Taft Independent Newspaper

The Taft

Independent www.Taftindependent.com

The Taft Independent

Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

August 22, 2019 • Volume 12 Issue 5

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

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

Now Serving Sushi

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

Qik Smog & Tune SMOG Repair Auto Repair No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Safety Inspection Professional Service Experienced Mechanics Basic Tune-up Air Conditioning • 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

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

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The Taft Independent

Shop Taft - Support Local Business Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

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

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

Armstrong Locksmithing

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

Inside Events

The Taft Independent

Taft Business of the Week Jack’s Flower Shop

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

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

By Andreas Fult Casablanca Casino Night on September 7th, from 5:30-Midnight, at the Rec, at 500 Cascade Place, Fundraiser for Transition to Independent Living, TIL at Taft College. For information call 763-7769.

Friday- Meet and Greet at The American Legion at 4pm.

Dart Tournament at Art’s Corner.

Karaoke at the Oasis at 9pm.

Tuesday- Taco Tuesday at The Oasis, The Bank, and Tacos Y Mariscos.

Wednesday- Ladies Night at the Oasis.

Thursday- Ladies Night at The Taft Moose Lodge.

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

Save the date for these Future Events-

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

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

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

Taft Business of the Week- Jack’s Flower Shop at 430 Center Street. Jack’s has a huge selection of flowers, plants, and gifts. Check out Jack’s for Valentine’s Day, Weddings, Anniversary’s, Birthday’s, Dances, Special Occasions, or Just Because. Jack’s can also deliver. Jack’s Flower Shop is one of Taft’s longest running businesses. Come in today.

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

The Taft Independent

Paik’s

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

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com

Ranch House Restaurant

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com Facebook: Taft Independent

“Where Everybody Meets”

Locally and Independently owned since 2006 The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 2,500 issues and distribute to over 85 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

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Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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Sat. and Sun. 7 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

765-6915

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

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

We welcome contributions and suggestions.

Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

The Taft Independent is seeking

August 30th: Taft High Football at Home vs. Cal City, J/V at 5pm, WILDCATS at 7:30, at Marin Memorial Stadium.

September 4th: Taft Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club at 7:30pm.

Paint Night at the Oasis at 6:30pm. You must pre-pay at The O. $30.00 September 6th: Taft High Football at Home vs. Tehachapi.

1st Friday Cruise Night at 6pm on Center Street.

September 7th: “Fellows Citywide Yard Sale”. 7am-?

TIL Casino Night at The Rec. Call 763-7769 for info.

September 13th=15th: Liquidsky at Skydive Taft.

September 26th: Fort Okie Dinner. Call 765-7371 for info.

September 27th: Taft High Football at Home vs. Shafter.

September 28th: Taft Chamber Golf Classic.

October 4th: 1st Friday Cruise Night at 6pm. Taft High Football has a bye so head to Center Street.

ARC Festifall at the Taft Moose Lodge at 6pm. Call 623-1911 for info.

October 5th: “2nd Taft Citywide Yard Sale.” 7am-?

October 12th: Oildorado 1 Year Countdown Concert!

October 18th: Taft High Football HOMECOMING vs. Cesar Chavez.

October 19th: Third Annual Wrecking Brawl Roller Derby! @ 801 4th St. October 24th: Fort Oktoberfest.

October 28th: The West Side Rec’s “Trunk or Treat.”

November 1st: Taft High Football at Home vs. Arvin.

November1-2nd: The Rec Holiday Vendor & Craft Show.

November 23rd: Taft Chamber Trout Derby.

December 5th: Fort Gift Show.

December 6th: 1st Friday Cruise Night and Photos with Santa.

December 9th: Taft Christmas Parade.

January 4th: Register for the 2020 Whiskerino Contest.

October 2020: Oildorado 2020. October 9-18, 2020.

“ARC FESTIFALL” Fundraiser Event for Arc Taft at Taft Moose Lodge on Friday October 4th at 6pm. Space is $25 plus raffle item.

For info call 661 6231911.

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LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR. Send us your letter to Taft Independent at the above address. Limit it to 300 words and include your name, address, and phone number. Email your letter to: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

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CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS

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

Tuesday Sepetember 3, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.

