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January 17, 2008 • Volume 2 Issue 29www.taftindependent.com

FREE

IndependentThe Taft

City Proposes New Junk and Trash Storage Ordinance. Details in 93268 on Page 3

Serving the West Kern County Community

IndependentAlso Inside:

NEWS

CALENDAR

93268

WESTSIDE WATCHER

REAL ESTATE VIEW

HOROSCOPES

FAITH AND FAMILY

CLASSIFIEDS

and check outour websitewww.taftindependent.com

Sober Living in Taft . . .By Melissa Gonzales

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT January 17, 2008

New York Strips and Ribeye Steak, Alligator Dinners, Elk Steaks and Much, Much More

The Tumbleweed Cafe and Bar

The Best Steaks on the WestsideMesquite Bar-B-Que

“Where Good Food and Good People Come Together”

24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres

Cafe HoursMonday - Wednesday 6 am to 2

p.m.Thursdays - Saturdays 6 am to 9 pm

Bar HoursMonday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Happy HourMonday - Friday3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Portable Bar

Catering

Bikers Take Your Next Ride to the

Tumbleweed

RV andTrailer Parking

Available

Tumbleweed Bar and CafeDerby Acres

Just a Short Drive From Bakersfield11 miles north of Taft on Highway 33

Highway 58

TAFT

McKittrick

Hig

hway

33

Interstate 5

North

Highway 119

Cocktails Full Bar

(661) 768-4655

X

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

January 17, 2008 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

3

This Week.......

Calendar/Opinion............ 3 Westside Watcher............ 4

News Briefs.....................5

Main Feature Sober Living in Taft...........8-9

Real Estate View............10

Faith & Family.............. 11

Horoscopes ....................12

Classified Ads ...............13

Inside 93268Calendar

The Taft Independent

The Taft Independent is a locally owned and published community newspaper. It is a free weekly publi-cation available at business and street distribution newspaper stands on the Westside of Kern County. Mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is avail-able for $6.00 per month or $66.00 per year. To receive mail delivery, please call 765-6550 to subscribe.

PublisherMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Editor John LaConte

[email protected]

Associate EditorDan Peterson

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Printing Castle Print and Publication

Contributing Writers Carolyn Ennis

Matt ChristmanSteve Wright, Karri Christensen,

Jennifer Bowling Wesley Morris, Fred Gruber

Locally & Independently owned since 2006

www.Taftindependent.com

Fort Preservation Society Membership Drive and Dinner Thursday, January 24

The Historic Fort will hold its annual Preservation Society Membership Drive and Dinner on Thursday, January 24th at 6 p.m. For reservations call 765-7371.

Maricopa Gusher Hall January Event Thursday 24

Maricopa Gusher Hall will sponsor a covered dish pot luck late lunch on Thursday, January 24 at Noon. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m. The event is a meet and greet with long time friends over lunch. A birthday will be served for all who have a January birthday. Coffee, tea and soft drinks will be available. Admission is your appetite and a covered dish. For more information call Gusher Hall at 769-9898.

Maricopa Community Flea Market, Yard Sale and Farmers Market Saturday, January 26

Gusher Hall will sponsor a Flea Market, Yard Sale and Farmers Market on Saturday, January 26 from 7:30 a.m. to 2p.m. 10 x 20 spaces are available for $10. Parking is available. For more information call 769-9898 or 769-8279.

Rotary Super Bowl Saturday Youth Fund Raiser Pancake Breakfast February 2, 2008

Taft Rotary will sponsor a pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 2 to help any Westside youth organization to raise funds for their activities. Any youth group on the Westside is invited to participate. This includes Taft, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Valley Acres, Dustin Acres or Tupman. The youth groups will be responsible for selling tickets and will receive all proceeds from their ticket sales after the

pancake breakfast. Youth groups can contact Julie Franks at State Farm Insurance, 526 Center St. (765-7158) Clint Deckert (Day 765-7960 or evening 763-1824), Brock McMurray (763-7811), Ray Hatch (289-0176), Roland Maier (763-4236), or Lee Smith(765-5678) and name a contact with telephone number for their group. This contact person will be the Rotary club contact for that organization and will be responsible to pick up tickets and turn all money and unsold tickets into Rotary. Youth groups are asked to help serve at the pancake breakfast. It will run from 7 to 11 a.m. on the Saturday before the Super Bowl February 3, 2008 at the Taft Union High School cafeteria. One of the Taft Rotary’s goals is to support great youth activities on the West Side. Any organized youth group can sell tickets. The Rotary Club of Taft does not limit you on the number of tickets you sell. Sell as many as you can!!!!

Mayor Harvey Hall to Speak at Taft Chamber Annual Installation Dinner Thusday February 7

The Taft Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual meeting and officer installation dinner on Thursday, February 7th beginning at 6 p.m. at OT’s Cookhouse. The dinner will feature Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall as the guest speaker. Tickets are $25 per person. For reservations or more information please call 765-2165.

Please e-mail your calendar items to [email protected] or fax to 765-6556.

Let’s face it; some of us just don’t like to throw things away. We store, and pack, and put into boxes things that we probably will never use or see again - at least until that next garage sale. But some of us get carried away and never have that yard sale. For instance, some folks, when they run out space, start storing boxes, nameless and unidentified materials, and even trash in plan public view in the front, back and side yards of their home - and businesses - that negatively effect the community and impacts the public health and safety, and quite frankly leaves and ugly impression of what we think about our community. Last Tuesday, the Taft City Council (Kern County Board of Supervisors please take note) introduced a new ordinance that would more specifically define what junk is and give city code enforcement officials more effective means to remove trash and junk from private property.

Specifically, the new ordinance reads: “‘Junk’ means any castoff, damaged, discarded, junked, obsolete, salvaged, scrapped, unusable, worn-out or wrecked object, thing or material composed in whole or in part of asphalt, brick, carbon, cement, plastic or other synthetic substance, fiber, glass, metal, paper, plaster, plaster of paris, rubber, terra cotta, wool, cotton, cloth, canvas, organic matter or other substance, having no substantial market value or requiring reconditioning in order to be used for its original purpose.” We like this new definition because we don’t think any property owner - or lawyer - could find a loophole that would provide some excuse to store something left out of the new junk ordinance. The ordinance also makes it unlawful to store junk outside near any school, church, parks, business buildings or residences in the city of Taft. The Taft City Council and city staff should be applauded for the efforts they are making to improve the city’s appearance. This is one of many steps that needs to be taken by the city to attract new businesses and jobs to Taft. Unfortunately, the new ordinance does not apply to the county areas of Ford City and South Taft where the problem of outside junk and trash storage is chronic, ruining home values, neighborhood quality of life, and the public health, safety and welfare. As we have pointed out before, visitors to Taft don’t recognize the difference between Taft and the blighted county areas that surround our city. They just see the junk and trash, abandoned vehicles and lack of aggresive code enforcement needed in the county that leaves a lasting negative impression. The Kern County Board of Supervisors should be just as concerned about “junk” and pass a similar ordinace at the next board meeting. But, as you can guess, they don’t and they won’t.

