Taft Independent 2-13-20 by Michael Long

The Taft

Independent www.Taftindependent.com

The Taft Independent

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FEBRUARY 13, 2020 • Volume 12 Issue 14

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

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Taft Business of the Week- Robin Owen is a Mortgage Loan Officer for Cornerstone Mortgage. Robin has a office here in Taft. Robin is a great Taft Resident and is a TUHS Alumni. There are currently several beautiful homes for sale in Taft and Robin can get you in your new home. Call Robin at 661 747-6746.

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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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By Andreas Fault There are more great racing this weekend at Honolulu Hills Raceway. There are also races the following two weekends. Come out all weekend for great racing. As you could see this last weekend from the races, our motels, restaurants, and gas stations were packed with people. Be Open Taft. Friday- American Legion “Social” at 4pm. Saturday & Sunday- WORCS Sprint Racing at Honolulu Hills Raceway Saturday- TC Girls Basketball at Home at 6pm. West Kern Oil Museum Annual Dinner. RSVP at the Oil Museum. Thursday- TC Baseball at Home at 2pm. Paik’s Ranch House Daily Specials- from 2-4pm. SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE FUTURE EVENTS! February 21st: TC Softball at Home at 1pm. February 21st-23rd: WORCS Motorcycle Racing at Honolulu Hills Raceway. February 22nd; Past For A Purpose at the First Baptist Church at 5pm. February 25th: TC Baseball at Home at 2pm. TC Softball at Home at 2:30pm. Social Media Training at the Taft Chamber. Sign up now at the Chamber. February 27th: Fort Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction. Social at 5pm. Line Dancing with Carrie at the Taft Petroleum Club at 6pm. February 29th: Taft Chamber Installation and Awards Ceremony February 28th-March 1st: WORCS ATV/SXS Racing at Honolulu Hills February 29th: Taft Sport Shooters “Steel Challenge.” TC Baseball at Home at 1pm. March 1st: TC Softball Double Header at Home at 10am and noon. March 4th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club, Dinner at 7:30 March 5th: TC Baseball at Home at 3pm. March 6th: Soroptimist Bunco Night. 1st Friday Cruise Night on Center Street at 6pm 1st Saturday Lions Club Lunch BBQ at Waldrops Auto Parts @ 6th/ Kern St. March 6-7th: The West Side Rec Spring Craft Fair March 7th: Taft Lions Club “!st Saturday BBQ at Waldrops Auto Parts. March 13th: Friday Night Bingo at the West Side Rec March 14th: Kern County Raceway Season Opener March 21st: Alpha House BBQ at the Rec. Tickets @ 763-4357 March 21st-22nd: Wind Wolves Preserve Spring Nature Festival. March 28th: TUHS Hall of Fame Dinner April 2nd: State of the City Luncheon May 1st: Fund the Fireworks at 4th and Kern Street. Friday Night Bingo at the Rec. May 16th-17th: First Baptist Church 100 Year Celebration OILDORADO October 9th-18th 2020 October 1st: Oildorado Store and Headquarters Grand Opening. October 8th: Taft College Cookout. October 9th:Civic Luncheon, Super Cruise Night, TUHS Homecoming, Concert October 10th: Car Show, Oil Skills Competition, Craft/Food Vendors, WCMA Family Festival, ArenaCross, Concert October 11th: Craft/Food Vendors, Whiskerino Contest October 12th: Nothing yet? Events must be approved by the Executive Board. October 13: Maids of Petroleum Queens Contest October 14th: Melodrama, Industry Night. October 15th: Hot Air Balloons, Melodrama October 16th: Hot Air Balloons, Golf tournament, Former Queens Luncheon, Super Cruise Night, TC Foundation Event, Concert. October 17th: Hot Air Balloons, Craft/Food Vendors, Grand Parade, Former Mayors Luncheon, Air Show and Display, 1968 Western Dance, Concert. October 18th: Hot Air Balloons, Craft/Food Vendors, WCMA Community Worship Service, Melodrama Matinee Taft Oildorado is October 9th=18th, 2020, some of the events are listed above. There is still lots of room for events during the week. Hopefully the Fox Theatre, and some others, get on board to show some old Taft movies during the week. All Oildorado Events must be approved by the Oildorado Executive Board. Make your 10 days reservations at our local motels soon.

