Taft Independent by Michael Long

The Taft

Independent www.Taftindependent.com

The Taft Independent

Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

OCTOBER 24, 2019 • Volume 12 Issue 10

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

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week 7 am to Midnight - 7 Days a Week

Now Serving Sushi

3 Tacos, Rice & Beans $5.95 Breakfast Burritos $6.45 Daily Special 20 Tacos $20 330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street 745-4898

Qik Smog & Tune SMOG Repair Auto Repair No Appointment Needed for Smog Check! Safety Inspection Professional Service Experienced Mechanics Basic Tune-up Air Conditioning • 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

Lunch & refreshments will be served

City of Taft

Merced Moreno - Licensed Bonded Serving Taft and the Westside (661) 345-7350

For more information please call 661-763-1222 x 112

The Taft Independent

Shop Taft - Support Local Business Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

506 Center Street Taft, California 93268 (661) 745-4918

Armstrong Locksmithing

Fast Friendly Mobile Lock and Key Service Commercial - Residential - Automotive & More Professional Key Duplication & Code Generation (661) 348-7884 LOC. # 6214 The Taft Independent Visit Us On Facebook 623-4296 (leave message)

Inside Events

The Taft Independent

Taft Business of the Week True Value

Shop Taft..........................2

By Gardener Field Calendar...........................3

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

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

Liberty Under Fire........8

Taft Business of the Week- Cooper’s True Value at 407 9th Street. True Value has everything you need no matter how big or small the project is. They sell tools, paint, plumbing supplies, pool supplies, home decor, bbq’s, patio supplies, gardening supplies, electrical supplies, and much more. They currently have Christmas Lights and decorations, and have Christmas Trees in the back lot. It is locally owned and operated by the great Cooper Family. If they don’t have it, ask and they probably get it. They are open 7 days a week. Come in or call them at 765-7531 today.

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

Shop Taft........................11

The Taft Independent

Paik’s

508 Center Street P.O. Box 268 Taft, California 93268 (661) 623-4296 Leave message

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com

Ranch House Restaurant

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com Facebook: Taft Independent

“Where Everybody Meets”

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 2,500 issues and distribute to over 85 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

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Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday 6 a.m. to p p.m. Sat. and Sun. 7 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

765-6915

The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Independent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

We welcome contributions and suggestions. Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers

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. Email your letter to: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

News and Feature Writers

ADVERTISING. Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representative at (661) 623-4296 or email to Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com. Classifieds: Call 623-4296 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone orders are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

By Andreas Fault “Boomtown Days” at the West Kern Oil Museum, is this Saturday, October 26th. Starts at 9am. Free admission, and donations are accepted. BBQ lunch- Tri Tip & Chicken, Salad, Beans, and Roll at 11:30am, $15.00 for adults, 13 years and younger $8.00. Dedication of the Restored Machine Shop, plus Tours, Gas Engine Show, Quilting, Plant sale, Gift Shop, Working Blacksmith, Model Railroad Display, Pumpkin Patch, and much more. The Museum is accepting new members and volunteers, be a part of the best museum, The West Kern Oil Museum. Check out the 100 year old Buggy, recently restored by Fred LaMarsna, in the Transportation Garage. Friday- Meet and Greet at The American Legion at 4pm. Saturday- West Kern Oil Museum Boomtown Days. “Turkey Shoot” at the Taft Sportsmen Club. Info @ 763-2300 ext. 481 Art’s Corner Halloween Party from 7pm-2am. Sunday- Harvest Festival at Westside Believers Fellowship at 6pm Monday- The West Side Rec’s “Trunk or Treat.” Wednesday- “Corn Fest” At Lighthouse Church at 210 Harrison St. from 6-8pm. Games, candy, $2 corn on the cob. “Line Dancing with Carrie” at the Taft Petroleum Club from 6-8pm. Thursday- Halloween Spooktakular by True Value & Merchants at 4pm in the Rite Aid parking lot. . Harvest Festival at The First Baptist Church at 220 North Street. Harvest Festival at New Hope Temple. Thirsty Thursday’s at The Bank Sports Lounge. Bingo every Thursday in the Rec Auditorium at 12:30pm, $13 The Fox Theatre is open 7 days a week. All 3 theaters are open. Save the date for these Future EventsNovember 1st: Taft High Football at Home vs. Arvin. 1st Friday Cruise Night on Center Street, at 6pm. November1-2nd: The Rec Holiday Vendor & Craft Show. November 2nd: Soroptimist Bunco Night at Veterans Hall at 6pm. $25. Fundraiser for Wyatt’s Journey at the Taft Petroleum Club November 6th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club at 7:30. November 11th: Veterans Day Celebration at Veterans Park at 10am. November 14th: Support your Fort Steak Night. November 16th: Teen Night at Westside Believers Fellowship from 6-9pm. November 17th; Taft College Hall of Fame Awards Banquet. November 21st: Center Street Merchants “Christmas Shopping,” 5-8pm. November 23rd: Taft Chamber Trout Derby. December 4th: Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club, dinner at 7:30 December 6th: 1st Friday Cruise Night and Photos with Santa. December 7th: Santa Fun Run. December 9th: Taft Christmas Parade. December 14th: Soroptimist Home tour. January 4th: Register for the 2020 Whiskerino Contest. October 2020: Oildorado 2020. October 9-18, 2020. All the games are on at The Bank Sports Lounge, Black Gold Brewing Company, Pizza Factory, Hacienda Grill, Taft Moose Lodge, Oasis, and Art’s Corner. World Series, NFL, College, Nascar, and more. Get out and watch “The Game” in Taft!

