Document

September 10 - 16, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 11www.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]

Become A Fan Of The Taft Independent

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

201 Kern Street • 763-9999

$24.99With CouponExp: 9/30/10

No Substitutions or deletions

4 Large Hot-N-Ready with Pepperoni + 1 Crazy Combo

+ Tax

Never ForgetSeptember 11, 2001

Saber-Toothed Cat On Display At West Kern Oil Museum

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

Oildorado is Right Around the Corner, 28 Days and Counting

Residents Gather at 5th Street Plaza to Remember 911

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT September 17 - 23, 2010

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Gift Certificates AvailableNail Services:

Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

(we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

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

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts 14K Gold Sterling Silver • Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries • Candies • Candles • And More!

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

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

Handmade Hammond’s Candies

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

Time to Get Ready and Get In Shape for the Holidays!

Shop Taft

(661)763-3030

Miller’s

661-763-5445 510 Center Street • Taft

Beauty Supply

Call for an appointment Today

Glam Squad on Premises

Beauty Supply • Salon • Boutique

Barbara Van Pelt • Melissa ThornsberryLaci Rodart • Christine Dunning

Carolyn EasleyShop Manager - Jessica G. Miller

Hair & Skin Care Products • Salon Services Synthetic Hair Wigs & Human Hair Extentions

Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Pictures & Prints • Massages

101 B. Street • Taft

(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

Monday - Buy 1 Dinner and get the 2nd FREE*

*On dinner combos 1- 102nd dinner must be of equal or lesser

value From 4pm - Closing.

Wednesday - Kids Eat FREE*

*Kids under 10 years old eat free from Kids Menu with paying Adult

From 4pm - Closing.

Saturday - Noche MexicanaSteak or Chicken Fajitas

$9.95From 4pm - Closing.

All Specials Subject to Change

Specials

Anderson Business ServicesWE COME TO YOU!

Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Sandy AndersonNotary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments and

Jurats$10 per signature

Mortgage Documents $150 per set

Mobile Notary Service $1 per mile

Office: 661-765-7665Greg’s Cell: 661-557-6032

Sandy’s Cell: 661-577-6790

Rite Away Carpet Cleaning

Finished with Your Spring Cleaning?Now it’s Time to do the Carpet!

(661)765-4191

Save yourself a trip to Bakersfield, come in and

browse at your leisure!

Selection ofVinyl Records & Old Radio

Shows

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

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

(661)745-4913

Personal StyleFamily Boutique

Your One Stop Shop for the Entire Family

423 & 421 Center Street • 763-3527

614 Center Street

$9.99Large

1 Item

Pizza

765-5311

“We Toss’em,They’re Awesome”

Come See Our New Changes!Bigger Boutique • Kids Room • Juniors Room

Mens Corner • Clearance Room

Voted Best Pizza3 Years in a Row!

Summer Markdowns30% - 50% Off

Children’s Summer ClothesNew Arrivals on the way for Oildorado!

8 Week Bootcamp

Over 6,000Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback

Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Ben’s BooksThe Largest, Cheapest and Only

Used Book Store in Taft

Monday - Friday 9am-7pmSaturday 9am-6pmLocated at 1080 West Kern Street (661) 763-3111

Help Us Celebrate With

15% OFFMinimum Purchase of $12.00

Expires: 10/1/10

Happy 6th Anniversary

Now offering a Luxury Manicure and Luxury Pedicure:

Cullux Remove • Sea Salt & MaskHot Wax Paraffins Hot Rock Massage

Starts October 4th 5:45PM

$75 to Sign UpYou do not need to be a member to sign up

September 17 - 23, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Community Events........3

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

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

Westside Rec Report.....5

Oildorado.........................6

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

Obituary...........................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.

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]

Assistant Managing EditorAdvertising Sales Manager

Jessica Wallis

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller

Jessy McCulloch

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins

Staff PhotographerSara Bravo

Circulation ManagerJobe Edgar

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

News Briefs

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday September 21, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA

(661) 763-1222AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD

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

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

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

Taft California“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Fundraiser for Matthew Fuller Saturday, September 25th

Matthew Fuller, 21, of Taft, was paralyzed from below the bread bone down in a dirt bike accident on 9/11/10. A car wash, rummage sale, and BBQ fundraising event will be held Saturday, September 25th beginning at 8 am at Taft Goodyear Store lot. Contributions to rummage sale accepted at Goodyear store, cash dona-tions accepted at Chevron Valley Credit Union To: Matthew Fuller c/o Joe E. Fuller Jr.

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.

ADVERTISE IN THETAFT INDEPENDENT

WWW.TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

TUHS Offering Free SAT Class Taft Union High School is offering a free, 21-hour class to students who want to prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Many colleges require that applicants take the SAT as part of the admissions process. Similar classes in Bakersfield cost between $100 and $150. Students who attend all sessions and take the pre-test and post-test will be reimbursed $25 to offset a portion of the registration cost for the SAT. Refreshments will be provided during all sessions. Also, several scholarships awarded through the TUHS local scholarship program give special consideration to students who have above-average SAT scores. More than $190,000 in scholarships was awarded to seniors at the annual Honors Night last May. Instructors are: counselor Claude Bradford, English teacher Jim Carnal and math teacher Josh Tofte. “I took the SAT preparation class and my SAT scores went up 100 points in math and another 50 points in English. I took the class a second time and my total went up another 50 points. I recommend this class,” Marty Fontes, a 2007 TUHS graduate, said. Classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 15, and end on Monday, Oct 4. Classes will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 20 and 27; from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, and Monday, Oct. 4, and, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Satur-days, Sept. 18 and Oct. 2. All classes will meet in room 136 in the main building. For more information or to register your Taft High student, call the Guidance Center at 763-2324.