Advertising Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com

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

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

Taft Calendar

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The Taft Independent Editorial

Westside Watcher

By Randy Miller It has been about a year ago at this time that I announced that after 16 years on the Taft City council, I was not going to run for a fifth term. This was after I had found out that I had a pretty bad case of Ischemic Heart disease caused by a number of factors but the root cause was my exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the Navy’s Brown Water Force in the rivers of Vietnam 50 yrs prior. Took some time to catch up with me, but it sure did. I went in for a routine Calcium CT Scan. I wasn’t having any symptoms other than my weight and being tired a lot. The results came back pretty strong; I had a score of 3500, where anything under 500 is good. After an angiogram, I was up to bat for a triple bypass, as I had two arteries blocked at 90% and one at 100%. My doc at the time suggested I not do anything strenuous and I decided I didn’t need any additional stress, so I stepped back from my involvement in the community, I’m retired by the way, and concentrate on my health. So last November I had successful bypass surgery and I just saw my cardiologist who said I’m coming along nicely. As far as city matters, the Oildorado Board, and the Needs Center, I am way out of the loop of what’s going on. None of them collapsed since I have been gone, so life goes on and my role has been filled by others.

The letting go part kinda hurts as I always liked to be a part of the community. I enjoyed being in the know and being able o have some input in the process. Meeting and working with like minded individuals was also most enjoyable. Another role that I had was making myself available for being a rep for the organizations I was a part of. Not many people know the number of day and night meetings I went to out of town because I was available and frankly I enjoyed going to see what other communities were doing. Now of course, that has all gone away, with others filing that role. Those that know, who are involved, who make the commitment, take the time, absorb their roles and positions, mostly do it because they care and want to see the best for whomever they are representing. Look around at all the different boards and their members; they aren’t in it for the money, they are there doing it, because mostly other people won’t do it. There is a certain fear of sticking your nose out, being scrutinized, watched over, seconded guessed, and saying what you mean and meaning what you say. I wasn’t in it for any awards or a thank you, but a pat on the back once in awhile was good enough and appreciated. Have you told any of the board members around town what a great job they are doing or are you just under the assumption that is what they are supposed to be doing ?? Do you only come forward and hammer them when you have perceived something wasn’t done right.

People are people, just like kids, they need a little discipline, but a little love too. Pat a board member on the back next time you see them, it’ll make you both feel better.

So, what is going on around town ?? The Health Care Districts new urgent care building is coming along after a few delays due to a Kit Fox taking up residence.

That is a 10 million dollar project. The Dollar Store on 10th Street is moving along too. A few million bucks being spent there. I’ll be a nice addition to the neighborhood. Plans are in the works for an additional Dollar Store at the corner of Elm and Harrison Streets in Ford City. They must know what they are doing, they have seen the potential; it is there, and they are seizing the moment. Ford City can use a convenience store/market within walking distance. Back in them good ole days, there were probably 6 or more small grocery/convenience stores spread out in the Ford City area. Of course this is in county, so the City wasn’t in on those negotiations. The College project is still in flux; it is sad to see the skeleton of the framing just sitting there; the weather can’t be doing it any good. So, when your letting the homeless situation drag you down and you think Taft is going downhill, get out and look around; there is a lot of construction going on and new jobs being created.

Taft is a hard sell, most of which has to do with our location; 18 miles off the interstate, no railroad, some road improvements, we get a little warm in the summer. The bright side is our people, wonderful Taftian’s being Taftian’s. We have available dirt for development; a 10 yr supply of water; we are 500 feet above the valley floor with beautiful vistas and evening breezes; plenty of potential new home development at reasonable prices, and we have wonderful community organizations that make living in Taft a great place to be, as I have said a few times before. I might not be as involved as I used to be, but I can still toot Taft’s horn whenever I get the chance. You should too, especially on social media. There is always better ways to improve your lot in life; you can start by being a part of the community and not being a gripper.

Livin’ the dream !!