Taft Junk Storage Resolution a WinnerKern County Should Adopt Similar Ordinance

Junk sites like this are not uncommon in the county areas surrounding Taft


Westside Watcher

Westside Restaurant

GuideMexican Food

La Salsa Fresh GrillThe Best Mexican Food

Open 7 Days 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

101 E. Kern Street, Taft765-7321

Mi FamiliaMexican & Seafood Restaurant

Sundays to Fridays11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Corner of 10th and B Street, Taft765-2911

American Food

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full BarMonday – Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday – Sunday 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bar Open 7 a.m. to Close24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres

768-4655

Deli and Coffee House

All In The SandwichFull Service Deli – Always Fresh

Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Friday 10 a.m. 3 p.m.700 Kern Street, Taft

765-4143

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sundays 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.1010 6th Street, Taft

763-5156

“Your Official Guide to the Best Restaurants on the Westside”

The Wildlands Conservancy hosted a celebration of 100,000

children served at the Wind Wolves Preserve October 11. The

conservancy has now provided free outdoor education programs to

over 100,000 children.

Located just outside of Maricopa off highway 166, the Wind Wolves

preserve is the largest nonprofit wildlife preserve on the west coast

and is home to elk, deer, bear, antelope, mountain lions, bobcats,

golden eagles, and other birds of prey.

The event was attended by Fourth District Supervisor Ray Watson

along with representatives from the Wildlands Conservancy.

Abandoned Vehicle of the Week

Please Don’t Fence Me In. We found these three abandoned trucks in Ford City. We’re sure that the fence is not needed to keep thieves away, since demand for trucks without doors or hoods is low.

430 Center Street, Taft (661) 765-2442

FlowerJacks

Shop

teleflora’s etched with love bouquet

Dave Gill, Owner763-4420 or 763-1389317 Main Street. Taft,

CA 93268

PRECiSiOn BODywORkS

AnD TOwinG

Thompson Camp Gearing Up, Collecting Endorsements

Taft City Councilman Cliff Thompson expects to receive a formal endorsement from promi-nent Bakersfield businessman Stan Ellis as he gears up his cam-paign for Kern County’s fourth district supervisor position. Thompson has already re-ceived endorsements from Sena-tor Dean Florez and Former Kern County Sheriff Mack Wimbish and expects a formal endorsement from Ellis in the coming weeks. Ellis has voiced support of Thompson’s campaign for supervisor but has yet to put anything in writing. The coming weeks will prove to be crucial for Thompson, as he prepares his campaign for the post “Super Tuesday” crunch leading up to the June election. Thompson will begin sending fundraising letters out next week and planning a “shoe leather”

tour over the heavy voting areas of the fourth district including Southwest Bakersfield, Wasco and Frasier Park. Thompson will wait until after the Super Tuesday elections on February 5 to kick his campaign into high gear, so as not to cause confusion over when the actual election will be take place. “We

don’t want to have people go-ing to the polls and looking for my name in February,” says Thompson. “The response so far has been overwhelming, when I first started I would have never imagined the support would come this quick, it’s been really wonderful.” Incumbent Ray Watson is

the only other candidate to en-ter the race so far. The election will be held on June 3, if there are no other competitors it will be decided at that time. If other challengers enter the race the top two vote-getters from the June 3 race will go head-to-head on the November ballot.

From L to R Cliff Thompson, Mack Wimbish, Taft City Manager Bob Gorson and Senator Dean Florez


News Briefs

Letters to the Editor are welcomed by the Taft Independent. We will accept up to 300 words, but letters may be edited for clarity and concisness. All submissions become the property of the Independent. Submissions must contain the author’s name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes. Submissions can made by US Mail or e-mailed to [email protected].

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Obituary

Rebecca L. CaplesAugust 7, 1959 – January 16, 2007

Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at Assembly of God Church (314 Asher Street – Taft) for Taft resident Rebecca “Becky” L. Caples. Rebecca was born on August 7, 1959 to Paul and Patricia (Strup) Riley, and passed away on Wednesday January 16, 2008 in Bakersfield, Ca. Rebecca was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Petroleum Club in Taft. Those who knew Becky, knew that she was full of life, always happy. Becky enjoyed not only spending time with her family, but she loved to sing karaokee, especially country music, she loved to dance, and we can not forget her love for Betty Boop. Becky is survived by her mother Patricia Riley; son Ronald Lemon and wife Shannon; daughter Rosina Caples; sister Dianna Leach of Fresno, Ca; sister Wanda Girvin of Rochester, New York; sister Pam Caples of Taft; sister Tina Wilson of Taft; sister Rosie Kollar of Derby Acres; brothers Paul and Roger Riley of Taft. She is also survived by three grandchildren; Christian and Adreona Caples and Emma Lemon, along with numerous aunts, uncles, neices and nephews. Becky is preceded in death by her father Paul Riley and nephew Michael Elmore. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, and her presence at all family gatherings will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

For further service and floral arrangements, please contact West Side Memorial Services Porteous Family at 661-763-1594. You may sign the on-line guest book at www.westsidememorialservices.com. West Side Memorial Services – Porteous Family has been entrusted with the arrangements.

From L to R Cliff Thompson, Mack Wimbish, Taft City Manager Bob Gorson and Senator Dean Florez

SACRAMENTO - Senator Ashburn today announced the availability of applications for the 2008 - 2009 California Senate Fellows program. The program provides college graduates an opportunity to become full-time Senate staff members at the state Capitol in Sacramento for 11 months beginning in October 2008. Fellows are assigned to the personal or committee staff of a Senator and are paid a stipend of $1,972 per month plus health, vision, and dental benefits. They earn 12 units of graduate credit from Sacramento State for the academic portion of the program. “Being a Fellow provides an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the

legislative process,” said Senator Ashburn. “Whether your career goals are in the public or private sector, the Senate Fellows program provides valuable training.” Fellows experience the broad range of activities conducted in busy Senate offices. Responsibilities include researching public policy issues, helping develop legislative proposals, analyzing and staffing legislation, assisting with constituent inquiries and casework, participating in meetings as the Senator’s representative, and performing other delegated tasks. A five-week orientation at the beginning of the program provides background on state government, the legislative

Ashburn Announces Senate Fellowships

process, and major policy issues. Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2008, is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major. Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are encouraged to apply. Applications may be requested from Senator Ashburn’s office at 5001 California Avenue, #105 in Bakersfield or by calling the program office at (916) 278-7693. Applications and brochures are also available on the program Web site (www.csus.edu/calst/senate). The deadline for submitting applications is February 27, 2008. Eighteen Fellows will be selected in May after an initial screening of applications and a subsequent panel interview of finalists. Senator Ashburn represents the 18th Senate District including Taft and the Westside communities.

Assemblymember Fuller Recognizes Arts Education On Jan. 16 Assemblymember Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) in-troduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 88, which declares March 2008 as Arts Education Month. The measure is spon-sored by the California Alliance for Arts Education, which pro-poses the resolution on an annual basis. The resolution encourages all elected officials to participate with their educational communi-ties in celebrating the arts. “This resolution is just a simple reminder that arts educa-tion be given the appreciation it deserves,” said Fuller. “Declaring

an arts education month creates a little more awareness of the is-sue.” Arts education not only in-cludes the visual arts, but also dance, music and theatre. The resolution notes the many edu-cational benefits of the arts, from improved creative thinking to better academic outcomes over-all. “Well rounded arts programs keep kids in school, develop natural talents and contribute to overall cognitive development,” Fuller added. “I am proud to be carrying this resolution this year

and will always be a champion of arts education.” Fuller also received the “Out-standing Administrator Award” from the California Association for Music Education in 2006 when she was Superintendent of the Bakersfield City School District. ACR 88 will await a hearing in the Assembly Education Com-mittee. Assemblymember Fuller rep-resents the 32nd Assembly Dis-trict, which includes Taft and the Westside communities.