Experience Required. Contact The Taft Independent Send Bio or Resume to Publisher@taftindependent.com

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

Tuesday October 15th, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.

Advertising Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

TAFT TRANSIT CENTER Oildorado Room 550 SUPPLY ROW, TAFT, CA (661) 763-1222

Contributing Writers Stephanie House, Jerry Livingston Wesley Morris, Maureen Webb Andreas Fault, William R. Taft Columnists Randy Miller Dr. Harold Pease, Steven J. McDaniels Ray Hatch, Brenda Collins Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

Taft Calendar

AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND POSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE www.cityoftaft.org TELEVISED ON SPECTRUM CABLE CHANNEL 11: Monday - Friday

6AM 12PM and 6PM

West Kern Water District has moved the following Regular Board Meetings of November 26, 2019 to November 19, 2019 & December 24, 2019 to December 17, 2019.

The Taft Independent Editorial

Westside Watcher By Randy Miller Hi Everyone, Homecoming was at Taft High this past weekend. It brought some memories flooding back about being in high school in the sixties. Unfortunately I was not able to make the game and festivities and to hear our great Taft High band play. Back when, in the early 60’s, football games were a special time; most all the kids in high school at the time would show up. I played “B” ball at the time and didn’t play my senior year because of my stubbornness at not wanting to play for the coach. Shoulda, woulda, coulda; my loss. When I did play, I was a center on offense and middle guard on defense, went both ways in most all the games I played my sophomore and junior years. We had a coach at the time who thought that all the plays he had printed up should have worked for a TD every time, didn’t figure in too many variables. When he really got mad at us, we would go down under the goal posts on the north end and scrimmage at half time during the game; half time; with our parents and friends watching. Jeeze. My team mates and I just tried to have fun and do the best we could. During the week, we’d go out to practice thru the hole in the fence by the boy’s gym. At the time, the ball fields and track weren’t there, just grassy playing fields. There were the Kittens, Bobcats, JV’s all out there practicing, and the Wildcats up in the stadium. Even the college team would come out and practice too; all full rosters of players. The Bobcats which I was on would be first out there and the last to come in to the showers. It was full scrimmage every night. He was a task master. Of course, we had a very mediocre season, which just about done the coach in. He never realized how tired we were. A quick story, can’t remember who we were playing, I was centering the ball and the defensive guard would bring his forearm up between the single bar on my helmet and ring my clock when I looked down to hike the ball back to the QB. When we went back to the huddle I told the two guards on either side of me that this guy was killing me. I told them no matter what the next play was for them to help me gang tackle him. Well the next play, that defensive guard went out of the game. Our coach on the side line was jumping up and down screaming what the heck we were doing; just giving a little pay back coach. Great memories, lots of good friendships, best facilities ever. What was really great after the games were the sock hop dances in the cafeteria to the current 45 records of rock and roll hits; the place was packed. Most people of my era remember the summer REC dances at the old rec center that burned down on Main Street. Always usually had a live band there like “Jolly Jody and His Go Daddies, or Rick Lee and the Barons”. Again, the place was packed. I fell in love many a time at those dances, but was too shy and geeky to follow up, but didn’t get shot down too many times as I was a pretty good dancer. Can’t remember any trouble, just kids there to dance, meet up with someone, and enjoy the music. We had the greatest music then that endures to this day. You may or may not notice that there are always a number of class reunions this time of year. It is rare that a class from back then doesn’t plan to have their reunion in Taft. They all want to come back to see the school, revive the memories, renew the friendships, tour the town, and ‘drag’ Center Street, even as it has changed a little over the years. It was a great time to grow up, to learn, to live, to play, but for many not to stay; except for some of us ole diehards. Most will tell you that where they live now, it’s just not the same for their kids going to school. And they will tell you that their kids can’t believe their parents stories that came out of living in Taft. Of course times has changed, no drugs back then, but the core of this town, the people who love living here, who contribute mightily to make it the best of places have the essence of the times gone by. To you naysayers beating up on Taft, what do you do to make it better ?? For you who recently got out and moved away, best wishes for a happy new adventure, but don’t snipe back at us who are still here and tell us how bad it is, because it isn’t. We are living the dream, well, I am. If we are going to go to all electric cars, aren’t they going to be using the same highways and byways as fossil fuel cars ?? Restore the funding to Hwy’s 99 and 46, you boneheads. The state has passed over 800 bills this session, can you imagine if congress were to do the same thing, better to check for what you wish for, inaction sometimes can be good. The NEEDS Center is looking for volunteers on Mondays and Friday mornings, stop by and see what you can do to help. We just distributed 16,000 lbs of food last week, all done by the hands of senior citizens. It is a worthy cause for your consideration.

