The Taft
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Independent March 30 - 5, 2017
The Taft Independent
www.Taftindependent.com
Publisher@Taftindependent.com
March 30 - 5 2017 • Volume 10 Issue 37
“Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres,
Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week 7 am to Midnight - 7 Days a Week
Breakfast Burrito $5.95
“March onto Center Street”
SPECIAL Menudo y Birria de Chivo $7.95 Saturday and Sunday DAILY SPECIAL! 20 Tacos for $20.00 330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street 745-4898
Qik Smog & Tune
Purchase raffle tickets to enter the drawing to win A two night stay at the
Plus dinner and champagne
No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!
Tickets $5 or 5 for $20 Tickets may be purchased at participating merchants Drawing will be held at Jacks Flower Shop 8 PM on March 30, 2017
Safety Inspection Professional Service Experienced Mechanics Basic Tune-up to Major Overhaul • 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street
Participating Merchants: Black Gold Brewing Co.
Ben’s Books
Yogo-licious
Jacks Flower Shop
Martys
Alvarez Gifts
The Color Bar
State Farm Julie Franks Agent
Pizza Factory
Personal Style Salon & Boutique
Paul’s Bike Shop
Poppy’s Melting Pot
Pearsey’s Rentals
Mi Casita Restaurant
Hint of Class Bakery
Westside Furniture
Monarch Wireless
Bangs & Tangles
Every Penny Counts
Taft TV & Appliances
Marks Nu Used & Refurbished
Acme Jewelry
KC Photography
Cast A Stitch
Old’s Cool Antiques & More
Presented by Downtown Business Association – a committee of the Taft Chamber of Commerce
N o w S e l l i n g Te c h I n s p e c t e d a n d S m o g g e d Quality Used Cars
Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive
Merced Moreno - Licensed Bonded Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm Serving Taft and the Westside 217 Center Street (661) 765-2886 (661) 345-7350 www.monarchfsa.com
Financing Available - Buy Here-Pay Here Available
The Taft Independent
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March 30 - 5, 2017
Shop Taft - Support Local Personal Style
Salon and Boutique
JUMPER CHISPITA (661) 313-0726
Easter is Coming New Items in Stock. Shop Taft!
Your Business Ad Here!
423 Center (661)763-3527
GeigerConstruction&Plumbing Residential • Commercial
Cement & Asphalt Cutting
Lic # B-721903
661-765-4377 Fast • Friendly • Affordable SeHablaEspanol 661-301-4660 24 Hours/ 7 Days a Week
We rent tables, chairs, bounce houses, waterslides, table cloths and chair covers
www.chispitajumpers.es.tl
A Hint of Class Bakery Fresh Pies Baked Daily Cakes and More Now Serving Frozen Yogurt
765-6550
Armstrong Locksmithing Fast Friendly Mobile Lock and Key Service
Commercial - Residential - Automotive & More Professional Key Duplication & Code Generation
(661) 348-7884 LOC. # 6214
420 Center Street 623-1783
Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899
Galvan’s Upholstery 661-313-0726
Adam Dayton Lic. No. 983535 (661) 809-3919
Over 25 Years Experience Pick-up and Delivery Free Estimates Sofas - Love Seats - Sectional - Dining Room Chairs Bar Stools - Restaurant Booths - Headboards Ottomans - Automobiles\Airplanes - Motorcycle Seats
207 Harrison St., Taft, CA.
March 30 - 5, 2017
Inside Events
The Taft Independent
Taft Business of the Week Messenger Automotive
Shop Taft..........................2
By Gardener Field Calendar...........................3
Westside Watcher..........4
Taft Calendar
3
By Andreas Fault “Spring Market” this Saturday from 9am-4pm at St. Andrews Church at 703 5th Street. Gifts, food, Petting Zoo, and much more. Free admission. Tables are still available, call 765-2378. Friday- Fund the Fireworks at the Taft Chamber from 8am-2pm. Taft High Wildcats Night at the Westside Little League at 5:30pm. Wednesday- Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Happy Hour at 5, Dinner at 7:30. Thursday- “Coffee with a Cop” at Paik’s Ranch House at 9am. Mock Rock in the Taft High Auditorium at 6pm. Admission is $2. Save the Date for these Future Events-
Westside News................6
Liberty Under Fire........8
Classified Ads.................10
Taft Business of the Week- Messenger Automotive at 531 Center Street. Billy Messenger does everything from Oil
Shop Taft........................11
Changes to rebuilding Transmissions. It is owned and operat-
The Taft Independent
ed by great Taft residents Billy and Andrea Messenger. They are open Monday-Friday. Come in or call them at 763-1123.
CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS
508 Center Street P.O. Box 268 Taft, California 93268 (661) 765-6550
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 – 6:00 p.m. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER 209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA (661) 763-1222
Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com Website: www.TaftIndependent.com Facebook: Taft Independent Locally and Independently owned since 2006 The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,500 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California. The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Independent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.
AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND POSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE www.cityoftaft.org TELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11: Wednesday 8 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.
The Taft Independent is seeking Experienced Writers
We welcome contributions and suggestions. Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.