Midway-Sunset Adventures

By Dick Beckett dickbeckett@midwaysunsetadventures.com Grand and Wondrous Adventures are heading directly into your neighborhood, and all you have to do to enjoy the arriving excitement is keep a steady hand on your life’s tiller so you won’t be washed away onto the jagged rocks of disappointment and despair by the unexpected flood of surprising, mysterious events. Or in less dramatic, loquacious, and more understandable terms, “Stay Focused, Good Times Are Coming!” or better yet, “Get a Job! Bloom Where You’re Planted!”

When we got here, way back in ’54, Dad had chosen Randsburg as our launching pad into the grand Californian experience. He was the only English, Math, and Business teacher at Randsburg High, and I was the only student in the third grade. Some say I was the dumbest cluck in the third grade; I say just maybe I was the class valedictorian.

Randsburg was less of a town then as it is now due to the influx of the off-road motorcycling crowd, but even today it’s still not much of a town. In ’54 there was a struggling tungsten mine providing a living for a couple of families, a sweet, little old lady who had acquired ownership of most of “downtown”, a nice family that ran the general store/Post Office, a few desert-rat hermits, and the Becketts.

Mrs. Jewel, that sweet, little old lady rented us the Methodist Church parsonage, as there wasn’t a Methodist minister anywhere close by. Rent was kept low on the condition that Dad would be Sunday School Superintendent, and as I recall, he also preached quite a few of the Sunday Service sermons.

Sunday Service was made known to all of Randsburg and the surrounding hills by the ringing of the church bell. High in the church steeple was a fine, old brass bell with the attached rope for ringing hanging just inside the front door, and my little brother and I were in charge of sounding the “call to worship”. Mom was in charge of stopping the “call to worship”.

Being class valedictorian was no simple task, and Mom, always so proud of her little flock, gave me as much encouragement as she could muster, (boy could she muster, Buster). Whenever I was seated at the dinning room table supposedly doing third grade homework, her continued inspirational message sang out, “Work, Dick, Work!!”

This phrase became a family mantra, which is to say, all of my siblings got a whole lot of pleasure out of hounding me with “Work, Dick, Work” whenever they could, appropriately or not.

Decades later, while wandering around Morro Bay looking for Work, Dick, Work, I spotted activity at the Criddle House. The Red brothers were remodeling that impressive old house, (which, by the way, was made entirely out of Morro Rock), into a fine dinning destination.

When I stuck my head inside and asked if they needed any help, I was handed a shovel and directed to the 4X5 foot hole in the floorboards in what had been the living room. My mission, should I accept it, was to dig a 10X10 foot wine cellar eight feet into the Morro Bay clay. After two difficult, backbreaking weeks, the wine cellar was ready for flooring, walls and racks. The trapdoor entrance sat directly behind the bar, and patrons all got a kick watching the bartender descend out of sight for their preferred bottle.

With remodeling completed, it was time for the grand opening of Criddle House. Still needing an income, I was offered a job on the wait staff. The old guy that broke me in explained that serving expensive dinners was, in fact, “Show Bizz”.

“Folks will spend as much for dinner here as a week’s worth of groceries cost. They expect to have a good time, and you’re part of that good time!”

Somebody STOP ME!! I was considering a career as a stand up comic after a few weeks of delivering dinner!

But as it happened, on one of those heady, comedic days, I got a phone call from the Veteran’s Administration: “Mr. Beckett? Yes, due to your service-connected disability, your Government wants to rehabilitate you. We want to send you to the school of your choice, paying all tuition costs and still provide your GI Bill school allotment.”

“Well, Hot-Diggidy-Dog! This is the call I’ve been waiting for! I want to go to Stanford, and I want to be a doctor!”

“Uh, Sorry Sir. What we meant was any trade school.”

Six months later I returned to Taft to get a little practical experience as a certified welder before heading out on my planned Alaskan adventure. My first gig was at a local company that cut perforations in the casing for freshly drilled wells. I was able to make a pretty decent extension of the receiving rack that pivoted into place as the just perforated 8” pipe was rolled out of the machine shop.

