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September 18-24, 2009 • Volume 4 Issue 12www.Taftindependent.com

FREEWeeklyThe Taft

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

[email protected]

Taft Community Gardens Plant’s for the Future

Immaculate Conception Church Fiesta in New Cuyama

Colston Family Donates “A” Street Park to Westside Recreation Center

Oil Museum, Taft Community Yard Sale This Weekend

Al BaldockDecember 17, 1929 - September 14, 2009

Photo by Dennis McCall

Taft’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper!visit our website and see the independent on-line exactly as you see it in print at www.taftindependent.com See our website videos too!

TUHS FFA Attends Washington Conference

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT September 18, 2009

Email us your Favorite Pictures Your Organizations Events for Community Calendar

Yor Letter to the Editoremail to:

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Taft Union High School NewsTaft High FFA Students Attend Washington D.C. Conference

Articles by James Carnal Six students from the Taft High Future Farmers of America attended the Washington Leadership Conference conducted by the National FFA in Washington D.C. June 15-21. The conference provided leadership training combined with visits to many national monuments and participation in a community service project. The students, led by adviser Teresa Taylor,visited the White House; the monuments of presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt; memorials of the Civil War, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam; and, the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. The students witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after visiting the Eternal Flame at President Kennedy’s grave. They listened to gunshot salutes during several burial services. They toured the Space Shuttle Endeavor Memorial, and other sites dedicated to the men and women who served America. As the community service project, the students spent a day repairing fences, cleaning trash from the Potomac River, planting fruit trees, and mucking out the barns at Oxon Cove Park, Maryland. The park is a farm that has been preserved in its colonial state to educate visitors of the importance of agriculture in the development of America.

Back to School Special

403 Center Street (661)765-1717

For those Moms who were home all summer

we are having a back

to school special. Sign up for a year membership by the end of September and receive two months

free!

Ultimate Lady

The students toured the office of Congressman Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, and had their picture taken with him. The students, Patrick Wilke, Thomas Grauer, Tayler Smith-Gregory, Cristina Loza, Felipe Xancale and Ruben Villagus-Hernandez, earned the privilege of attending the conference by serving in leadership roles in the local Taft FFA chapter. The trip was funded by an agriculture incentive grant to the Taft FFA agriculture program.

TUHS Homecoming Week If your high school student is dressed like a pirate or a ghost next week, September 21-25, don’t be worried. It’s just a dress-up day at Taft Union High School as part of Homecoming Week, September 21-25. Monday is tourist day, Tuesday is New Orleans (pirates or ghosts), Wednesday is blue and gold adventure day, Thursday is culture day/It’s a small world and Friday is Disney characters day. Monday will feature Tough Guy Volleyball at 6 p.m. in Mullen Gym. Admission costs $1. Wednesday is the annual Powder Puff football game at 7 p.m. in Martin Memorial Stadium. Admission costs $1. The Great Race between seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen and staff will be held during lunch Tuesday. All-4-Fun with its flow-up toys will be on campus Thursday for an extended lunch. Friday, October 24, is the grand finale of homecoming week with the junior varsity football team hosting Coalinga at 5 p.m. and the varsity team playing at 7:30 p.m. The homecoming queen and king will be crowned between games at 7 p.m. Queen candidates are: Julie Campos, Cicely Evans, Kathy Lopez, Katie Swope and Megan Thompson. King candidates are: Blake Emberson, Eric Foch, Cory Kidd, Hunter Liljeroos and Buddha Savaii.The homecoming dance will be held in the school cafeteria after the game.

Taft High Alumni Band Performing During Homecoming

The Taft Union High School alumni band will perform with the high school band in the stands during the varsity homecoming game against the Coalinga Horned Toads on Friday, Sept. 25. The reunion band formed last year at Homecoming and is back for a repeat performance. Interested community members, alumni and staff members should contact high school counselor Mike McCormick, a trumpeter, or band director Amanda Posey, a percussionist, at 763-2300, to find out about practicing and to obtain the music.

TUHS Varsity Baseball Wins Academic Championship The 2009 Taft Union High School varsity baseball team was a hit in the classroom as well as on the field. The team won a Valley academic championship when the Taft ballplayers earned an average 3.40 grade point average to top all other baseball teams in Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno and Madera counties. They joined the 2008 TUHS volleyball team in earning the scholar-athlete honors. The academic championships are won by besting all schools in the Valley in each given sport, not just Division IV schools. The baseball team also excelled on the field, tying with Bakersfield Christian for the South Sequoia League championship. In the play-offs, Taft beat the No. 3 seed, Central Valley Christian, and made it all the way to the semifinals before losing to the eventual Valley champions, Washington Union, a team that was rated No. 1 in the state in Division IV. “It took the No. 1 rated team in California to stop us from reaching the goal of Valley champions, however we had even more success off the field in the academic area,” head coach Dave Robertson said.

Cristina Loza, Patrick Wilke, Felipe Xancale, Tayler Smith-Gregory, Ruben Villagus-Hernandez and Thomas Grauer pose with Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) in Washington DC.

“We are even more proud of the academic championship. After all, as educators we constantly enforce the philosophy to our student-athletes that academics should come first and are much more relevant in the long run than on-the-field accomplishments. This is a highly prestigious award and an amazing achievement for our students.” In the Valley academic competition, Taft’s 2009 softball team barely finished second to Riverdale’s softball team, 3.31 to 3.29 gpa. The 2009 Taft boys golf team was fifth with a 3.21 behind Frontier 3.52, Tulare Western 3.28, Lemoore 3.23 and Redwood 3.21. Taft’s girls swimming team was ninth with a 3.36 gpa and boys swimming was 13th with a 3.02.

Chevron Donates $10,000 to TUHS for 40 Netbooks

Chevron has donated $10,000 to Taft Union High School to purchase 40 netbooks (mini-laptops) for use by seniors in the AVID program. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) provides instruction and framework for students to succeed in college. Chevron paid for the pilot program because the company “generally invests in communities where we have operations. Taft is a perfect fit,” explained Adam A. Alvidrez, Chevron public affairs representative. Maria Martinez said she is glad to have the additional technology because she does not have the “internet at home. This will help when we all research a university, which we do every year. I researched Fresno State and Azusa Pacific. I’ll probably attend TC and then CSUB.” If the program is a success, it may go school wide, Alvidrez said. “We want students to succeed” so they are better prepared to enter the job market, he said. “This is getting students used to technology and the evolving landscape. We hope to see positive outcomes down the road. We (Chevron) are proud to be a partner in education.” “This is creating access for our kids, bridging the digital divide,” Superintendent/Principal Mark Richardson added. “We want to keep our students technologically literate,” he stressed. An exit survey of the Class of 2009 showed that two-thirds of graduates said they had a strong foundation in technology, a quarter described it as “good,” 8 percent as “average” and no students said it was below average. A few years ago a laptop cost $1,800. Now the netbooks are down to around $300, he said. Students are responsible for the Netbooks, just like a library book.