The Taft Independent Editorial

Westside Watcher

Midway-Sunset Adventures

AN ODE TO THE OLD OASIS By Dick Beckett

By Randy Miller We have already blew through January, can you believe it ?? Just seems like time accelerated for a bit. Aren’t you glad the mess in Washington is over for now ?? It would be nice just to hear that some things can get done for the good of all Americans rather than for partisan politicians. All the press folks can’t claim that the President got impeached on their watch, so what do they do now to build on their resumes ?? Maybe if they’d do some real investigative reporting on the issues and problems that really effect and matter to all of us, the swamp might be getting drained a lot faster. I don’t really want to get into political stuff but if I were a democratic presidential contender, I would tout all the good economic numbers put up by the President and say I will continue the progress that is being made, but I will be kinder and gentler and less Twittery in doing so. Those who support the President do so for what he has done, not so much how he says he has done it. It would get you out of the pack and get you some attention for sure and garner some republican voters. I look at my 451-retirement plan and I must say that my account has done quite well under President Trump; hard to argue with him about that. I certainly don’t want the USA to turn into what California has become, and I’ll vote against anyone who wants to shut down the wells, take away our guns, and tax us to the poor house as California is doing to us. Love Taft, hate California politics; staying for now. Speaking of the economy, I know there are people are suffering, we see that at the Needs Center, but there are a whole of people doing good. We just returned from our annual high school buddies’ trip, this time to Hawaii, Maui and the Big Island, and we were on jammed packed airplanes and in jammed packed airports. While we are all retired and deserving of knocking off some bucket list items and having some good times, so too were apparently a lot of other people. Hawaii isn’t a cheap vacation destination, every where we went people were crowding into the expensive restaurants, shopping, and taking up all the excursions such as snorkeling, golf, helo rides, etc., etc. Spending lots of money. We had rented a house, way better than motel rooms, as we can relax in the living area, prepare our own meals, have our own bedrooms and bathrooms; when split 4 ways, very reasonable. As in the past, we got to catch up, talk about you and others, relive our past glories, plan for future excursions, New Zealand is looming large, and just the fact we are away from our daily lives and can let our hair down and enjoy why we and our wives are such good friends. The weather held, was hoovering around 80 degrees for the 12 days we were there; ahhh, life is good in the Miller household. I’m not going to feel bad because you didn’t get to go, just feel good that we did. Since we haven’t had any rain for a while, looking around it feels and looks like winter. No sparkle anywhere, the color is pretty much drained out of everything, the air is dry and smoggy looking, although the hills are green, which is always nice, again there is no color to contrast it all. When it gets in to the 50’, for us Taftians, it gets cold. At least for this Taftian. Thinner skin is my culprit, least that is what mom and dad always told me as you get older. This is my dilemma, if and when I can convince Ginny to move to another state, where do you go that has the perfect weather, conservative politics, and not far from family and the beach. And friends, what do we do about our wonderful friends that we have known and loved all our time in Taft, how can we take you with us. Scotty, beam them up !! Oh well, spring will be here soon, the cold of winter will fade away, but then the dreaded heat of summer will be up on us once again. The thing that keeps me grounded is that I have some faith in people of all persuasions for doing what is right, because I really don’t want to go somewhere and start all over and meeting and trying to figure out who can meet my standards of people I know from Taft. Is it really better somewhere else ?? Do you feel it yet ?? While there is a nip in the air, also Oildorado fever is starting to catch on; is it warming you up ?? After 35 years on the executive board, I’ve stepped down, and guess what, it is humming right along without me and looking at what’s being reported, things are on track for lots of events and things to do. The old Chevrolet showroom has new signage up and that will be the event center rather than a tent on the trail; way to expensive, the board is funding new and better ways to celebrate Oildorado. Shannon Miller, of Taft Chamber fame, is the new president for this year, and if you know Shannon, she knows how-to put-on a party. Get involved however you can, it depends on all volunteers to make Oildorado a success; let’s have a blast, safe and sane though. Remember, this is an important year for our oil industry, SAVE THE WELLS .