News and Feature 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: Publisher@taftindependent.com.
Experience Required. Contact The Taft Independent Send Bio or Resume to Publisher@taftindependent.com
ADVERTISING. Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representative at (661) 765-6550, or email to Publisher@taftindependent.com. Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone orders are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted. Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long Publisher@taftindependent.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com 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
West Side Urgent Family Health Care Dr. Timothy Lee, Board Certified Pediatrician Taking appointments for children under the age of 18 Monday thru Friday 1:00pm – 5:00pm 765-1935
April 7th: 1st Friday Spring Cruise Night on Center Street, starts at 6pm. April 13th: Taft Jobfest at the Fort from 9am-Noon. Dress to impress. Bring 20 Resumes. April 14th: “Good Friday Service,” at the West Hills Church of the Nazarene at 7pm. April 18th: Chamber Mixer at St. Andrews Church at 5pm. April 21st: Taft College Al Baldock Golf Tournament. April 22nd: Taft High Leon Patterson 2nd Annual Invitational Track Meet. Taft Rotary Health Fair at Buena Vista High School. Taft Arc BBQ from 11am-2pm at the Taft Moose Lodge. $10. 50/50, Raffle, and more. TUHS Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at 6pm. Midget Wrestling at the Bank Sports Lounge. April 27th: State of the City Luncheon. May 4th: Chamber Mixer at West Side Health District at 5pm. May 6th: Taft High School “Color Fun Run.” Check in at 9:30, Run at 11am. Soroptimist Garden Tour and Luncheon. May 11th: “Moms Night Out” on Center Street. May 12th-14th: True Value 40th Anniversary. May 13th: West Hills Church of the Nazarene Free Carnival. Bounce Houses, food, etc. May 19th: Westside Little League “Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. May 20th: Taft Relay for Life at the Taft High Track. Pioneer Days at the West Kern Oil Museum. May 31st: TUHS Graduation. June 1st: Lincoln Jr. High Graduation. June 10th: “Night Jumps” at Skydive Taft. Enjoy watching or join the night jumps. June 23rd: Special Pre-Car Show Cruise Night on Center Street. June 24th: Taft Chamber Car Show. July 4th: Taft Chamber Fireworks Show. October 14th: Taft Chamber Golf Tournament at Buena Vista Golf Course. November 18th: Taft Chamber Trout Fishing Derby. This Wednesday is Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. You do not have to be a member to attend. Tickets only $15, includes Steak, Salad, Bread, Beans, and Dessert. Prizes and 50/50 Drawing. Industry Night is a great way to promote your business. Bring a prize with your business card attached. Doors open at 5:30, Dinner at 7:30pm.
Taft Union High School Honors Night
Family, friends and community members are invited to the Taft Union High School Honors Night at 6 p.m. Monday, April 3, in the school auditorium. Scores of seniors will receive more than $160,000 in scholarships from about 60 donors. The event is free and open to the public.
Mock Rock at Taft Union High School Honors Night Taft Union High School students and staff will present Mock Rock Community Night at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 6, in the school auditorium, announced April Ashmore, the Associated Student Body adviser. “Grease” is the theme of the lip-syncing event where small groups compete for first place. Admission costs $2 with children under 5 admitted free.
TUHS CTEC Opening March 30th On Thursday, March 30th, the Taft Union High School District will host the opening of its new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) office and the Healthcare Careers class at the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) campus, formerly West Side Regional Occupation Program. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 11:45. The event is open to students with teachers, as well as the public. Refreshments will be served.
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The Taft Independent Editorial The
Westside Watcher
Taft
Independent
Restaurant and Entertainment Guide Your Guide To The
Black Gold Brewing Co. American and Asian Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Food Full Bar Burgers Pasta Thai Food Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pm Espresso - Beer - Wine Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm Craft Beers Dinner Hours Open Monday to Saturday Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm 7am to 2pm 24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres 5pm to Close 768-4655 Sunday 7am to 12pm Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets 508 Center Street Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 765-6556 Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft Sagebrush Annie’s Wine Tasting Room 300 Gold Medals for our Wines Call for Reservations 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319
514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM
Week of Friday, March 31, 2017 through Thursday, April 06, 2017
Power Rangers (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 6:25, 9:00 Sun: 3:00, 6:15 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Beauty and the Beast (PG) Fri & Sat: 6:10, 8:45 Sun: 3:15, 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:15 PM
Paik’s
Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets” Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Open 7 Days
Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
765-6915
200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.