Senior Discount 10% Off

Men Welcome

Proudly displaying their new netbooks are: AVID instructor Debroah Popejoy with student Jared Miller, Chevron public affairs representative Adam Alvidrez, students Rebecca Laureles, Lio Maino, Maria Martinez, Stewart Bandy and Kathleen Lopez, and Superintendent/Principal Mark Richardson.

Photo by Denise Stockton

September 18, 2009 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Calendar...........................3

News Briefs......................3

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

Coach Al Baldock...........5

Westside Community

Yard Sale Map.................7

News Briefs......................8

Westside Horoscopes.....9

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

Inside Community Events

The Taft Independent

210 6th StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

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 3,250 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 cop-ies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Inde-pendent are copyrighted by the Taft Indepen-dent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

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

Subscriptions. Subscription home or mail de-livery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 per year. To sub-scribe to please call 765-6550.

LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR.Send us your letter to Taft Independent at the above address. Limit it to 300 words and in-clude your name, address, and phone number. Fax: (661) 765-6556. Email your letter to: [email protected].

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Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

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Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

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Contributing Writers Kayleigh O’Neal, Nikki Krisher

Justina Washington Wesley Morris, Jessy McCulloch, Charlie

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Circulation ManagerJobe Edgar

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association Printed in California

News Briefs

Taft Community Gardens Volunteer Day Saturday September 19

Taft Community Gardens will hold a volunteer work day on Saturday, September 19th from 7:30 am to noon to put up fencing, lay underground irrigation pipe and conduct other enhancements to the 9th Street Community Garden. Volunteers are welcome to help out. For info call 770-7202.

Westside Humane Society Car and Dog Wash Saturday September 19

The Westside Humane Society will hold a dog and car wash in the Taft Crude Coffee House parking lot at 1010 6th Street from 7:30 a.m. to Noon. Proceeds benefit the WHS Spay and Neuter Fund and Youth Scholarship Fund.

Funeral Services for Former Taft College Football Coach Al Baldock Monday September 21st 10 a.m. at Westside Believers Church

Funeral Services will be held for former Taft College Football Coach Al Baldock on Monday, September 21st at 10 a.m. at the Westside Believers Church. Following interment at the Westside Cemetery District, Taft College will hold a reception in the campus gymnasium. The public is invited.

Kern County Fair September 23rd- October 4th

The Great Kern County Fair will run from September 23rd through October 4th with this years theme “Best in the West.”

Needs Center Open House Thursday, September 24th

The Needs Center will be holding an Open House on September 24th from 6 to 8 p.m. at their new location at 812 Main Street. Stop by and see what the Needs Center does for your community and how you can become a volunteer.

Marketplace at Peace Saturday, October 3rd

The Marketplace at Peace will be held on Saturday, October 3. Bake Sale, lunch, pie and ice cream, crafts, yard sales, whatever... Table are for rent for $10. Please call to reserve your table and for more information at 765-2488 or 765-6248 26 Emmons Park Drive. 8 am to 1:30 p.m.

Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala Saturday, October 10th

Mark your calendars for the Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala Saturday, October 10th at the Historic Fort. Raffle tickets for a $500 Costco Shopping Spree are on sale now, and available at Taft Chamber for $5 each. The theme this year will be “Mardi Gras.” Gala tickets are $60 per person and will include authentic Cajun cuisine, entertainment and more. Tickets can be purchased through the Taft Chamber of Commerce at 400 Kern Street or call 765-2165.

The West Kern Oil Museum Boom Town Days and BBQ October 17th

The West Kern Oil Museum will be holding their annual Boom Town Days and BBQ on October 17th from 9:00am-3:00pm at The Oil Museum located at 1168 Wood Street. Admission is Free and a BBQ lunch will be available at 11:30 am for $10. Music by “Forever Surf ” Small Gas Engine Show and arrowhead making demo. For more info contact the Museum at 765-6664

Bee There! Corporate Challenge Spelling Bee for Literacy Thursday October 22 Hosted by the Taft College Friends of the Library

The Taft College Friends of the Library will host a Corporate Challenge Spelling Bee for Literacy on Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln School Auditorium.Teams of adults will compete for trophies in a funky fund raiser that puts books in the hands of local kids! The “Bee for Literacy” is sponsored by Friends of Taft College Library.Here’s how you can participate in the Spelling Bee for Literacy: Join a team of 3 adults ($100 entry fee per team), Donate a door prize ($25+ value, Donate a raffle item ($10+ value), Donate cash (any value), Bee an audience member($3 each or $5 for two, at the door) ($2 for ages 0-12 and 55+). For more information contact Mimi Collins at [email protected].

Paik’s Ranch HouseBox Lunches To Go

$4.99

Pick up your box lunch between 11am and 1pmMonday through Friday

Daily Specials

Veal Cutlet • Teriyaki Chicken • BBQ Pork Chop • Lemon Chicken • Orange Chicken • Meat Loaf and More

200 Kern Street(661)765-6915

6 different specials served daily

Taft California“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Delivery available with charge.

Assemblywoman Jean Fuller spoke at the Taft Chamber of Commerce Breakfast meeting on Wednesday on Water and Prisioner Release issues at Joe’s Historic Restaurant. Jean is seen here with Taft City Schools Superintendent Adolph Wirth (right) and Maricopa Unified School District Superintendent and Principal Terry Wolfe.

Assemblywoman Jean Fuller in Taft Wednesday

Independent Attorney Focuses Investigation on Taft City Manager Contract AuthorityBy Michael Long

The Taft City Council has hired independent attorney Michael Jenkins to look into Taft City Manager Bob Gorson’s contracting authority and a personal loan made by Gorson to Thompson. Gorson, who is on vacation in Lake Tahoe, told the Independent regarding his contracting authority that the council knows he would never knowingly violate any city ordinances, and contends that he has the authority to make such decisions. “For the record, the full council, with the exception of Councilman Cliff Thompson, knows that I would never intentionally violate an ordinance of the city,” Gorson said. Councilman Paul Linder agreed with Gorson and said if Gorson did anything, he did not knowingly violate any ordinances. "No one thought any policies were ever violated," Linder said. "I don't belive that any of it was covert. Mr. Gorson was doing what he needed to do with the direction of the council to build his staff," Linder said. According to public records, Gorson gave Thomspon $200,000 for an investment in Ford City real estate in 2007. Thompson filed bankruptcy with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in July this year. Thompson has been increasingly critical of Gorson in public and private since Thompson quit making interest payments to Gorson on the loan. Earlier this month, the city council stripped Thompson of all his council committee assignments, and removed him as the city representative to LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) and KernCOG (Kern County Association of Governments). According to sources close to City Hall, Thompson is pressing for a Grand Jury investigation into whether Gorson’s hiring of city staff and giving raises without council approval is a violation of the law. Some sources have hinted that Thompson’s actions are retaliation against Gorson for the public disclosure of the loan. Thompson did not disclose the loan, which is required by law, until June of 2009, more than a year after the fact. Thompson characterizes the $200,000 loan as a joint venture, which would not be a violation of state law. Taft Mayor Dave Noerr said that the Council will meet on September 30th in a public open meeting to hear a report from Jenkins on the contract issue, and “other issues yet to be finalized.”