WASHINGTON – On Jan. 14 Congressman McCarthy’s website (www.kevinmccarthy.house.gov) was honored by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF), a non-profit and non-partisan organization, for having one of the best web-sites in Congress. Out of a total of 618 Congres-sional websites, Congressman McCarthy’s website was one of only 36 websites earning a 2007 gold medal. A full copy of the report, the 2007 Gold Mouse Report: Lessons from the Best Web Sites on Capitol Hill, is available on the Congressional Management Foundation’s Web site at www.cmfweb.org. “I designed my website to help provide the best tools, resources, and information to constitu-ents in the 22nd District,” said

Congressman McCarthy. “I am honored to win this award, will continue to make improvements, and encourage constituents in the 22nd District to check the website. I believe my website should not only be a gateway of information, but also shine light on the work of Congress to be transparent and accountable to our communities.” The 2007 Gold Mouse Report and Awards are part of the “Con-necting to Congress” research project. Researchers from the John F. Kennedy School of Gov-ernment at Harvard University, University of California-River-side and the Ohio State Universi-ty partnered with CMF to study how Congressional websites can be improved to better communi-cate with constituents. Highlights in the report re-

garding the site include: “...the site offers constituents everything they typically seek from a quality veteran Member’s site, no small feat for a freshman office. From guidance on intern-ship opportunities to FAQs about the Congressman’s posi-tions on certain hot topics, the site is a helpful online resource for all its audiences. “The site puts the Congress-man’s office at his constituents’ fingertips. The legislative content includes information about what’s going on in Congress as well as the aforementioned FAQ which allows users to stay up-to-date on the most recent developments on each topic ... it includes an RSS feed, interactive breadcrumbs, and a “Favorite readings” section. All are innova-tions that add value to the site.”

Congressman McCarthy’s Website Wins Golden Mouse Award


News Briefs

This one did’nt get away. Sunday Dec 30th 2007, a Buena Vista Lake Park Ranger took this picture of Macayla Wells, 4-1/2 yrs old, who caught this trout that is 11 3/4 LBS and 27 inches long. She was fishing with her father David Wells of Taft, who blanked for the day. She picked out her own power bait (pink) at the local K-mart. The Park Ranger gave her a Jr. Ranger badge for landing the huge trout.

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5 pm.

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

www.sagebrushannies.com

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

Thompson Appointed to Regional Housing Board On Thursday, Jan. 17, the Kern County Council of Governments (Kern COG) appointed Taft City Councilman Cliff Thompson to be the COG’s representative to the San Joaquin Valley Regional Hous-ing Trust Board of Directors. According to Kern COG, In June 2005 Governor Schwarzenegger established the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley to improve the San Joaquin Valley’s long tern economic prosperity and well-be-ing. The partnership published a Strategic Action Plan in October 2006, with land use, housing and agriculture being one of the topic areas. A regional housing trust fund and organization was recommended for consideration as part of the Land Use,

Agriculture and Housing Plan in the Stra-tegic Action Proposal. Thompson said he wanted to be the rep to the Regional Housing Trust Board of Directors because “You work in conjunc-tion with Habitat for Humanity and I’ve developed a close relationship with Den-nis Wallace from Habit for Humanity in Taft, and I just think it’s a really good way to do low income housing.” Thompson added “Ninety percent of the people who move into those houses take great care of them, so it really reflects well on the com-munity.” The San Joaquin Valley Regional Hous-ing Board meets once per month.

inDEPEnDEnT DESiGn and GRAPHiCS

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Professional Graphic Design • Posters and Brochures • Direct Mail and FaxVideo Encoding • DVD Burning

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SACRAMENTO – Senator Roy Ashburn will be joined by State and Consumer Service Agency and Housing officials for a mortgage assistance forum and community workshop, January 24 in Bakersfield. “Rising mortgage interest rates contin-ue to be a serious burden on California’s families,” said Senator Ashburn. “Fortu-nately there are steps that homeowners can take before they get too far behind in their monthly payments. That’s why we are bringing together lenders and bor-rowers in a forum like this to provide as-sistance and information to any one who feels they need some help.” Senator Ashburn, California State and Consumer Services Agency Secretary, Ro-sario Marin, and Californian Department of Consumer Affairs Director, Carrie Lopez will speak on the present mortgage crisis, home lending, and California’s eco-nomic outlook. “We are addressing this problem by facilitating these forums where borrow-ers can meet with loan counselors from their own creditor and find real solutions to their looming problem,” said Secretary Marin. “Keeping people in their homes

Ashburn to Host Foreclosure Prevention WorkshopState officials and lenders to participate in Bakersfield Event

benefits the community as well as the families facing possible foreclosure.” The workshop will be held

Thursday, January 246:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Kern County Superintendent of SchoolsBoard Rooms 1-A and 1-B1300 17th StreetBakersfield, CA 93301 Participating lenders will include: Car-rington Mortgage Servicing, Country-wide, GMAC, American Home Mortgage Servicing, Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo and Wilshire Credit. All attendees are encouraged to bring their loan docu-ments and financial information. Spanish speaking representatives will be on-site to assist Spanish speaking homeowners. Afterward, credit counselors, loan servicers and lenders will offer on-site as-sistance and information on options avail-able to homeowners faced with mortgage difficulties. Senator Ashburn represents the 18th Senate District including Taft and the Westside communities.

The next community theatre show is tentatively scheduled to be the musical “BIG” - based on the Tom Hanks movie of the same name. There will be parts for all ages! If you are interested or have more questions, please plan on attending the Informational Meeting and/or Auditions. Rehearsals will begin in late January or early February with plans for

performances in late Spring. The informational meeting will be held Wednesday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft. Auditions will be held Wednesday and Thursday, January 23 and 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, Taft.

West Side Rec District Community Theatre Hosting Auditions


Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli

Taft’s Favorite Place for the Best Hot Mocha, Latte, Cappuccino, Espresso and Gourmet Coffee

Visit our Sandwich Deli

made-to-order Fresh

Sandwiches and Salads or

try our delicious

Breakfast Burritos and

Breakfast Bagels

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee!!!

Open Seven Days1010 6th Street Taft (661) 763-5156

Stop By Today A Get

Your Favorite Hot

Coffee Drink!