Salvaggio Report
Kern County Gov Needs Reform Kern County former CAO Nilon rehire proposal was cooked up behind closed doors
Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse
March 30 - 5, 2017
Taft Events
by Mark Salvaggio
There is a drastic need to reform Kern County government by streamlining its operations, scrubbing all department budgets with audits and eliminating as much waste as possible. By William H. Taft The County is in the midst of another financial crisis, a $44 million general fund budget deficit and a $12 million fire fund Last Saturday there shortfall. were several events There was a movement afoot by some members of the Board of Supervisors to hire back retiring CAO John Nilon around town. and pay him a “retirement annuity” to either shepherd the The biggest event Lean Six Sigma methodology to remove waste and/or help seemed to be the with a “transition” of the new CAO, who now has a contract in hand. Westside Little This brings to mind the term “blue sky,” defined as idealisLeague Parade and tic or visionary and without practical application, or, alterOpening Cernatively, not worth very much money. There is a verb form emony. It was followed by Bounce Houses, Tri-Tip of the phrase, meaning to peddle a worthless concept. The board would be blue-skying it with this proposal, were they to Sandwiches, a Raffle, and much more. The Rec’s approve it. Softball Teams were also included in the fun. Josh This proposal was a mistake. If the new CAO is worth Bryant did an excellent job giving a shout out to ev- his weight in gold, he should be the one spearheading budget ery sponsor. Josh and the Little League Board have solutions, innovations and reforms. He represents a fresh to County government. Let him be responsible for done a great job as always. Les Clark also spoke and approach providing this much-needed leadership. I found Nilon to be does an excellent job at the Rec. accessible and helpful in my work for supervisors Michael Rubio and David Couch, but having the former CAO around would be a distraction to the new administration. The Little League is having several big nights Was this, moreover, the fiscally responsible course to take coming up- This Friday Night at 5:30pm they are given the fact that new employee positions are now suphosting Taft High Wildcats Night, all alumni, curposed to be approved by the CAO — in essence, a hiring freeze — and that County employees have not received a raise rent and former teachers & staff, and of course all since 2013. One-third of these employees have not realized current students & athletes are invited. Wear your an in-the-pocket raise since 2009 due to increased employee Blue and Gold. There will be Tri-Tip Sandwiches, retirement contributions and health insurance premiums. What kind of message would this action send to the taxHot Dogs, and much more. There will be a 50/50 Raffle, and other prizes. The Little Red Wagon will payers and County employees who are being asked to do more with less? be there. Come watch great baseball, have great The Board of Supervisors and Nilon should have dealt food, and support our kids. Wildcats Night is spon- with the County’s past financial plights by instituting major budget reforms after the last financial crises in 2010, which sored by Pizza Factory. They will also have Super the recent drop in oil and gas prices, which has devHero Night, Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, preceded astated County property tax revenue. Much time and money Military Appreciation Night, 80’s Night, Volunteer has been wasted over the past several years. Did Nilon have a particular expertise in implementing governAppreciation Night, and Star Wars Night. Please ment reform, at least involving Lean Six Sigma? He formerly come down get a soda, hot dog, and watch a game promoted the County’s costly investment in two other proat one of the most beautiful Little League Parks grams: the Pacific Institute and Google. anywhere. The Pacific Institute is largely a video program which did little more than encourage and promote self-actualization. It nothing to do with improving governmental efficiency. Taft High also had a huge Track Meet last Saturday. has One of the points the authors of this program stress is that Hundreds of the best athletes from across Kern an essential component for buy-in is the confidence of parCounty were there. As always our Wildcats did very ticipants in the founders’ prior achievement. How has Nilon demonstrated prior achievement in implementing Lean Six good. I saw the Rec Track Coach Ray Wooldridge Sigma? If he were suitably skilled in steering this program, heading to the meet that morning. Ray told me he why didn’t he demonstrate implementing Lean Six Sigma coached several of the athletes and he was going earlier while he was CAO? Nilon’s endorsement of the $90,000 Google experiment to cheer them on. Ray has coached several sports resulted in a complete flameout for the County. Where is in Taft over the years. It is great seeing how much tangible evidence of this investment’s value? The Chrome he cares about his former athletes. Ray loves Taft notebooks were distributed and later collected. Where are they now? I am not certain the purpose of Google was explicand loves our kids. I’m glad we have people like itly stated. My understanding was this initiative was to help Ray, Les Clark, Josh Bryant, and so many others. County employees learn the Google way. These guys do so much for Taft. These guys are Many department heads and assistants spent hours hearing very invested in our community. Not everyone can tropes about “ecosystems,” “fail-fast” and breaking down silos. In the end, these top employees were given a joint do what they do so we are very thankful for them. presentation where their groups were told, or otherwise led to You cant make everyone happy all the time, they believe, Google would take back their input and return with live here, work here, shop here, eat here, so they “apps.” It all came to nothing. Nilon ended up being kept abroad (his retirement date was are seen all over, so if there is something good they extended 30 days) to help with the transition of his replacehear about it but if it is bad they hear it too. Any ment, CAO Ryan Alsop. of our leaders should follow these guys lead, if we Now that the Board of Supervisors has a new CAO, and with the resignation of County Counsel Theresa Goldner, were all out and about like them just think how Supervisors have an even greater opportunity to change the great Taft could be. course of Kern County. This proposal was being considered behind closed doors Support Taft. Keep your money here. Support our with the public has been kept in the dark. A public airing of this matter was needed, with supervisors making a “finding” events, support our Relay for Life. Support our that this course of action was necessary. It never materialized Youth. Support our Businesses. Volunteer your as Supervisors got wind of political heat brewing.
time at your Church, Rec, Little League, Oil Museum, The Fort, Service Clubs, etc.