Editorial

Westside Watcher

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wed, Fri. 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pmSaturday 4 pm - 9 pm

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pmDinner by Reservation

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 1 pm

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Quote of the Week:

“Obviously, everyone reads the Taft Independent...” - Councilman Cliff Thompson at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.Saturday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Live Music Saturday Nights

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pmSaturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm

Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. Sat. 6 am-9pmSun. Wed. Fri. 6 am - 10pm765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

Hot Stone PizzaPizza, Subs, Ice Cream

Family ArcadeSunday-Thursday 11am-10pm

Friday and Saturday 11am-11pmLunch Buffet Monday-Friday

11am-2pm407 Finley Dr.

765-6424

Cali’s Restaurant

101 B Street 765-7610Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri

10:30am to 9pmClosed Tuesday

Breakfast Served Sat. and Sun. 7:00am to 10:30am

Always Fresh!

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 2;30pmDine In or We Deliver

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside EntertainmentChilled & GrilledEvery Wednesday Night

Bike Night!Drink and Appetizer Specials from 7-9pm.

765-2000621 Center Street

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

FOXTHEATER

All shows before 6 p.m.- $7.00 -

Late ShowChild and Senior $7.00

Adults $9.00www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St

NOW SHOWING

-Gamer-The Time Traveler’s Wife-GI Joe:The Rise of Cobra

The Place“The Place to Go in

Ventucopa”OPEN 7 Days

Friday and Saturday Nights

Ribeye Oak BBQ and Sweetbreads

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerEverything Homemade

766-26604414 Highway 33

Ventucopa

Taft Crude Coffe House

Full ServiceCoffe House

Fresh Sandwiches763-5156

1010 6th Street

Asian Experience RestaurantAsian FoodLive Music

Friday Nights

763-1815215 Center Street

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

The Burger Barn

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Monday - Thursday 7am - 7:30pm

Friday 7am - 8 pm

Sat. - Sun 8am-8pm

(661) 766-2466

4905 Perkins Rd.New Cuyama, Ca

93254

Keeping Up Appearances

Well, the city council meeting was anything but boring this week, and as expected the Spif Man did not let us down. It was a short meeting by most standards, but Cliff made a great speech and everyone got an earful, including yours truly, about how the good old Indy is misleading readers, how difficult it is being on the city council, how he makes $300 dollars a month for being there (the Watcher said he made a $100 or so and he ragged us for lying), and he even showed us one of his city council pay stubs to prove it. Poor Cliffy, no one seems to understand him. Well, City Manager Bob Gorson knows the Spif Man really good. They use to be really good friends, so good that Thompson was able to con Mr. Gorson out of $200,000 large. So, with the Cliff man no good turn goes unpunished, as Mr. Gorson soon found out. Cliff has filed bankruptcy and quit paying Mr. Gorson, Mr. Roger Young (who he borrowed $90,000 from), Mr. American Express and other spurned contributors to Mr. Thompson’s quality of life. In his classic style, Cliff has turned on these generous folks and blamed them for his own self-inflicted failings. To get even with Mr. Gorson, the honorable councilman is attempting to change the public dialogue about his utter failure as a businessman (the failed loan, his bankruptcy and other problems at city hall that are beginning to surface). Cliff has decided that Mr. Gorson should not be able to hire city staff or give them raises without city council approval (to do the job the council hired him to do), and has complained to the Grand Jury saying that Gorson is violating municipal codes. Boy that sounds really serious. Like, if you park your car on your front lawn, instead of the driveway, that’s a municipal code violation. Hey, if you gave me $200,000 grand, I’d be your friend for life. But not Clifford. He’s gonna make you pay for being so nice to him.

Well, all this talk about contacts, hiring and pay raises by Mr. T has forced the council to go out and hire a fancy high priced attorney to see whether Mr. Gorson has violated city codes, and look into the $200,000 loan. But you know Cliff. He always get out in front of any bad news and puts his own spin on it. He assured everyone at the city council meeting that he has already talked to the attorney and the attorney has assured Cliff that he has done nothing wrong concerning the loan. We’ll see. In two weeks, the special attorney is coming to Taft to tell the council whether Mr. Gorson did a bad thing by doing he job the council asked him to do, and maybe how legal Mr. Thompson’s loan scheme is. If you want to get a good laugh, look at the city council video of Mr. Thompson on the Taft Independent website and see him ramble on about how bad the Indy is (and says that everyone reads the Independent), that Mr. Gorson has been indicted by the Kern County Grand Jury, how the city council is a bunch of dirty rotten guys for removing him from all his committee assignments, and LAFCO and KERNCOG (after he asked them to do it), and how difficult it is serving on the council. Poor Cliff Man. The council doesn’t deserve him. He’s always right and they are always wrong. One more thing. Remember that Cliff informed the council that he wanted to be removed from all his committee assignments due to his health. Well the real story is that the entire council was fed up with Mr. Thompson’s embarrassing conduct and decided that they were gonna remove him because of his goofy antics. In damage control mode, Cliffy got in front of the bad news before they removed him, and told everyone the he wanted to be taken off the committees due to his health. You can’t fire me, I quit. Which is it Cliff ? Now, the story is changing back to Cliff Man outrage. Cliff is pissed they removed him and told the city attorney to investigate Randy Miller for telling the Indy that everyone on the council thought Cliffy should go. Unless your from Mettler, everyone knew the axe was falling at that council meeting, including Cliffy. So, in a too stupid to believe statement, Cliff told the city clerk that he wanted to place council reorganization on the agenda for the next meeting so he might be able to get his committee assignments back. Fat Chance that’s gonna happen. Don’t you get it Cliff. You got what was coming to you. Maybe its time to get out now before things get worse.