Your Caffeine Connection


A sad truth in Kern County, like so many other areas, is everyone knows of a person who has in one way or another been plagued by addiction. The problem is rampant, but there are things people on the Westside can do to help. The community of Taft offers several options for those battling drug and alcohol addic-tions. One option for those struggling with an addiction is the Taft Sober Living Facility located at 118 Buena Vista Place. The mission of the facility is to provide a sober clean environment for addicts. Husband and wife Craig and Andrea Gotcher serve as assis-tant director and director, respectively. Jeff Humphrey is the house manager. Craig and Jeff are longtime friends and have been wanted to open a home for quite some time. After Andrea’s brother suffered from an addiction of his own and was helped by a home in Bakersfield, the trio found that burst of inspiration they needed to get the ball rolling. Despite all having full-time jobs, they opened the facility in May of 2007. The Taft Sober Living facility currently houses six residents and a live-in staff. Humphrey himself is a former addict and explains his desire to start the program, “We, as addicts, take so much from our friends, our family, our community, we feel this is a good way we can give back.” Andrea Gotcher adds that “We want to be positive to the community. Drugs are negative. We want to turn that around.” The facility keeps residents involved and does try everything they can to turn that negative into a positive. Residents are involved in an adopt an elderly person program, and the facility has recently adopted and cleaned a section of the Taft highway. Community clean-up and beautification of the area is a focus at the Sober Living Fa-cility, residents participate in the clean-up of the alleys and roads surrounding the facil-ity, and the facility itself stands out on the street as newly-beautified homes do one the Westside. It was recently remodeled to include a second bathroom and a third bedroom for residents. The founders goal is to do their part to rid the Westside of addiction and the stigmas that come with having addicts in a community. “We want to change things,” says An-

drea Gotcher. “We don’t want to hear the bad stuff anymore.” There are a few requirements to those seeking admission to this type of facility. Those who have been convicted of arson, sexual offenders and those with other violent of-fenses are not allowed to be participate. Each would-be resident must submit to an in-terview. For placement it is important to determine if the person is really ready to make the commitment to living a sober lifestyle. “No one grows up wanting to be and addict,” explains Craig Gotcher. Humphrey and the Gotchers stress the fact that a lot of people undergoing treatment for addiction be-come anxious, and don’t know what they are going to do with their time after addiction has taken over so much of their lives. Gotcher reminds them, “You can still have fun, the only difference is that after recovery you’ll remember it the next day.” Once admitted to the program they have to follow strict rules. The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act, also known as Proposition 36, closely governs facility rules. Generally the act allows first and second-time nonviolent drug possession offenders to receive substance abuse treatment instead of incarceration. Prop 36 requires that residents attend a certain number of meetings a week The facil-ity itself also requires a certain number of meetings. The meetings deal with a number of things ranging from direct addiction issues to the aftermath. “Once you’re clean you’ll still have problems to deal with, but now you can do it with a clear head, call us, we’ll talk, we’re here to help,” Gotcher urges. “A lot of addicts don’t develop social skills,” explains Humphrey, “We help them with everything from waking up in the morning to getting and maintaining a job.” All residents have chores that they must complete, chores which are integral to the mainte-nance of the facility. The group hopes to open two more local facilities and eventually become not only a sober living facility, but also a rehabilitation facility with onsite professionals. Taft Sober Living is always looking for volunteers. If interested you can reach them at (661) 745-3288. Another option which many people trying to kick an addiction find successful is a

Sober Living in Taft . . .By Melissa Gonzales

Assistant Director Craig Gotcher and House Manager Jeff Humphrey of the Taft Sober Living Facility


faith-based approach to sobriety. Taft United Methodist Church pastor, Steve Hanusa, a 30-year-veteran in addiction treatment and a clinically trained social worker explains that, “There is a spiritual aspect to addictions. People are searching for something they don’t have, they’re lost.” New Life Center Pastor, Floyd Jordan, champions faith-based programs. “I think a

Assistant Director Craig Gotcher and House Manager Jeff Humphrey of the Taft Sober Living Facility

Floyd and Carol Jordan of New Life Community Church

lot of other programs try to treat the symptoms and not the problem,” he explains, “A lot of the more secular programs are like a crutch.“ The New Life Center, located at 1000 6th St, offers a program every Wednesday night at six where people can come and get help for their addictions. The program is not restricted to drugs and alcohol. Anyone who is dealing with any type of addiction at all is welcome. New Life Center can be reached at (661) 765-7472. “We offer a place where people can get clean from whatever they are dealing with,” says Jordan. Pastor Steve Hanusa cautions, “A lot of times victims of addiction feel shame, guilt and unworthiness about having a relationship with a higher power.” Pas-tor Jordan makes it very clear that this is a not a judging environment and that they are there to help. The important thing is for people to get help, explains Hanusa, warning that not ev-ery program is for everyone. Faith-based is definitely an option, “. . . the people are dif-ferent and flexibility is good.” Taft resident, Linda “Trixie” Hodges, a former addict now actively involved with the New Life programs, advocates the faith-based approach. “I found success,” says Hodges, “through a relationship with the lord.” And successful she has become. Trixie has been clean for 17 years, but it’s been a battle. “I never thought I would grow up and use drugs,” she says, “but I did.” Both Trixie’s parents were drug users, and by the time she was 13, she too had adapted the lifestyle. “I know what it’s like when people live in dysfunctional families. I’ve been there, done that.” A former victim of drug addiction, Hodges is now vigilant in doing all she can to help others who are fighting the same battle she once fought. Along with the help of

Trixie Hodges (second from left) outside the Unity Thrift Store

several volunteers she runs the Unity Thrift store located at 327 Center Street. The store is a non-profit business in which all proceeds go to those in need. They are always happy to accept donations. A substantial amount of the store’s resources also go to saving abandoned or un-wanted puppies. According to Hodges on any given week as many as 30 puppies are brought into the store. She makes sure all the animals get to a no-kill shelter and helps spay and neuter those that need it. Hodges is also involved at New Life’s 12-step program. “We’re just here to help people unload,” she explains, “It’s rehab through speaking.” The program is heavily structured on the needs of the participants. Hodges ex-plains, “It‘s based on a devotional, but it‘s very as we go and needs based. “Church really gave me the balance I needed to stay clean, I got support and I realized that there are others who are going through what I am going through,” she confides. Her advice to anyone out there struggling is to pick up the phone, “Call us, we know what it’s like.” You can reach Trixie Hodges at Unity Thrift store at (661) 765-4950 or via the Internet at http://www.unitythrift.com. Ignoring the drug problem on the Westside will not make it go away. The Sober Living Facility and programs like New Life’s are making a difference by suppling un-fortunate demand whose origins are hard to explain, and whose effects are even hard-er for loved ones to understand. If you or someone you care about needs help or if you want more information contact the Taft Sober Living facility at (661) 745-3288 or the New Life Center (661) 765-7472.

Edwards Tree Trimming ServiceGreat Prices and Great Service“we won’t leave you out on a limb”

763-3730 or 293-0582.


Becky AshcraftREALTOR®/Head CEO434 Kern St.Taft, CA 93268Office: (661) 763-3344Fax: (661) 763-4497

Website: www.beckyarealestate.comE-mail: [email protected].

TO FIND OUT ABOUT ANY PROPERTIES ON THE WESTSIDE PLEASE CONTACT:BECKY ASHCRAFT – RE/MAX REALTOR 661-763-3344 OR 661-342-3054 OR 661-342-3058

COLDWELL BANKER AMERICA WEST661-472-8060 or (661) 334-4119

email: [email protected]

Beverly MitchellRealtor

Wonderful manufactured home in lovely, well kept mobile home community! Home has 3 bed-room, 2 bath, living room and din-ing area. Utility room. Kitchen with dishwasher, disposal, range/oven, central air/heat. Also includes re-frigerator, washer/dryer. $3000 allowance towards carpet & shed. $59,950 Call to see!

A Wonderful Manufactured Home

Taft Real Estate

Directory

Karri ChristiensenSteve Wright

Coldwell Banker America West503 6th Street, CA 93268

(661) 765-5274www.TaftHomes.com

Bill Lynn PropertiesProperty Management and

Real Estate Sales216 4th Street, Taft

(661) 765-5434

Beverly MitchellColdwell Banker Amercia West

(661) 472-8060email: [email protected]

Becky AshcraftRE/MAX

434 Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268(661) 763-3344

email: [email protected]

Carolyn AndersonRealtor\Loan Officer

Windsor Capital Mortgage Corp.Pacific Real Estate Network

(661) 747-8595

McDonald YoungReal Estate

Dedicated To Service701 Kern Street(661) 763-1500

Real Estate Viewby Stephen Wright and Karri Christensen

Place Your Yard Sale Ad Free in the Taft Independent. Call

765-6550.