Matthew FullerFUNDRAISER

Yard Sale • Car Wash • BBQ

Saturday, September 25at the Goodyear Shop on Finley Drive in Taft

Fundraising efforts are underway to help pay the medical costs for Matt Fuller.

Fuller, 21, was seriously injured in a dirt bike accident near Wasco. He is now at Me-morial Hospital in Bakersfield being treated for complications to the injuries suffered

in the crash and awaiting surgery.

An account in his name has been set up at Chevron Valley Credit Union. In addition, a car wash, yard sale and barbecue will be held on Sept. 25 at the Goodyear Shop on

Finley Drive where Matt worked along side his father, Joe Fuller Jr.

Donations for the yard sale can be brought to the store. The yard sale and car wash will start at 8 am and the BBQ will follow about noon.

Despite a cutback in hours, the Taft Branch Library will continue to offer both Preschool Storytime and Grandma’s Attic this fall. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are invited to participate in Preschool Storytime on Thursday mornings at 11:30 a.m. This half-hour program features stories, songs and fun for the younger set. Beginning Saturday, September 18, Grandma’s Attic offers an old trunk full of surprises for 5 to 8 year-olds and their families, and stories presented by volunteer readers. The storytime will begin at 10:30 a.m. each Saturday through November 20. Children who participate will receive a form to return to their teacher for credit in their school reading program. The Westside Friends of the Library resume their monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 10:15 a.m. This support group provides many things to the Taft Branch that are not covered in the Kern County Library bud-get, such as children’s programs, refreshments, furnishings and supplies. All are welcome to attend the next meeting on October 14 at the Taft Branch. Funds are raised from an on-going sale of gently used hardback books, paperbacks and magazines donated by members of the community. Current hours of opening are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the library at 27 Emmons Park Drive, call 763-3294 or logon to www.kerncountylibrary.org.

Library Announces Fall Activities

Tickets to Oildorado Days events are on sale at the Oildordo store in the historic Pioneer Mercantile building located at Fifth and Main streets.Events requiring tickets include the civic luncheon, queen pageant, melodrama, Roustabout Ball and concerts such as the Eddie Money street party, Christian music kickoff concert at Taft High’s Martin Memorial Stadium, and the perfor-mance of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra with special guests Cody Bryant and the Riders of the Purple Sage in the Taft High Auditorium.The Christian music concert features Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road with special guest Matt Maher.Tickets for the civic luncheon, which typically sells out, went on sale recently. Sales have been brisk, store managers say.Ticket prices are:Civic luncheon: $30 per personChristian music concert: $25 for floor level, $15 for adult stadium seats, and $10 for child stadium seats.Eddie Money street party: $5Bakersfield Symphony/Riders of the Purple Sage: $10Chamber of Commerce Roustabout Ball: $50 per person, $400 for a table, $1,000 for three tables (pre-sale only)Melodrama: $6 (children under 5 free)Queen pageant: $5 (children under 10 free) The store is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Hours will be extended as the Oct. 15-24 celebration gets closer. The phone number is 745-4894.

Oildorado Tickets Now Available


Editorial

Westside Watcher

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wed, Fri. 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

765-6915

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

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

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

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-9pmSun. 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

Always Fresh!

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

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

FOXTHEATER

All shows before 6 p.m.- $7.00 -

Late ShowChild and Senior $7.00

Adults $9.00www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St

NOW SHOWING

-The Expendables-The A-Team-Nanny McPhee Returns

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

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

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

Chilled & GrilledEvery Wednesday Night

Bike Night!Drink and Appetizer Specials from 7-9pm.

$1 Drafts!!!

765-2000621 Center Street

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

Monday Night Football

Your RestaurantListed Here.

Call765-6550.

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Every Friday is Ribeye Steak Dinner Night Residential • Commerical • Senior DiscountsInterior and Exterior • Specialty Coatings • Floors

Wrought Iron • Power Washing

(661)203-6677CA License # 784342P.O. Box 612 • Taft,CA 93268

FREE ESTIMATES - NO OBLIGATIONS

Letters to the Editor

BEST OF TAFT BALLOT ON

PAGE 12

VOTE TODAY!!

ADVERTISE IN THETAFT INDEPENDENT

WWW.TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

Taft City Council Candidate Fo-rum Tuesday, September 28th at Historic Fort

Karaoke Contest Every Friday

Come on down and have some free food and great drink prices!