Taft City Councilman Cliff Thompson Announces Grand Jury Investigation of Taft City ManagerAnnouncement Comes After Disclosure of $200,000 Personal Loan from City Manager to Thompson

by Michael Long

Taft City Councilman Cliff Thompson announced at the Tuesday evening council meeting that City Manager Bob Gorson was being investigated by the Kern County Grand Jury for violations of the Taft Municipal Code. Thompson spoke during council comments and said that Gorson was being investigated for 13 violations of the city municipal code. One councilman told the Independent that Thompson filed the complaint with the Grand Jury because he believed that Gorson was violating the city’s municipal codes by hiring and giving raises to city staff without council approval. The city council has been meeting in closed session to discuss the authority of City Manager Bob Gorson to contract with and give raises to city employees. The council has retained independent attorney Michael Jenkins to review the alledged violations. Gorson said that he has violated no city codes. Thompson was a strong supporter of Gorson when he was first hired as City Manager more than 2 years ago. In 2007, Thompson borrowed $200,000 from Gorson for a real estate investment in Ford City. Thompson stopped making interest payments on the loan last year, and filed for bankruptcy in June of this year. Thompson has since become a vocal critic of Gorson. Thompson told the council that he had discussed the $200,000 real estate deal with investigating attorney Jenkins and that Jenkins agreed with Thompson that the agreement was a joint venture business deal, and not a personal loan which would be a violation of state law. When contacted by the Independent, Jenkins said that he had not come to any conclusions about Gorson’s contracting authority or the real estate transaction, but that he would present a written report to the council on September 30th and answer questions from the council. In his comments, Thompson also criticised the council for removing him from two council committee assignments, and for removing him as the Taft representative to KernCOG and LAFCO. Thompson chastised the council for removing him in his absence, he had missed the meeting due to illness, and asked the city attorney to investigate Councilman Randy Miller for comments Miller made in the Independent concerning the council plans for Thompson’s removal from the committees. Thompson later asked the city clerk to place council reorganization on the next council meeting agenda. Later during the meeting, City Attorney Kathy Gibson fell ill and was taken by ambulance from the meeting. Following the regular meeting, the council was to meet in closed special session to discuss possible legal action against the city. Mayor Dave Noerr cancelled the meeting due to Gibson absence. The next regular meeting of the council is on Tuesday, October 6th at the Taft City Council building at 209 E. 6th Street.

Editors Note: You can view the video of Tuesday’s Taft City Council meeting and Thompson’s council comments in the video section on the right side of our website at www.taftindependent.com.


Taft Union High School Class of 1984

SaturdaySocial Hour 5pm

Taft Petroleum ClubNo-Host BarSemi Formal

SundayFamily BBQ @ A Street Park1pm to 5pm

September 25th- September 27th

For Event Info, details, and cost contact: Crystal Veca ([email protected])

25 Year Reunion!Friday

Homecoming Game @ TUHS

Followed by tailgating party in parking lot

Letters From Former Players in Memory of Coach Al Baldock I played for coach from 1991 to 1993. I love Coach B. I remember when I got to Taft as a freshman from Santa Monica where Coach B had a lot of love at. He didn’t recruit me. I wanted to play for him because my cousin Larry Willis played for him in the early 80’s. A day after hell week returning players got to choose their jersey number first while freshman and newcomers had their number already picked for them. The trainer gave me No. 30 I said I don’t want that number and he said go and talk to the coach about it, so I did. I said coach, “I’m a tailback, not a fullback. He said, “You don’t want this number?” “I said no, he called the trainer and told me to go back and get my new number. When i got to the room the trainer gave me #1, everyone in that room jaw drop to the ground because a freshman ain’t suppose to get #1 unless he got game. Coach told me there is a couple of guys here that are faster than you, but some of them can’t run, block, catch or hit like you, so be proud cause you earned that number. For about a month teammate called me Coach Baldock’s son cause I was from Santa Monica and that’s why I got the No. 1. So I knew I had to be on my game that whole year to gain the respect of my teammates and I did cause I was starting in week 5 in the back field with Stan Johnson and Dino Philyaw and never gave that position up the whole year. Coach believed in me and told me why and I will always love him for that. I will always Love Coach Baldock forever.

DeMarco Gerald Scott1991-1993

This one of the saddest days of my life because we lost a Hero to some and a Dad to others. Coach was a great guy and a humble man which he taught us to be. Coach B took my life to different heights and levels that I

In Memory of Coach Al Baldock

thought I could never reach, he taught the game yes, but he taught us LIFE and how to deal with life struggles. For me the learning of the game was good but the life struggles and how to deal with them is what I will remember and have remembered the most because I had a mother that was on drugs at the time of my signing to play for him and I was one step from joining the military at that time, and he said to me “You have something more to give to this game as the game had to give to you”. And I thought about that one saying for 2 or 3 minutes (crying) and the decision was made right at that point I wanted to play for Coach B. I along with alot of other guys that I played with or knew of whom played for Coach B and they had some stories, stories that the “normal” coaches would run from and he didn’t. He stood firm and worked with You and made those problems seem little because thats the kind of Man’s Man he was. I used to tell Coach B all the time “I am the Man” he would say “no your the Boy playing for the Man”... It used to crack me up and I would always get that little smirk out of him, the other guys would tell me I as crazy talking to Coach that way, it was never nothing negative it was what he taught us and some guys got it and some didn’t. He taught us that as a man, no one is better than you, only what you make them or how much you made them better because at the begining of the day and at the end of the day, we as Men put our pants on the same way one leg at a time and we took them off one leg at a time. Coach B was a GREAT MAN’S MAN and a true student and teacher to the game, not the one U maybe thinking of, but the “GAME OF LIFE” And every player, coach, sports person that knew him would tell U the same. Coach Al Baldock I will love U and miss U always but he still burns in the MAN’S MAN I amtoday.....to His family, my heart goes out to you, God Bless.We are TC!

Ricky Massey, 1990-1991 Atlanta Ga.

Reflections on coaching with Al. A lot of people have asked me why Al was so successful and I think there are several reasons:

by Michael Long and John LaConte

Al Baldock believed in men, and lead them to believe in themselves. He was the Vince Lombardi of college football for a generation in Taft, a natural-born winner that came to the town in the ‘70s and changed a community forever. Baldock came to California in the 1940’s with his mom and younger sister Rovella when he was 11 years old. How they got here is a story of hard times in an early childhood without a father and little money. When he was 11, Al, his sister Rovella and his mom hitchhiked from Texas to Santa Monica, California where they settled down to a life of hard work. Al’s mom supported the family by working for Douglas Aircraft during the war. Al attended Santa Monica High School where he learned to play football under coach Jim Sutherland, who was like a father to him. Often, when times were tough, Sutherland would come by Al’s home and sit on the porch and encourage the young quarterback. As Captain of the Santa Monica High School football team, Al led the team to the CIF Championship in 1947. His early life of tough times, the example of his mother working to support the family on her own, and the encouragement by Coach Sutherland to do his best are no doubt the personal experiences that Coach Baldock relied on to encourage football players during his over 40 year career of football coaching history. Al Baldock was born in Holly, Texas on December 17, 1929 and passed away in Taft on September 14, 2009. He moved to Taft in the late 1950s and after a time out of the area came back to Taft in 1976. A 1954 graduate of the University of Southern California where he earned four letters on the gridiron for the Trojans, Baldock received Collier’s All-American honors in 1950. Baldock began his coaching career in 1951 as a head coach/player for the Ft. Riley, Kansas U.S. Army team. Beginning in 1954, he served coaching stints at Leuzinger High School and Taft College. He coached the Allan Hancock College Bulldogs three seasons, from 1959 through 1961. He went on to coach at College of the Sequoias for seven years. He then moved on to San Diego State University and Los Angeles City College, before returning to Taft College as the head coach for 16 seasons (1976-1991). He was a teacher and coach at many schools including, Allan Hancock, Los Angeles City College, San Diego State, and College of the Sequoias. Besides being the Athletic Director at Taft College he was also the football coach from the mid 1970s through the early 1990s. In 1960 at Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria, head coach Al Baldock, and assistants John Madden and Dick Mannini guided the team to a perfect 10-0 season that culminated in a victory over Riverside City College in the Orange Show Bowl in San Bernardino. A conference championship banner for the 1960 Bulldog football team hangs in the Allan Hancock College basketball gymnasium today. The team was always short of players, and Baldock had to use the players for both offense and defense positions.