Mark C. Salvaggio is a longtime Kern County political observer
March 30 - 5, 2017
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.quickscores.com/wsrpd steph@wsrpd.com
BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY Saturday, April 8 8:00-9:30 a.m. Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, Taft All Ages $5 per person (ages 3 and older) ** registration deadline – Thursday, April 6 The Easter Bunny will be at the Community Center for breakfast, visiting and photos. Join us for a pastry and juice (coffee and milk, too!) breakfast, crafts and some time with the Bunny. Register now in person or over the phone in the District Office (763-4246) or the Recreation Center (765-6677). **Registration is required for everyone attending; including parents. EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, April 8 10:00 a.m. SHARP! ‘A’ Street Park, Taft Ages 2-8 FREE! Bring a basket and be sure to show up at least 15 minutes early for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Kids will get to “hunt” for candy, plastic eggs, and prizes in different areas, divided by age groups. The Easter Bunny will also be there and the fun will take place rain or shine! Be sure to bring a camera for photos! BBQ LUNCH & MOVIE Monday, April 10 12:00-1:30 p.m. Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-8 $3 per person Hot dogs! We’ve got hot dogs! Bring your appetite and a friend to this fun lunch outing. We will serve barbecued hot dogs, chips, drinks and watch the movie “The Secret Life of Pets.” SIDEWALK CHALK ART Tuesday, April 11 10:00 a.m. Community Center Parking Lot All Ages FREE! All young artists and creative minds are invited to leave their mark on our sidewalk. We’ll provide the chalk - you just choose a big spot to decorate as you wish. Drop-in any time between 10:00-11:00 a.m. CANDY BAR BINGO Tuesday, April 11 2:00-3:00 p.m. Community Center Assembly Room Grades K-8 FREE! Join us for an hour of Bingo fun where you can win candy prizes. Be sure to bring a friend! KIDS FUN DAY Wednesday, April 12 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Recreation Center Grades K-6 $6 per person ** registration deadline – Tuesday, April 11 – 5:00 p.m. Join us for a fun day of games, crafts, pizza lunch, snacks, bowling, sports and more! The more the merrier, so be sure to sign-up with a friend! Pre-registration is required. KIDS SCIENCE LAB Thursday, April 13 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Recreation Center Grades K-5 $6 per person ** registration deadline – Tuesday, April 11 – 5:00 p.m. Debbie Potaczala will lead this hands-on workshop where kids will learn about science and conduct some fun experiments. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
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TIE-DYE T-SHIRTS Thursday, April 13 1:30-3:00 p.m. Community Center Activity Building Grades 2-8 $5 per person ** registration deadline – Wednesday, April 12 -5:00 p.m. Bring a new, 100% cotton t-shirt and you will be able to tie-dye it some cool colors. Kids are encouraged to wear old clothes to work in. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. REC CENTER STUDENT NIGHTS Who: Grades 6-12 When: April 7 & 8 Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Place: Recreation Center Admission: $5 per person (non-members) Come hang out and enjoy the Rec Center with friends on Friday and Saturday nights! You’ll have use of the gymnasium, ping pong, wiffle ball fields, bowling alley and gaming center! Current Recreation Center members are admitted to Student Nights at no additional charge. Student Nights also include free bowling/shoe rental and use of Gaming Stations. TINY TOT WIFFLE BALL Who: Ages 3-5 When: Tuesday or Thursday Time: Evenings (TBA) Session: April 25 – May 25 Where: Oil Field or Scully Field (Recreation Center) Registration deadline: Thursday, April 6 Fee: $25 per player MINI TOT WIFFLE BALL Who: Ages 18 months – 3 years When: Tuesday or Thursday Time: Evenings (TBA) Session: April 25 – May 25 Where: Oil Field or Scully Field (Recreation Center) Registration deadline: Thursday, April 6 Fee: $25 per player VISUAL ARTS CLASS When: Wednesdays Grades K-3: 4:00-5:00 p.m. Grades 4+: 5:15-6:30 p.m. **Classes take place monthly – new students are always welcome! Place: Recreation Center, Party Room Fee: $35 per month Instructor: Megan Luton The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the languages, concepts and practices of visual arts. Students will be engaged in discussion about the elements of art, such as content, composition, style, method and materials. Students will also be introduced to art practices such as (but not limited to) drawing, pastels, charcoal, acrylic, watercolor and oil painting, collage and more. These are ongoing, monthly classes and materials are provided. STOP PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS (Strive To Optimize Participation) Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? Children in low income, single parent or multiple participant households are eligible! For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced program fees, give us a call in the District Office at 763-4246. ZUMBA & DANCE BALL FITNESS CLASSES Who: Ages 15+ DanceBall Only: Monday & Wednesday, 7:00-8:00 p.m., $30 per month Zumba & DanceBall Combo: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30-8:00 p.m., $35 per month Where: Community Center Assembly Room Instructor: Deisy Beltran Classes operate on an ongoing, monthly basis. New students are welcome at any time (as space allows). Fees must be paid prior to attending class. Register in person or over the phone in the District Office (763-4246) or Recreation Center (765-6677). 35 & OVER PICK-UP BASKETBALL Who: Ages 35+ When: Thursday Evenings Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m. Place: Recreation Center, Aera Gymnasium Fee: Rec Center Membership *or* $5 person, per evening NATATORIUM POOL PARTIES Make your reservation soon! Reservations will be accepted for private party rentals at the Natatorium swimming pool starting April 3. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday between June 2 and August 20. Rental fees start at $200 for 2-hours. Call 763-4246 for more information.