1 male & 1 female will advance to the finals during the Oildorado event on Friday,

October 22nd.Industries Night Tickets on Sale

Tickets for Industries Night during Oildorado Days are on sale at the Club or Oildorado Store, limited tickets are being sold

Dear Friends, 223 years ago on September 17, 1787, 39 delegates from 12 states at the Constitutional Convention signed the United States Constitution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After being ratified by the 13 original states, the Constitution became our country’s legal foundation on June 21, 1788. In 1956, Congress established Constitution week and then in 2004 designated every September 17th as Constitution Day to give our founding document the recognition and respect that it deserves. On Friday, September 17th, to mark Constitution Day, my district offices in Bakersfield and Atascadero will make pocket constitutions available to the public.* Please feel free to stop by and pick one up. My colleagues and I have also coauthored a resolution (H.Res. 1612) which passed the House this week, to honor and recognize the importance of September 17th. I believe reading our country’s Constitution is an important exercise all Americans should con-tinue to do. We must be aware of the freedoms and rights that are granted to us by our Constitution to keep our representative form of government in check and the vital civic health of our country strong. Below are directions and hours when you can pick up a Consti-tution at my district offices:

* Bakersfield: 8:30am – 5:00pm4100 Empire Drive Suite 150 Bakersfield, CA 93309(661) 327-3611* Atascadero: 1:00pm – 4:30pm5805 Capistrano Avenue Suite C Atascadero, CA 93422(805) 461-1034 * East Kern and LA County:Congressman McKeon’s office will also be providing constitutions8:30am – 5:00pm1008 W. Ave M-14 Suite E-1 Palmdale, CA 93551(661) 274-9688*Supplies are limited, two Constitution limit per family and twenty Constitutions per non-profit organization/school. Hope you can come by and get a copy of our nation’s founda-tional text.

Sincerely,Congressman Kevin McCarthy

P.S. If you know any student interested in attending one of U.S. Service Academies please let them know that my offices will be holding Academy Forums on Saturday, November 6, 2010. At the forums, interested students and parents will have an opportunity to learn more about the application process, academy life and career opportunities within the various branches of the Armed Forces.

RSVP for the Service Academy Forums by calling the Bakers-field office (661) 327-3611 or Atascadero office (805) 461-1034 or by email to [email protected].

The Independent will host a forum for candidates for Taft City Council on Tuesday, September 28th at 6 p.m. at the Historic Fort. All 8 council candidates have been invited to participate in a question and answer forum led by Taft College Professor Dr. David Lane. Each candidate will open their presentation with 3 minutes each to present their campaign for council, followed by prepared questions from Dr. Lane, and closed with 3 minutes of closing statements. Questions from the audience will be collected and ask by Dr. Lane. Taft Councilmen Randy Miller, Paul Linder and Cliff Thomp-son are up for reelection. Challengers Gypsy Freeman, Dee Bankston, Greg Gray and businessman Orchel Krier are challeng-ing the 3 incumbents. Absentee voters, which make up half of all registered voters in the City of Taft, will begin receiving their ballots in the mail by October 8th. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd.

Dear Editor:

I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed you recent article. “Use It Or Lose it.” It was a very nice piece. I was recently getting my nails done and even the owner and I took up a conversation about it. We agreed that if we as a community do not support our local businesses than we are only hurting ourselves. I think what people do not realize is that when the community flourishes, the people flourish. And likewise, when the community suffers, so do the people. We have a lot of really great people who live here and make this community successful, but sadly we have just as many who don’t care at all, simply because they’re too busy. And then we have others who don’t care enough about them selves to care about anything else. But for the majority, we can do more and we should. --So Shop Taft and Shop Happy!

Good read Randy, thank you

Gypsy Freeman


Check us out online!Need more information on programs, classes or facilities?Visit us on the web:www.wsrpd.comwww.facebook.com/wsrpd www.quickscores.com/[email protected]

West Side Recreation Report

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

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

by Stephanie House

PIZZA PARADISEWednesday, September 223:00-4:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomAges 7-12$6 per person ** pre-registration required by September 21Aspiring chefs ages 7-12 will learn to make (and eat!) different types of pizza goodies and even pizza dessert. Pre-registration is required.

KIDS NIGHT OUTSaturday, September 256:30-10:00 p.m.Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades K-6$8 per person ** pre-registration required by September 23Kids need a night out every once in a while! Join us for a fun evening of games, movies, crafts, pizza, snacks and more! The more the merrier, so be sure to sign-up with a friend. Pre-registration is required.

CANDY BAR BINGOWednesday, September 293:00-4:00 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomGrades 1-8FREE! Join us for an hour of bingo fun with candy bar prizes! Be sure to bring a friend!

HORSESHOE TOURNAMENTSaturday, September 25Check-in: 9:00 a.m.Taft Moose Lodge PitsAges 16 and up$25 per team ** pre-registration required by September 23Grab your partner and come on down to the Fall Classic Doubles Tournament at the Moose Lodge for some good ol’ fashioned horseshoes.

THE HARLEM STARZWednesday, October 13, 2010Doors Open – 6:30 p.m., Fun Starts – 7:30 p.m.Taft Union High School GymTickets: $5 per personThe Harlem Starz show team is taking basketball to a new level. A fusion of traditional show basketball with 21st Century Street Ball makes this high energy event a show for the entire family to enjoy. Come out and see these amazing players! Tickets may be purchased at West Side Recreation, Taft District Chamber of Commerce and the Taft Midway Driller. For more information, please contact Les Clark at 763-4246.