Midway-Sunset Adventures

By Dick Beckett dickbeckett@midwaysunsetadventures.com The late October rains in South East Asia in 1966 may have been excessive, but then again the water that poured down on that 1st Cav Band of Brothers those gloomy, wet days might have been completely normal. Taft kids aren’t particularly experienced at judging the magnitude of torrential rains. What I am certain of is that it rained hard, and it rained a lot. We were making our way down a flat, mile-wide valley bordered by steep-walled, jungle-covered tall mountains. There was a wide, brown river meandering off to our left, but we couldn’t see or hear any part of that hundred-yard-wide flow through the forest, because the trees filling the valley floor were massive, fat and tall – very impressive, and they added a deep shadow to an already grey day. The village we were entering was several massive log buildings, obviously built from the local flora, and those buildings were huge, as they must be, having been constructed from the monstrous trees in the valley. California boys know a little something about big trees. The structures were mostly open sided, and the enormous, tall log rooftops gave me the feeling that we were itty bitty critters sneaking into a giant’s mountain camp. It would be a couple of years before I would read Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, and my mental imagery for several of the scenes, particularly Beorn’s Hall, would be of this very same Vietnam mountain valley village. There wasn’t any sound other than our clumsy footsteps and our creaking gear. We hardly spoke and only in whispers. Even though the dirt streets and the buildings’ dirt floors were worn flat and smooth, there wasn’t a native soul in sight – not good. There weren’t any of the normal signs of daily life - no cooking utensils, no cooking fires, no stores of food, no baskets of clothes – none of the typical items we would find in other villages. The ominous and eerie silence, and the unnatural look of the place filled us all with a foreboding above and beyond our characteristic battle-hardened awareness. It was as if we were all part of that scene in a horror movie just before the monster pounces. Trick or Treat! And then Alpha Company, continuing down the wide thoroughfare, exited into an open field of rice paddies where the glorious sun’s rays were piercing the gloomy shroud of clouds. Sweet relief! Adding to that release of fearful pressure came the distant sounds of approaching Hueys - the sweetest music any Vietnam Vet ever heard. The commands of “Make a Circle!” brought us all back to life as we formed a perimeter around those paddies to secure an LZ. The day had started many miles away. We had spent the night bivouacked in dense vegetation on the edge of an endless array of rice paddies. The paddies and their earthen dams and rows of tall, graceful coconut palms stretched off into the morning mist, and my memory is of every possible shade of the color green. We were enjoying our alfresco C-Ration breakfast when we all felt a tremor. “Earthquake” said a couple of us California fellows. “B-52 raid” spoke out our old-timer Platoon Sergeant. As we sat silently, we could hear the distant sounds of exploding bombs. It was a whispered, rhythmic “Krumph”, and it continued for a couple of minutes. Then came the shout down the line of “Pack it Up, Heading Out!” In just a few minutes we had all waded out through the muddy water and rice plants to board the hovering Hueys. We flew fast and straight for at least 15 minutes, and then on top of a mountain ridge we spied the first hundred-yard wide crater. It was a deeply forested ridge and the explosion had splintered the vegetation into an impenetrable tangle of branches and tree stumps. The airships couldn’t land; so they hovered six feet up while we all jumped. I was the last one out, and as I leaped, holding my M 16 by the handle on top, my rifle got wedged between the doorpost and the bulkhead behind the co-pilot. The pilot began his assent with me dangling out the side, but no way was I letting go of that defender of life – my life. I shouted and the door gunner looked at my predicament and kicked my piece a good one and down I went – about twenty feet up by this time. We followed that row of smoldering craters for over a mile down into the valley. Later, as we sat waiting for our second ride of the day, down stream of the Jungle Giant’s lair, I could sense the fear that saturated this village and valley. How horrible it must have been to hear and feel that thunderous roar, that bass-drum-cadence of exploding bombs, marching down from the mountaintop and into this valley sanctuary. Behold, the Mighty United States Military has arrived. No wonder the place was empty. We flew a few miles down the valley, and then the rain began - several weeks of the most Noah-like deluge I’ve ever experienced, before or since. We huddled into bunches just inches above the rising water on top of a small village’s earthen “hooch platforms”. The water was falling in sheets, and our typical re-supply deliveries were non-existent. We couldn’t hike out as the flood was getting deeper, and everyone was getting a little hungry. The desperation finally got to one poor sap, and during a soaking wet evening he shot himself through the hand hoping to be medevaced out. Pitiful Sad Sack fell down into the muck as the medevac chopper hovered, and we later learned he had his whole arm amputated because of rampant infection. This Veteran’s Day please remember, not every veteran comes home with exciting tales of heroic glory. For many the agony never ends. Some scars are visible; some are hidden deep inside. Be safe, it’s a jungle out there.

