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September 10 - 16, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 10www.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”

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Remember to vote for Best of Taft 2010Ballot On Back Cover

ParkviewElementary SchoolCrossing Guard, Alice McDow Retires After 26 Years

Never ForgetSeptember 11, 2001

Aera Energy Employees Dedicate Kiosk on Rails-to-Trials

Taft Residents Will Gather on Saturday, September 11th at 10 a.m. on 5th Street to Remember and Honor The Victims of 9-11

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT September 10 - 16, 2010

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September 10 - 16, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Community Events........3

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

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

9/11....................................5

City Council....................6

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

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

Westside Horoscopes.....9

News Briefs......................9

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

Best of Taft Ballot........12

Inside Community Events

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.

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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.

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News BriefsTaft California

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Vegetarian Luncheon Fundraiser Sunday, September 12th

Sunday, September 12th a Vegetarian Luncheon Fundraiser will take place at The Fort from 1pm to 3pm to raise money for The Fort, The Abused Women’s Shel-ter, and SDA Community Service. Tickets are $10 and available at Dr. Walker’s, 700 Center Street, All in the Sandwich, 700 Kern Street, and J&D Recycling, 1277 Kern Street.

Book Fair September 13th- September 17th

Taft College Children’s Center is holding a book fair from Monday, September 13th to Friday, September 17th from 7am to 5pm at the Taft College Children’s Center, located at 729 Ash Street. Monday: Grandparent’s Night 5-7pm Enjpy books and refreshments with your grandchildren and Meet Clifford. Tuesday: Storybook costume contest 7am-5pm. One winner per age group. Win a book of your choiece! Wednesday and Friday: Story time with Clifford at 4pm. Thurs-day: Parent’s Night 5-7pm enjoy reading and refreshments with Clifford! This event is pen to the community.

Central Valley Veterans Stand Down 2010

Serving all U.S. Military Veterans. Stand Down will operate for three days and will offer our Veterans services such as applying for California Identification Cards, Social Security Cards, Medical/Mental Health referrals, educational and employment opportunities. Veterans will also have the opportunity to attend to minor challenges with the county’s Court System holding court on the premises. All Veterans will be able to stay overnight at the facilities provided which will include three meals per day.Dates and Times: September 22, 2010: 8:00am to 5:00pmSeptember 23, 2010: 8:00am to 5:00pmSeptember 24, 2010: 8:00am- to NoonLocation: VFW Post 8900 3585 N. Blythe Ave. Fresno, CA 93722Courts Pre-registration: Is required to be heard in the court on the premises and is available at the following locations: Fresno County Veterans Service Office,San Joaquin Valley Veterans, Fresno Vet Center, Poverello House, VA Hospital Homeless Office, Bldg 12.For more information call the Fresno County Veterans Service Office at )559)454-5436.

8th Annual Old Friends of Bakersfield Car Club’s “Fabulous Fifties Fun Car Show” Saturday, October 2nd

Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 9:00am - 3:30 pm (free to the public) To register a car call Gil Edmondson @ 661-703-4071, Rhonda Pierce @ 661- 809-1500, or pick up forms at Zingo’s restaurant in Bakersfield. Registration: $30 by September 25th, day of car show $35. Includes one lunch ticket. Last year the show had 172 registered cars. Lost of raffle prizes, super raffle prizes, vendors, 50/50, dash plagues, goody bags, and more.....Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit MOVE International.

Oildorado Kickoff Concert Friday, October 15th

Tickets NOW ON SALE! Get your tickets and concert T-shirts at the Oildorado Store 430 Main Street. Tickets also available now at Taft Chamber of Commerce on Kern Street or www.oildoradoconcert.com. The concert is scheduled for Friday, October 15th at Taft Union High School Football Stadium. Gates open at 5:30pm, food available, concert strats at 6:30pm. Tickets are $25, $15, and $10 for children 9 and under.

Oildorado Student Art ShowBy Kent Miller

Westside students from kindergarten through the 12th grade and those at Taft College are invited to participate in the student art show, which will run in con-junction with the juried art show on the first weekend of the 2010 Oildorado. “It is my hope to capture the excitement of Oildorado and the unveiling and dedication of the Oilworker Monument to inspire the children and young people in our community to create art,” said Leigh Golling of the new Arts Council of Taft. The ACT is organizing the student portion of the Oildorado art show. Prizes will be awarded, Golling said. “We look forward to the show as an opportunity for the local students to produce and display their art,” she said. “This moment of inspiration could lead to the next great artist.” Art submitted by the students should represent the oil fields, the Carrizo Plains, or the Westside of Kern County, Golling said. The artwork can be paint-ings, drawings, photography, sculpture, or mixed media, she said.The works should be submitted with backing that will enable hanging, such as cardboard, wood or framed. The works can be submitted during office hours Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 5-7, at the Taft Chamber of Commerce, 400 Kern St., or The Taft Indepen-dent office, 508 Center St. No late entries will be accepted, Golling said.The students’ art works will be on display at the Trading Post, 200 Supply Row, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16.Golling has worked with members of the Arts Council of Kern, including Nicole Saint-John, visual arts director for the ACK, and the Oildorado Arts Commit-tee to add the student art show to activities at this year’s Oildorado. The ACK is sponsoring the juried art show on Oct. 15 and 16 at the Trading Post. Oildorado 2010 marks the 100th birthday celebration of the City of Taft.

The Taft Camera Club returns to its regular fall schedule Tuesday, September 14th, at 7:00pm. With the door open at 6:15 for early-comers, the September meeting will feature both a member competition and a member Show-and-Tell.The competition will be the last of the year in which members can enter five images in both print and digital image categories. The September Show-and-Tell will feature “Night Lights” when members can discuss how and why they shot some unusual images. An early review of the night light images promises a very entertaining program. The Taft Camera Club meets monthly on second Tuesdays at the Chevron Valley Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St. The public is invited to attend all of its meetings and enjoy its photographic programs.