What’s that old cliché? “The only constant is change.” A lot of changes to our little town go unnoticed by many. For example: the ever changing ownership of our surrounding oil companies like Santa Fe Energy to Texaco, Getty Oil to Texaco, Texaco to Chevron, Mobil to Exxon, Oxy to California Resources, and the Aera conglomerate. Some changes are much more personal and reverberate through our collective conscience. The closing of the Taft landmark, our own Oasis, was one of those events. The Facebook posting of the closing of the nightclub/restaurant had 123 views and 143 comments; a fitting tribute in itself. There have been plenty of drinking establishments that have gone the way of the Oasis: The Brass Rail, the old Three Thirty Two Club on 4th, The Office, The El Patio (El Potato), and the transformation of the iconic White Elephant to Mi Casita and Toppers to La Salsa, plus many others I’m sure. But the Oasis had an ambiance all its own. For over forty-five years it was a social meeting place. For a couple of generations it was a neighborhood bar, a nightclub, and it was a pretty good restaurant. Everyone who frequented the place down through the years thought Garth Brooks had made his hit, “Friends In Low Places” specifically about our Oasis. It was played on the jukebox often. “Cause I’ve got friends in low places Where the whiskey drowns And the beer chases my blues away And I’ll be okay I’m not big on social graces Think I’ll slip on down to the Oasis . . .” Sadly, it was the passing of the Club’s owner, a true individualist, Gail Bradley Sowles that brought about the end of the Oasis. Gail made it all happen. Her husband, Murel, knowing full well his partner’s strengths, was content to hold court next door in his cave of an office at Clark’s Tire Shop and let Gail do the heavy lifting while he quietly backed her every decision. Gail and I first meet way back in ’77 when she put out a distress call one evening for some help handling a couple of unruly, welllubricated roustabouts. This isn’t something she did very often, as she always made easy work of controlling her patrons. She was a very strong woman with a commanding presence. Action was what I craved during Gail and Murel Sowles my tenure with the City of Taft; so a call for help at a “barroom disturbance” got me hurrying along. Gail was impressed at my prompt response, and she was outspokenly grateful for my assistance at escorting the feuding party-animals out the front door and on their way. Her complementary charm made a friend out of me. I wasn’t certain of her comments about me being the only police officer to ever respond to her call for assistance, but I graciously accepted her adulation, and a long friendship began. When my service to our City abruptly ended and I went out into the oilfields to earn my keep, I would begin most mornings with a delicious 5:00 am breakfast at the Oasis Café. This was before an extensive remodel, and the restaurant was then separate from and next door to the bar. Gail had a clear understanding of the make-up of the majority of the Oasis’ clientele; so it’s understandable that the waitresses for those morning meals were all very attractive young ladies. As a matter of fact, most of the Oasis wait staff were attractive women – bartenders included. Never having been much of a drinker, most of my visits to the Oasis involved taking customers to lunch. Thursdays were rib eye steak days, and my pack of Chevron foreman quickly became accustomed to our Thursday meetings. Gail’s dad, Harry, was still the day time bartender, and being a charmer himself and the same age as my Chevron gang, he would make our visits full of harrowing tales of old Detroit – Harry and Gail’s hometown. The raunchy old pervert-oilfield foreman I’ve written about before, the Perv, had been 86ed from every other bar/restaurant in town except the Oasis. There wasn’t much old Pete the Perv could say that would upset Gail – even though he always referred to the place as “Old Asses”; so the Oasis became our regular Friday meeting place. Around 1:30 on Friday afternoons I would tell Harry to leave my tab open, and I would return (Continues on Page 6)

The Taft Independent

West Side Recreation Report Check us out online! Need more information on programs, classes or facilities? Visit us on the web: www.wsrpd.com www.facebook.com/wsrpd www.wsrpdsports.com wsrpdsports.com by Stephanie House