The Taft Independent

Price Controls Don’t Put America First

The Taft Independent

lions on research if there’s no hope of turning a profit or even recouping their development costs?

Bob Beauprez

If the president’s potential executive order goes into effect, patients would enjoy far fewer new cures.

President Trump is reportedly planning his most ambitious executive order yet. It would require pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs to Medicare and Medicaid for the same prices they charge in other developed countries, where medicines are often far cheaper.

Fortunately, the president can deliver savings to patients without resorting to price controls. His aides at the Department of Health and Human Services already developed -- but then shelved -- a great plan to reform the drug supply chain.

That might sound like the sort of bold, America-first policy we need to make drugs more affordable.

Each year, drug makers offer well over $100 billion of discounts on their products to insurers and other middlemen in the drug supply chain. But patients rarely benefit from these savings. That’s because insurers and middlemen capture these rebates themselves, instead of using them to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket costs.

But the strategy would backfire. Price controls would yield short-term savings for patients and taxpayers -- but they’d also deter future research investments and choke off the development of new drugs. Let’s hope the administration chooses a smarter way to reduce patients’ drug costs.

The HHS proposal would have forced insurers and

other middlemen to share those discounts directly with Medicare beneficiaries in the form of lower copays and coinsurance. The rule could have reduced Medicare beneficiaries’ prescription drug spending by 11 percent and saved the federal government up to $98 billion over the next decade. These savings would have made it easier for patients to stay healthy. Up to 125,000 Americans lose their lives each year because they don’t adhere to their prescriptions. Imposing price controls on Medicare might generate short-term savings -- but it’d cut off the research funding that yields new cures. President Trump would be wise to shelve this proposal and concentrate on slashing Americans’ out-of-pocket drug costs. Bob Beauprez is a former United States Representative, representing Colorado’s 7th congressional district from 2003-2007, and Republican candidate for Governor of Colorado.