Local Camera Club Resumes Fall Schedule

Taft Residents to Honor 9-11 Victims Saturday at 10 am on 5th Street Downtown Taft residents, church leaders and government representatives will gather at on 5th Street, between Center and Main Streets, on Saturday, September 11th to honor and remember the victims of the September 11th terrorists attacks. According to Taft Chamber of Commerce Director Fred Schell, a brief cer-emoney to honor the victims of 9-11 will be held at the new 5th Street Plaza, the portion of 5th Street between Center Street and Main Street. All residents are encourage to attend to honor those who perished on Septem-ber 11th.

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Editorial

Westside Watcher

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

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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

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Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Asian Experience

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Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

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Letters to the Editor

BEST OF TAFT BALLOT ON

PAGE 12

VOTE TODAY!!

September 11thBy Congressman Kevin McCarthy No matter what the year, the 11th day of September will always be a tragic remembrance in America’s cultural history. Every Ameri-can can remember where they were and what they were doing in 2001 while they watched the appalling events of the day unfold. Consequently, while the day will always be remembered for those who were lost, we cannot forget how patriotic every American felt shortly thereafter. It was this ardent response that inspired in many an incredible sense of commitment to our country, our freedom, and those sacred ideals our country was founded upon. We all have had a close friend or family member that was among those to volunteer to serve our country. Whether in the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force or Navy, these brave men and women sacrificed their comfortable American lifestyles for hardships that we in the States can hardly even imagine. Why? Simply put, they cherished our way of life. They valued our freedom of choice and faith. And without being asked, they decided to protect it with their lives. Let me share with you the loyalty of one of our local Kern County heroes, U.S. Marine Corporal Wesley Barrientos of Bakersfield, California. He honorably undertook three separate tours of duty in Iraq. Tragically, in 2007, his service was abruptly halted when his vehicle rolled over a roadside bomb. But Barrientos was a sur-vivor; he endured the amputation of both of his legs. Needless to say, when he returned home to his family, he was forever changed. Admirably, our community was there to support their wounded warrior. On August 23, 2010, through the non-profit organiza-tion Homes For Our Troops and strong local community support, Wesley and his wife were introduced to their brilliantly-built new home in southwest Bakersfield. Carefully constructed with over 90 percent of the building materials coming from donations, its amenities include an accessible stovetop and kitchen so that as he says, “I can do whatever I want here…I have the freedom to do everything and they gave me that.” I find it compelling that he uses the word “freedom.” If it were not for soldiers like Barrientos, Americans would not enjoy the liberty we have grown so accustomed to. So look in the mirror and ask yourself, “How committed am I to my country, America?” And then find a way to support our troops who serve us around the world or locally. We must never forget September 11, 2001.

Dear Editor: I want to share with you a recent email that I sent to my niece and her husband concerning te town of Maricopa. Thanksgiving will be here soon, so if you are still planning on com-ing to Taft to visit me I want to for-warn you about driving through the town of Maricopa. There have been numerous newspaper articles concerning police abuses in Maricopa, such as unwarranted stops, and racial profiling. So obey all the traffic laws when driving though there, and don’t stop to buy anything, just drive on through. And Rich, try not to look Hispanic.Paul Weaver

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Editorial

We’re not surprised that Taft’s obnoxious City Councilman Cliff Thompson choose to sue the city of Taft because the City Clerk did not respond to his requests for public documents in a timely enough fashion, and moreover, to make political points that he thinks could benefit his effort to be re-elected to the City Council this November. We have come to expect this kind of selfish conduct from this councilman who has had nothing positive to contribute to the council since this newspaper discovered and reported that he had received $200,000 from a city employee and failed to report it. Ever since, Thompson has been on a jihad to slander, berate and intimidate city employees, and make city staff pay for embarrassing him. Two weeks ago, a Kern County Judge awarded Thompson legal fees of nearly $4,500 to pay for his legal argument with the city over his voluminous requests for public documents. Thompson has inundated city staff with numerous public records request in his never ending fight to prove some kind of wrong doing down at city hall. No wrongdoing has been found. Even though city staff explained that they had provided Thomp-son with every document he had requested - some even delivered to his home by the Taft Police Department - Thompson would not be appeased. So the council met and decided in closed session that it wold be more costly to fight Thompson in court, so they decided to settle, leaving us to wonder what Thompson will do next. Unfortunately, the city’s taxpayers - you - are having to pay for this councilman’s petty political arguments. And, in a display of Thompson arrogance and contempt for his colleagues and Taft residents, Thompson did not even bother to show up at Tuesday’s council meeting, knowing that many folks would be there to question him about his reasons for wasting taxpayers dollars. We hope that the voters will keep Thompson’s past conduct and his recent lawsuit in mind when they go to the polls this Novem-ber. Taft deserves better. We hope that other, less selfish representa-tives will be elected and we hope that they promise not to sue the city they are elected to represent.

Thompson Sues City, He’s A No Show at Council Meeting


Heroism comes in many forms. It’s seldom the John Wayne, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone in-your-face, shoot-‘em-up, movie-portrayal of heroes.In real life, heroism is usually having the courage to do what needs to be done in a difficult, often life-threatening situation.That was how it was with stewardess Betty Ann Ung, the young-est sister of Cathie Ung-Herrera who is a graduate of the dental hygiene program at Taft College. Ung’s brother-in-law is Ed Herrera, who operates an insurance agency with offices in Taft and Bakersfield. On Sept. 18, the Herreras will be in New York to present one of Ong’s flight uniforms to the 9-11 Museum in New York City.On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Ung was working the coach class on American Airlines Flight 11 bound from Boston to Los Angeles. On board were 81 passengers, two pilots and nine cabin crew members. Among the passengers were five terrorists.

