, suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and other mental illnesses. Because their disturbances and impoverishment, they may have committed misdemeanors. Largely, they are unaware of the services to which they are entitled. “The Vet Center,” as it’s referred to, offers an alternative to mental health centers in that, rather than wait weeks or months for an appointment, a veteran most often sees someone the same day he comes in, someone who can examine his history and help award him the compensations to which he is entitled. Periodically, the Vet Center has what they call “stand downs.” This was term that was used during World War II and fol-lowing when active forces, exhausted from combat, fell back and were replaced by fresh troops, giving them the opportu-nity to refresh themselves under safe conditions before returning to combat. Stand Downs, as it’s referred to presently, means days set aside when all veteran services are represented in one location, such a park in Bakersfield, reducing the need for veterans to go here and there to procure the services. At a Stand Down a vet accused of a misdemeanor can have his case adjudicated and be sentenced that day. Mr. Bikakis scans the obituaries in the Bakersfield California looking for veterans who have died. If the person died from a “presumptive cause” such as lung cancer or hepatitis or prostrate cancer (illnesses that may have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange,) his family may entitled to a death benefit. In a recent case of a Viet Nam Vet, he called the man’s wife to inform her of this and her compensation allowed her to keep her home. Families of veterans may not be aware that their loved one is entitled to burial at no expense to his family once the body has been delivered to a national veterans’ cemetery. The deceased will be given a 30 minute service before being interred a spot nearby. If the person was killed in action his casket will be buried at the grave site. A beautiful new National Cemetery is being constructed in a rural mountain area along Highway 223 approximately twenty miles southeast of Bakersfield on land donated by Tejon Ranch. Its first phase of its construction will provide 5,700 full caskets (including 4,000 pre-placed in-ground crypts) and 3,500 cremation gravesites. Families of veterans may be unaware that their children are entitled to tuition free enrollment at California state colleges.One thousand seven local citizens have been killed in combat in wars since World War I. Kern County has constructed a memorial and interactive kiosk at Truxton and S Street in Bakersfield. The Wall of Valor is made up of eight large panels with the names of these fallen heroes engraved on it. Eight panels will be dedicated on May 28th at 10 a.m. A gift of $300 will secure the name of one soldier. Its donor will receive a set of dog tags stamped with the name of the hero and the name of his sponsor. The Kern County Veterans Department provides, free of charge, counseling, advice, and assistance to veterans and/or their dependents regarding rights, benefits and privileges available to them under federal, state and local law, regulations and policies. Veterans whose military service was completed under “other than dishonorable conditions” may still qualify, depending upon a determination by the VA, based on the facts of each case. Dependents and survivors of veterans may be eligible for benefits. For more information, please call the Kern County Veterans Service Department at 868-7300 or visit it at 1120 Golden State Avenue in Bakersfield during normal business hours.

Classes start September 2nd

606 Center Street

Call 381-8881

Sign up NOW at S&S Printing

Korean War Veteran Tells Taft Chamber of Commerce That Veterans May Qualify for More Benefits Than They Realize

Watkins Independent Distributor #391228Janet Sandoval • 661-747-0638

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Complete Dental CareFor Dogs & Cats

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Mark You CalendarFor the Summer 2011

Taft Community Yard SalePut your yard sale on our map

Call the Independent at 765-6550 TodaySaturday, June 4th

Households • Businesses • Churches • SchoolsNon Profits • Community Organizations

Everyone Welcome!The Taft Independent will promote your yard,

moving, estate or fundraising sale in our Friday, June 3rd issue for FREE!

We will indicate your yard sale location with a star on our centerfold two page color map of Taft. Don’t miss out on this great opporotunity.

Deadline to place your yard sale ad for this issue is Wednesday, June 1stCall today to get your yard sale on the map (661)765-6550

Please leave a message with your address, date, and time of your yard sale. Or fax us your yard sale ad information to (661)765-6556 or

email us at [email protected]

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131

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E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

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

Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley DriveWe invite you to join us

each week as we worship

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

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

Bible StudyThursday Nights 7 p.m.

395 California Street, Pastor Maricopa, CA 93252Bill LeBarron (661) 619-5372

Lighthouse Foursquare Church210 Harrison Street 763-1518

Home Of The Good News BearsHugs On WheelsFood In The ParkCode Blue Youth

Sunday Service 10 AMPastors Mark and Kathy Fitzsimmons

For More Information on Service Times Go ToWWW.TAFTLIGHTHOUSE.ORG

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.