REDUCED

315 Buchanan Street - Handyman Special! Looking for something with alot of potential? Then this is one you will want to check out. 2 bedrooms 1 bath lots of windows, a covered carport, a detached garage, located on a great county lot. Call for more details.

304 Calvin Street - Carefree Living is what this nice property offers. 2 bedrooms 1 full size bath and over 800 sq ft, oversized garage and a nice patio area. New interior paint, window coverings and netural colors throughout. Priced to sell @ $130,000

How To Protect Your Home While Away

With a steady increase of crime in North America, home safety is a big issue these days. When leaving your home, practice the following advice - it could pay big, big dividends during this year’s holiday stretch.

Going to the Market or out to Dinner?

A residence which presents a "lived-in" appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied. Make certain all windows and doors are secured before departing. An empty garage advertises your absence, so close the doors.

When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended). Timers may be purchased that will turn lights on and off during your absence.

Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

When Planning Vacations or Prolonged Absence:

Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes. Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.

Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.

Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.

When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.

If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor’s phone immediately to summon police.

Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.

Always Remember to:

1. Lock before you leave. 2. Trust a neighbor with a key. 3. Be a concerned neighbor - yourself.

Submitted by Stephen Wright and Karri Christensen

Coldwell Banker America West 661-765-5274


HELP WANTED Someone with Property

Management Experience or someone who has worked in a property management office.

(661) 745-3211

Faith & Familyby Jennifer Bowling

201 Harrison Street (next to Laborers of the Harvest) 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free Friendship and Conversation. Please call 765-9472 for more information.

Free Hot Lunch and Free Clothing for those in need.

TAFT UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH630 North St.

765-5557

OPEN DOORS Sunday Services 10 am

Sunday Schooland Adult Group after services

Pastor Steve Hanusa

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley Drive We invite you to join us each week as we worship.

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

Any questions call Pastor Paul Wilson 747-8105

First Congregational Church of Maricopa

New HoursSunday 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

Place Your Church Ad Here!Place your church’s bible study and church worship service schedule in the Faith & Family section of the Taft Independent.

Call 765-6550 today to place your display ad.

Everyone Reads The Taft Independent!

HOT MEALS & FREE CLOTHINGTuesdays & Thursdays 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m.

at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

HIGH SCHOOL & JR. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MEETINGS

Wednesdays 7 p.m.at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

New Life CommuNity ChurCh

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street Service times

10:00 a.m. Sundays

Please let us know about special events being held at your church and we’ll run it in the Taft Independent. You can email us at [email protected], or fax us at 765-6556. You can also reach us at 765-6550.

Building Stones MinistryTraining Center401 Finley Drive

School of Ministry Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Family Meeting@ 6 P.M.

Pastors Dale and Kay Sullivan

Fourteen Years of Celebration Back in 1994 the doors un-locked to a small place within the community of Taft in a tiny room at the Historic Fort. No more than a few individuals joined together and decided to put together a Church. The founders of Westside Believers Fellowship (WBF) were Pastors Ron & Regina Griffith. This couple has been committed some 14 years to the God given vision that has inspired many to step up and embrace their God given potential in Christ Jesus. Starting out in the Historic Fort, Pastor Ron and Regina Griffith continued to fulfill the dream that God had placed within them along with an en-thusiastic growing church body. Moving from the Taft Fort God gave them a wonderful facility on Main Street that seated many more than ever before. Seeing their passion and being a part of it, you could feel God’s power-ful anointing and that anointing still burns today. As the Pastors stayed faithful, the church really began to grow, and people were coming in like flies. The church had to add a second morning service on Sunday due the great overflow of people. Because of this growth there came a time to move forward and find a larger facility. The entire church prayed over many buildings. They prayed about moving into the Bank of America building on Center Street that was empty but were prohibited by the City Council. They also looked in the possibility of purchasing the Safeway building and many other similar facilities but didn’t find anything that met their needs. Seeking God, the church decided to put a large tent in their park-ing lot at 307 Main Street. Peo-ple would bring blankets while the heaters were running and in the summer the sweat was pour-ing off the worshipers like rain,

but during this time the people were faithful and the church con-tinued to grow. Through every transition you could always see the hearts of Pastors Ron and Regina seek-ing to follow after God’s will. They always kept their eye on the big picture, no matter what came their way. One of their favorite scriptures is Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) which says “Now to him who is able to do exceed-ingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” It’s clear that their life represents this scripture because of the place God has brought them from and taken them to. And there is still so much more to come. After another period of time God moved the church body to 1000 6th St for roughly three and a half years. During that time the Lord brought many opportunities the body of believ-ers, which has never been taken lightly. At that time the church received the opportunity to take over the Fitness Center from the Westside Recreation District. Renaming the facility the “The Foundry,” the Foundry became a wonderful hangout for kids and brought a great amount of enjoy-ment to the hearts of so many. It was a place Moms and Dads knew as a safe haven to bring their child. During this time WBF staffed the Foundry with volunteers who gave their time and effort to helping the kids of our community. Without their willing hearts and labor of love this could have never happened. According to Foundry Director Charlotte Risi, the spirit that

built the Foundry still exists in the hearts of the church and WBF is excited to see what God is going to do next. Charlotte’s great enthusiasm to see God’s work done is inspiring and she’s very excited about what’s still to come. During all these years WBF has had a tremendous vision that goes well beyond the New Wor-ship Center across from Kmart at 101 HWY 33. Pastors Ron and Regina want people to realize their full potential in Christ for his glory. After 14 years, you can see how God works in the lives of those who are obedient to him. Pastor Ron always says “this is only the beginning.” Sunday, January 20 marks WBF’s 14-year anniversary since the time at the Historic Fort, thanks to all God’s faith-ful people. Former WBF board member and longtime friend Keith Hershey of Mutual Faith Ministries in Mission Hills has been partnered with WBF from the beginning. Hershey is the President of Mutual Faith Min-istries, a missionary organization here in California. Over the last 14 years Hershey has been faith-ful to attend WBF anniversaries and has partnered with Pastor Ron and the church body. Cur-rently Hershey ministers in the most threatening parts of Africa, India, the Philippines, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and so many other parts of the world where people’s lives have been changed by the preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hershey is a humble and faithful man who trusts in Christ. It’s always an honor and privilege to have him with us in Taft. This is just a taste of how God has worked through the faithful people over the past 14 years. And with continued service to God there is still so much

more to come. So with great enthusiasm WBF wants to give everyone in our community an invitation to join the 14-year an-niversary celebration on Sunday, January 20 at 10 a.m. WBF is located at 101 HWY 33 across from Kmart. Special guest Keith Hershey will bring a powerful message along with a great time of celebration. Like always, there will also be child care available; the WBF nursery and children’s ministries are a great place where children get a deposit of God’s word in them along with lots of fun. As a result, I believe that you, your family and friends will be encouraged and blessed. WBF looks forward to having each and every one of you. Come and let the Lord touch your life. I promise you won’t be sorry.