Medical innovation is a high-risk, high-expense endeavor. Less than 12 percent of experimental therapies that undergo human testing prove effective enough to receive FDA approval. Because of this high failure rate, it costs more than $2.5 billion to bring just one new drug to market. Investors willingly fund risky research projects as long as there’s a chance to profit from a successful medicine. Big pharmaceutical companies poured almost $80 billion into research and development in 2018 alone. Smaller biotech firms invested billions more. Thanks to such investments, U.S. labs produce over half of all new medicines developed worldwide. This innovation saves lives. Cancer deaths have fallen 27 percent over the last three decades, mostly because of better drugs. Five-year survival rates for chronic myeloid leukemia have risen by almost 60 percent since 2001, when the first drug to treat the cancer was approved. Price controls would eliminate companies’ incentives to invest in drug development. Why would firms spend bil-

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Recepie Corner These two recipes were my sisters, Glenda, go to dips for every event. They were always delicious and were a perfect fit for any party. I went out to get my paper the other morning and I heard the Lincoln School marching band playing in the next block. It reminded me of the years that my in-laws, Dottie and John, lived in the little house at 103 Woodrow. They would sit on their front porch and watch the band rehearse. It was so exciting for them. They were each 89 years of age when they passed and watching the Lincoln band was one of their most favorite things. We moved Ed’s mom and dad to Taft, from Pomona, in 1985. Ed was an only child and when he moved to Taft in 1977 it still was his responsiblity to to look after his parents. So once a month he would drive to Pomona and they would go to breakfast and do their grocery shopping, pick up prescriptions, buy postage stamps, whatever was needed. John no longer drove in the heavy traffic in Pomona so he waited for Ed to take him for errands. When Dottie became very ill and was hospitalized Ed stayed in Pomona for weeks at a time, sleeping on the floor in their 600 square foot house. When Dottie was well enough to make the trip Ed brought her to Taft. He told me that at least he could sleep in his own bed while she was recovering. It was at that time we made the decision to move them here. John was so excited

The Taft Independent to get out of the L.A. area and come to Taft. To him, Taft was like the old Pomona back in the 1940’s. But Dottie felt differently. 636 Lincoln Ave. Pomona, CA. had been her home for over 50 years. But, after the tears were dried and she got to see her only child every morning, she accepted the fact that the move had been good. We signed them up for Meals-On-Wheels and was so grateful to know that they had another meal, besides the breakfast Ed would always try to make for them. They were able to enjoy Taft for 4 years before they passed away. We always felt that we had made the right decision to bring them to Taft. They are both burried at the Westside Cemetary and will forever be residents of the town they had grown to love. The town seems to be gearing up for an exciting year of pre Oildorado events. The businesses here need a boost and I hope there won’t be any closings. I hate it when a business closes. I think of it like, there goes someone’s dream and life savings. Plus however many employees they had working for them. And, another empty store. So sad. I’m so glad we still have the Fox Theater. I’m waiting for Downton Abbey to play there. I never missed an episode on TV.

DILL DIP cups sour cream cup mayo dry dill lic powder to taste

2 ½ 3 tbls Gar-

CHEESE SPREAD Cream cheese softened Kaukauna cheese softened powder or salt

Well, I will continue to go through my book of appetizers and try to bring you something new. Try these dips, they are wonderful. enjoy!

Lunch & refreshments will be served

City of Taft

For more information please call 661-763-1222 x 112

8 0Z. 16 oz Garlic

8 GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery and may cause health problems.

The Taft Independent

Black Gold Brewing Company

25 Hill

25 Hill in Taft California is a historic oil producing section located above Taft, California. It was a favorite hangout for young Taftians back in the day. 25 Hill Light Ale is an all grain, easy drinking ale with no additives, low bitterness and a golden light color.

Light Ale

Visit our brewery and restaurant

Contains 22 oz. 3.8% ALC. By Vol. Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556 Bottled and Brewed by Black Gold Brewing Company, Taft, California

Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

CA REDEMPTION VALUE

Your Ad Here $25 Per Issue

Black Gold Brewing Company

Craft Beer Brewery Hand Crafted Ales Thai and American Food Pub Burgers Steaks Fish and Chips Espresso Coffee Wines Breakfast Lunch Dinner Monday - Saturday 7am - 2pm 5pm - 8 pm 508 Center Street Historic Downtown Taft

Craft Beer Made Here

Real Estate Services Laura Vega DRE 01942324

322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-5000 www.americanataft.com

The Taft Independent

JEHOVAH JIREH MY PROVIDER TAFT SAMOAN ASSEMBLY OF GOD 308 NORTH ST. TAFT

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CHURCH SCHEDULE SERVICE

765-5557

PASTOR MEFI NUA SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM MORNING WORSHIP 10:00 EVENING SERVICE 6 PM WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 6 PM SATURDAY PRAYER MEETING 6 AM ALL ARE WELCOME! COME ENJOY THE FELLOWSHIP PHONE 577-6762 OR 765-6401