Jennifer, Charlie, and Angie Dedicated • Professional • Experienced

All Are Licensed Funeral Directors

The Trusted Name Since 1939

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

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Available in Most Flavors

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

Gateway Temple

CommunityChristian

Fellowship631 North Street

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

St. Andrew’sEpiscopal Church

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

703 5th Street - Taft(661) 765-2378

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMSTaft- A caring community under Christ

We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Emmons Park Drive (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays

Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

The Pregnancy crisis center is now open and available for support and assistance. For information, call 763-4791

If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488. Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

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

Sunday Services 10amUTURN Youth Service

Sunday 6pm1000 6th St.

Weekly Classes Mon - ThursPlease call 765-7472 for info

For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on SundayPastors Floyd and Carol Jordan

www.nlctaft.org or [email protected]

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

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

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

Mary A. McWhorter

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

Advertise With The Taft IndependentCall Today765-6550

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

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 4:30 pm.

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

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

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1st Saturday of the MonthSew Day

Saturday, May 7th

Don’t Forget!Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8th


MASSAGE THERAPY

PersonalsSEEKING

Tennis, Anyone? Intermediate player looking for a partner

to play once or twice a week. Please call Jane

765-4790.

The Taft Independent is adding a Personals section to the classifieds. Whether you are looking for Mr. Right, someone to do some yard work for you, or maybe a carpool buddy, we want to help you find what you are looking for. Call today to place your ad in our Personals section. 765-6550.

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.

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.

BusinessServices

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Computer Repair(661) 623-5188

COOLERSERVICES

Cooler Service: Motors, pumps, pads, cleaning, installations. New & Old

Scott 661-900-0917.

ALTERATIONSMens and Womens Alterations. Over 30

years experience. You deliver or I pick up.

623-1101 or 765-5377.

EVENT SERVICES

EmploymentHELP WANTED

WEST KERN WATER DISTRICT

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

01417057661-577-7136

PROPERTY FOR RENT

230 center streetbusiness office space for rent 4000 sq. foot. retail or restaurant 661-343-0507

PROPERTY FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

PurchaseCommercial: Restaurant in Maricopa “Turn Key”

300-340 California St., Maricopa.

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

Call 661-332-6597 for these and others!____________________

MOBILE HOMES

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550 www.BuySellManage.com.

FOR RENT302 E. San Emidio 3/2+ pool!420 B St. 3/2 + 1/1101 North St. 2/2 + 1/1307 Philippine 1/1

FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!2123 Brummett Way 3/2 on 5 acres!!430 Philippine 3/2.75 + HUGE Basement!Contact us for details and a complete list of homes for Sale!

Remodeled house. 4 bd 2 ba. a/c, 2 car garage, 110 Wood St. $1050 + dep. Se habla espanol. (661) 717-9056 or (909) 239-8337

3 bd, 2ba 1700 sq.

Temporary Position for Summer

“Office Assistant”

West Kern Water District is looking for

a motivated individual, who would like to join

our team for temporary full-time employment

during the summer. Ap-ply immediately at 800

Kern Street. Must be 18 years of age.

Deadline for submit-ting application is

Wednesday, May 18, 2011. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of

District application. The successful applicant will be subject to a physical,

pre-employment drug screen, and background

check. E.O.E.

EOEBUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WANTEDJunk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

For SaleFOR SALE

Firewood 661-619-9898

Asian/Oriental dolls, knick knacks, pictures, make offer. 763-3949

MOTORCYCLES

AUTOMOBILES

Pets & Livestock

FOUND PETS

PETS

LOST PETS

Real EstatePROPERTY

MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

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

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

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

Yard Sale ads are free, up to 3 lines.

Classified ad deadline is Thursday at 2 p.m.

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 ServicesCleaning Services

My Fair LadiesCleaning ServicesComm. and ResidentialServing the Westside661.477.3455Lic. No. 007657

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

YARD SALESAdvertise your FREE yard sale ad. Up to 3 lines free. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 2 p.m. Thursday.

107 San Emidio. Sat. 8 am to l.

312 E. Lucard. In the alley. Sat. Freezer, Bird houses, come and see.

Huge Yard Sale 714Taylor St. Friday, May6th and Saturday,May 7th 7am-? Lots ofeverything.