ALUMNI FOOTBALL GAMETAFT VS. BAKERSFIELDSaturday, October 23, 2010Player registration begins September 7 in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. Cost is $100 per player. For more information, contact Les Clark at 763-4246 or [email protected]

PUNT, PASS, KICK & CATCHWho: Ages 3-5When: Saturday MorningsTime: 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.Session: October 23 – November 20Where: ‘A’ Street Park Fee: $25 per personRegistration deadline: October 14This instructional program is designed for boys and girls ages 3-5. Your kids will discover the joys of football without the contact. This program teaches the basics of the game, teamwork and fun.

GYMNASTICSWho: Grades K and olderWhen: Monday Evenings, beginning September 13Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $30 per month ($20 for each additional family member)Instructor: Suzanne Hale

DANCE CLASSESWho: Ages 3 and upWhen: Mondays and TuesdaysSeason: classes begin the week of September 13Where: Community Center Assembly RoomFee: $20 per monthInstructor: Liz MillerParticipants will learn the basics of tap, jazz and ballet. There is also a Beginning Hip-Hop class. Please contact the District Office for class times.

TODDLER TIME & PRESCHOOL FUN ACTIVITY CLASSESWednesday AfternoonsToddlers: 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Preschoolers: 1:00-2:00 p.m.$25 per session Toddler Time: Designed for children ages 2 years and up, accompanied by an adult/caregiver. You will spend some fun time with your toddler participating in a variety of activities. Preschool Fun: For ages 3-5 who are ready for some fun interaction and activities on their own (adults do not stay). Registration is separate for each session of Toddler Time and Preschool Fun. Sign-up for as many as you wish! For more information, contact us at 763-4246 or [email protected]. A minimum of 5 paid children is required for each session.Session 2: October 13 – November 17 WESTERN DAYSSession 3: January 5 – February 9 COOKING – TOT CHEF

PRESCHOOLThe West Side Recreation & Park District’s Preschool program is now enrolling students for the upcoming 2010/2011 school year. Preschool Director is Nancy Buzzell and teachers are Rene Adamo and Stefany Ginn. The program is for children ages 3-5. Fees vary per class. As of now, there are still a few spaces avail-able in the later Tuesday/Thursday classes. We are also able to put your name on a waiting list for the other classes. For more information, please phone 763-4246 or send an email to [email protected]. Monday/Wednesday/Friday Class (4-5 year olds): 9:00-11:15 a.m.Tuesday/Thursday Classes (3-5 year olds): 9:00-10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOWFriday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4, 2010The District’s 32nd Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Community Center this December. Vendor registration is underway now in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. The fee is $40 per space. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or [email protected].

LATE FEE POLICY When registering/paying for a program, a $5 late fee will be assessed for:* Classes not paid by the 10th of each month* Any registrations, including scholarship applications, received after the program registration deadline.A more detailed copy of the Late Fee Policy is available on our website at www.wsrpd.com.

S.T.O.P.Strive to Optimize ParticipationWorking with schools, churches and other organizations on the Westside, we want to target disadvantaged and disabled youth who may need a financial scholarship to participate in District programs. The S.T.O.P. Program enables youth who normally cannot participate in programs, a chance. A chance to be involved and take part in outstanding recreational opportunities. The West Side Recreation & Park District thrives on education, fosters human development and increases self-esteem. And with financial assistance from local companies such as Chevron and Synagro, is helping children become productive members of society and leaders of tomorrow, no matter what their circumstances. If you are the parent/guardian of a child who would benefit from a S.T.O.P. scholarship, or if you know of other potential children, please contact the District Office. The application process is simple – just complete a Youth Scholarship Application prior to program/activity registration deadlines. S.T.O.P. Scholarships may be used to pay for classes, sports programs, swim lessons and other youth activities that require pre-registration.

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

HUNTERS SAFETY COURSEMonday, October 4 – Wednesday, October 66:30-9:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium$5 per personNext class: February 7-9, 2011


Westside News and Business Briefs

CookhouseOT

& SaloonSpecializing in Steak & Seafood

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

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

CLOSEDSUNDAY/MONDAY

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

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 9-21-10 thru 9-25-10)

Tues.9-21-10Lunch

Tues.9-21-10DinnerWed.