Being thus far pleased with my welding skills, the boss next sent me out to the scrape pile to fabricate a base for a large portable compressor he was hoping to rent out. There were a couple of yard hands in the scrape yard, hillbillys for sure, attending some other chore and they said, “Hey Deeuck, we sure’d laak to learnt to weld! Spose y’all could teach us?”

After Darryl and his brother Darryl made a couple of disastrous passes of the welding rod and made a complete mess of my project, the boss walked around the corner, took one look at the pathetic attempt at laying a precise welded bead and stomped back to his office. The next morning an old drunk was hiding a pint of Southern Comfort in the side box of “my” welding truck.

“Hey! Get that out of there!” I hollered!

“You Dick? The boss wants to see you in his office!” replied the old drunk.

Three days later I was a sworn Peace Officer with the Taft Police Department.

The Taft Independent

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Taft College Announces the Class of 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

The Taft Independent

Taft Library Thanks Community for Donations

The Taft Branch Library staff would like to thank the many local donors who made monTaft College is excited to share the Class of etary donations, gifts of Reading incentives, services, or prizes to make our 2019 “It’s Showtime 2019 Hall of Fame inductees! The TC Hall at your Library” SRC a success! The generosity of Fame recognizes individuals who have had and support of our local businesses was amazing a major impact on the College and awardees and greatly appreciated! may be chosen from former students, teams, 7-Eleven coaches, administrators, faculty, staff and comAcme Jewelry munity members who have excelled through Taft Albertsons competition, made a difference in the lives of Asian Experience our students or been strong supporters of Taft Bakersfield Escape Room College.

The Bank Sports Lounge All nominees were distinguished and well quali- Berry Petroleum fied with significant contributions to Taft ColBlack Gold Brewing Company lege. Biographical information for the Class of Buena Vista Golf Course 2019 Hall of Fame inductees will be available on Chipotle Cindy’s Hair Affair the Taft College website. The 2019 Inductees Cooper’s True Value are: Countryside Carwash

Outstanding Team – 1966 Football Driller Printer Team Fastrip (Kern St)

Outstanding Coach – Tom Harrell Fertile Earth Nursery

Distinguished Alumni – Dante Scarnec- Flight Fit n Fun chia Friendly Antiques

Distinguished Classified/Management – Hey girl, Go fly Boutique Debbie Hegeman Jack’s Flower Shop

Outstanding Male Athlete – Otis Smith Jane’s Front Door Decor

Extraordinary Service – Patricia Bench Jo’s Restaurant Kern Raceway Taft College invites you to celebrate and honor La Salsa Restaurant the many accomplishments of the inductees Little Caesars Pizza with us! The Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony McDonalds will take place on Sunday, November 17, 2019, Mi Casita Restaurant at OT’s Cookhouse in Taft. The awards recepMotor City Buick/GMC tion will begin at 5:00 pm, and the program at Olds Cool Antiques and more 6:00 pm. Ticket price is $75, and the deadline to OT Cookhouse purchase a ticket is Friday, November 1st. After Paint the Town the deadline, tickets will be available on a space Pizza Factory available basis only.

Poppy’s Melting Pot

Fundraiser for Cindy Schaffer Mark your calendars folks for Sunday, August 25th! Volunters will be out in full force to show support and raise money for Cindy Shaffer who recently suffered a stroke. She has been a strong supporter of community and everyone in it. Please show her what this small community full of wonderful people can do when someone so special is down.

Roots Eatery Route 33 Sandwich Company The Same Place Cafe Sears Hometown Store Shaw’s Western State Farm (Julie Franks) Taft Fox Theater Taft Kiwanis Taft Nails Valley Children’s Ice Center Westside Furniture Westside Rec and Park District Wonderful Company Yogolicious

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

ADVANCED FUNERAL PLANNING, CEMETERY, CREMATION, MONUMENTS, and BURIAL needs.

Angie continues to conduct BURIALS in TAFT. Call Angie at (661) 834-8820 or email her at AngelaM@greenlawnm-c.com CA Life Insurance Agent #A91908 Northeast: (661) 324-9701 Southeast: (661) 834-8820 Online: www.GreenlawnM-C.com

Greenlawn Southwest FD# 1347, Greenlawn River Blvd. FD#779 2017 Greenlawn FH. A Friend of the Family is a trademark of Dan Katz, Inc.