Baseball Clinic Here’s your chance to work with one of the premier baseball instructors in the country, Daris Toussaint. He has worked with Mike Stanton of the New York Yankees, James Loney from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, and a host of other pro and college baseball players. When: March 21 Who: Grades 2-12 Time: 1-4 p.m. Where: Franklin Field Fee: $30 per person Registration Deadline: March 14 Soccer Camp Do you need to brush up on your soccer skills or want to improve overall? If so, we will be having a Youth Soccer Camp! The camp will be assisted by the Taft College Men’s and Women’s Soccer team. The camp will cover: Ball control Speed and Agility Shooting Drills Competitive Games Offense vs Defense AND MORE! When: Saturday, March 14 Who: Ages 6-16 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fee: $25 per person or $20 for league players Where: Field behind Albertsons Bowling Leagues Single Bowling League Come to West Side Lanes Monday nights to bowl in our singles league! This is a fun and inexpensive way to learn the competition and WIN BIG! The league is 9 weeks long. Must be 18 and older to participate. When: February 10-April 6 Who: Ages 18+ Fee: $12.50 per night Location: West Side Lanes Time: 6:00 p.m. on Mondays Jr. Bowling League Want a chance to win awesome prizes? Come bowl our Jr. League every Tuesday! Win up to $250.00 in prizes! The league is 9 weeks long. Play 3 games per night! When: Tuesdays, February 11- April 7 Time: 5:00 p.m. Who: Grades 6-12 Fee: $10 per person Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Adults Double Bowling League Bowl like a pro at West Side Lanes double league! Compete in this 9 week no sanctioned league beginning February 16th. Win up to $340.00 CASH! $14.00 per night! When: February 16-April 19, 2020 Sundays three games per night Fees: $14 per team per night +5 per person or free with Recreation Center Memberships Who: Ages 18+ Location: West Side Lanes Recreation Center Registration Deadline: Sunday, February 16, 2020 Youth Volleyball Youth Volleyball is back! We are currently taking registrations for Youth Volleyball! There will be a FREE one-week fundamentals clinic the week before the season starts! Season Begins: May 4, 2020

When: Monday and Wednesday Evenings Time: 5:00 p.m. Price: $60 per person Division 1: Ages 6-10 Division 2: Ages 11-16 Where: Recreation Center Aera Gymnasium Women’s Self Defense Class Learn how to assess and avoid potentially dangerous situations utilizing self-defense techniques. Learn to escape attacks from behind, being grabbed or being on the ground. When: Saturday, March 21 Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 19 Time: 10am – 12pm Location: Assembly Room 500 Cascade Place Ages: 12+ Fee: $25 per person $10 per person for Active Adults 50+ Spring Vendor and Craft Show We will be hosting our annual Spring Vendor and Craft Show! Interested in show casing your craft? Contact us for more information on how to reserve a spot! No admission fee for shoppers! When: Friday, March 6, 2020 from 5:00-8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: WSRPD Community Center Flashlight 21+ Egg Hunt Bring a flash light, a basket, and wear a good pair of shoes. No hunting license needed to hunt good game here! You may retrieve cold, hard cash and great prizes! The more participants, the bigger the cash prize! There will be a beer garden. Bring ID. Pre-register by Sunday, March 22 to receive 2 drink tickets with your wristband. Pre-registration wristband price: $25 per person or $45 per couple Day of price: $30 per person or $55 per couple Who: Ages 21+ Check in: 7 p.m. Location: Franklin Field Complex located at 281 E Cedar Street, Taft

The Taft Independent

New Taft College Resolution Taft College Conducts InSupports Petroleum Industry Service Active Shooter Response Training Taft, CA – At their January 15th meeting, the Taft College Board of Trustees voted on a resolution to support the petroleum industry in the State of California. Taft College/West Kern Community College District then sent the resolution to the Governor’s Office and other elected officials.

For decades, Taft College has relied on and benefited from important petroleum industry relationships. Oil and gas company partners donate funds for essential facilities and classroom equipment upgrades so Taft College can continuously educate current and prospective industry professionals in state-of-the-art, clean petroleum production processes and techniques. The resolution also addressed the negative impact on Taft College and the Greater Community of Taft should petroleum production be reduced or ceased.

Taft, CA – On January 17, in compliance with Department of Homeland Security guidelines, Taft College conducted planned in-service active shooter response training exercises. On south campus near the science building, campus representatives were asked to appropriately respond to simulated threatening scenarios. The specific locations where training activities took place were clearly delineated by signage and physical markers. Prior to the day’s active shooter response training exercises, Taft College Campus Safety and Security took the appropriate measures to notify staff and faculty well ahead of time so as to mitigate any potential cause for concern for those on campus who might witness these activities. The college also proactively informed neighbors and local partners who needed to know in order to eliminate any apprehension or alarm. It should be noted that these active shooter response training exercises took place when students were not on campus. Taft College students return to campus when Spring classes begin on January 21.