Fateful day A native of San Francisco’s Chinatown, Ong had been a steward-ess and purser with American for 14 years after serving as a ticket agent with Delta Airlines and in the baggage claims department with PSA. Less than an hour into the flight that fateful day, she had lost communications with the cockpit, at least two flight attendants and one passenger had been stabbed and were bleeding to death, and Ong and the other cabin crew and passengers had been herded to the rear of the Boeing 767. Not knowing if all of the hijackers were in the front of the plane or if there might be a conspirator or two among her group, Ong called the American Airlines reservation center in Cary, N.C., from a crew phone normally used to communicate with other flight crew members. “My name is Betty Ong,” she calmly notified the reservation center. “I’m on Flight 11. The cockpit is not answering the phone.“There is somebody stabbed in business class. They can’t breathe in business class. They’ve got Mace or something.“I don’t know, but I think we’re getting hijacked.”

Tape played A tape of four minutes of Ong’s 23-minute call at 8:20 a.m. on Sept. 11 from the doomed plane was first played in January 2004 at a hearing of the Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States that investigated the Sept. 11 attacks.

Betty Ann Ong, American Airlines, Flight 11, Flight Attendant/Purser.

We Remember Our American Heros This September 11thBy Kent Miller

The commission decided to allow the public to hear the tape as a demonstration of the “heroism” of Ong and the “duty, cour-age, selflessness and love” that was evident in the midst of the frightening events of that day, said Thomas H. Kean, commission chairman. “Betty Ong is a true American hero,” Kean said. On the tape, Ong explains the situation on the plane, which was hijacked shortly after leaving Boston and which would be the first of two airplanes to be flown into the World Trade Center in New York. During the call, Ong gave authorities a detailed and chilling account of what was happening. She told ground staff that there were possibly four or five hijackers of Middle Eastern extraction. Ong identified the seats the terrorists had occupied, enabling the FBI to obtain passport information on the men. “Our first-class galley attendant and our purser are stabbed,” she said. “We can’t get into the cockpit. The door won’t open.”In a second tape played, Nydia Gonzalez, an American Airlines

supervisor, talked with Ong. Gonzalez asks if there is a doctor on board and hears Ong’s reply. “They don’t have any doctors on board,” Gonzalez tells Ameri-can’s central operations center in Texas. “The aircraft is erratic again. She did say that the first-class passengers have been moved back to coach. “Betty, talk to me, are you there Betty?” Moments later the phone line goes dead. Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. “I think we might have lost her,” Gonzalez tells the operations center.

Happy plans What was to have been a happy day, meeting with her sister and a friend of her sister’s to discuss a trip to Hawaii, was sud-denly turned in a tragedy for Cathie Herrera. The Hawaii trip was planned to celebrate Cathie Herrera’s passing the California Dental Hygiene State Boards. “She was working a flight here,” Herrera said of her sister. “We were getting together with her that afternoon to talk about our Hawaii trip the next week.” Betty Ong didn’t have any children, her sister said.

“She had neighborhood kids (in Andover, Mass.),” Cathie Her-rera said. “All the children loved Betty. She loved children, going out of her way to make their flight enjoyable.” Flight 11 wasn’t the first time Betty Ong reacted positively to a tense situation while others might have cowered. “She came out here on a flight,” Cathie Herrera said. “On the way to work she witnessed an episode of road rage that ended outside the airport (in Boston) with an assault. “She ran after the car and got the license plate number as the car was speeding off. They arrested the attacker.”

Betty Ann Ong Foundation In a bizarre twist, four years ago the Herreras were looking for office space in Bakersfield to relocate the insurance agency. He walked into one of the rooms of the office they now occupy and saw that one of the walls of the room was wallpapered with the skyline of New York City, including the Twin Towers of the Trade Center. “I saw it first and said ‘Cathie, come in here,’” Ed Herrera said. “What do you think of that?” Herrera asked his wife. “She said, ‘It’s a good sign.’”Another good sign took place in 2007. That year the Herreras started the Betty Ann Ong Foundation to combat childhood obesity. The foundation seeks to education children on healthy eating and advocates an active lifestyle, Ed Herrera said. The 5-foot, 9-inch Ong was a star basketball and vol-leyball player in high school.The foundation is working with the Taft Police Department’s Police Athletic League, he said. “We are interested in working with them to provide a nutrition and physical exercise program for the youth of the Taft area,” Ed Herrera said. Through the foundation and the display of Betty Ong’s flight uniform at the 9-11 Museum, the memory of “a true American hero” will be kept alive.

Cathie and Edward Herrera with Betty Ong’s uniform.

Join us this Saturday, September 11th at 10:00 am on 5th Street, between Center and Main Street, to honor and remember the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks.


Westside News and Business Briefs

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Any dark clouds hanging over City Hall Wednesday morning weren’t packed with rain or the result of a sudden Westside dust storm. No, any clouds would have been clouds of feathers – the result of a flurry of ruffled feathers that were flying after a spirited Taft City Council session Tuesday night. The feathers flew even though a handful of items on the agenda were tabled until the next council meeting on Sept. 21. A biting monologue by City Manager Bob Gorson was the surprise of the evening and ruffled the most feathers.Gorson, speaking early in the session: * Assailed Councilmembers Cliff Thompson, who was not present, and Craig Noble for actions taken when they served as the city’s Personnel Committee in 2008; * Slammed the proposal (later approved) to eliminate the as-sistant to the city manager position; * Pointed out that four city department heads who face having their compensation fixed are already paid at a “below market” level.