by Michael Long and John LaConte

Former Taft College Championship Football Coach Al Baldock

During his 32 years as a head coach, his teams compiled a 257-58-10 record. One of the most successful community college coaches in California football history, Baldock led his squads to 15 conference championships, six state championships and two national titles. In his last 17 seasons as head coach, his teams averaged over 320 yards per game rushing, scored over 6,524 points, and won 84% of their games. He was California Community College Football Coach of the year six times. Under Coach Baldock Taft College won 15 conference titles, six State Championships, four Potato Bowls, and two National Championships. He was named State Coach of the Year six times. Former Taft College football player Andy Baroncelli said that Coach Baldock was a great influence on his life. “Coach Baldock told us we were in control of our own destiny,” Baroncelli said. “He showed us that we could control our destiny and we transformed that into championship status.” Baroncelli said that he had never seen anyone work as hard as Baldock. “Late one evening, about 11 pm, when everyone was sleeping, I saw a light on in the gym,” Baroncelli said. “It was Coach Baldock working in his office. Now I had trained all day and all night and I was tired. He was with us during that time, and I thought, if he can still be working this late, I have to work just as hard as the coach.” Baroncelli is flying from New York to speak at the funeral service on Monday at 10 am. Al Baldock’s death reminds us that we can always turn a 1-8 season into a 10-1 season; a worthy lesson to remember during the tough times we all face in life. The coach is no longer with us, but now that he’s gone we can honor him by being the Al Baldocks of our family and community, and always striving to lift people’s spirits with a wining attitude and an everlasting optimism. Coach Baldock now begins his final and everlasting season, huddling with the creator on the other side.

Special thanks to Bob Brownell who contributed to this article.

Coach Al Baldock (back row, second from left) at Taft College in 1977 with the coaching team.

Continued on Next Page.


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First, he out worked everyone. he was the first in the office, often at 3am, when no one was there to bother him and he was always one of the last to leave, often counseling his players about school or other problems. Second, because his players knew he cared about them. He never cussed on the field, never put down a player in front of other players, and most important he was consistent. He treated players the same way every day, every situation. He respected his players and they in turn respected him. He ran a very disciplined program, and if you did the wrong thing you were punished but Al always left the player with self respect. Third, he had a great football mind, he loved the chess game with opposing coach’s. We had such a different offense then anyone else he had to plan how the opposing team would play us. He would bring me in and tell how they would defense us, and most of the time he was right. He was great at half time adjustments. He would come to me and change four or five plays at the end of the first half and ask me if my linemen could block these. Of course I always said yes hoping we could, then I would run back to my offensive linemen and frantically draw the blocking up on the chalk board. Hey, it worked, Finally, I think he brought to this community a passion and pride that was not seen before or since, with the exception of two years ago when Taft High won the Valley Championship. Football can do that. The very last, I recently talked to some one who said that Al could only do that here at Taft College and I told him to check the record, he did it everywhere. When he coached at Allen Hancock they were 3 and 6 the first year the next year they went 10- 0, and are getting ready to honor that team on the fiftieth anniversary of the only undefeated team they ever had. He was also recently inducted into the College of Sequoias Hall of Fame for what he did while coaching there. Finally, he took an L.A. City College program in the early ‘70’s to the state championship when he was coaching there. There is only one way to describe Al, He was a winner.

Don Bandy, Taft College

From Mike Osthimer:

I played for coach Baldock on the 1979 State Championship team. I started as an outside linebacker and punter. I played my sophomore year at Taft after playing my freshman year at Bakersfield College. I was so saddened to learn of his death. He was by far and away the best coach I have ever known in any sport as his life epitomized the term coach and he was that in every way both on and off the field. Upon learning of his death I sat in my office and cried wishing I could have spoken with him again as it had been years since we last talked though I think of him often. As I sat in my office I said a prayer for his family and I began to think about my memories of coach. He was the type of coach who commanded respect yet he did not demand nor did he ever need too. To know coach Baldock was to respect him for what he said he meant and what he meant he communicated clearly. He was a winner in ways a record could never indicate as his success reached far beyond the gridiron. The true measure of a coach is not in wins and losses but in the lives that he impacts in the spirit of the game. Coach Baldock taught his players what it meant to be a team, what hard work and perseverance could accomplish, and to remember when all was said and done, football was still just a game. Some say a legacy is what you leave behind after you are gone. As a Christian and a pastor of a local Calvary Chapel Church in Bakersfield I have come to know that a true legacy is not what you leave behind for others to carry on but rather what lives on in those you leave behind. Coach Baldock’s legacy to me and what lives on me because of his influence in my life is to strive to be the best you can be, have a goal and pursue it, work hard to accomplish it and play by the rules as you do. Remember there is no “I” in team and you are only as good as your team mates so work together. I always remember coach telling us we could do anything if we believed we could accomplish it and would stick together and fight for it for 60 minutes and not give up as nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough and were willing to pay the price. My most fond memories of coach was how he ran the team. Remember, I played at Bakersfield College my freshman year and I was very nervous about transferring to Taft but after meeting with coach I asked him if he wanted me to send over some film from my high school and if he wanted to see any film from Bakersfield College and he said “no”, I know you will fit just fine into the program here. From day one he instilled confidence in me and when we had our first team meeting coach laid down the law. He said something to the effect, “Taft College football is like a stagecoach. You all are my horses and I am the stagecoach driver. If you pull together and in the direction I tell you to go we will win, if you pull against me, I’ll cut you loose. I don’t care if you are a returning starter or an incoming freshman. Break the rules I set and I will send you home.” He then spent the next 30-45 minutes laying down the rules for the season. I remember how impressed I was walking out of that meeting. I felt like coach Baldock was fair and that if I worked hard I would get a fair chance, something I did not receive playing at Bakersfield College. The very next day I got a first hand experience in what it was like to pull against the direction coach wanted to go. He called me to his coaching office and when I entered the office two of my team mates who I didn’t know as I was a sophomore transfer were sitting in chairs across from coaches desk with tears streaming down their faces. He looked at me and said, “Osty”, you are from Bakersfield. Do you know where the airport is there? I told coach I did and he asked me if I could check out a school vehicle and give these two young men a ride to the airport, as they needed to catch a plane for home. On the drive to Bakersfield not much was said other than these two football players, both returning sophomores, (one was an all league starter from the year before) had confessed to flipping over a Pepsi machine that was located in the dorms because they said it took their money. Obviously, they broke one or more of coach’s rules and true to his word, coach sent them home. Not much needed to be said to the team as actions speak louder than words. What really impressed me about coach was I never heard him yell, not one time. He was very mild mannered and like I said before, he said what he meant and he meant what he said. I remember one game in particular where we were playing a very good team and we were losing at half time. Taft traditionally under coach Baldock was a second half team. Don’t really know why we were but we were. I just remember all the other coaches coming and yelling at us and deservedly so. Coach Harrell, he always yelled as did coach Wells. Coach Baldock just came in and stood there and said, “Men, we worked on a game plan all week. We have 30 minutes of football left. Go out and execute our game plan and I promise you we will win this football game.” I remember getting goose bumps as I sat there