9-22-10Lunch

Wed.9-22-10Dinner

Thurs.9-23-10Lunch

Thurs.9-23-10Dinner

Fri.9-24-10Dinner

Fri.9-24-10Lunch

Sat.9-25-10Dinner

Roast Beef

BBQ Beef Ribs

Roast Pork Loin

Prime Rib$15.95 Small/ $18.95 Large

Pickled Tongue Sandwich

Oregon Bay Shrimp Pasta with VegetablesBBQ Pork Ribs

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With this year being the first celebration to consist of two week-ends. The president of Oildorado, Eric Cooper says, “Oildorado is an independent special event. We are a non profit organization consisting of 8 board members and 35 committee members.” “Oildorado is an event that brings people together.” The 2010 Oildorado is an even more special event. Taft will be celebrating 100 years as an incorporated city. On October 14 there will be the Taft College Foundation BBQ, with the official kick off to the event being the oil workers monument dedication Friday October 15 and will end October 24, with a spectacular carnival everyone will enjoy. The oil workers monument is a dedication to honor all the men and women who have worked in the oilfields over the years. “This year (oildorado) has a new look and feel to it. There is a new logo along with a lot more new events.” Eric Cooper says, “There will be many more vendors, hot air balloon lift off, an art show, and a street party with Eddie Money.” In addition to those events there will be a big foot car crush, bounce house, live blue grass music, Taft Chamber car show, Tessie Garratt ponytail contest, queen pageant, and lets not forget about Domino’s world record. On Friday October 22nd at 4pm to October 23rd at 4pm Domino’s Pizza will be on a mission to sell 10,000 pizzas within a 24hr period. So everyone get your pizza groove on and let us support our Domino’s Pizza. This year many events will be taking place on the “rails of tails, whereas in previous years the property was not available.” Says Eric Cooper. Gentlemen make sure your beard is ready the Whiskerino contest is coming. If caught without facial hair you could be fined by the Oildorado posse and be thrown into the hoosegow for a while, until they are ready to drop you off. There is one way for you men to avoid riding in the hoosegow, and that’s to purchase a smooth puss badge. Also watch out for the Wooden Nickel gang. Eric Cooper describes them as being the “roughneck crew.” The Wooden Nickel gang is the rival to the Oildorado Posse, and they are on a kidnapping spree, so keep a good eye out. For the women who do not enter the ponytail and bun contest you want to make sure you purchase a Tessie Garratt badge, or you too can face the wrath of the Oildorado posse. For those of you who want some-body to be picked up and ride around in the hoosegow for a while, you can purchase a warrant at the Oildorado store. Make sure you bring a picture of the person with you when purchasing the war-rant, and the posse will go pick them up during Oildorado Days.There are 60 events taking place during Oildorado days, with peo-ple involved this year that have never been involved before. There are many people who donate their time and effort into making Oildorado Days a spectacular event. “This year I am excited about putting on a show, and the huge amount of people coordinating all the events.” Eric Cooper “I am proud of everyone involved and it is going to be a huge success.”If you would like a complete list of all the events taking place you can visit www.oildoradodays.com

Let us all come and join the city of Taft October 14- October 24 for the 2010 Oildorado Days. Oildorado Days is a fun filled, family event that the entire family looks forward to, and is only celebrated every 5 years. Taft became an incorporated town in 1910, but it wasn’t until 20 years later in which a celebration was brought into light. The Oildorado celebration began in the year 1930 as a way to promote downtown merchants. Many people wanted Oildorado to be an annual event, which only lasted one year, as the events were too much to be planned on a yearly basis, so Oildorado went back to being celebrated every 5 years. Oildorado began with a day or two event, and over the years it has evolved to a weeklong celebration.

Fried Pork Chops $9.95

2010 Oildorado Days Begins in 28 DaysBy Wendy Clark

Left Seated: Aisling Farrell of the LaBrea Tar Pits Page Museum (left) and museum volunteer Carolyn Fuller Standing ( from left) volunteer Dennis Chitwood, Christopher Shaw of the Page Museum, and volunteers Pauline Thornton, Agnes Hardt and Eugenia Wilke.

The cat is in the house.The skeleton of a saber-toothed cat like ones that roamed the Westside area thousands of years ago has found a resting place in the West Kern Oil Museum.Reassembled 15 years ago, the skeleton – with its signa-ture fang-like canine teeth – had been on display for seven or eight years at the Tom Bradley Terminal at

Los Angeles International Airport, “greeting our friends from overseas,” said Christopher Shaw, who, with fellow curatorial as-sistant Aisling B. Farrell, brought the specimen to Taft Wednesday from the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits.“I think this is a very, very important part of our history,” said Ag-nes Hardt, director of the oil museum’s all-volunteer staff. “There were saber-toothed cats here. A lot of people don’t know that. I know we are getting ready to celebrate Taft’s 100th birthday, but our history goes way back before that.” The museum is sprucing up for next month’s Oildorado Days celebration by refurbishing its Yokuts Indian exhibit and creating a special display that showcases past Oildorado events.Volunteers also are getting antique vehicles – including the fire truck – ready for the Oildorado parade. The museum also will hold barbecues on both Saturdays during the 10-day celebration and register old timers.The saber-toothed cat, which is on display in the main museum building, will be the centerpiece of West Kern’s Oildorado Days fanfare. Saber-toothed cats are some of the best known and most popu-lar of all Ice Age animals. They were among the most impressive carnivores ever to have lived.Shaw said the cat is the official vertebrate fossil of California.The saber-toothed cat became extinct approximately 11,500 years ago. The oil museum’s cat will be encased in glass, said Don Maxwell, who recently retired as director of maintenance and operations at the Taft City School District. He has become one of the newest museum volunteers and will take over Hardt’s duties when she retires following the Oildorado celebration.“This cat’s a real beauty, and we want to make sure it’s protected,” he said. The cat is on loan from the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles.

Saber-Toothed Cat at West Kern Oil Museum

August 27 - 2, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 7

Westside News and Business Briefs

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Event

For the 8th straight year the Taft Sportsmen’s Club has been the recipient of the NRA Foundation grant. On June 17, 2010, the 2010 NRA Dinner & Auction was held at OT’s Cookhouse here in Taft. The Taft Sportsmen’s Club was the recipient of two grants totaling $15,296. $5,400 of the grant will be directed towards the Taft Sportsmen’s Club 16th Annual Junior Pheasant Hunt and $9,896 will be directed towards the purchase of a Laser Shot & Transportation Trailer. The Taft Friends of the NRA is a chapter of the National Rifle Association with Gary Morris head-ing up the Taft chapter. On hand to present the grant checks was Jason Quick, area NRA representative and Gary Morris, Chair-man of the Taft Friends of the NRA. Also on hand at the event was Wes Morris who works with the grants. Tom Brown, Presi-dent, and Sue Brown, Secretary/Treasurer, from Taft Sportsmen’s Club were on hand to accept the grant checks. Taft Sportsmen will direct their pheasant hunt grant check to the 16th Annual Junior Pheasant Hunt to be held on November 20 & 21, 2010. The Club has used the remaining grant of $9,896 to purchase the Laser Shot Trailer system and has already been out on promo-tional events. The grants that were presented to this club are the result of the very successful NRA dinners that are held each year in Taft. Many thanks to the NRA and Taft FNRA.