AN ODE TO THE OLD OASIS (Continued from Page 4) later to pay up while leaving my crew of degenerates to continue the assault on their livers. Gail’s second son, the late Don Bradley, was the point man for lining up the wide variety of musical talent to perform in the barroom itself and upstairs in the dance hall. Don was a terrific guy, husband, father, son, and friend who left a big hole in many hearts with his untimely passing. He did leave us with many memorable Oasis nights.

Last call. Oasis employees serve drinks on the last night the nightclub was open at a celebration. The Four Tops, Luther, Rick Derringer, Crosby Loggins (Kenny Loggins son), Cadillac Angles, and everyone remembers Rocken Rod – The One Man Band who played many nights in the bar, are just a few of the performers to make an appearance in ole Taft. But it was the local bands, Taft kids with a little talent and a lot of ambition that made Gail the most proud of the venue she and Murel provided. Several music videos were filmed here also. Megan Trainer with Bo Bridges performing as Megan’s father is one that comes quickly to mind. Of course, the staff were always closely involved with all the goings on, and they all have a wide variety of stories to tell. When the “Best Of Times” was being filmed all around town, the film’s cast and crew all stayed down at The Topper Motel, but they spent many evenings relaxing in our Oasis. Julie, a twenty-year veteran as a bartender, has a great picture of herself arm in arm with Robin Williams. “I was pinching his butt when this picture was taken!” she will proudly tell you. Mr. Williams had a very stoic look on his usually funny face. One long, interesting evening was spent upstairs in the dance hall “partying” with Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, and Robin Williams. Everyone remembered that Goldie was much prettier in person. The list of young ladies that earned their pay under Gail’s stern supervision was very long. She was very intolerant of any perceived weakness in “her girls” and if her harsh instructions brought one of them to tears, they were sent packing. She truly believed in and insisted on them being strong women. Just ask Julie, Pam, Vicky, Barbara, Debby, Heather, Liz, or Cynthia to name a few. Yet each and every one of them will tell you of an undying love and respect for Gail and Murel. They were all a part of the Oasis family, and there is an understandable genuine sadness in their recollections of all those good old days. Steve and his wife “Random” were the last Oasis kitchen managers, and John, Steve’s dad was Murel’s number one front-end alignment man at the tire shop while Steve’s mother, Cynthia, was tending bar next door. Steve literally grew up at the Oasis. Which didn’t matter to Gail as she always referred Steve as, “that guy”. Steve wouldn’t have it any other way. So let’s all be brave and embrace the changes to our great, little town and meet across North Street at The Bank, or up at The Legion, at the Black Gold Brew Pub, OT’s, down at Art’s Corner, Mi Casita, La Salsa, or way out at the Buena Vista Inn. We can all raise one for Gail, Murel, and the whole Oasis gang.

Recepie Corner By Brenda Collins I had this casserole when we were in Missouri visiting Art and Linda Walter. Linda’s sister, Fern, made this casserole and I had 3 helpings! Where do these recipes come from. From someone’s vivid imagination, I guess. When I first tried a recipe that called for Rotel tomatoes I was ignorant enough to believe that any canned tomatoes would do. But Rotel tomatoes are special and have spices and chilis in them that really jazz up a dish. I only made that mistake once. Not loving the cold mornings and nights, but since I don’t have to go out anywhere if I don’t want to, I stay home where it’s warm. My heart goes out to the homeless and the feral animals that are left to find warmth where they can. Our feral cat is just such one. He has lived outside all of his 12 plus years and will not allow us to close the door on him while he is inside. We keep it pushed to almost closed and he is able to use his paw to pull it open when he wants out. We have tried for two years to ‘tame’ him, but, I know it will never happen. I am just about to wind up my year long oral surgery procedure. I had to have three teeth pulled and needed to go to an oral surgeon to have implants surgically planted in my gums. The next step is to have actual teeth screwed into the screws implanted in my gums. Dr. Stanley Koh is my oral surgeon and a nicer, gentler, surgeon you will never find. I am so tired of chewing on one side of my mouth. Boy, it takes forever to eat! I have had more friends/ex relatives in medical crisis this new year. Our dear friend, from Ed’s Highway Patrol days, was in the hospital for over a month and will go back on Feb. 13th for surgery. He has decided to move into assisted living in March. He lives alone and is 86. My best friend from the age of 8 years, Suzanne Marshall Bradley, underwent a medical procedure, very tricky, to repair a nicked artery from a previous surgery. Then, my ex-brother-in-law, Richie Martinez, at-