looking at him and thinking. “He really believes in his game plan and he really believes in us.” We went out and played a flawless second half and won the game and all coach did was smile that smile of his when he was satisfied. It was more like an impish grin but when you saw it you knew you had done well. I love the picture in my mind of coach smiling. My most favorite memory of coach was in our first game of the season. I was the team punter and I had not punted in a live game since high school and we had not worked on punting that much that week and I was as nervous as could be when I went out to punt. I shanked the first two punts off the side of my foot for a total of about 16 yards. Coach didn’t say a word to me. I was so scared on my third attempt I purposely dropped the ball when it was snapped to me (it was a perfect snap) as I figured I could run further than I could kick it as I had lost all confidence in myself. I didn’t realize at the time it was forth and about 20 yards for the first down. I proceeded to bob and weave my way up field and after pretty much running through the entire defense I ended up tackled out of bounds right at the feet of coach Baldock and as I laid there looking up at him he put out his hand to help me up and he said jokingly, “Osty, do you want to move to fullback on Monday. I think I could use you there?” After the game he called me aside and he apologized to me for not having me prepared that week to punt. He said he had failed to work on the punting game and that he took full responsibility for me not being ready. I was shocked as I don’t think up to that moment I had ever heard any coach I had played for ever confess they were wrong about anything and yet in reality I knew it was my fault I was not prepared but coach took the bullet for me. My last memory that I will share was the week of the State Championship game against Merced on their home field. The Monday prior to the game coach called us over to take a knee as he had something to share with us. He said, “Men, last year we were not prepared for the Championship game and that was my fault. I began preparing for this Saturday’s game the night that game ended. I have burned the midnight oil to get us ready for this game and I want you to know we are ready, and we will be ready.” That was it and man I remember lying in my bed that night with anticipation for that game. I could not wait. I knew we would win the Championship game. I knew when coach said something, he meant it and the confidence we had that week was not cocky, it was confidence in coach to get us ready to win. And win we did. After I finished playing at Taft I would visit coach Baldock and his wife Joyce who worked at the school at that time and each and after each visit I walked away I wishing I had more time to spend with him. He was caring and always interested in me as a person, not just a football player. I loved playing for coach but more important, I love coach Baldock, the man, for all that he accomplished both on and off the field. For talking the talk and walking the walk. There will never be another coach like him and his record speaks for itself. I am just proud to be able to say, he was my coach. I will miss him greatly but will carry him in my heart always.

Mike OsthimerSenior PastorCalvary Chapel Bakersfieldwww.westbrook.org


Taft Community Yard Sale WeekendFriday, Saturday and Sunday September 18th, 19th & 20th, 2009

Linda Winslow, Annalee Ferguson, Olive Finney, Esther Livingston, all volunteers at The West Kern Oil Museum help gather items for the annual Yard Sale this Friday and Saturday. Betty Scheidemantel and Caroline Fuller not pictured also helped with the yard sale.

Massages Available510 Center Street (661) 763-5445

Miller’sBeautySupply

Salon

Boutique

Spa

Professional Beauty Supply Boutique

Check out Barbara’s collection of pictures and portraits

Saturday ONLY!! 10am-2pm50% off All Pictures and Wigs

15% off Hair Products!

Taft Community Yard SaleStreet Location Map

401 Alpine Street 120 Buena Vista 510 Center Street 207 Church Street 507 Church Street 112 Crystal Street 209 D. Street 409 E. Street 610 E. Street 510 Fillmore Street 204 Harrison St. 210 Harrison St. 400 Irene Street 226 Montview 334 Pine Drive 102 Polk Street 617 San Emidio 207 Van Buren Street 503 Van Buren Street 213 E. Warren Street 217 E. Warren Street 1168 Wood Street

The West Kern Oil Museum Yardsale Church Fiesta in New Cuyama

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of New Cuyama held thier Annual Fiesta last Sunday in the Park. There was lots of food, fun for the kids and great musical and dancing entertainment. The church celebrates fiesta every year in the rural agricultural community of New Cuyama.


TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”Sunday Morning Worship 10 am

Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11:30 amAdult Bible Study Monday 6 pm

Praise Team Meerts on Wednesday at 6 p.mPastor Cindy Brettschneider

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley DriveWe invite you to join us

each week as we worshi

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 amSunday Morning Worship 11:00 amSunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

Bible StudyThursday Nights 7 p.m.

395 California Street, Pastor Maricopa, CA 93252Bill LeBarron (661) 619-5372

Lighthouse Foursquare Church210 Harrison Street 763-1518

Home Of The Good News BearsHugs On WheelsFood In The ParkCode Blue Youth

Sunday Service 10 AMPastors Mark and Kathy Fitzsimmons

For More Information on Service Times Go ToWWW.TAFTLIGHTHOUSE.ORG

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning Worship Service10 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

Rev. Linda Huggard

HOT MEALS & FREE CLOTHINGTuesdays & Thursdays 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

at The Spot - 201 Harrison Street

New Life CommuNity ChurCh

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street

765-7472 www.nlctaft.org

UTURN Youth GroupWednesdays 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.At The Spot, 201 Harrison Street

Building Stones MinistryTraining Center401 Finley Drive

661-765-6066

Pastors Dale & Kay Sullivan

Kids Klub & Family MeetingWednesday @ 6:30 p.m.