Taft Sportsmen’s Club Receives Grants from NRA Taft Union High School recently met two major goals, finally

shattering the 700 API (Academic Performance Index) mark and earning the maximum six-year WASC accreditation. Despite those academic accomplishments, high school officials have been notified the school is entering its first year of program improvement. The API is calculated by using the scores from the state-man-dated STAR (Standardized Testing And Reporting) test and the CAHSEE. Taft’s API was 694 last year but shot up 39 points to 733 this year, passing the 700 hurdle for the first time. Taft High is entering the program because it did not meet the rising target for the percentage of sophomores required to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). The state requires students to earn a score of 350 on the math and English tests to earn a diploma. Taft met that goal, but the federal government requires a majority of students to earn at least a 380 or the school must enter program improvement. That percentage keeps rising an-nually until 2013-14 (this year’s freshmen class) when 100 percent of sophomores must score at least 380. At that point “all high schools in the state will be in program improvement,” Superinten-dent/Principal Mark Richardson said. “Every year more schools are going to go into program improve-ment. The federal goal is a moving, elevated target. Schools with multiple subgroups end up in the program sooner rather that later.” Taft showed improvements across the board in all subgroups: Cau-casian, Hispanic, socioeconomic and English learners, Richardson said, adding that Taft needs “continued improvement with the lowest-performing students. Taft has already implemented modifications the federal govern-ment will require such as benchmark tests and remediation. “We have told students: ‘You’re going to earn it. You’re going to keep doing it till you get it right’ and our kids did it. They got bet-ter. “We graduate 98.5 percent of our students (the state average is 80 percent) and have a less than 1 percent dropout rate (statewide it is 15 percent). The mission of a high school is to graduate children and have a low dropout rate and we are getting the job done. “Some serious discussions on the federal level related to the future requirements of the federal Adequate Yearly Progress (need to take place). I think we will see this changed to a more reasonable model. How soon, nobody knows.”

TUHS Meets API Goals

Taft Fire Chief, Jim Gaither “retired after 30 + years of service,” is now displaying his fire memorobilia at the Fox Theater. The items seen there all came from the Taft area, and are from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The display is in conjunction with our citys 100th Birthday.

Retired Taft Fire Chief Displays Historic Fire Fighting Equipment

911 Remembered at 5th Street PlazaTaft residents gath-ered at the city’s 5th Street Plaza on Satur-day to remember the victims of September 11, 2001.Councilman Randy Miller and Chamber Director Fred Schell led the remembrance which was marked by prayer and remarkrs by local clergy.


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

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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

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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

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$1,985.00Includes American made Steel Casket

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Obituary

Alta Mae Galigher-Morris, 90, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2010. She is survived by her only son, Gene Morris, grandson Michael Morris, granddaughter Shannon Banks and great-grandsons Bryan Banks and Daniel Banks and numerous nieces and nephews. Alta was predeceased by her husband Lowell of 41 years, her sisters Tressie and Adar, and brothers Teddy Bill, Marvin “Doc”, and Bert Roland. Alta was born in Mountain Grove, Arkansas on December 18, 1919. She spent her child-

hood in Hominy, Oklahoma where she met and married her husband in 1937. They came to California in 1941 and lived in Santa Monica during WWII where Lowell worked at Douglas Aircraft. The Morris family settled in Taft after the war. While Lowell worked in the oil fields, Alta was a stay-at-home Mom and also cared for her mother Nancy until she passed away in 1964. Through the years, “Aunt Sis” was a favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews. After her husband passed away in 1977, she went back to school and became a teachers aide at the Taft College Children’s Center. “Miss Alta” lovingly cared for hundreds of chil-dren during her 17 years at the Children’s Center. Alta was well-known for her pie baking, her love of children, and her sweet disposition. Alta’s loving personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. There will be a viewing on Friday, September 17, from 3:00 – 8:30 p.m. At Erickson & Brown Funeral Home at 501 Lucard Street in Taft. Services will be held in the Erickson & Brown Chapel on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Westside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Taft College Foundation/Children’s Center, 29 Emmons Park Drive, Taft, CA 93268.

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Yates’ Detailing600 Center Street

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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

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News and Business Briefs

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Advertise in the Taft IndependentWe Get it Ready. We Get it Right.

765-6550

www.taftindependent.com

Aries (March 21-April 19): You may not think your words are having any effect, but they most definitely are. Don’t stop trying to reach out and be heard.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Though a very important relationship is ending this week, a new one begins almost immediately and will be just as important.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): Don’t hold a family member’s cold be-havior against them. Their foul mood has absolutely nothing to do with you and they genuinely don’t mean to take it out on you.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): You may find yourself in extremely unfamiliar surroundings this week. The best thing to do in this case is embrace the differences and enjoy them.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): If you’re worrying about the impression you’ve made, don’t. Your natural wit and charm have won everyone over with ease.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Your money may be going out as fast as it’s coming in, but there’s not much you can do about it. These purchases need to be made and now.