The Taft Independent tended a Conders game with his brother, Mike McMains, and had a MASSIVE heart attack at the event. He was told that if paramedics had not been right there, at the game, and had given him CPR, he would have died. As it was, he was given a pace maker and told he only has 35% of his heart muscle still working. Still, he is so lucky. The local Bakersfield news team drove to Los Osos to interview him after he went home from the hospital. They told him it was a miracle that he lived through the heart attack, it was so massive. Richie had come to Bakersfield to visit his brother and attend the hockey game. He and his wife Coreen, live in Los Osos. From their home at the top of the hill, they can look right down on Morro Rock. Beautiful. Richie built every room, corner, wall etc. of that house himself. In 1968 he and his, then wife, bought a huge lot on the top of the hill for $10,000. It had a tiny 600 square ft. house and a separate garage. They moved into the garage and Richie started building his two story house. It took him years to complete. I can’t even guess the value of his property today, but Richie is still the same wonderful person he ever was. So glad he survived. Oh, and he is my age. A youngster, ha! I am so glad that all three stories had a happy ending. Our friend in Sacramento will have his surgery, as planned, on February 13th. we are sure he will do fine. I make cornbread from a long ago recipe in my head. One of these days I will sit down and write it out as I am doing it. I would love to be able to pass that recipe on. It came from my grandmother, Rosalene. She always made it in a cast iron skillet and poured the batter into a hot, greased skillet before placing it into a hot oven. The bottom crust would get crispy and delicious. Oh, and she always used buttermilk in the recipe. Just one of the several recipes I don’t have a written recipe for. I’m glad the Trump impeachment debacle is over and congress can get back to whatever it is they do? I will say a prayer for Rush Limbaugh every single night until I know he is all right! That’s all the political news I have. Ed and I are enjoying our new fireplace gas insert. It adds such ambience and warmth to the living room and kitchen. You must try Mike’s menu out at the Black Gold restaurant. He works very hard to make every recipe delicious. Nothing is overlooked in getting the best ingredients. (MEAT)! Everyone stay warm. Enjoy!

Oil Museum annual dinner Shannon Grove, California’s 16th District State Senator, will be the featured speaker at the West Kern Oil Museum’s annual membership dinner on Sat., Feb. 15 at the Westside Recreation and Park District Community Center. The annual dinner meeting kicks off the Museum’s membership drive. The bulk of the Museum’s revenue comes from memberships. “Memberships are what keep us going,” said Director of Volunteers Greg Mudge. “Our members are vital to keeping the museum open.” Members received reservation forms in the latest edition of the Pumper, the Museum’s quarterly newsletter. Tickets are $20 for members or $25 for non-members. The deadline for reservations is Mon., February 10. Reservations can be made by calling the Museum at 765-6664 or by email at wkom491@gmail.com. The Museum – Taft’s No. 1 tourist attraction – is run entirely by volunteers. The program will include election of board members, the treasurer’s annual report, and reading of the minutes of last year’s meeting. Mike McCormick, chairman of the Museum Board of Directors, will chair the dinner meeting. The event begins at 6 p.m. Dinner will be provided by the food services department at Taft Union High School and served by students enrolled in the Taft Union High School Oil Academy.

FERN’S CASSEROLE 2 lbs. ground chuck 1 can cream mushroom soup 1 can cream chicken soup 1 – 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with diced green chilis 2 med. cans enchilada sauce, 1 mild, 1 hot 1 reg. bag Doritos w/cheese, crushed 4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese Fry meat, drain grease. Add soups, Rotel tomatoes and enchilada sauces. In a 9 x 13 casserole dish layer; ½ the Doritos, burger meat mixture, grated cheese. Repeat. Bake @350 til cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly. Note: do not add salt. There is plenty of salt in the soups, cheese and Doritos.