Ortlieb, Ginn Designated CIF Scholar-Atheles Taft Union High School seniors Olivia Ortlieb and Cameron Ginn are the South Sequoia League CIF scholarathletes for 2016-17. All 111 schools in the Central Section could nominate one boy and one girl based of academics and athletics. Twenty-eight winners were named from the Central Section that stretches from Madera to Tehachapi. Nine came from Kern County. Only Fowler, Mission Oak, Central Valley Christian and Taft had two students honored as scholar-athletes. Ginn and Ortlieb were the only winners from the SSL. Both carry identical 3.94 cumulative grade point averages and both are three-sport athletes. Ortlieb, daughter of school trustee Julie Ortlieb, has played softball all four years, has won two valley championships and has been named all-league three years and all-area the past two years. She also has played volleyball, basketball,
The Taft Independent
soccer and water polo. Ginn was a first team all-league linebacker, played football and basketball all four years and ran track the past three years. Olivia received an academic/softball scholarship to George Washington University in Washington D.C. Ginn received an academic scholarship to Division III Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, about 30 miles southwest of Portland, where he will play football. Both have spent their lives in Taft and said they will miss everyone but are looking forward to college. In an email to staff, Athletic Director Pete Lango praised, “Please join me in congratulating these CIF scholar-athletes. A special thanks should go out to these students’ teachers and counselors for the efforts in the classroom. It goes without saying that our entire campus feels a great deal of pride when our students are recognized in this way. … Finally, I could not imagine the time these parents have put into their kids. These parents have traveled, taken care of injuries, attended awards nights, made games, cheered for wins and learned from loses, ate many dinners away from home and made sure homework was completed.” The 28 students will be honored at a CIF dinner in Visalia May 1. Photo by Jim Carnal Cameron Ginn and Olivia Ortlieb are the Central Section scholar-
athletes selected from the South Sequoia League. Ginn said he broke his foot while running the hurdles.
MESSAGE FROM St. ANDREWS Dear Friends is Taft and far and wide, April 1 is the day for our Spring Market. We are joining with several non-profits to make a good collection of goodies and item available. We will serve biscuits and gravy for the first arrivals...from 9:00 AM until they are gone... FREE We will serve hot dogs ($1) and hamburgers ($3) from 11:00 AM... Drinks and ???? Anyone want a booth for cakes???cookies??? The Photography Club will have a beautiful display. The 4H young people will provide a PETTING ZOO The Relay for Life Teams will have opportunities to sign up for a team and to buy luminaria.... The ARC will have tickets for their Bar-BQue and hand crafted goodies. ST. ANDREW’S WILL HAVE A RUMMAGE SALE If you want to clean out your shelves and closets....we will accept treasurers until Friday. Please plan to attend and get the word out. With appreciation, Heather Mueller and MAHALO Priest-in-Charge St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 661 765-2378
Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft Hours Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm
810 Center Street • (661)805-9813
March 30 - 5, 2017
Faith in our Time
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The Taft Independent
“The Prisoner” By Steven J. McDaniel Pastor, Revival Worship Center 400 S. 6th St. Taft, CA Some years ago in the Welsh area of Britain, there lived a man named Hunan. Hunan was wronged by another. It happened so long ago that most everyone who knows the story cannot remember how the man wronged Hunan. But Hunan was a man of good standing with the governor of the land, and insisted that the governor allow him to throw the transgressor into prison. The governor agreed, and the offender was cast into prison. Hunan was so glad to see the man in prison that he sat for hours in the corridors of the prison so that he could see his offender locked in the prison cell. He did this day after day. He sat and watched this man detained to his prison cell, and quietly rejoiced within himself. One day, the governor came to the Hunan and said, “My good man, how long will you see this man, your offender, in prison? Has he not paid for his offense against you?” “No!” the man cried. “I would see him in that prison cell for the rest of his life.” The days passed by, and Hunan sat watching his offender grow older. He laughed within himself, and rejoiced at the prospect of taking away this man’s youth for the great offense that he had done. He watched as the man in the prison cell grew thin and frail with age. He watched as the short years of his offender’s life faded away. One day, Hunan was walking up to the prison as was his daily custom, to see his offender in prison. He stopped by a fountain outside of the prison to wash
his face, and get a drink before entering. He looked at his own reflection in the water, and saw that the soft, brunette hair of his youth had changed to silvery gray. The once tight skin of his face was now sagging and wrinkled. The once tall, stately figure of his own reflection was now stooped and bent. Hunan realized that every day he had watched his offender grow old in that prison, he had grown old in that prison with him. He walked to the house of the governor, and said, “I have decided to pardon my offender. May I have the key to open the door, and set him free.” The governor replied with just a smile, and followed the old offended man to the prison. Hunan placed the key inside the prison door, and opened it. The man inside the cell looked back at him, a stooped, grayed old man. As Hunan began to speak, he did not look at the man in the cell, but rather spoke as a man that could not look another in the eye because of the shame he felt for all the lost years. He spoke of how he regretted robbing that man of his youth for such a small offense that he could not, even now, readily recall. The man in the cell replied not a word. Rather, he remained silent. Hunan said, “It is of no matter if you answer or not. I readily forgive you, and release you from this prison. He opened the cell door, and looked inside to see that the stood only a large mirror, and that the only man inside that prison cell was a reflection of the offended man. The governor looked at the man and said, “The man you have really freed today is yourself.” Forgiveness is a powerful thing. It is more than an idea, more than a thought, and more than a feeling. Forgiveness is a state of being. In forgiving others, we release ourselves from the prison of resentment. The simple fact is that we have the ultimate portrait of forgiveness. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Not only did Jesus forgive those that crucified him that day, the forgiveness of God extends to us today. Don’t be trapped in a prison of resentment. By forgiving others, we are the prisoner that is truly released. May the light shine on your path today! SJM P.S. - “Hunan” is the Welsh word for “self.”
