6
TAFT INDEPENDENT
January 17, 2008
News Briefs 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 Housing 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-being. 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 Strategic Action Proposal. Thompson said he wanted to be the rep to the Regional Housing Trust Board of Directors because “You work in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity and I’ve developed a close relationship with Dennis 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 community.” The San Joaquin Valley Regional Housing Board meets once per month.
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.
Ashburn to Host Foreclosure Prevention Workshop State officials and lenders to participate in Bakersfield Event 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 continue to be a serious burden on California’s families,” said Senator Ashburn. “Fortunately 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 borrowers in a forum like this to provide assistance and information to any one who feels they need some help.” Senator Ashburn, California State and Consumer Services Agency Secretary, Rosario Marin, and Californian Department of Consumer Affairs Director, Carrie Lopez will speak on the present mortgage crisis, home lending, and California’s economic outlook. “We are addressing this problem by facilitating these forums where borrowers 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
benefits the community as well as the families facing possible foreclosure.” The workshop will be held Thursday, January 24 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Kern County Superintendent of Schools Board Rooms 1-A and 1-B 1300 17th Street Bakersfield, CA 93301 Participating lenders will include: Carrington Mortgage Servicing, Countrywide, GMAC, American Home Mortgage Servicing, Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo and Wilshire Credit. All attendees are encouraged to bring their loan documents 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 assistance and information on options available to homeowners faced with mortgage difficulties. Senator Ashburn represents the 18th Senate District including Taft and the Westside communities.
INDEPENDENT DESIGN and GRAPHICS
Graphic Design and Printing Professional Graphic Design • Posters and Brochures • Direct Mail and Fax Video Encoding • DVD Burning Internet Services and Web Design 20 Years Experience in Marketing Campaigns
design@taftindependent.com
210 6th Street, Taft (661) 765-6550
West Side Rec District Community Theatre Hosting Auditions 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.
Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition
Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5 pm. www.sagebrushannies.com 8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319