Libra (September 23-October 22): Don’t presume that you have some new neighbors figured out. There’s a lot more depth there than you realize.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): Do what you have to do this weekend, but don’t be surprised or angry to find out that a signifi-cant other will do what they have to do as well.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): It’s not a sign of weak-ness to admit and recognize physical limitations. Being stubborn is only going to hurt yourself.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): What you’ve been searching for has finally been found and is within your grasp. I’d hold on with both hands if I was you.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): If your body’s telling you that you need a break, it’d be wise to listen. Running roughshod over your own health will only make you miserable.

Pisces (February 20-March 20): It may feel like your hard work’s escaping notice, but nothing could be further from the truth. Keep it up because higher-ups like what they’re seeing.

If your birthday is this week: You’ve got quite the project in front of you and it’s not going to be a quick easy process by any means. But when this is finally complete it will be worth all of the blood, sweat and tears it took to get there. Take solace in the fact that you don’t have to do this alone.

Taft College Brings STEM to 11th Annual College NightBy Kent Miller

They came by the thousands. High school students from all over western Kern County – many with parents in tow – packed Rabobank Arena on Tuesday for the 11th annual College Night, sponsored by Chevron.Taft College was represented at the program with the STEM (Sci-ence, Technology, Engineering and Math) trailer and a half-dozen college employees who handed out literature and bright yellow carry bags. “I was very surprised about the turnout,” said Joe McFaddin, Taft College STEM outreach coordinator. “There were somewhere in excess of 5,000 students. And a nice percentage of parents showed up to support their kids. “I probably talked with over 100 students, just me. The student from the fartherest away was from Walker Basin.”The others manning the Taft College booth, lead by Sheri Black, were: Lupe Figueroa, Zayra Balenzuela, Barbara Wingler and John Cameron. “Our booth was a real standout,” McFaddin said. “The backdrop we used was our Victory Mobile STEM Unit, with videos display-ing financial aid and the STEM Summer Academy.“A good deal of students were interested in medical and health services, engineering, automotive engineering, and the arts. We had a lot of art students.” The Taft College booth also drew the attention of other display-ers at College Night. “I think Taft College’s branding at the 2010 College Night at the Rabobank was brilliant,” said Kathryn Paine Plunkett, California State University, Bakersfield, Art Department coordinator and a College Night representative. “Their bright yellow book bags with the Taft College logo were everywhere. Even if they hadn’t considered TC before, they’ve taken home a reminder that their parents will also see.”Taft College did a “good job,” said Plunkett, who is a graduate of both Taft High School and Taft College. Event sponsor Chevron stressed the importance of a college education. “A college education can be one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences you will ever have, while also building a foun-dation for a successful, fulfilling career,” said Bruce A. Johnson, vice president of the San Joaquin Valley Business Unit of Chevron North America Exploration and Production Company. “We are looking to Kern County and all of our communities in California for next generation leaders at Chevron.”

In addition to the students and parents, the military was there, promoting their college incentive enlistment programs.There were two- and four-year institutions from far: (such as Cor-nell, Texas Christian, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, and Notre Dame universities, Milwaukee School of Engineering and Mon-tana Tech) and near (Taft College, Bakersfield College, California State University, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara Business College and University of Phoenix). The University of California campuses at Davis, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz had representatives manning tables on the floor of the arena.The California State University system was represented by CSUB, San Luis Obispo, East Bay, Fresno, Monterey Bay, Northridge, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Humboldt and Sonoma. Some of the colleges that were there are well-known locally, such as USC, Nevada Reno, Pacific, LaVerne, Point Loma Nazarene, Fresno Pacific, National. Some are known only to a few locally, such as Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Menlo (commu-nity) College, Hope International University, Feather River (com-munity) College and Dominican University of California.Other exhibitors were The Bakersfield Californian, Chevron, The College Conundrum (Consultants to the College Bound), Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kern High School Dis-trict Counselors Association, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, Paramount Farming Companies and u-PLANit. “College Night is for parents as well as students,” said Christine Lizardi Frazier, Kern County superintendent of schools. “Parent involvement results in more students seeking education and train-ing once they finish high school.”Frazier pointed out her office’s u-PLANit computer counseling area. “We designed u-PLANit to encourage more junior high and middle school students to begin planning their future before they enter high school,” she said.

The u-PLAN-it system is Web-based and consists of nearly 50 videos on careers ranging from paramedic to engineer, Frazier said. It provides the educational requirements necessary to work in these careers, she said. The system is being tested at two local middle schools and will be at all Kern County schools in the 2011-12 school year, the superintendent said.


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.

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.

Yard Sale 29750 Dustin Acres Rd. Sat. and Sun. 9am-? Western shirts, boots, saddle, tools.

Yard Sale. Saturday and Sunday 7am-5pm 1032 Buena Vista St. in Taft.