School of MinistrySunday @ 6:00 p.m.

Jennifer, Charlie, and Angie Dedicated • Professional • Experienced

All Are Licensed Funeral Directors

The Trusted Name Since 1939

Veterans Burial ServiceIncluding American Made Military Gray or Brown

SteelCasket, Burial with Honors, Bakersfield National Veterans Cemetery

$2,295.00West Side Memorial Services

Porteous Family763-1594 Taft, CA. FD 1220 EST: 1969

www.westsidememorialservices.com

Sunday Service at 10:00AM

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Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

When its Hotor Not....

Espresso Yourself Today

Open 7 Days1010 6th Street • Taft

Taft Servant Team for Christ.We are serving the

elderly and veterans.If you need any type of work done in

or around the house call as at 745-4224.

Ask for Mary or Donny Crow.No charge but donations accepted.

May God Bles You...

A Street Park Donated to Rec. District

First Light Band Performing at the Chamber of Commerce Gala at the Historic Fort

The First Light Band will be performing at The Fort on Saturday October the10th from 6:30-1030 PM. First Light is a 4 piece band from Bakersfield. It is a fun diverse band that performs toe-tapping jazz, r &b, and some old time rock & roll that will certainly bring folks to the dance floor! The band is Terry Cano-piano/vocals, Pat O’Connell-guitar, Jeff Ingle-drums, and Steve Eisen-trumpet. These outstanding musicians can be heard performing regularly at the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop.

Caltrans, City of Taft Cooperating on HWY 119/33 Railroad Tracks Removal Caltrans and the City of Taft as part of a pavement rehabilitation work project will remove approximately 90 feet of abandon Union Pacific railraod tracks on State Route 33 in the city of Taft. The work will start on September and commence on September 22, from 8 am to 4 pm. The work will take place on the highway between Wood Street and East Main Street. Caltrans thanks the motoring public for their patience as Maintenance workers remove the abandoned railroad tracks crossing State Route 33 between Wood Road and East Main Street. Please be alert for highway workers and allow additional travel time through the construction zone.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEa division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Shelly HamiltonLicense # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131

531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 • (661) 765-4798 FAXTaft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell

E-Mail: [email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

Edith Larin, Kelle Black, Tracy Chitwood, Orchel Krier and Jessica Wallis, members of the Chamber Gala Committee get ready for Mardi Gras.

The Bob Colston Family donated “A” Street Park to the Westside Recreation District in a ceremony on Friday. Seen here are Bob and Joann Colston with District Director Don Koenig, and friends and relatives of the Colston family.


Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5 pm.

8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319

www.sagebrushannies.com

Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of TaftWednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS

All green waste must be bagged. Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTEDConstruction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/

Hazardous Waste/Tires

If Missed… Call Office at

763-5135

Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

Westside Horoscopesby Jessy McCulloch

G&S CARPET Service & Selection

Knowledgeable SalesExperienced Installation

Laminate

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Hours:9-5 M-F10-2 SatEve By

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sq. ft.

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

acme jewelry co.F i n e J e w e l r y

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries 426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

acme jewelry co.F i n e J e w e l r y

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

370 CALIFORNIA 769-8580

Beginning Sewing Classes Starting May 1, 8 and 15. Call Now to Sign-Up. 769-8580.

tues.-fri. 10:00-5:30 sat. 10:00-4:00 Fabric • NotioNs • GiFts

MARICOpA QuILT COMpANy

WE NOW HAVE PRESENCIA EMBROIDERY FLOSS COME AND SEE THE 2010 THIMBLEBERRY QUILT .

Now Celebrating Our 20th Year

Aries (March 21-April 19): While your income is in a bit of a dip right now, it will be rising significantly in the coming weeks so just hold tight until then.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): You’ve been feeling very uptight and your nerves have been stretched to the limit, all because of one person’s actions. You need to talk to them.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): You may actually be the one causing some of the strife between you and a friend. You two need to talk it out and figure out how to fix things and fast.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): You’re trying to overdo it this week, and so you’ll get upset very easily. Make sure you make some time for yourself. It won’t be easy but it is necessary.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): You need to stop blaming everyone around you and start looking at the person who truly has been making mistakes – you.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Unfortunately, this is looking like it’s going to be a rough week at work for you. If you can ride out this storm though, then you can do anything.

Libra (September 23-October 22): There are some great friendships just waiting to be made this week. All you have to do is get out there and be open to some new possibilities.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): You just can’t tell someone something if they don’t want to hear what you have to say. They won’t listen so stop wasting your breath.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): It’s very nice for you to acknowledge the people that helped you get where you are, but it’s okay to take a little credit for all you’ve done as well.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): If you keep isolating yourself from your family and friends, you’ll lose the right to wonder why nobody comes around to see you anymore. Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): A close friend will have some very good advice for you this week. All you have to do is take it.

Pisces (February 20-March 20): You’ve been doing a very good job of not being taken in by a co-worker. Retain that vigilance or you’ll regret it. If something smells fishy, that’s because it is.

If your birthday is this week: It’s one thing to make your opinion heard, it’s another to shove it down everyone’s throats. The amount of talking you’ve been doing lately could emit enough hot air to fill a balloon. What’s worse, you’re talking without knowing all of the facts in a situation. You need to start thinking before speaking before you cause some real damage to yourself.


ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

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Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

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Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $2.00 per line. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Sale ads are free, up to 3 lines.

Classified ad deadline is Thursday at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

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E-mail: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268, 765-6550.

program. Experience is encouraged. Pay

will be between $1,500 and $2,000. Expect to rehearse 2-3 days a week for at least 5 weeks. If you are

interested please call Midway Elementary School @ 768-4344.

Please bring resume to your interview.

Fitness Instructor. Must be able to teach yoga or spin classes. Next Step Cardio. 661

205-5579.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN

Experienced automotive technician; part time

could become full, pay negotiable, and please apply in person to San

Joaquin Automotive Center 531 Center St.

(661)763-1123.

DAY CARENeed A BABYSITTER? Maricopa mom w/ a nice home and car looking to babysit.If interested call 661-769-8598 ask for Brandi

Daycare licensed by state CPR. Meals, take CCCC Calworks. 763-1607.

BARTER SERVICES

WANTEDJunk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

Car for elderly woman. 1985 reliable vehicle, automatic. Call 472-7516.

FOR SALENew 8’X4’ Flat bottom fishing skiff $100. 661-765-5060. Taft.

Steel Water Tank, Skid mounted 13’X5-1/2’, 2, 180 Gal. $1250.00 (805)701-0102

Welding or fabricating. We sell used angle channel plate and pipe. EME Recycling in

Business ServicesCleaning Services

My Fair LadiesCleaning ServicesComm. and ResidentialServing the Westside340-8611Lic. No. 007657

Rite Away Carpet CleaningCarpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General CleaningOwner OperatedVisa\Master Card 765-4191

Taft ConstructionAir Conditioning and Heating

Solar Power SpecialistAskenergysavers.com

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

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more!