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE

a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers LLC

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Jeff Miller • Kathy Devine

(661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell License No. 0E02096 E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

Revival Worship Center “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Steven J. McDaniel Pastor Service Sunday 10am & 6pm Wednesday 7pm 400 S. 6th St. Taft, CA 93268 upcofttaft@gmail.com rwccoftaft.com

Gateway Temple

604 Main Street Maricopa, CA 93252 Pastors Tommy and Mary A. McWhorter

630 North St.

“ “Freely Given” Clothing Giveaway Every 3rd Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Upstairs in the Education Building outside the front gates

Pastor Cindy Brettschneider Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11:45 AM Adult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PM Wednesday Night Service 6:00 PM Praise Team meets on Thursday at 4:00 PM

Services: Sunday 10am & 5pm Wednesday 6:30pm Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30

ALL are WELCOME Come as you are! For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

“Connecting Lives” 308 Harrison Street 765-4572

www.standrewstaft.org 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

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

Sunday worship 10:00 am Wednesday bible study 6:30 pm

PASTOR MIKE LYNCH

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

TAFT FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH WED. BIBLE STUDY 6PM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:45AM SUNDAY M11AM AND 6PM

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

Pastor Stephen McCurtis 600 Hazelton, Maricopa 661-303-0124

PASTOR ELMER MOODY

631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30

New Hope Temple Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship Service 6 p.m Bible Classes All Ages

Maricopa Community Church

Community Christian Fellowship

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS Taft- A caring community under Christ We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Cougar Court (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m. Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488. Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

Church Ads

510 HARRISON ST. TAFT, CA 93268 661-833-0142 661-333-8755

$40 Per Month 623-4296

Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Email Text Patroness: Our Lady of Good Counsel taftindependent.com

110 East Woodrow Street Taft, California 93268 (661) 765-4292 Office Hours: M-F 3pm–6pm Reverend Father Carlos Serrano Pastor

Sunday Morning 8:30 English 11:00 Español

Mass Schedule

Tuesday - Friday Evenings 7:00

The Taft Independent

Classifieds

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for Classified $2.00 per off up to 5 lines,Ads andare $7 per issue forline. up toPhone, 10 lines.fax, Yardmail Sale or adsdrop are free. your adfax, tomail the or Taft Independent. Phone, drop off your ad to the Taft Independent. Deadline for submission is Wednesdays at Noon. Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines. Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed adsCar, aretruck $5 or additional. E-mail us $5 (orper bring Photo Ads. house for sale ads are week,toor our $10 office) a photo ofus your home, car,office) truckaor motorcycle and with a photo. Email (or bring to our photo of your home, we’ll do the rest. car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest. Yard Saleads ads are $3 isfor 3 lines, additional lines $2 each. Classified deadline now Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Classified ad deadline is Wednesdays at Noon. Phone: 765-6550

Central heat\ac. Suitable for adult E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com tenant. Tennat Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card. Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit pays all utilities. Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268. 661-623-4296. Call and leave 1 bath, $500 mo. message. YARD SALES $200 sec. 707 Yard Sale. Harrison Apt. b. 100 Center Creekside Call 765-7015. Street. Apartments. 2 Bedroom, I Lots of Stuff. 1 BD and 2 BD. bath Apartment Friday and Pool, AC & Appl. in duplex. Quite, 661.765-7674. Saturday. 7am private fenced -? 420 Finley Dr. front and small FOR SALE fenced back Condo for Rent. patio. Perfect 312 Calvin. 1 for senior. Front bedroom, 1 bath. HELP WANTED yard shared 661-203-6467. with second apt. Driver Wanted. Private Alley Starting $14/hr, Entrance, car benefits package port parking. included. Preemployment physical and drug screen req. A or B license req. Must apply in person at 274 E. Cedar St., Taft. Phone: 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556

HOMES FOR SALE

House for Sale. Big Off-Market Fixer 5 bedroom 2188 Sq. Ft. 204 Adams St. Taft, CA. More info: 661-2932723. HOMES FOR RENT

Room for rent. (661) 577-5247. All house privileges, 1/3 utilities. Avail. now. APT. FOR RENT