Opening salvo But the opening salvo of the night was fired during the public comments portion of the meeting. Lt. Ed Whiting, who has spent a quarter century with the Taft Police Department, fired that broadside. “I think it stinks,” Whiting said. “No one bothered to tell me that I will lose $7,000 a year in take-home money.” Whiting was upset with an item on the agenda that the council

would later approve on management compensation. It calls for management employees to resume paying the 7 percent employee share of their Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) contri-bution, with the city paying the employer share.In better financial times, the city had agreed to pay both the employee and employer contributions to PERS for management positions. Whiting was not only upset with the city planning to return payment of the employee PERS contribution to the worker, but he was upset he and other management personnel were not notified that the proposal was on the agenda. “There was not a peep from anybody (about the matter),” Whit-ing said.Councilmember Randy Miller later responded to Whiting. “I’m sure he should have been notified, but not by the City Council,” Miller said. “The council is not responsible to notify Whiting.”

Thompson lawsuit Whiting was followed to the podium by council candidate Orchel Krier, who revisited the question of why the city had de-faulted on Councilmember Thompson’s public document lawsuit, thus having to pay out nearly $3,500 for Thompson’s attorney fees.City Attorney Kathy Gibson, Mayor Dave Noerr and Council-member Paul Linder all responded to Krier. Thompson and his attorney claimed that city staff did not provide all the documents the councilmember had requested and the city could not prove that it had, Gibson said. So it was cheaper to default on the suit that to contest a case that would be lost and mean a higher award of attorney fees, she said. “His attorney said all records were not provided,” Gibson said. “We can’t prove they were provided (even though) we were lead to believe the request was met.” The city has since instituted policies that will ensure in the future that it can prove requested documents were provided, she said. “To defend the city would have cost four-times more and the city had no defense,” Councilmember Linder said. “Hundreds of documents were requested. A few were lost. “The fee (will be) paid to the lawyers, not to Thompson. The only people who won were the lawyers. The citizens of Taft have lost.” The documents were provided free because they were provided electronically, Linder said. “Now there will be a fee (for documents) regardless of how they are provided,” the councilmember said. Mayor Noerr pointed out that, “The check is made out but it has not been given to him (Thompson’s attorney) yet.” Noerr also noted that councilmembers and the city attorney could not comment on the situation at the time due to Brown Act meeting law restrictions on closed hearings.

Gorson’s memorandum While the city manager was most adamant about the proposed and later approved elimination of the assistant to the city manager position and “currently unfilled (management) positions,” he

started his comments with shots at the performance of the Person-nel Committee during 2008. “The Personnel Committee (Thompson and Noble) did not function in the best interest of the City of Taft,” Gorson said. He cited the committee thrice blocking approval of a police lieutenant position which the full City Council later approved. “The Personnel Committee also wasted valuable staff time, prevented the Police Department from having proper chain of command and caused the Police Department to be less efficient than the police chief and city manager had desired,” he said.Gorson then took aim at the elimination of the assistant to the city manager position. “First, this is not a department head position,” he said. “Why is the ... position being singled out of the 20 classifications within the management Group? “If there is a fiscal emergency, the council should direct the city manager to find cost savings. In fact, we have worked well as a council and staff to meet economic challenges for the past three years, so what is different now?” Gorson listed duties of the assistant position, noting that is was assistant to the city manager and not assistant city manager. “I am requesting that the position of assistant to the city man-ager be retained and not be deleted,” he said. “The truth is the po-sition is budgeted and the council approved the current budget.”Eliminating the currently unfilled positions would have no impact on the budget or the operations of the city, Gorson said. Regarding the department heads’ compensation, Gorson stated that raises are based on merit and the four department heads will be subject to paying the 7 percent employee share of PERS partici-pation starting Jan. 1, 2011. So without raises they will see their paychecks decrease with the start of the new year, he noted. Resolutions fixing compensation for the four – the chief of police, municipal records administrator (city clerk), finance director and director of public works – were tabled until the Sept. 21 meeting because information was received late and only four councilmembers were present.

Disappointed Councilmember Noble didn’t respond to Gorson’s comments.However, Councilmember Miller was not pleased. “I am disappointed in his (Gorson’s) presentation,” Miller said. “We had no prior notice of the presentation.” As to Gorson’s comments about the operation of the Personnel Committee while it consisted of Thompson and Noble, Miller said, “Thompson does not run this city.” Mayor Noerr commented on the elimination of the assistant to the city manager position and decisions that impacted city employees’ salaries. “I can not tell you how many hours the council has labored over this,” he said. “We haven’t had the impact on staff that other cities have had. “We don’t want to lose qualified employees. Nothing is easy, nothing has been taken lightly.” The mayor pledged that when better economic times return, wages for city employees will improve.

Taft City Council Settles Thompson Lawsuit, Manag-ers See Increase in Retirement CostsBy Kent Miller

ADVERTISE IN THETAFT INDEPENDENT

WWW.TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

August 27 - 2, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 7

Westside News and Business Briefs

Girls Night OutWednesday, September 15th

The Place4014 Highway 33

Beautiful Downtown Ventucopa(661)766-2660

Come Play Bunco!Starts at 6:30pm

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALLFREE Spaghetti Potluck!