Dine In or We Deliver • 661.765.4143

Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

HARRiSOn STREET AUTOMOTiVE 209 Harrison Street, Taft, CA 765-2505

New Owners Ken and Laura Shugarts

Service and Repair Tune-Up Diagnostics

Muffler Front End Brakes Air Conditioning

Fuel Injection GM Certified ASE Certified

Mike and Pedro Over 20 Years

Experience with GM Same Great Service! nOw PERFORMinG

SMOG CHECk

Lois’HOUSE CLEAninG SERViCE

765-5847

Call for appointment

Licensed and Insured

Ken Shugarts Contracting 30 years Contracting & Building

Air Conditioning & Heating

License 808738

(661) 343-0507

Joyce Properties

Making a Difference

Westside Horoscopes

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday

South TaftFriday

City of Taft – Taft HeightsWednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESES • 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.

G&S CARPET COService & Selection

Knowledgeable SalesExperienced Installation•Carpet

•Vinyl •Hardwood•Laminants •Ceramic Tile

398-30447000 District Blvd BakersfieldContractor’s Lic. #352844

Hours:9-5 M-F10-4 Sat

Eve By Appt.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich MillerLicense # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131

531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 • (661) 765-4798 FAXTaft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Starting at $40 per monthFor Details Call Bill Lynn at (661) 765-5434

Store Your • RV • Trailer • Truck • Boat

South Street Storage100 South Street, Taft, CA 93268

6 Months Free Rent

by Jessy Bauer

Taft Free WillBaptist Church

Service Times Sunday - 8:30 am, 10 am, 11 am, & 6 pm

Wednesday - 6 pmPastor

James K. Kilgore 510 Harrison Street, Taft

New Life CommuNity ChurCh

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street Service times

10:00 a.m. Sundays

The congregation of New Life Community and Pastors Floyd and Carol Jordan invite you to our Sunday morning celebration service at 10 a.m. at 1000 6th Street. We are a church of restoration and “help bring healing to hurting people” with love, forgiveness, and acceptance through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have a contemporary stye worship service, led by Matt Ritter and have classes for children from birth through the 5th grade. We also offer mid-week classes several times per week in addition to women’s and men’s ministries. Weekly youth meetings with Matt and Lisa Ritter are at The Spot, 201 Harrison St. on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. We host a free Hot Meal and Clothing Ministry at 201 Harrison St. in Taft on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.,m. to 1:30 p.m. This ministry has workers from several different churches in town and if you would like to help in this ministry, please call the church office at (661) 765-7472. Tuesday night we have Bible Study with Dave and Diane Cooper at the church office located at 1004 6th Street at 7 p.m. We also have a 12 Step Program that meets at 1004 6th Street at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays led by Trixie and Andy Hodges. They would love to meet you and help show you how God can change your life for the better! If you need a ride to and from church on Sunday mornings, please call John at 763-9059 or 549-9067 or before 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

HOT MEALS & FREE CLOTHINGTuesdays & Thursdays 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m.

at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

HIGH SCHOOL & JR. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MEETINGS

Wednesdays 7 p.m.at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

Aries (March 21-April 19): Don’t hold on to a relationship that isn’t working out for you. Platonic or romantic, it shouldn’t be this much work.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): A very advantageous business offer is coming your way this week. Handled properly, this could be very profitable for you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): To get the security you want you’ll need to take a few risks first. Your safety net is a strong one, though, so it won’t be as scary as you think.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): A bill you had forgotten about will be making its grand entrance, but you can cover it easily with a few minor adjustments to your budget.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): A recent offer from a friend or ac-quaintance could be the chance of a lifetime for you.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Some unexpected money is headed your way, and not a mo-ment too soon. Be smart with it and it can go a long way for you.

Libra (September 23-Oc-tober 23): Be wary of a new relationship right now. Don’t let yourself be easily deceived by someone who isn’t what they seem.

Scorpio (October 24-No-vember 22): You’ll be sitting pretty if you take advantage of all the unique opportunities headed your way and stretch yourself to the limit.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): You have some good ideas on how to bring in more money, so what are you waiting for? Follow through on them.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): You need to start speaking up for yourself. If you don’t have faith in you, why should anyone else?

Aquarius ( January 20-Febru-ary 19): Think twice before you spend your hard earned money this week. You’re very susceptible to scams right now, so be extra careful.

Pisces (February 20-March 20): You have an artistic side, but you’re putting it to waste by not putting it to use. Bring those talents forth; you might surprise yourself.

If your birthday is this week: While you’d prefer to have all of the facts first, you’ll need to make this decision with your gut instead of your head. To do that, you already have all the answers you need. You just need to trust your own judgment.


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 Tuesdays at Noon.

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.

Monterey Gardens

$250 de descuento el primer mes. 2 recamaras, 2 banos, Patio privado, nueva

pintura y carpeta. Llame 661-765-5434.

TAFT COLLEGEPOSITION AVAILABLE

DEAN OF STUDENT SERVICES

Management/Supervisory Position

For a complete job description and application forms you can access the college’s website at www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the TC Human Resources Office, 29 Emmons Park Dr. Taft, CA 93268, Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by calling 661-763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: Monday, January 28, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. EOE

YARD SALES

Advertise your FREE yard sale ad. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by noon Tuesday before publication.

Missionaries Leaving Sale. Saturday, January 19, 8 a.m. - ? Calvary Temple Parking Lot, 630 Kern Street. T.V. Microwave, Bookshelves, Misc. Raffle $5 for 12’ fishing boat.

Pomegranate Jelly. Your choice of regular sugar or Spenda sugar i 1/2 pints $6.00. Also have pomegranate syrup in pint jars $10. Great on pancakes, waffles or whatever you desire. 612 N. Lincoln.

EVENTS

Taft Camera Club Meetings 7:30 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of every month from September to June at the Chevron Valley Credit Union Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St. Call 765-5858 for more info.

Veteran’s Office will be open in Taft on the forth Tuesday of each month. Come to Supervisor Watson’s office at 315 Lincoln – Room #141, and visit Veteran’s officer Mike Penny if you’re a veteran who needs help. Hours are 9 a.m. until noon.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open

to the public.

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

BUSINESS SERVICESSteel Buildings.20 x 20 ft. to 100 x 100 ft. Qualify for advertising discount up to 50% off. Can erect. (805) 646-6468.

HOME SERVICES

Seeger Maintenance Heating and Cooling. Need your heater serviced and your cooler winter serviced. Appliance installaton; electrical, plumbing and carpentry repairs aso available. Call Certified Maintenance Technician John Seeger at 765-1710 or 204-2571.

HEALTH

Shed those extra pounds. THE ENZYME DIET - designed to help you lose 25 lbs in 12 weeks. Call (661) 747-0638. Dealers wanted.

MISCELLANEOUS

LOST\ FOUND

Lost. 2 small black shaggy dogs. One male and one female. Female has a limp. Lost near 314 S. 7th Street. 661-293-0495.

Lost pet. 3 legged Calico kitten. Area of 400 B Street. 763-3666.

Found small dog. Call 623-5216.

REWARD

Fender Mexican Stratacaster Guitar.

Ser. No. MZ3202432. Burgundy in color, in a orange, grey and

black gig bag labeled “First Act”. Stolen

from my truck on or about Tuesday, 18th

to Thursday, 20th December which was parked on Lexington Ave. in Taft. Police

Report No. 07-355-2. Please call Wayne (661) 203-1682.