Black Gold Brewing Company Brewery Pub and Grill
Small Electrical Jobs Alarm Systems CCTV Installation Free Estimates - Call (805) 314-7330
Pub Burger and French Fries Every Day $7.95 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556
WEST SIDE FAMILY HEALTH CARE
Maria’s Place Mexican & American Food Dinner Special
765-1935 HOURS
Monday thru Friday 8:00am –9:00pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm 100 E North St. Taft CA
Buy One Dinner Get Second One 1/2 Price No. 1 thru 16 *Dine In Only
Ask for our Daily Special!
763-3311 1008 Kern Street In the Albertsons Shopping Center
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Liberty Under Fire Globalist Influence in the Trump Administration By Harold Pease, Ph. D The most globalist and influential political action organization in the United States is the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). The Donald Trump Administration is the most clean of CFR influence in many decades, perhaps since Calvin Coolidge. Traditionally this organization claims either the president or the vice president in every administration, and always the Secretary of State, and ambassadorships to the United Nations, Russia and China. Under Trump it claims none of these posts. Moreover, CFR members largely fill the majority of presidential cabinets. Normally, they have highly placed members in both major political parties and thus for almost 100 years they win every presidential election. They are the moneyed elite capable of bringing to candidates the millions of dollars that are needed to win. They are in both political parties and they own the major media outlets. Thus their influence over presidential candidates for a hundred years is never really covered, but all presidential candidates know of their influence and power. No candidate for president gets to office without CFR approval, until now. Over the decades they have been called the shadow government, the secret combination, the moneyed establishment, the eastern establishment and now just the establishment. They have hated only two presidential party nominees Barry Goldwater in 1964 and Donald Trump in 2016. The first they destroyed, the second they seek to remove or destroy. President Woodrow Wilson was the first president to reference a secret influence over politics at the highest level. In his The New Freedom (1913) he wrote of his experience with a hidden force: “Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men’s views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States in the field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.” A hundred years later, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, identified the CFR as her source of direction when she addressed them in their new D. C. “subcenter down the street.” She told them: “I am delighted to be at these new headquarters. I have been often to the mother ship in New York City but it is good to have an outpost of the Council right here down the street from the State Department. We get a lot of advice from the Council so this will mean that I won’t have as far to go to be told what we should be doing and how we should think about the future.” In the presidential campaign the establishment media portrayed Donald Trump as a joke—certainly not a serious candidate, not a real conservative, a flip-flopper on the issues, anti-women, anti-immigration, insulting to everyone, a braggart, only into himself, least likely to beat Hillary Clinton, only attractive to white males, and not in touch with reality with respect to the Middle East, and more. They were wrong. A third of these charges would have easily destroyed previous candidates. As president they work to obstruct everything he does. He is vilified in virtually every national press outlet. Unfortunately Trump’s CFR record, although the best ever, is no longer pure. CFR Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster replaced General Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser and Neil M. Gorsuch as U.S. Supreme Court justice, is imminent. Gorsuch was first listed as a CFR member in the 2007 Annual Report and thereafter for five years. He is not currently listed. Gorsuch must be questioned regarding this affiliation. Membership in the CFR is by invitation only following a period of observation making certain that your loyalty to the values of the organization are impeccable. Those values are empowerment of the United Nations, internationalism, world government, nation building and eradicating national borders—each out of harmony with the Constitution as created by the Founders. Gorsuch may be promoted as an originalist on the Constitution but as a member of an organization that sees the Constitution as an obstruction to the New World Order, which the CFR promotes, the Senate must know which loyalty is primary and if not the Constitution he must be rejected by all Senators. Should a decision come before him that forces him to choose between two loyalties, internationalism and U.S. nationalism, which will he endorse? Another concern surfaces; Ruth Bader Ginsburg also has CFR membership and thus two of the nine justices of the highest court in the land could have a higher loyalty. She has made no secret that she views international law (UN law) as constitutional. In fact her loyalty to the Constitution came into question in 2012 when the Egyptian government sought her advice in the writing of a new constitution. She recommended the South African or Canadian models and could not recommend the U.S Constitution. Two of nine justices who may have a higher loyalty than the Constitution is two too many. Trump would be better off to avoid all globalist organizations and members in his administration. There are plenty of experts available without globalist sympathy. Still, he has done well in reducing globalist influence in those he chooses to advise him.