EVERY MONDAY NIGHTStarts at 5:00 PM

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Saturday, September 11th

BBQ Chicken & BBQ Beef RibsBeans, Salad & BreadBBQ Starts at 5:30

(NO TO GO’s) LIVE MUSIC$1.50 Domestic Drafts 5:00-7:00 PM

CERTIFIED MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANJOHN SEEGER 661.204.2571

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Alice McDow was the Crossing Guard for Parkview Elemen-tary School for 25 years. She spent a total of 26 years as a crossing guard, her first year was at Harrison and Ash Street. Alice McDow did not start out as a crossing guard she first worked for 7 years in the day care at the Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church for the county. Alice was laid off because she did not have a high school diploma. Her husband was a crossing guard for the county, at the time, and he told her they had an opening. She talked to his boss and he was able to get her the job. Alice was employed by the county til 1999. In 1999 Taft City School District took over the crossing guard positions. Alice said she’s seen quite a few principal’s come and go at Parkview. Mr. Wedlake was the principal when she started. Alice’s favorite thing about being a crossing guard was getting hugs from the stdents everyday. Her favorite thing was yelling at parents, grandparents, and babysitters for jaywalking. She would tell them, “If I catch you jaywalking I’ll write you a ticket. The price of the first ticket is a soda. The price of the secind ticket is a trip to the Principal’s office.” The jaywalkers always wanted to know what kind of soda she wanted and she didn’t care as long as it wasn’t a Dr. Pepper or a Diet. “You have no idea how many sodas i got over the years,” said Alice. Alice and her husband raised 3 children, Gail, Joy, and Collin. She has 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She loves to crochet afghans for new babies, staff members, churches, Sam-son’s Gym, and raffle prizes. “I think retirement will be alright, but I will miss my babies t school,” said Alice. Alice came up one day during the first week of school and parked on the side of the road to watch the kids. She didn’t get out of the car because she was afraid she might cry. Alice is currently volunteering at Samson’s Gym to help her friend Andrea. Her health is good and she is heading toward 80 years old. She would like to thank all the parents, staff, teachers, and principals for working so well with her. Parkview Elementary School would like to thank her for all her dedicated and personal service to the safety of our children everyday. “We are so grateful for Alice and her dedicated service to our school and our children, she will be missed by all,” said Lisa Kindred, Parkview Elementary School Principal.

Retirement PartyFor Alice McDowCrossing Guard

Please join us to say goodbye and Thank You for many

years of service.

~ Money Tree ~

Monday, September 13th3:00 to 4:00 pm

At theParkview School Cafeteria

The Tumbleweed Bar and RestaurantOpen 7 Days a Week

Breakfast - Lunch - DinnerFull Bar - Restaurant - Catering - RV Parking Available

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 HighwayDaily Lunch

SpecialsAmerican and Mexican FoodExotic Crusine

We CaterYour Place or OursFull Bar AvailableFor You Special

Event

Parkview Elementary Crossing Guard Retires After 26 Years

Parkview Elementary School Crossing Guard, Alice McDow.

Aera Energy Employees Dedicate Kiosk on Rails to Trails Parkway

No Appointment Needed For Smog Check!

661-763-4445 500 S. 10th Street

Free Retest with our repairs!

QIKSmog & Tune

Certified C. A. P. Station

We Certify Test - Only Vehicals

General Automotive

Repairs

Area Enery employees cut the ribbon and dedicated a kiosk located on the Rails to Trails this week that the oil company employees donated to the City of Taft this week.

The kiosk was part of a legacy gift to the city celebratign 10 years of service to the community. Mayor Dave Noerr (above) thanks Aera Energy em-ployees for their donation of the kiosk which he said was a fine compliment to the city’s Rails-to-Trails parkway project. The kiosk is located on the walkway next to 4th Street on the Rails-to-Trails walkway. Public information will be posted in the kiosk.


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

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street

765-7472 www.nlctaft.org

UTURN Youth GroupTuesday 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

At The Spot, 201 Harrison Street

Sunday Service at 10:00AM

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

Fat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

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

Immaculate Conception Parish

Mass Saturday 7pmSunday 9am

Everyone WelcomeDeacon Ricardo Barragan

Weddings - BaptismsQuinceañeras

4595 Highway 166 - New Cuyama(661) 766-2741

1150 4th Street • Taft

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

PLASMADONORS

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start enjoying the benefits of extra cash.

What MattersMost...People!

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(Central Bakersfield)Increased fees for

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TAFT GRAVESIDE SERVICE

The CA. Dept. of Consumer Affairs in the Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases States:

“Compare Prices and Services”

West Side Memorial ServicesPorteous Family

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 8:30 a.m. led by Pastor

Jim Beilstein. Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays

Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m.Wednesday Evening at 6:30 is our mid-week Bible study.