HELP WANTED

Cusomer Service Representative

For regional Agricultural Pistachio Company. Sales and marketing skills a must. Computer skills a must. This is not a telemaketing job. You will be working with a great team of people in an office and wherehouse environment. Must have a car and valid CDL. 5 days a week full time work. Compensation based on skills and experience. Please fax resume to (805) 962-6200.

Westside SecurityNow Hiring

Part Time\Full Time. Guard Card Required - Clean DMV - apply

300 S. 4th Street. 12 p.m. - 5p.m.

M/T/W/F, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m./1:30p.m. - 4:30p.m. Thursdays.

FOR SALE

Kitchen Cabinets. New with stainless sink. Top and bottom. New home take-outs. Single sink bathroom vanity included. $1,500. (661) 342-2838.

Pomegranate Jelly. Your choice of regular sugar or Spenda sugar i 1/2 pints $6.00. Also have pomegranate syrup in pint jars $10. Great on pancakes, waffles or whatever you desire. 612 N. Lincoln.

Couch $30, chair $20, enter. center $15., gas stove $50, air mattress

$20. 765-2713.

Behringer vampire amplifier $125. 623-3432 or 765-6875.

3 Cubic ft. cement mixer. $100. 763-4775.

Complete Sell Out Until Sold. All Christmas toys and ornaments, and decorations, 2 Christmas trees, many antique Christmas items. 27565 Taft Highway. Valley Acres. Call for info (661) 765-6064.

Mitsubishi Rear projection HDTV 55 inch Screen. $600. (661) 303-5278.

Entertainment Center, $1,100 obo. Sony Big Screen TV, $995 obo. Almost 2 yrs. old. Call 293-0337 or 293-0213.

Bowflex gym. Home gym with leg station 310 lbs. of power rod resistance. $200 obo. 765-4140.

Entertainment Center, $1,100 obo. Sony Big Screen TV, $995 obo. Almost 2 yrs. old. Call 293-0337 or 293-0213.

Color TV Black, $50. 763-1397.

Ladies Coyote Jacket for sale. Paid over $1000. Will take $600 obo. Can be seen at 406 Taylor, 12- to 4 p.m.

Replica chrome kitrchen table with 4 chairs, ‘50 style. $200 obo. 763-3207.

Washer and Dryer, microwave. First $200 takes it. You pick up. as is. 770-7020.

Like new microwave - $20, big chair w/ connected ottoman - $60, red line bike - $60. 763-3567.

PETS

Shih Tzu puppy, 14 weeks old, male, tri-color, registered, first shots, wormed, $300. (661) 747-0638 or 763-3222.

UKC ‘PR’ Pitbull puppies, 1st shots, dewormed, some ears cropped. Rare bloodline. $500-$1000. (661) 770-7037.

Free female Jack Russell Terrier. Looking for loving home. A sweetheart dog. Loves people. Spayed. Does not get along with other dogs. Cell (661) 213-2530.

Chorkie puppies. 3/4 Yorkie and 1/4 Chihuahua. Females $400, males $350. Cuyama (661) 766-2428 or (805) 839-7270. Cash Only.

Choodle, ugly as heck, but sweet as sugar! Chocolate female, spayed, all shots, de-wormed, 1 yr. old, great personality. Needs loving home. $150. 293-0671.

Free kittens to a good home. Variety of colors. Call 765-4346.

Free animals. Frre to good homes. Red Chow Sharpee 3 yrs. 2 yr. old Rotweiler mix. 4 female kittens and cat. 623-0939.

LIVESTOCK

Pigs and Goats for Sale. Puerco y chivas para carne. 769-8176.

Quarter horse – Line Black Dun. 15 hands – 8 years old. Very gentle, loads easy. $1,800 obo. Call 661-496-4361.

FARM EQUIPMENT\RANCH

John Deer 318 Tractor, with impliments and attachments, $300. 763-4775.

Keystone Western Saddle. 15” seat. Excel. Cond. $400 firm. 763-3293.

AUTOMOBILES

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE 765-2505 209 HARRISON STREET. Smog check. Free tire rotation with brake inspection. Most cars front or rear disc brakes. $85.95 (labor only). A\C service $125.00 (incl. 2 lb. Freon). Cooling system power flush $120.00.

1986 Suzuski Samuri. Top end rebuilt. 5-spped, 4 wheel drive. $900 obo. Reg. non-operational. 661-745-3211.

94 Cadillac 4 dr. SLS Northstar and a 1980 Buick Regal Limited. Package deal $2,300 or best offer. Contact 770-7037 for more info.

1995 Saturn. Needs transmission. $750. 623-5036 or 763-4102.

TRUCKS

1955 Dodge pick-up, needs TLC, 623-2978. Ask for Pat.

MOTORCYCLES

2000 Harley Davidson Dura Glide. 3,000 original miles, garage kept. $13,500 or best offer. 763-9323.

RV’S

1981 Itasca Motorhome 30 ft. Needs TLC, $2,500 623-2978.

TRAILERS

2001 Wilderness 24 ft. 5th wheel trailer. Very good condition. $9000 with generator or $8500 without. 203-5469

AUTO – TRUCK PARTS

Complete set of rims and tires from 2007 Toyota Tundra, 5 lug. $1,000 or best offer. Swimming pool 16’ by 48” almost new with all accessories. $200 oe best offer. 765-4012.

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

ROOMS FOR RENT

Looking for a room to Rent. New employee with city of Taft needs room to rent. 760-792-8980.

2 Bedrooms for rent. Taft. House privileges included. All utilities included. $400 each. 745-3295.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

$700.00 2bd/ 1 1/2ba Apt Central Heat & Air 201 W. Ash St. Stephany 661-343-7119

HOUSES FOR RENT

Large 1 bd. Indoor laundry. $500 mo. 343-0507.

TAFT COLLEGE

TEMPORARY SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER

$15.35 - $19.60 per hour. The hours for this position are flexible and will be based upon the needs of the student(s). Please note: Due to the temporary status of this position there are no guarantee of a set amount of hours and length of service, nor are health benefits provided. For information on how to apply you can access the college’s website at HYPERLINK "http://www.taftcollege.edu" www.taftcollege.edu or you can contact the Taft College Human Resources Department at 29 Emmons Pk Dr. Taft, CA between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Friday or by calling 763-7805. DEADLINE FOR FILING: This position will remain open until filled. EOE

Advertise in theT A F T I N D E P E N D E N T

7 6 5 - 6 5 5 0

Shop TaftandSaveGas


Wanted: A Few Good Writers for the Taft Independent. Writing

skills a must. Must be able to spell correctly.

Call 765-6550 for more information.