The Taft Independent
March 30 - 5, 2017
March 30 - 5, 2017
TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557
Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition
Wine Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5:00 pm.
www.sagebrushannies.com
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The Taft Independent
Now Celebrating Our 26th Yea 102 Gold Medals
8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319
Paik’s
Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets” Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Open 7 Days
Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs & Fri. 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
765-6915
200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.
ROGER MILLER INSURANCE
a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers LLC
“ “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 PraiseTeam meets onThursday at 4:00 PM
Maricopa Community Church Pastor Stephen McCurtis 600 Hazelton, Maricopa 661-303-0124 Sunday worship 10:00 am Wednesday bible study 6:30 pm
First Baptist Church Pastor Scott Pearson
Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Jeff Miller • Kathy Devine
Sunday School 9 a.m. Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m. Evening Service 6 p.m.
(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
Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m. 220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138
604 Main Street • P.O. Box 578 Maricopa, CA 93252 • (661)769-9599
Gateway Temple
Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 4279722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and
New Hope Temple “Connecting Lives” 308 Harrison Street 765-4572 Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship Service 6 p.m Bible Classes All Ages Wednesday 7 p.m.
Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am Childcare Available During Services Info call 765-7151
Community Christian Fellowship 631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Bible Study Wednesday 6 p.m.
Sunday Service - 10 a.m. www.standrewstaft.org The Rev. Heather Mueller 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378
Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive We invite you to join us each week as we worship
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
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 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488. Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available
Your Hometown Insurance Store
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TAFT HEIGHTS - SOUTH TAFT- FORD CITY
Yates’ Detailing
BLUE CART RECYCLING
Classified
March 2016 - February 2017
600 Center Street Taft, California
(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171
All your detailing needs! Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting. Call for Appointment Today! Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ads $2.00 per line Yard Sales $3.00
237.4 TONS ( 12 Months ) 19.8 TONS Monthly That’s a great year! GO BLUE... BE COOL
Call
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765-6550
Westside Waste Management 274 E. Cedar, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-5135
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Classifieds Classifieds
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.
The Taft Independent
Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469 Preserving for the Future
Rentals Real Estate
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
March 30 - 5, 2017
Real Estate Services Laura Vega DRE 01942324
(661) 769-6469
322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-5000 www.americanataft.com
Ken Shugarts
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. YARD SALES
306 Eastern in home. 8am - ? Sat. and Sun. Yard Sale. 4-1. 509 Philippine. Tools, vintage naugahyde living room set, fridge, & more. 8am. till 4pm. Yard Sale. 411 McKinley St. April 1. 7:30am to Noon. Fishing gear, tools, house hold Items & more.
FOR SALE
Girls bedroom furniture. Age 8-16 twin bed. 508 Harding Ave. Sat. 8am - 2pm. 3011985. 32 INCH TV FLAT SCREEN TV. ENTERTAINMENT CENTER. See at 201 89th Street #3B. Make offer. HELP WANTED
Varsity Boys’ Head Soccer Coach Varsity Football Assistant TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR Varsity Boys’ Head Soccer Coach and Varsity Football Assistant. Stipend Pay range: Varsity Boys’ Head Soccer Coach - $5,278.56
Varsity Football Assistant $3,958.92 Descriptions of coaching assignments are available via www.edjoin.org, E.O.E. Application and Resume to be submitted via www.edjoin. org, Employment process includes: Online Application and Resume, Interview, Background Clearance, DOJ Clearance, Physical, and Drug Screen. No paper applications will be accepted, all applications must be submitted through www. edjoin.org. Deadline to submit online application Wednesday, April 5, 2017, 3:00 p.m. If you need assistance submitting your application on Edjoin.org, please contact the TUHS Office of Human Resources at 661763-2336 or 661763-2360. D&A McRae Inc. is looking for saftey minded local drivers to haul crude oil. We require a minimun of 2 years driving experience, clean MVR along with with a CDL containing a hazmat and tanker endorsement. If interested, please go to www.
mcraetrans.com and submit an application. Needing Someone to train to do dog grooming in my shop. I am retiring and need someone to take over business - until trained. I have shop and equipment. 765-6789.
Visit Us Online
4bedrm, 1 3/4 bath. Approx. 1,700msq. ft. 400 Shasta St. $205,000 661 763-5242 ROOM FOR RENT
To Advertise Call
3 bd. 1 3/4 bath. garage and extra storage, duo pac and cooler, 532 Philippine. $925 mo. 661-871-2651 3 bd. garage, cov’d patio, stove 102 Jefferson, $875. 661-8712651 407 Lucard. 3 bd. 2 bath. 2 car garage. Firepl.Central heat and AC.