The Taft Independent

New Oil Drilling Halted in Carrizo Plain National Monument

by Rebecca August The California Bureau of Land Management has agreed with conservation groups that plans for a new oil well and pipeline in Carrizo Plain National Monument failed to comply with federal environmental laws. The July 12 decision, announced today, said the local BLM office must consider potential harm to California condors, other imperiled wildlife, and the climate.

The decision sends the BLM’s environmental review back to the agency’s Bakersfield Field Office for a new analysis, including a consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of California’s iconic landscapes and we’re relieved that the BLM will reconsider its decision to allow a new oil well and pipeline on this treasured landscape,” said ForestWatch Executive Director Jeff Kuyper.

Los Padres ForestWatch and the Center for Biological Diversity appealed the project’s approval in April 2018. It would have been the first well approved by the Interior Department in the monument since it was established in 2001.

“We’re thrilled the California BLM now recognizes that new oil wells can’t be allowed in Carrizo Plain without analysis of their contribution to the climate crisis,” said Lisa Belenky, a senior attorney at the Center. “The earlier decision would have undermined this spectacular national monument’s conservation purpose and threatened rare wildlife like the California condor. The Trump administration can’t be allowed to keep expanding oil and gas drilling in the face of climate change. We need to keep dirty fossil fuels in the ground and turn to renewable energy sources.”

The BLM’s California deputy director found that the agency’s Bakersfield Field Office approved the project without analysis to show the decision would not harm threatened and endangered wildlife. The field office also failed to consider the greenhouse gas emissions and effect on climate from the oil well project.

The proposed well site was located at the base of the Caliente Mountains along the western boundary of Carrizo Plain National Monument. The area is home to several protected species, including the threatened San Joaquin antelope squirrel, the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, and a threatened flowering plant called the Kern mallow.

Endangered California condors also visit this area with increasing frequency as the birds continue to expand into their historic range.

The oil well would have been drilled on an existing oil pad that hasn’t produced oil since the 1950s. Two years ago, the BLM approved the oil company’s request to formally abandon the pad and remove an old well, pipelines and other equipment from the site. The company also pledged to recontour and reseed the pad and a half-mile access road leading to it, restoring the area to natural conditions.

The work was never done.

Existing oil leases were “grandfathered” in under the monument proclamation signed by President Bill Clinton in 2001 but must now comply with more stringent standards. The new well would have been drilled in the Russell Ranch Oil Field, which covers approximately 1,500 acres of the monument and adjacent private land. In 2016 the field produced only 125 barrels of oil per day - 0.02 percent of the state’s total oil production - making it one of the lowest-producing oilfields in the state. The field is reportedly nearing the end of its useful life.

Recipe Corner

By Brenda Collins This is a light and refreshing dressing for any summer salad and who doesn’t like lemons? I love lemon zested over scallops, (another recipe), asparagus, or any lemon dessert.

I have been “off ” with a knee replacement. It has been a month and with a fine knee surgeon, Dr. Said with Southern Calirornia Orthopedic Institute, and post op therapy with Bruce Takii, I have done well. Still have some pain, but NO GRINDING PAIN. Wow, that really got to me.

Once around Albertson and I was done for. The knee pain was so intense, I couldn’t get off my feet fast enough. But, I kept holding out for the regular grocery carts and not the riding ones. (My pride, you know) I now can shop, for a time, with very little pain. I am looking forward to the day when I can really do ladies shopping, Macy’s, Kohl’s, etc.Girl stuff.

Washer and dryer doing fine. Although the newer models are taking some getting used to. The lids “lock” will operating. No longer allowing you to take a sneak to see how things are going and the auto sensor for water fill takes forever. Some loads take 1 hour and 30 min. to do? However, the tub size is enormous and allows you to do a weeks worth of laundry at one time, that is if you don’t sort or use bleach. Again, your preference.