Nice clean 1 bed,

814 Center Street • P.O. Box 398 • Taft, California 93268 (661)765-4003 Office • (661)765-4001 Fax

EXPERIENCED VACCUUM TRUCK DRIVERS AND GUZZLER OPERATORS NEEDED We have immediate openings for full-time drivers. Successful applicants will have oilfield experience and be safety conscious. All applicants must have a Class A CDL (Class B for Guzzler), Passport card, a clean DMV and must be able to pass a DOT background, drug screen and fit for duty test. AES offers competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, paid vacation and 401k match. Apply in person at 814 Center Street, Taft or contact Human Resources at 661-765-4003 ext. 306

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Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

on Facebook

We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

To Advertise Call

30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

623-4296

For Affordable Advertising

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469 Preserving for the Future

Rentals Real Estate

(661) 769-6469

U-Cart Cement

The Taft Independent

Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping Mixes Concrete While Traveling Large Internal Blades Rear Operator Control Panel

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

New Home For Sale

418 DIAMOND STREET 3 BED, 2 BATHROOM

For Viewing Call Colston Construction (661) 763-3517 or Karri Christensen Mobile Real Estate (661) 332-6597 DRE# 0333971

The Taft Independent

California Highway 33 in the San Joaquin Valley was designated the Petroleum Highway by the state legislature. The highway runs through the Midway-Sunset oilfield, the largest known oilfield in California. It was named in recognition of the petroleum industry which has made an important economic contribution to Kern County and California.

Petroleum Highway Porter Contains 22 oz. 5.0% ALC. By Vol. Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556 Bottled and Brewed by Black Gold Brewing Company, Taft, California

CA REDEMPTION VALUE

Black Gold Brewing Company

25 Hill

GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery and may cause health problems.

Black Gold Brewing Company

Black Gold Brewing Company Light Ale

Visit our brewery and restaurant

Contains 22 oz. 3.8% ALC. By Vol. Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556 Bottled and Brewed by Black Gold Brewing Company, Taft, California

Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

25 Hill Light Ale

Visit our brewery and restaurant Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

CA REDEMPTION VALUE

Black Gold Brewing Company

Tool Pusher India Pale Ale Contains 22 oz. 6.0% ALC. By Vol. Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556 Bottled and Brewed by Black Gold Brewing Company, Taft, California

CA REDEMPTION VALUE

A tool pusher is an oil rig manager responsible for all operations, ensuring the availability of tools, equipment, supplies and skilled personnel. The tool pusher is an administrator and serves as a trusted advisor on the rigsite.

Visit our brewery and restaurant Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

Midway-Sunset Citra Pale Ale Tool Pusher IPA Petroleum Highway 33 Porter Waves of Grain Amber Ale

Waves of Grain AMBER ALE Contains 22 oz. 5.0% ALC. By Vol. Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556 Bottled and Brewed by Black Gold Brewing Company, Taft, California

CA REDEMPTION VALUE

American amber ale is named after the amber color of this American version of English pale ale. The color is derived from the use of caramel and crystal malts roasted to provide amber beer with its color, body and flavor. Caramel and crystal malts lend a toasted, medium to high malt character with medium to low caramel character. American amber ale is a highly versitile companion to American cuisine, particularly foods that are grilled or barbecued.

Visit our brewery and restaurant Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

Black Gold Brewing Company

Midway-Sunset Citra Pale Ale Contains 22 oz. 5.5% ALC. By Vol. Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556 Bottled and Brewed by Black Gold Brewing Company, Taft, California

CA REDEMPTION VALUE

The Midway-Sunset oilfield located in the southwest corner of the San Jouaquin Valley is the largest known oilfield in California. The field was discovered in 1894 and has produced nearly 3 billion barrels of oil from more than 14,000 wells.

Black Gold Brewing Company

Brewed in Taft - See our Brewery Available on tap and in bottles

Come Visit Us at our brewery and restaurant

Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

Black Gold Brewing Company

The Other Woman Blonde Ale

Contains 22 oz. 4.5% ALC. By Vol. Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556 Bottled and Brewed by Black Gold Brewing Company, Taft, California

CA REDEMPTION VALUE

The Other Woman Blonde Ale is an easy drinking beer with just enough hops to balance the malt character of the beer, making it a smooth, well-rounded and very drinkable American classic ale.

Visit our brewery and restaurant Black Gold Brewing Company 508 Center Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556

Local Craft Beer Brewery and Restaurant Genuine Thai Food Grilled Steaks Pub Burgers Fish & Chips 7am to 2 pm & 5pm to 8pm Monday - Saturday Veteran Owned and Operated Brewery Taftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Craft Beer Brewery and Restaurant 508 Center Street Historic Downtown Taft (661) 765-6556