Angie, A Friend of the Family. For 30 years, Angie Milner has been a beloved and trusted friend to your family. You can count on Angie to continue to be there for any of your

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Obituary

The Taft Independent

and great-nieces Cyndi Knight and family of Bakersfield, CA, Rhonda Knight-Stallone and family of Kernville, CA , and great nephew John Knight of Bakersfield, CA, and so many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews additionally. Jerry was one for family, those who knew him best, knew him for his love of connection. He was predeceased by his loving wife of over 40 years, Kimberly (Ok Dong Hahm) DeClue (1928-2006), his sister-in-law Lorene Ezell DeClue (1924-2009), his young nephew Ray Danny DeClue (1947-1959), his brother-inlaw Yong Taik Hahm (1926-1992), his sister-in-law Duck Ja (Kim) Hahm (1936-2006), and his siblings as follows in order of their birth: Dorothy (DeClue Knight) Severinsen (1916-1969), Dorris Ann(Ana) DeClue (1918-1920), Emma Nadine (DeClue) Fierro (1921-1955), Donald Lee DeClue (1929-1991), and Judith Malinda (Snyder) Anger (1939-2002). Chapel Services was Graveside Services with full Military Honors at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lawton, OK. Thank you to Sgt 1st Class Griffin and fellow soldiers of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, USA for awe inspiring 21-gun salute, playing of taps, and presentation of our flag. Flowers by Ramon were beautiful. Also, a big special heart thank you to the Wolford-Esquer family of KaeDee DayCare of Lawton, OK. Betty Wolford and family of Lawton, OK (Kae Dee Day Care) has always been a big part of our family. Thank you to all who attended (HUGS) and to all who could not make the services, you were there in spirit. Jerry’s son—Jerry C. and family, felt the love and support from all over.

Jerry DeClue Thursday, 07Apr1932 - Sunday, 12 Jan 2020 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerry DeClue; he went home to the Lord on Sunday evening, 12th of January 2020, at McMahon Tomlinson Nursing and Rehabilitation in Lawton, (near Fort Sill), OK, USA. Jerry was born to Charles Wesley (1888-1941) and Emma Loving (Burnett) DeClue (1897-1982) in Taft, CA, Kern County, USA, on Thursday morning at 0330 hours on the 7th of April of 1932. He is survived by his “Ol’ Brother” Charles Ray DeClue of Bakersfield, CA and his family. Ray is 92 years old and will be missing his talks with his “Jaybird”. Ray is always quick to share, “I am the only one to call Jerry ‘Jaybird’; Jerry would always make sure of that!” Ray says with a smile and a tear; all that saw the two brothers together witnessed that Jerry and Ray would talk and talk...and then not say a word over a meal while still being as happy as two could ever be! Brothers! Gotta love them! Jerry is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jerry Charles and Christie Lynn DeClue of Vacaville, CA, his stepson and his wife Yong Ho and Young Ja Bae of Santa Fe, NM, his grandson and his wife Jeremy Christopher and Jenny DeClue (& Trenity) of Castaic, CA, granddaughter Sunni Bae DiBenedetto and family of Elk Grove, CA, grandson HJ Bae and family of Fullerton, CA, grandson-of-the-heart Bradley Stephen Rowland and family of Bakersfield, CA, including Tae Seong Bae & family, the Hahm family, the Han family…all formerly of Lawton, OK, the Lee family of Myrtle Beach, SC, and of course, Kathy (DeClue) Jackson and family of Bakersfield, CA, Lawrence DeClue and family of Auburn, CA,

Jerry joined the Army directly after high school and again after college; he served several tours during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired from the service as E-7 Sgt 1st Class Artillery—or as Jerry would say…”No more Steel Rain for me.” He only flew once more in an airplane after retiring from the Army in order to say goodbye to his brother-in-law Yong Taik Hahm who passed 07Jun1992. He shared proudly that he “made it in time to say a final farewell” (accompanied by his wife, Kimberly) to his beloved brother-in-law for his wife Kim. “Kim had to say goodbye to her brother, and the only way was to fly and we did!” Jerry eventually moved back to Taft, CA (his hometown) and then moved for the last time to Lawton, OK. Jerry spent his time travelling with his wife, Kim until her passing. Jerry continued to travel all over visiting numerous family and friends, especially in California until that was not possible due to his failing health. He really wanted to keep driving like he always did; please know he really missed all of his friends and family in California and the driving up until the end. It was only his bad health that kept him from it. Jerry was always good for a joke or two; his laugh was very contagious. He really enjoyed socializing while eating out at restaurants. Jerry proudly served his country and loved the Lord. His viewing was held on Thursday, 23Jan2020, from 5-7pm (1700-1900) at Whinery-Huddleston Funeral Service in Lawton, OK. The chapel service was followed on Friday, 24Jan2020, at 12NOON at Whinery-Huddleston Funeral Service officiated by Minister Harley Davidson of Western Hills Church of Christ of Lawton, OK. Directly following the