I am sick of the heat. My poor little outside cat is trying to cope as best he can. He is still very feral, after 10 years? I keep the patio fan on, turn the sprinklers on in the garden area to cool things down and keep his water dish full of clean water. I also keep a bucket of water in the front yard for the strays that come and go. Hey, I am only one man!

Not like my dear friend, Sally Steinhoffer, who tries to feed up to 10 stray cats a day and puts ice in their water to try and keep them cool. She really is a true animal lover and a cat’s best friend!

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a trip to somewhere besides a doctor’s office. It has been over 2 years since we have gone anywhere. It is still a good feeling to come into town after a day fighting traffic and poor parking in Bakersfield. Wow, that place has gotten crazy.

I still can’t figure out why more people that work here don’t live here. I spoke with 3 ladies yesterday that all work here and live in Bakersfield and don’t even car pool? I mentioned the price of gas and their eyes rolled. It really hits the pocket book hard.

Still, I wonder why they don’t move. One lady said it was because her house in Bakersfield was paid for. I told her she could sell it, pay cash for one here and bank the extra money? I don’t think she was getting the big picture. The big thing they did mention, all three of them, was the lack of a hospital. That is a huge thing.

I am running out of salad ideas for Ed. He is not allowed to eat lettuce, spinach or greens because of the vitamin K. It interferes with his medicine.

I have made the Tomato Aspic, Marinated White Beans, and Coke Salad. I guess next will be a Pasta salad? And summer is a cool salad must for meals.

We have had lots of watermelon, also. We cut up an entire melon in cubes and store in a large covered container in the fridge. Then just help yourself to a bowl full whenever you get the urge for a cool treat.

My daughter-in-law turned me on to this method of storing watermelon. They take a lot of cool things like this in their lunches.

My grandson, Mark Jr., who lives in Illinois, called me last week. It was 85 degrees and 88% humidity? He said it was awful! So, our heat isn’t so bad.

Actually, if you can find shade, the summer breezes keep things tolerable. I do feel sorry for all the men or women that have to work in the heat. I try to catch my mailman and offer a cold Pepsi when I can.

OK, cool water for cats and Pepsi’s for mailmen, I’m trying. I’m too old to open a cold drink stand on the corner!

It is so hot we have been skipping breakfast completely and instead I fix a meal around 1or 2 in the afternoon. Then we snack in the evening. Not the healthiest, but it works for us. Our appetites are not what they used to be anyway. Today I am making Reba Stoner’s Chili Relleno cassarole. It is one dish and so good. You can add a salad for a real meal, but I already have 2 in the fridge, so that is that. I did the Chili Relleno cassarole in the paper a long time ago. If you want me to email it to you, just send me your request @ bgcollins@bak.rr.com.

Try the vinegrette on your favorite salad greens and enjoy a light summer meal.

Enjoy!

LEMON VINAIGRETTE 1/3 C. extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp. finely shredded lemon peel (I use my lemon zester, works perfect) ¼ C. lemon juice 1 tbsp. fresh or dried tarragon 1 tbsp honey (may be omitted if you prefer less sweet dressing) 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ¼ tsp. salt 1/8 tsp ground black pepper Sprinkle with toasted walnuts. Optional.

Shake well. Makes 2/3 C dressing. Keep refrigerated.

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

The Taft Independent

Black Gold Brewing Company

25 Hill

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

Light Ale

Visit our brewery and restaurant

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

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

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Craft Beer Made Here

Real Estate Services Laura Vega DRE 01942324

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

The Taft Independent

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Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Jeff Miller • Kathy Devine

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

Revival Worship Center “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

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

9

Gateway Temple

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

630 North St.

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

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

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

ALL are WELCOME Come as you are!

For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722

“Connecting Lives” 308 Harrison Street 765-4572

.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m. www.standrewstaft.org 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

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

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

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

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Taft First Assembly

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

PASTOR ELMER MOODY

631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30

New Hope Temple Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m.