Home Services DirectoryAutomotive

Harrison Street AutomotiveComplete Auto, Smog.209 Harrison St. Taft765-2505

Catering

Taft Crude Coffee House & Sandwich Deli. Fresh made to order sandwiches, cold drinks, coffee service, full service espresso bar, mocha, cappuccino, latte, etc. Delivery available on large orders.763-5156

Contractors

Ken Shugarts ContractingLic. No. 808738343-0507

Graphic Design

Independent Graphic Design210 6th Street, Taft765-6550

House Cleaning

The White TornadoHouse Cleaning Services(661) 213-5373

Painting

Lacy PaintingP.O. Box 612, Taft765-5253

Handyman\Home Repairs

Innovate 4 UBack by Popular DemandNew Lower Rates(661) 477-5644

Infinity West Inc.Remodeling\New Garages508 Center Street(661) 770-5700

Heating\Air Conditioning

Insurance Services

Lawn & Garden

Eddie’ Lawn Service and Painting(661) 213-5373

Printing

S & S Printing606 Center St., Taft765-5678

Driller Printers220 4th St. Taft763-3522

Pool and Spa Service

Taft Pool and Spa Service610 Center Street(661) 763-4302

Property Management

Bill Lynn Properties216 4th Street, Taft765-543

Infinity West Inc.Honest Property Management508 Center Street(661) 770-5700

Pest Control

Roof Repair

Top Quality RoofingLic. No. 771597101 6th Ave. Taft765-7785

Storage

Towing Service

Precision Towing317 Main St., Taft763-4420

Waste Management andTrash Hauling

Westside Waste Management274 Cedar St.763-5135

BILL LYNN PROPERTIES

Brokers DRE License #01183956765-5434 - 216 4th Street, Taft, CA

630 E Street No. C2 bd. 1 ba. Rent $700 Deposit $700

218 4th Street No. 5 and No. 61 bd. 1 ba. Fully Furnished Rent $600 Deposit $600

519 Warren1 bd. 1 ba. $250 off first month rent Rent $550 Deposit $550

105 Naylor2 bd. 1 ba. Rent $600 Deposit $600

801 Philipine5 bd. 3 ba. Rent $2,000 Deposit $1,000

Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crystal Lee'sVALEnTinES DAy

GiFTS FOR LADiES

522 Center Street

765-0080

A Christmas Card to Bob and me from our special friends Noodles and Katie.

For Sale2006 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic

Beautiful Burgundy Red, CD\AM FM, Always Garaged, 12,000 Miles.$17,500. 763-9886

HELP WANTED

TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYEES to work in Custodial, Food Service, Clerical, Instr. Asst., and others classifications as needed.

Substitute Pay range is $13.25 p/hr. Substitute positions are paid hourly. NO hours are guaranteed. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, Background Clearance, DOJ Clearance, Physical, and Drug Screen.

Applications, Job Descriptions and Salary Schedule are available at the TUHS Business Office, 701 7th Street, between 7:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. M-F. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23rd. Please note that the District office will be closed on January 21st. Written test will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application. Test will be given in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Thursday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Dine In or We Deliver • 661.765.4143

Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It Pays

to

Advertise

765-6550

Shop Taft andSave


RiTe AwAyCARPeT CleAning

765-4191 or333-7929

Residential and Commercial

For SaleB r a n d N e w H o m e s !

907 Stanislaus St., Maricopa. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 Car Garage, with all appliances, $214,900.

100 Tyler St., Taft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 Car

Garage, with appliances. $219,900.

Same Floor Plan at both locations. Able Builders.

ContaCt:lee Jackson (661) 714-2359 orron Jackson (805) 440-5255.

Edwards Tree Trimming ServiceGreat Prices and Great Service“we won’t leave you out on a limb”

763-3730 or 293-0582.

Best Chile Verde in Town!

Janie’s Mexican Food and Catering

Located at the Historic Fort 915 10th Street, Taft, CA (661)

NEW HOURSMonday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

-IN- TAFTOildaleTIRE

Tires for your Car, Truck and RV • Fleet Specialists 24 Hours Roadside Service

1355 Kern Street, Taft, CA On Highway 33 on the North side of town.(661) 763-1800

Thursday - Saturday 11 am-4 pm Closed Sunday - Wednesday

Chemicals, accessories, vacuum, vacuum

parts, grids, filters, filter cartridges, and hoses.

Backyard tiki torches and fuel, decorative acces-

sories, and pool toys. If we don’t have it in stock,

it can be ordered without shipping & handling

charges. Come in and check out our store!

Fernando & Isabel Amorteguy

610 CENTER STREET, TAFT, CA 93268 661-763-4302 or 703-3504

Golf Repair Also Available

NOW SHOWINGat the

Fox Theater- 27 Dresses- Cloverfield- In the Name of the King

SHOWTIMES:Mon-Fri. 7 p.m.

Sat & Sun. 1 p.m.,4 p.m., 7 p.m.

FOXTHEATER

All shows before 6 p.m.- $6.50 -

Late ShowChild and Senior $6.50

Adults $8.50www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St.

La Salsa Fresh Grill Mexican Food &

Seafood Restaurant

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Daily 101 E. Kern Street 765-7321

15% OffValid on any Combo #1-11

Valid 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Must present this Coupon. Expires 1-15-08

David BUYS HousesI can Make OFFER TODAYand CLOSE NEXT WEEK!

I Love Fixer Houses and Non fi xers!

I deal HONESTLY,with INTEGRITYand RESPECT!

David818-381-3013

Advertise in theTaft Independent765-6550

Shop Taft andSave

Shop Taft andSaveGas

HELP WANTED

TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSTITUTE

EMPLOYEES to work in Custodial, Food Service, Clerical, Instr. Asst., and others classifications as needed.

Substitute Pay range is $13.25 p/hr. Substitute positions are paid hourly. NO hours are guaranteed. E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and Resume, Written Exam, Interview, Background Clearance, DOJ Clearance, Physical, and Drug Screen.

Applications, Job Descriptions and Salary Schedule are available at the TUHS Business Office, 701 7th Street, between 7:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. M-F. Applications must be received in the Business Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23rd. Please note that the District office will be closed on January 21st. Written test will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application. Test will be given in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Thursday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m.


404 Center Street - Taft 763-GLAM

Salon - Supply - Clothing - AccessoriesCut - Color - Nails - Massages Available

FULL SERVICE SALON

Melissa Thornsberry Master Colorist Sunday to Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.765-2911

Orders To Go – Catering ServicesAt the Corner of 10th and “B” Street’s

Personal Style Hair Salon & Boutique

423 Center Street - Taft (661) 763-3527

“Always a Personal Touch” FALL FASHIONS ARE NOW IN

Clothing - Jewelry - Shoes - Purses - Hats - Accessories

Year End Store WideClearance Sale 50% Off

CINDY’S HAIR AFFAIR

411 North Street (661) 763-1117

PLUS SIZE FASHIONS SIZE 14 TO 30From Trendy Everyday to Professional & Special Occasions

Rockin Round Girl Boutique

Why Look Ordinary When You Can Look Extrordinary

419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

• GIFTS • JEWELRY • CLOTHING

Aquarium Delux Combo w/ Eclipse Top12, 29 or 37 Gallon25 %

Off

Christmas Sale Western Shop

Gift Shop - Floral Design Interior Decoration AtThe Historic Fort

Monday - Friday 10 - 5 pm915 N. 10th St. Ste. 28

A HINT OF CLASS

Pamela Dudley 763-3831 / 444-5420

Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crystal Lee'sVALEnTinES DAy

GiFTS FOR LADiES

522 Center Street

765-0080

Filet Mignon, New York Strips and Ribeye Steaks up to 24

The Tumbleweed Bar and Cafe

The Best Steaks on the Westside

“Where Good Food and Good People Meet”

Discount Kids Menu

Cafe HoursMonday - Wednesday 6 am to 2

p.m.Thursdays - Saturdays 6 am to p pm

Bar HoursMonday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Happy Hour3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

RV and Trailer Parking Available (661) 768-4655

Portable Bar

Catering

La Salsa Fresh Grill Mexican Food &

Seafood Restaurant

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Daily 101 E. Kern Street 765-7321

15% OffValid on any Combo #1-11

Valid 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Must present this Coupon. Expires 1-15-08

Advertise in the Taft Independent765-6550

SHOP

TAFT

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