110 E. Lucard. Sat 7am - Noon. in Back yard - front and alley access. Piano, motorcycle, pillars, bikes, cloths, etc.

401 King. Maricopa. Fri. and Sat. 7am. Closed hoiday store items.

511 1st St. Big Yard Sale. Fri and Sat.

Carport sale everything must go 316 Pico SAT ONLY MAY 7TH 9AM-?

Yard Sale Alley entrance 412 McKinely Sat 5/7 7am-11. Washer and gas dryer, square dining table - seating for eight, black leather ottoman, sofa, kitchen buffet, household items and lots miscellaneous.

Yard Sale Saturday, May 7th 7am-? 609 Garratt St.

Estate Sale Sat. and Sun., May 7th and 8th 443 Olive St. in Maricopa. Quality items, collectibles, 60 years worth.

Yard Sale 518 Naylor St. Sat. 6:30-11:30. Cheap! Everything as is.

101 Clark St. in Maricopa. Saturday 6am-? front load Washer, trash

Affordable Rents

We’ve Got em!

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

compactor, misc.

Yard Sale 207 E. Warren St. Clothes, furniture, household items, misc. 7am-11am

3 Family Yard Sale 107 Madison. Saturday 8am-2pm--------------------------------

Yard Sale Saturday, May 14th 7am-1pm 700 B Street. All proceeds go to the JC Chitwood Scholarship fund.

Large yard sale May 13th 14th and 15th27544 Cypress St. Valley Acres.

YARD SALE May 14th and 15th 101 BUENA VISTA PL.

Taft Independent 4th Annual Community Yard Sale June 4th and 5th. It’s time to clean out all your old junk! Get your yard sale in the Taft Independent for the weekend of June 4th and 5th, to be a part of the Community Wide Yard Sale. A pull out map will be available on Friday, June3rd of all the yard sales that weekend.Deadline to place Yard Sale Ad is Wednesday, June 1st. For more info contact us at 765-6550.

SEEKINGINFORMATION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COUNSELING &SUPPORT

Taft Widows.

Are you a widow? Do you wonder what on earth am I here for? Widows meet twice a month on Tuesday 10 a.m. at the Buena Vista Mobile Home Club House. If interested, call June Selby 763-4845.

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

ft. low maint. great view. Water and trash paid. $1,395 mo. plus Dep.763-3043 or 805-4849

2bd 1 ba. Large Living Rm. Private yard. $696. Avail now. 805 689-4122.

APART. FOR RENT1bd 1 ba. Upstairs. 155 1/2 2nd St. Kids welcome. No pets. $475 mo. $475 dep. 661 477-9636.

Studio one person305 North Street.$400 including utilities(866)[email protected]

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

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

Well-BeingBEAUTY

CHIROPRACTORS

Yates’ Detailing600 Center Street

Taft, 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.

Community

Miller’sBeauty Supply

510 Center Street(661)763-5445

Beauty SupplySalon

Boutique

Oriental Foot Spa

10am-10pm 7 days a week201 Kern Street(661)745-4891

Traditional Chinese Foot & Body Massage

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

Plumbing • Septic • Roto-RooterFraming • Electrical • Concrete

Passion For Nails

(661)745-4913

Mon. to Fri.10am-7pm

Sat. 9am-6pm

1014 6th Street

Find what you

are looking for

with the Taft

Independent.

Place your

Personal Ad

today!

765-6550

Advertise

with the Taft

Independent

Call Today

765-6550


Somos una Agencia Independiente Con Varias Aseguradoras Prominentes Para Darle El Mejor Servicio

Lo Representamos A Usted Para Darle Un Excelente Servicio Como Usted Se Lo Merece

420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

www.edherrerainsurance.com

Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios

Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public

NuestroPersonalAmable

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

Rosy’s ClosetHombres y Mujeres

Ropa y Zapatos401 Center Street

Mar. - Sáb. 10am-8pmDom. 11am-8pm

Cerrado los Lunes

The Cell Fone StoreMóviles y Accesorios y

alimentos y más510 Finley Drive661-765-2500

Negocios Hispanos

ServiciosNegocios de venta

Sponsored by Edward J. Herrera Insurance

G and FFootwear

Athletic and Tennis ShoesVans - Nike - Levis

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

Phone 340-8609

Su anuncio aquí!