424 Montview Sat. and Sun. 8am. Lots of misc.

ANNOUNCEMENTS NONPROFIT UNITY THRIFT & OUTREACH NEEDS YOU! We are looking for foster homes, monetary dona-tions, yardsale items, blankets, towels, odd jobs, etc.PLEASE help us help our community. 661-623-2218 or 661-330-5040

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 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

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

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

* 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

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.

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 Herron (not a grad but a classmate), Gary Hollingsworth, Steve Jones, Nancy Keeler, Robert Lambright, Laura Lowery, Blaine McCoy, Marlene Michaels, Richard 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

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 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

Taft WoodworksCabinet Shop for sale

Training availableOwner retiring

Turn key businessCall Doug 340-4354

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 PETS

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

LOST PETS

MOTORCYCLES

94 Honda Shadow 1100. Saddlebags, windshield, uns great. $2,200. 747-1953.

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

2 ac. horse facility. 1600+ sq. ft. 3b/2b. Completely remodeled. 3 car garage, hay storage, carport.All landscaped & on auto sprinklers. Great location near park, BEST schools. $180,000 obo 623-5648

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!

FOR RENT

115 Kern Street. 3/1. New interior and exterior paint. New window covering, hugh yard, washer\dryer hookups. Avail now. $650 mo.pls dep. water incld. 509 4th St. 2/1. New inter.\ext. paint. New biinds, huge yard. Water

incl. $625 mo pls dep. Avail. now.405 San Emidio. 1/1. New blinds, wash/dryer hookups. Hugh yard. Avail now. Water Incl. $525 mo pls. Dep. Call Mark. (805) 689-4122.

3 Bd. 1 ba. Taft Hts. 522 F St. $775 mo. $800 dep. 765-4016.

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

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

2 BD/2BA for Rent-903 Hazelton St. Maricopa. Fresh paint/new carpet. Water/Garbage paid. NO PETS. $600/$600 dep. Call Nadine @623-1157 for application and appointmen

APART. FOR RENT

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

Small 2 bd. 1/1/2 ba.

Clean, newly carpeted. $650 mo. Rent includes all uutilities, shared wash./dryer. Call 765-2468.

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.


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In difficult economic times, it is increasingly important to maximize the return on every investment. Branding and marketing are essential to the economic survival of any business, attraction, destination or region. Effec-tive branding can drive businesses, communities and regions to success. The first Kern County Tourism Summit, presented by the Kern County Board of Trade, has a singular goal – arm the businesses and organizations that make up the region’s $1.2 billion-a-year visitor industry with the tools needed to make smart and informed decisions. The day-long summit will be held September 15 at world-famous Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield. Guest instructors will present a series of workshops designed to teach attendees how to identify the unique aspects of their regions, then effectively package and market them. Executive Director Rick Davis said the idea for the summit had its genesis in the current financial crunch. The Board of Trade actively searches for effective ways to help tourism entities – many of whom receive marketing grants from the County – get the most out of that aid. “We know there’s a need, that people want to know how to get more bang for the buck,” Davis explained. “Many of the organizations we work with have very limited marketing budgets. They can’t afford mistakes. Unfortunately they also don’t have, or can’t afford, access to training and information that could help them avoid those mistakes.” The summit will make education both accessible and affordable. “The cost of taking a large group of people somewhere for a day of instruction is probably well beyond anyone’s means to provide, but we realized that we had the ability to bring the experts directly to our Kern County tourism family,” Davis explained. Creating and implementing a brand, identifying promotional opportuni-ties, developing effective web and social network presences, and identifying grant and co-op funding are among the summit topics. Scheduled presenters include branding expert Bill Baker and public rela-tions authority Ron Smith. Jonelle Tannahill, rural tourism manager for the

Tourism Summit Offers Branding and Marketing Training to Kern Visitor Industry

California Travel and Tourism Commission, will deliver the keynote message. Baker is president of Portland, Oregon-based Total Destination Management, a team of branding and tourism planning consultants who specialize in developing winning strategies for small cities and regions. As an internationally-respected author and expert on destination and city branding, he is a highly-sought presenter at seminars, confer-ences and workshops worldwide. His sessions are filled with practical ideas to illustrate how to stand out from the ordinary, enhance self image, and build a magnetic reputation to unite and benefit local stakeholders. Baker has earned praise for the way he demystifies branding while demonstrating how destinations of all sizes can build a compelling and distinctive reputation on a small budget. His popularity comes from the entertaining way he conveys essential yet easy-to-use concepts relating to city and destination branding. The Costa Mesa-based Smith heads Smith Communications and brings to the summit a team approach to finding solutions. He is a widely-respected expert in message development, project branding and strategic development. An authority on media relations, his contri-butions include appearances on PBS “Life & Times” and Fox Network’s “Fox and Friends.” He has also authored newspaper columns for The Daily Business Journal, writing about Inter-net communication. “We’re thrilled to provide speakers of this quality,’’ Davis noted. “A ticket to hear either one of these gentlemen speak generally costs several hundred dollars. To offer instruction like this in one session, and to make it affordable, is remarkable.” Also scheduled is a “Shop Talk” session, pro-viding an open forum to discuss grant opportu-nities, cooperative funding sources, and practical topics such as writing effective press releases and making media buys on a budget. Tickets are $75 and space is limited. Included in the ticket price are all presentations and materials along with a great Crystal Palace buffet lunch. For tickets or information, contact the Board of Trade at 800-500-KERN.


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.