Photos: (above) Jerry Charles DeClue, ChristieLynn (Avila) DeClue, Charles ‘Ray’ DeClue with (deceased) Dad/Father-in-law/ Brother Jerry DeClue Jerry and wife Kimberly (Ok Dong Hahm) DeClue (both deceased) Jerry Charles DeClue and Jeremy Christopher DeClue with (deceased) Dad/Grandpa Jerry DeClue with the Three DeClues Jerry Charles DeClue Jerry DeClue (deceased) Dad/Grpa Jeremy Christopher DeClue

Black Gold Brewing Company

Craft Beer Brewery Hand Crafted Ales

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Thai and American Food Pub Burgers Steaks Fish and Chips Espresso Coffee Wines Real Estate Services Laura Vega DRE 01942324

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

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Monday - Saturday 7am - 2pm 5pm - 8 pm 508 Center Street Historic Downtown Taft

The Taft Independent

1st Congregational Church of Maricopa “The little white church with the great big heart” Sunday Services 10 am Next to Memorial Park 395 California Ave. Maricopa, California (661) 231-5157

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Steven J. McDaniel Pastor Service Sunday 10am & 6pm Wednesday 7pm 400 S. 6th St. Taft, CA 93268 upcofttaft@gmail.com rwccoftaft.com

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

630 North St. 765-5557

“ “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

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Maricopa Community Church

WED. BIBLE STUDY 6PM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:45AM SUNDAY M11AM AND 6PM

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

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

“A Place to Connect” 308 Harrison Street 765-4572 Sunday Morning Services 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m. www.standrewstaft.org

Wednesday Evening 7p.m. For all ages

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

Trinity Southern Baptist Church  400 Finley Drive

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

We invite you to join us each week as we worship

Pastors Rich and Erica Johnson

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

Childcare Available During Services

TAFT FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH PASTOR ELMER MOODY

Community Christian Fellowship

New Hope Temple

Sunday Evening Prayer Service 6 p.m Bible Classes All Ages

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

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Gateway Temple

TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

Revival Worship Center

Info call 765-7151

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

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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.

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

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 Phone: 765-6550 Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can made by cash, check, or card. credit card. Payment can bebe made by cash, check, or credit Taft Independent210 508 CA 93268 Taft Independent 6thCenter St., Taft,St., CA Taft, 93268.

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ALANON MONDAY 7PM - 8PM. 308 Harrison. Phone 661-565-8821 or leave 661-763-4411. Leave Message. FOR SALE HELP WANTED

Driver Wanted. Starting $14/hr, benefits package included. Pre-employment physical and drug screen req. A or B license req. Must apply in person at 274 E. Cedar St., Taft.

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House for Sale. Big Off-Market Fixer 5 bedroom 2188 Sq. Ft. 204 Adams St. Taft, CA. More info: 661-293-2723 .

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is seeking a team orientated and results driven individual to serve as the: Accounting Assistant The Accounting Assistant is responsible for assisting the Finance Director in maintaining and reviewing, analyzing and verifying the accuracy and completeness of accounting and financial records. Maintains accounting and financial and statistical records and prepares periodic or special reports. Assists in maintaining the City’s fixed asset ledger. Process additions and deletions to City inventories and maintain systematic identification controls. Performs a variety of general office support duties such as typing, proofreading and filing. Performs other or related duties as assigned. Requirements: Accounting Assistant • Graduation from college with an Associate’s Degree including at least 12 units of accounting or completion of an equivalent advanced accounting curriculum; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. • Must be proficient in 10-key. A 10-key certificate and/or coursework is highly desirable. • Three (3) years of increasingly responsible related experience. $38,793-$47,153 Annually + Excellent Benefit Package including: Holiday, Vacation, Sick and City Employee Paid Health Insurance City of Taft application must be received by February 20th, 2020. A City Application and Job Description may be obtained at www.cityoftaft.org or at 209 E. Kern St. Taft, CA 93268

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

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.

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

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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 Breakfast Lunch Dinner 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