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

FE# 1220661-763-1594

$1,985.00Includes American made Steel Casket

Choice of 7 colorsMemorial Book and Folders + Graveside Service

Community Voices

By mid 2008 almost everybody knew that we were in deep financial trouble. But the forces that brought it about actually began decades ago with The Com-munity Reinvestment Act in 1977. This legislation “forced lending institutions to grant mortgages to people whose income, credit histories, and net worth would previously have disqualified them from getting such loans.” An old adage suggests that in getting a loan from a bank the recipient must first prove that he does not need one by listing his assets. The bank uses this list to retrieve all or a portion of what is owed should the recipient default on the loan. The less invested or potentially lost the easier it is for the recipient to walk or default. Such is long standing wisdom and favors the more industrious indi-viduals, as it should. What this means in real life is that high crime or impover-ished areas of town do not attract investors as readily. Socialists (share the wealth advocates) saw a race connection, thus injustice, when it was realized that “only 72 percent of minority applicants were approved for mortgages, versus 89 percent of white applicants.” Moral outrage followed which was resolved by legislation ”forcing lending institutions to loan money to people they would otherwise not lend to and in places where they would other-wise not put their money” (“Government Bailout,” The New American, Sept. 29, 2008, pp.11-15). This forced banks “to engage in far-riskier lending practices or receive a failing CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) grade. To avoid an ‘F’ from the CRA, which could jeopardize their viability, the banks were pressured to direct hundreds of billions of dollars in high-risk mortgages to inner-city and low-income neighborhoods. Moreover, under CRA pressure, banks would ‘hire’ radical, non-profit groups like ACORN to find them customers.”Banks too benefited as the government organizations Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would buy these poor-quality loans, now referred to as “sub-prime” loans and take them off the banks’ books (Human Events, Oct. 13, 2008, p 8). It seemed good for everyone. I watched in horror as “kids” with little or no credit purchased homes well above their means and home prices doubled in a “fake-value” bubble. There seemed no consequence for risky behavior.Please note: these faulty loans were brought about by government intervention and regulation, not the free market. If a person has not repaid previous loans what is the probability that he will re-pay a new loan? Should exceptions be made for individuals who are non-white? Race should have nothing to do with lending. But banks insisted on giving loans anyway to meet new government race-based quotas. Politicians were loved be-cause they had helped some live beyond their means with zero down loans. Key politicians received healthy contributions from the two government entities that kept them from exercising sufficient scrutiny over the process. When the defaults inevitably began, investors purchasing the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac “sub-prime” bundles quickly became leery of them and stock in these two government entities plummeted in late 2008. Congress responded with The American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 which raised the federal debt limit to $800 billion. The two organizations were considered to be too big to fail. Unfortunately the housing bailout did not re-store confidence and property values continued plummeting at somewhere near the foreclosure rate, plus the national debt skyrocketed. Now getting a loan for everyone is very difficult. Old businesses are retracting (laying off ) to survive. Regular businesses cannot expand (hire) without growth capital. New businesses cannot be created without someone’s risk capital. Those able to risk will not do so until the storm passes and the storm is going to be with us for a while. Thanks, Congress. You flunked Economics 101. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and apply-ing that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

A Government-Made RecessionBy Dr. Harold Pease


Westside Horoscopesby Jessy McCulloch

370 CALIFORNIA 769-8580

TUES.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-4:00 FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY

Check us out at www.maricopaquiltcompany.com

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Hours:9-5 M-F10-2 SatEve By

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www.sagebrushannies.com

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

Now Celebrating Our 20th Year

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.

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.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131

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

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E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

FE# 1220

Adam’s Custom Upholstery

(661)623-4744 608 Center Street

Cars • Boats • FurnitureOilfield Equipment SeatsFree Pick-Up & Delivery

420 1/2 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

(661)745-4919

Bike ShopUsed to be Paul’s

www.taftindependent.com

Aries (March 21-April 19): Upset as you are right now, you’re at your best when backed into a corner; because when it comes to turning a negative into a positive, you’re incom-parable.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): The fact that your nightly rest is now being interrupted by anxiety means it’s time to stop procrastinating and get any unpleasantness dealt with once and for all.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): The move you’re considering making will bring your professional life into an entirely new direction, which is exactly what you need to break out of the doldrums.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): Your inner voice will not shout and wave its arms to get attention. It’s the kid quietly raising its hand in the back who has the answer you’ve been looking for.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): You will have to put more than just your time into this latest venture. You will be busy as all get out for awhile, but the end justifies the means in this case.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): It’s time you organize a budget. If you aren’t cautious and conservative by nature, then you need to train yourself to be that way, at least for awhile.

Libra (September 23-October 23): You have some unique ideas and, if implemented correctly, they could work out beyond yours or anyone else’s expectations – so get to work.

Scorpio (October 24-November 22): You know what’s right and what’s wrong. Don’t allow a family member to get away with doing the latter, especially against someone you love.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): You are having no trouble speaking your mind lately, but make sure you keep things tactful. You can be honest without being brutally so.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): When someone new enters your social circle this week, be welcoming. Their only offense is inexperience with your group, so give them a chance.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): It’s high time that you figure out your answer to that simple yet brilliantly compli-cated question – what do you want?

Pisces (February 20-March 20): You have a lot to say and right now people aren’t just hearing you, they’re listening to you. You do not want to waste an opportunity like this.

If your birthday is this week: Think twice before making any major changes to your household based on someone else’s likes. You’re the one that has to deal with the consequences day in and day out, and it’s not a decision that can be easily undone. You like what you like and you shouldn’t have to pretend otherwise to anybody, least of all in your own home.

CITY OF TAFTREQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FORFEDERALLY AND STATE FUNDED HIGHWAY

PROJECTS

The City of Taft (the Agency) requests sealed Statements of Qualifications for Professional Services for services associ-ated with State and Federally funded highway projects

The scope of this proposal will be to assist the City of Taft in all aspects of the projects, including but not limited to design plans; CEQA/NEPA coordination or compli-ance documentation; State and Federal grant submittals as required, Design, Planning, Construction Drawings, General Contractor bidding /selection and Construction Engineering.

Any firm selected must demonstrate experience in provid-ing professional services, and must be exceptionally capable of producing the desired services in a highly professional and cost-conscious manner.

The contract term is anticipated to be a 3-year period begin-ning October 4, 2010 and concluding September, 31 2013. This timeline may be extended.

Final Proposals can be mailed or hand delivered but regard-less of the postmark date, must be received by the Agency by 3 PM September 20, 2010. Electronic transmission either by fax or email will NOT be accepted.

Any questions or requests for clarification about this RFQ must be submitted in writing to Craig Jones, Public Works Manager at (661) 765-2480 fax or [email protected].