Air Conditioning & Heating
Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists
Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507
218 4th St #6 1/1 $475 717 B St 2/1 $790 523 F St 2/1 $850 419 E St 2/1 $900 214 Fillmore St 4/2 $1,100 717 Philippine St 3/2 $1,200
30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634 and pick up an application today. Contact Managers: 661-765-7678 or 661-846-6403
212 4th St Laundromat opportunity $350 100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 APART. FOR RENT
765-6556
HOMES FOR RENT
Unfurnished Home. Nice and clean. 1 bed, 1 bath. 406 B Lucard St. $450. mo. $200 Sec. Deposit. Call 765-7015
West Valley Real Estate www.BuySellManage.com (661) 763-1500 CalBRE Lic # 01525550 FOR RENT
on
FOR SALE
HOMES FOR SALE
Small back patio. Fenced front yard. Credit check. 1st and last. Reasonable lease available for long term tenant. $995 mo. $1,000 dep. No smoking. 661 623-4296. leave message.
for
Creekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr. One bedroom + one bath apartments available now, building under new management and all units recently remodeled. Low move in, 1st month and deposit only. No Application fee. Call for appointment, drive by
KCS Affordable
Yard Sales $3.00 Deadline Noon on Wednesday for Thursday Publication ------------Classified Ads
You Break It! We Fix it!
Kern Construction Services Home Repair & Service
Advertising
Plumbing Repair Concrete Services Rooter Services Drive Ways Sewer Camera Inspection Side Walks Electrical Repair Patios Stamp & Stain Andre Vega kcshomerepairs@yahoo.com (661) 747-9146 Licensed Handyman/Contractor para espanol (661) 748-9274
March 30 - 5, 2017
The Taft Independent
11
Sandy Creek Estates New Semi-Custom Homes for Sale in Taft
Models Now Open Call for Viewing of our Models
U-Cart Cement
Call Bob at (661) 763-3517.
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
Used to be Paul’s
Bike Shop We sell and service Mountain Bikes, BMX, Skateboards and Scooters. Just added: Roller Derby Skates and Accessories 608 Center St.
745-4919
GRANITE COUNTERS IN TILE FLOORS ON KITCHEN AND BATHS ALL WET AREAS STAINLESS STEEL COVERED PATIO APPLIANCES FENCED LOT LANDSCAPED FRONT YARD
Financing Available. Buy Now before Interest Rate Go Up!
Visit our website www.Sandycreekestates.com
The Taft Independent
March 30 - 5, 2017
Black Gold Brewing Company Craft Beer Brewery and Restaurant
Now Serving Breakfast - Tuesday - Saturday 7am - 9:30am
Black Gold Brewing Company Breakfast Menu
Served 7am - to 9:30am Tuesday - Saturdays
Bisquits and Gravy Biscuits and Gravy
Homemade sausage and gravy over two flakey flour biscuits - Half Order $3.50
Eggs
$5.95
Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich
$5.95
Bacon and Eggs
$7.95
Ham and Eggs
$8.95
Sausage and Eggs
$8.95
Ribeye Steak and Eggs
$12.95
Breakfast Burrito - With choice of Bacon, Ham or Sausage
$8.95
One fresh fried ranch egg with mayo, bacon and cheddar chesse on toasted sourdough bread Two fresh farm eggs, three slices of bacon, hash brown or cowboy potatoes and toast Ham steak with two farm fresh eggs, hash brown or cowboy potatoes and toast Large breakfast sausage with two farm fresh eggs, hash brown or cowboy potatoes and toast An 8 oz. Ribeye Steak with two eggs, hash brown or cowboy potatoes and toast Our breakfast burrito with ham, bacon or sausage wrapped in a flour tortilla filled with jack & cheddar cheese, potatoes and veggies 3 Meat Combo $10.95
Black Gold Omelettes Ham and Cheese Omelette
$8.95
Bacon and Cheese Omelette
$8.95
Ortega Omelette
$8.95
Vegetable Omelette
$8.95
California Omelette
$9.95
Denver Omelette
$10.95
3 farm fresh eggs with diced ham, with jack and cheddar cheese and toast 3 farm fresh eggs and crispy bacon and toast 3 farm fresh eggs with ortega peppers, jack & cheddar cheese and avacado slices and toast 3 farm fresh eggs and fresh cut veggies and toast 3 farm fresh eggs, chedder and jack cheese, avocados and toast 3 farm fresh eggs with cheddar cheese chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, bacon, ham and toast
Side Orders
One Egg 2 Bacon Strips Sourdough or wheat toast
$1.50 $1.75 $1.25
American and Thai Food - Lunch and Dinner Full Coffee Service Espresso $2.00 Bar Orange Juice Wednesday-Saturdays $1.50 Breakfast Milk $1.50 Mon. - Sat. 7am - 2 pm and 5pm - 8 pm - Sun. 7 am - Noon 508 Center Street, Taft, Ca (661) 765-6556
March 30 - 5, 2017
The Taft Independent