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

Maricopa Community Church

Community Christian Fellowship

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

Church Ads

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

$40 Per Month 623-4296

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

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

Sunday Morning 8:30 English 11:00 Español

Mass Schedule

Tuesday - Friday Evenings 7:00

10

The Taft Independent

Classifieds

Ken Shugarts

Air Conditioning & Heating

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for Classified $2.00 per off up to 5 lines,Ads andare $7 per issue forline. up toPhone, 10 lines.fax, Yardmail Sale or adsdrop are free. your adfax, tomail the or Taft Independent.

Phone, drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Deadline for submission is Wednesdays at Noon.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5.

Boxed adsCar, aretruck $5 or additional.

E-mail us $5 (orper bring Photo Ads. house for sale ads are week,toor our $10 office) a photo ofus your home, car,office) truckaor motorcycle and with a photo.

Email (or bring to our photo of your home, we’ll do the rest. car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Saleads ads are $3 isfor 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified deadline now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesdays at Noon.

Phone: 765-6550

Room for rent.

(661) 577-5247.

All house privileges, 1/3 utilities. Avail. now.

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

611 South Street.

Sat and Sun. 7am.

FOR SALE

For Sale New 70CC Gas Powered Bicycle $650. Craftsman Riding Lawnmower Use Twice. Call 3431709 FOR SALE 32” X 79” AND 36” X 79” HOUSE DOORS. $25 EA. Exercise Bike $20. 2 Lawn Mowers $20.

Need Repair.

Craftsman aior compressor - still in the box $60.

Table Saw $40.

Welding Wire $40.

Pallets 33 $2.00 ea.

Laurie (661) 6230126.

HELP WANTED

Driver Wanted.

Starting $14/hr, benefits package included. Preemployment

physical and drug screen req.

A or B license req. Must apply in person at 274 E. Cedar St., Taft.

HOMES FOR SALE

Visit Us Online

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete

on Facebook

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

To Advertise Call

30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

APT. FOR RENT

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Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl.

661.765-7674.

420 Finley Dr.

623-4296

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

For

Preserving for the Future

Affordable Advertising

Rentals Real Estate

Condo for Rent.

House for Sale. 312 Calvin. 1 2010 New 2bd. bedroom, 1 bath. and 2 bath 661-203-6467. house. $170,000 (661) 623-0126.

HOMES FOR RENT

(661) 769-6469 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY

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

EXPERIENCED VACCUUM TRUCK DRIVERS AND GUZZLER OPERATORS NEEDED We have immediate openings for full-time drivers.

Successful applicants will have oilfield experience and be safety conscious. All applicants must have a Class A CDL (Class B for Guzzler), Passport card, a clean DMV and must be able to pass a DOT background, drug screen and fit for duty test.

AES offers competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, paid vacation and 401k match.

Apply in person at 814 Center Street, Taft or contact Human Resources at 661-765-4003 ext. 306

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed bids will be received in the office of the West Side Recreation and Park District, 500 Cascade Place, Taft, Ca. 93268, until 3:00 p.m.

Thursday July 18, 2019 on surplus property of said District. Property may be viewed at the Recreation Center, 500 Cascade Place, Bldg. D, Taft, Ca. All items must be accepted in an “as is” condition. No warranties or liability is offered or implied. The District reserves the right to reject all bids or bids deemed not advantageous to the District and to waive any irregularity in any bid received. Winning bidders will be notified by Friday, July 19, 2019 and must take possession of property by Thursday, July 25, 2019. Bids will be executed by the tendering of cash for said bid at the District business office, 500 Cascade Place, Taft, Ca. by 5:00 pm Thursday, July 25, 2019.

Bid items may be viewed at the Recreation Center, 500 Cascade Place, Bldg. D, Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, July 12, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A complete list of items is available on our website: www.wsrpd.com

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 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM

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

11

The Taft Independent

Welcome To Black Gold Brewing Company

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

Craft Beer Brewery and Restaurant Genuine Thai Food Grilled Steaks Pub Burgers and Fish & Chips 7am to 2 pm & 5pm to 8pm Monday - Saturday A Veteran Owned and Operated Small Business Taft’s Original Beer Brewery and Restaurant 508 Center Street Historic Downtown Taft (661) 765-6556 See our full menu on Facebook