A full copy of this RFQ can be obtained at:City of Taft209 E. Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268(661) 763-1222 ph

BLM Oil and Gas Lease Auction Tops $3.6 Million

Twelve oil and gas lease parcels in Kern County were auctioned recently for a total of $3,600,999, including administrative fees, by the Bureau of Land Management’s Bakersfield Field Office. Vintage Production California, Bakersfield, paid the highest price per acre at $8,200. Aera Energy LLC paid the highest price for one parcel, $1,491,000. BLM is required by law to periodically offer federal land for lease for oil and gas exploration and development. The oil and gas industry is encouraged to submit an “expression of interest” for federal land parcels in California that have potential for develop-ment. An “expression of interest” is a letter or a form listing the legal description of lands an individual or company is interested in seeing offered for lease. Expressions of interest for the 2011 lease auction planned for September 7, 2011, should be sent to the BLM, attention: Laurie Moore, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-1623, Sacramento, Calif. 95825 no later than November 3, 2010. For more information, contact Laurie Moore at (916) 978-4377 or Nora DeDios at the BLM Bakersfield Field Office, (661) 391-6129.


Open House ?House for Sale ?

House For Rent ?

Place Your Classif ied Ad

in the Taf t Independent

for $2 per l ine (18- 20 characters

per l ine)Box your ad for $3

and\orAd a photo or company logo

for $5 more

Your Ad appears on Our Website FREE !

3,000 Visits per WeekThe Taf t Independent is a FREE publication

3,300 printed issuesavailable at

150 locationsYour Best Classif ied

Value on the WestsideCall 765-6550

[email protected]

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 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268, 765-6550.

participate. For details call Cherie @ 765-6621

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 1:30p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. And 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at First Baptist Church. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 220 N. First St. 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.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

We fix computers, laptops, PDAs

and cell phones. TaftPCServices.com.

623-5188.

HELP WANTED

TAFT COLLEGEIS CURRENTLY

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION:

Welding Associate Professor

Full-Time Non-Tenure Track Position

For more information about the position

and application forms you can access the

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.

Estate Sale. Sat. 9-11. 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Buena Vista Mobile Home Park Sp. 35.

1032 Buena Vista. Sat. and Sun. 7 a.m. to 4p.m.

Yard Sale. Saturday. 305 Van Buren. 8am-2pm. Lots of T.V.’s and clothes!

Yard Sale Saturday 312 Eastern in alley at 6:30-? Lots of kids stuff.

Estate Sale 318 Eastern in the house, Saturday 7am-? Furniture.

Yard Sale Saturday 109 Lee St. alley entrance inside Parkview Village 7am-noon.

Yard Sale Saturday 208 E. Street 8am-2pm.

Yard Sale 313 Taylor Street Saturday and Sunday 7am-1pm

YARD SALE! FRI-SAT-SUN-MON 7A.M.-? 211 Adams Street.

Yard Sale Saturday 210 General Petroleum 7am-7pm. Everything from A-Z!

Yard Sale Saturday 202 Pierce St, 7am-11am

Yard Sale 107 7th St. Sat. 7am-? & Sun 12:30-? New things added! In driveway & backyard.

ANNOUNCEMENTS TUHS Class of 1970 hosts the “All TUHS Reunion” October 22-24, at the Oildorado Midway Pavilion Tent. All students and graduates of TUHS are encouraged to

college’s website at www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact

the TC Human Resources Department

by calling 661-763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: This position

will remain open until filled, priority consideration date

of Friday, October 8, 2010. EOE

TAFT COLLEGE

Is Currently Accepting Applications For The Following Positions:

TIL Weekend Support Staff - Women’s Residence Hall

TIL Security Guard/Maintenance

Financial Aid Outreach Clerk

For a complete job descriptions and application forms

you can access the college’s website

at www.taftcollege.edu. DEADLINE

FOR FILING: Friday, September 10, 2010 at

4:00 p.m. EOE

DAYCARECHILDCARE

EOEBUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

week as of 1-29-10 CARPET AND

FLOORING

CARPET/HARD FLOORING REPAIR

No job too small. Call Jeff 623-5421 or

765-4676.

WANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

FOR SALE

Do you need help posting items on Ebay or Craigslist? We can help or do it for you. 661-747-9345

Two old Victor and Diebold floor Safes. 3 1/3 foot fall and 4 foot tall - heavy safes. Combinaton type. 765-

6550.

Birds for sale and cages come any time 322 Lucard. 599-0535

FOUND PETSFound small male brown chihuahua by high school followed me home very lovable no collar call 577-2818

LOST PETS

MOTORCYCLES

2006 YZ-85, asv levers, pro circuit Platinum pipe, after market parts, race ready. $1,700 obo. 2006 CRF 230 F, stock. $1500 obo. 763-4723.

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE, 1991 HONDA NIGHTHAWK, NEW TIRES, BATTERY,& RECENT TUNE UP, 6041 MILES. VERY CLEAN & RUNS GREAT! $2300 OBO. IF INTERESTED 661-763-3221

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

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

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

04417057661-577-7136

PROPERTY FOR RENT

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

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

PurchaseSingle Wide Mobile Home. 1981 Skyline 12’ x 64’. $12,000 obo. 763-4977 or 765-5541._____________________

Home for sale by owner. Negotiable. 2 bd/1ba garage and large yard,

Affordable Rents

We’ve Got em!

etc. at 103 Polk St. Contact 661-903-1594 or 661-763-3075

HOMES FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

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

FOR RENT315 7th St. 1/1603 Fillmore St. 2/1504 Lucard St. 3/1704 Phillippine St. 2/1127 Franklin St. 3/1Other Rental Properties Available!

FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!218 Suzanne 4/1.75 completely remodeled!400 Buchanan 3/1.75 well cared for!Contact us for details and a complete list of homes for Sale!

325 Lierly 800/mo plus desposit, 2+1 + den, dining room, lg. liv. rm. breakfast room, call Eddie 818-585-9796

123 E. San Emidio St. 3bd. 2 ba. Wash/Dryer incl. $1350 mo. plus dep. (818) 355-8633.

210 Naylor St. 3 bd. 1 ba. Remodeled house. $700 mo. plus dep. 909-239-8337.or 661-717-9056.

$100 move in. 108 Center Street. 1 bd., 1 ba. apt. (661) 846-6403. Equal Housing Opportunity.