Las bajas tasas!

Llame hoy mismo!

765-6550

Obtenga

MuchoPor Menos

Anuncios empezando a$10 a la

semana508 Center Street765-6550

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

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

$39.75 *

for Smog Check ‘96 or Newer

plus certificate

Ask about $500.00 Free Smog Repair

Restrictions Apply

* must present ad at time of service

1/2 Off Diagnostics

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

Smog Check!Certified C.A.P. Station

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Qik Smog & Tune

745-4919

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

420 1/2 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

MOTORCYCLE CUSTOMIZINGSERVICE AND REPAIR

(661)745-4931

518 KERN STREETWWW.CYCLEKATZ.COM

Jason AndersonDonnie Schwerdetfager

Randy’s Trucking

(661) 763-47731050 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 •

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

Open 7 Days a WeekBreakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor You Special

Event

Daily Lunch Specials

American and Mexican FoodExotic Cusine

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway

ACLU Meeting at Police ParkBy Edward( El Tinterio) J. Herrera

I was invited to a meeting at what is called “Police Park” near the Taft City Hall at 6pm on Thursday, April 28. The American Civil Liberties Union or ACLU met with approximately 90 Oaxacan field workers regarding the impounding of vehicles and other civil liberty violations. The meeting was facilitated by Unidad Popular Benito Juarez’s Hector Hernandez, Executive Director. The ACLU was represented by Jennie Pasquarella, Staff Attorney, Elvia Meza, Dir. Of Community Engagement and Miguel Angel Cruz Angeles, Field Chapter Advocate. The meeting opened with Elvia Meza welcoming the group in Spanish and she introduced Jennie Pasquarella , Jennie was asked if she needed an interpreter, she said that she spoke Spanish. She spoke to the group in excellent spanish. Miss Pasquarella spoke of the group’s rights and said that a vehicle cannot be impounded merely because you do not have an operator’s license. A couple came all the way from Lost Hills and related that vehicles were being impounded in Lost Hills and that there were obvious racial profiling in the stops.Miss Pasquarella , advised the group that when stopped by a law enforcement officer they can say that they do not have papers and that they would like a lawyer otherwise remain silent, a gentlemen in the group said that if they do that they will get arrested. A booklet was handed out titled “Know Your Rights” what to do if questioned by police, FBI, Customs Agents or Immigration Officers by the ACLU. The ACLU pamphlet has a lot of advise and under “Your Responsibilities” regardless of your immigration or citizen status, you have constitutional rights. A person complained that in Maricopa, Ca. because there are no regular police and only reserves that alternate regularly there is no chance for the officers to get to know the community so he is constantly being stopped and questioned,” Thanks to Reagan(President Ronald Reagan) I have papers. He had his truck impounded right from his driveway because he did not have current tags. He said he had purchased the vehicle from a dealer a month earlier and the dealer said the tags were good for 90 days never the less the truck was impounded and sold. A form was handed out to the crowd “Formulario de Admision de Vehiculo Decomisado( Questionnaire of Confiscated Vehicle) The person that have had their vehicles confiscated should complete and return to the ACLU and each case will be reviewed. A person related that he witnessed an excessive use of force on a field worker by a Maricopa Police Officer and wanted to know what could be done about that. The Attorney said that they could file a Citizens Complaint Form and the complaint has to be taken under the Penal Code. The complaint cannot be denied nor can you be dissuaded if your complaint is not taken you may call the ACLU, ACLU business cards were handed out.The ACLU will be returning in 2 weeks with volunteers to go over all the forms and documentations, they, the ACLU want to record each individual story of the stops and unlawful impounding of vehicles.


Shop Local • Save Local • Support Taft

TAFT Chevrolet Buick

661-763-4201 501 North StreetTaft, CA 93268

A/C ServiceTransmission

Radiator Service

Tune UpOil Change

Tire Balance & Rotation

Fuel InjectionComputerized

Wheel Alignment

Huge Inventory of Tires for all Kinds

of Trucks and Cars!

Our Service Team

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

Truck Load of Tires SaleWelcome Joe Fuller Jr.

SUMMER SAVINGS!Time To Get Your Vehicle Ready To Beat The Heat!

www.shoptaft247.com

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

We Service

All Makes and Models!