FOR LEASE 2 bedroom 1 bath house in Taft heights washer and gas dryer hook ups $700 a month contact Rick at either (661)765-2328 or (661)342-5877 section 8 ok available now.

2bd, 1ba, condo 533 Front St. W&D hookups + yard. $850 mo + dep. 661-577-7020

2/1+ office Taft Hgt, clean, no smoking, fully applianced, $1000mo + $1000sec. dep. Avail. now, 706-2509

410 Buchanan st. 3 bd, 1 bath. $1000 month + $500 dep 661-765-7701

3bd/ 2ba 1 acre, horse property. Dustin Acres $1,000 mo. + dep. 304-6231

3/1 Large family home. Washer & dryer

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Taft Construction,Air Conditioning and

Heating

We Do All Phases of Construction

Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

Taft Community Garden Raised Garden Beds for Rent. Partial Scholarships

available. Call Kathy Johnson

770-7202

Gardeners Wanted

hookups. Garage, large yard on 2 lots. 350 Olive in Maricopa, CA. $850 mo. + $500 dep. (805)746-5410. Se habla espanol.

APART. FOR RENT

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

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

Imperial Gardens. 2 and 1 bd. rm. avail. Comes w/stove, dishwasker and refrig. Pool and manager on site. Water, sewer and trash incl. 661.300-1616.

ROOM FOR RENT

Single room for elderly person. Rent includes room & board & 24 hr. care. 765-4368

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TUHS Class of 1970 looking for the following friends and class-mates for their 40th Reunion: Betty Aeilts, Carol Beasley, Joselyn Brenoel, Vincent Brown, Karen Denny, Deb-bie Downing, Brenda Everett, Clyde Eugene Green, Cliff Halcomb, David Harrell, Vickie

* must present ad at time of service

Yard MaintenanceResidential and Commercial

Over 10 Years of Business in Taft!

Urias Gardening Service

(661) 293-0219 or (661) 577-7891

V I S I T W W W . T A F T I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

Herron (not a grad but a classmate), Gary Hollingsworth, Steve Jones, Nancy Keeler, Robert Lambright, Laura Lowery, Blaine McCoy, Marlene Michaels, Rich-ard Michaels, Sherri Mundy, Doug Myers, Debbie Osborne Pelkey, Ernest Powe, Donna Pratt, John Rohall, Phyl-iss Simmons, Dennis Smith, Sue Smith, Deb-bie Snellgrove, Barbara Taxdahl, Linda Thomp-son, Albert Weigand, Sharon White.Contact Debbie (Hicks) Ruff @ 661-477-8838 or Cherie Napoleon @ 661-765-6621


1001000

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Kathy Herm, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 0749871

1018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268

Bus: 661-763-4300

ADVERTISE WITH THE TAFT INDEPENDENT (661)765-6550 OFFICE • Email us at: [email protected]

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

Visit our website for more information: www.shawswesternshop.com

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

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

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

www.edherrerainsurance.com

Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios

Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public

NuestroPersonalAmable

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 offDiagnostics

western shop & PET SUPPLY

New Lower Prices!Same Superior Nutrition!

On Science Diet Products

No Appointment Needed For Smog Check!

661-763-4445 500 S. 10th Street

Free Retest with our repairs!

QIKSmog & Tune

Certified C. A. P. Station

We Certify Test - Only Vehicals

General Automotive

Repairs

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


The Taft IndependentBest of Taft 2010

What’s your favorite Restaurant? Who makes the best pizza?The best Burger? Or, what is your favorite business?

The Independent is seeking your vote for the Best of Taft 2010.Submit your nomination and vote today for the following categories or make up one of your own.

Vote your choice for The Best of Taft 2010 Best Pizza_____________________________________________________

Best Mexican Restaurant ________________________________________

Best Salsa_____________________________________________________

Best Burger ____________________________________________________

Best Coffee ____________________________________________________

Best Breakfast _________________________________________________

Best Restaurant, Period __________________________________________

Best Meal for your Money_________________________________________

Best New Business/Company ______________________________________

Best Salon ____________________________________________________

Best Stylist ____________________________________________________

Best Mechanic or Auto Body Shop _________________________________

Best Health Club/ Gym __________________________________________

Best Teacher/Professor ___________________________________________

Best Sales Clerk ________________________________________________

Best Waitress __________________________________________________

Best Weekend Getaway (Within 50 miles of Taft) _____________________

Best Tourist Destination (What brings people to Taft)__________________

Best Facebook Page (Taft Person or Organization)_____________________

Best Property Management Firm/Real Estate Agent ____________________

Best Bank/Credit Union _________________________________________

Best Local Band ________________________________________________

Best Convenience Store __________________________________________

Best Place to Pamper you Pets/Groomer/Grooming_____________________

Best Customer Service/Friendliest Staff ______________________________

Best Person/Place for Home Improvements ___________________________

Best Place to People Watch _______________________________________

Best Non Profit Organization______________________________________

Best Community Event ___________________________________________

Best Elected Figure ______________________________________________

Best Community Volunteer_________________________________________

Best Law Enforcement Professional__________________________________

Create Your Own Category. Best____________________________________

Best of Taft Rules: Submit your nominations to the Taft Independent on this official form. Mail this form to our office located at508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 or drop in our door mail slot, or fax the form to 765-6556. Nominations will only be accepted on this form.

DEADLINE to file your form is Friday, October 1st, 2010 WINNERS will be announced on Friday, October 8th, 2010 in our Special Oildorado Issue.