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YARD SALESAdvertise your FREE yard sale ad. Up to 3 lines free. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 2 p.m. Thursday.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 7 FOR THIS WEEK’S YARD SALES

BIRTHDAYS

ANNOUNCEMENTSGrief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. And 3rd Thursday at First Baptist Church. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 220 N. First St. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016

– 763-3856.COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services. Virus removal. Graphics and web design. See price list at TaftPCServices.com. 623-5188.

HELP WANTED

Midway School is looking for a

Christmas Program Director. Midway is a K-8 Elementary

School and has 72 students. All children will be involved in the

Maricopa. 747-9345.

FREE washer and dryer. 768-4282.

3 yr. old Frigidaire freestanding range. White, electric, selfcleaning, glass top. Exellent condition. $200.00 obo. 623-5648

Gas stove, like new $160. 623-2366.

Gas stove and oven. $125. Firewood 12” split pine. $220. 765-2713.

Two cream colored leather match sofa and love seat. Very nice! $600. Call Eric (661)599-4845.

Entertainment Center. $80, Appliances 745-4390 or 765-2713.

LOST PETS

Found on HWY 119. Female Chihuahua. Call to describe. 330-5040.

Lost 6 month old female puppy. 765-4714 or 205-5728

FOUND, black and tan Chihuahua mix in the area of Bell Avenue and E. San Emidio Street. 765-7211.

Found. Small domesticated rabbit. Black and white. Found near Fillmore St. Please call 763-5320.

Lost cat. Older female.Brn.blk, red. tiger stripes. Lost from Washington Ave. 204-1182.

PETS

Shih-Poo (Free to good home) Female 13wks 2.4 pounds has had shots and wormed 661-304-8009

FOR SALE Two adult Macaws with cage $1,000. Male - 9 years old Female - 14 years old Both have papers If interested call RJ at 661-623-1353

2 AKC registered yorkie terriers for free,contact [email protected]

Chihuahua puppies, “so cute” pure bred toys and teacup. Registered, shots, dewormed. $125 to $350. (661) 903-0724.

MOTORCYCLES

SERVICES

AUTOMOBILES96 Landrover. A\c. elec. win., runs great. Good cond. 623-6458.

TRUCKS

RV’S

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

04417057661-745-4892

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

RENT: Cute 2 bedroom 1 bath $800

FOR SALE: 4/2.5 w/pool, 2 car garage, granite, like new! Updated to Model

Home Standards, 3/2, hardwood floors, granite, pool! HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! 2/1 Condo, 2 car garage, super clean $95,000 (661) 763-1500. www.BuySellManage.com.

3 bd. 1 ba. Big lot, completely remodeled. 210 Naylor St. $750 per mo. plus dep. Call Jose (661) 717-9056 or (909) 239-8337.

600 Bell Ave. A desirable house for rent. Cute corner location. 3 bd. 1 3/4 bath. Has a great room, in door laundry, newer applicances, great area near schools, huge lot for RV parking, large front and back yard. $1,450 mo. plus $1000 dep. Call Kim 661 599-4192.

2 bd 1 ba, Valley Acres. WD hookups. Clean, Available Now. $650 + deposit. 623-1031.

2 1/2 BED 1 BA fruit trees 1100sqft in deep clean 750+750+300 NICE HOME 765-7029 app/fico’s

709 1/2 North St. Apartment. 1 bd. 1 ba. All remodeled inside, $625 plus dep.. For info call (805) 889-4003.

205 A St. 2/1 $700/$700, clean and ready to move in. Please call 203-5493 for application.

2bd, 1ba. + bonus rm, 422 Naylor. $750 mo. + dep. Recently remod. big fenced backyard.Or rent to own. (661) 589-2720.

2 Downtown taft rentals. 2\1 house. $695 available now. 1\2 duplex unit. $595 available 9/26. Both rentals include water paid. Huge yard. Call Mark for details (805) 689-4122.

ONE BEDROOM DUPLEX APARTMENT stv. & frig, wtr. pd., no pets. $400/mo 730 Lucard - Call: 763-1811

Houses for Rent: two 2 bedroom 1 bath washer and gas dryer hookup $700.00 per month plus deposit. 402 and 404 Philippine Street please call Rick at 765-2328. Back Ground and credit Check REQ.

Downtown Taft. 1 bd. 1 ba. $550 mo. plus dep. 661-623-5188.

3bd. 1 ba. Large kitchen, completely remodeled interior. $875

plus $1000 dep. 661-623-5188.

Wanted. Growing out of our house. Hardworking family of 6 in need of a house to rent, 4 or 5 bd, 2 ba, w/ldry rm, gar., a/c, and fenced yard. On a budget, can pay $1300 a mo. In or near Taft. (661) 337-8661.

2BD+1+BA+BONUS ROOM! house for rent, 325 Lierly. Large living room, dining room, breakfast room, laundry room, very spacious! Call Edward 661-364-3346 Avail Aug. 1st. $850/mo+$850 deposit. Call for appointment to see.

MOBILEHOMES FOR RENT

RENT TO OWN

OWNER FINANCING

REHAB PROJECTS AVAILABLE

2 AND 3 BEDROOM HOMES

San Joaquin Automotive Center

Experienced Automotive

Technician Wanted

Experienced automotive technician; part time could become full,

pay negotiable, drug screen and please apply in person at

San Joaquin Automotive Center531 Center Street 661.763.1123

The Market Place at PeaceSaturday, October 3rd, 2009

Rent a table and sell...whatever!Crafts • Candles • Jewelry • Farmers • Market • Avon • Yard Sale

We’re having a Fantastic Bake SaleHot Dogs • Chili • Soda • Brownies • Pies • Ice Cream • Beverage

All for $3.00 Balloons for the kidsSee you Saturday, October 3rd from 8 am to 1:30 pm

Peace Lutheran Church26 Emmons Park Drive

Call to Reserve your table 765-2488 or 765-6248

You Never Know What You'll Find at the

Marketplace...

Ask about our

Daily and Weekly

Ad Specials!

• Over 3,500

Copies printed and

distributed each

Week!

• The Best Way

to Promote your

Business on the

Westside!

Visit www.

Taftindependent.

com over 12,000

hits each Month!

Email us your Favorite

Pictures

Your Organizations

Events for Community

Calendar

Yor Letter to the Editor

email to:

Taftindypublisher@

bak.rr.com

HOMES FOR SALEBeautiful 3 bd. 1 3/4 ba. home. Excl. location. 1869 sq. ft. tile, carpet, gas fire pl., patio, close to schools, shopping. Many upgrades. (661) 763-4913.

PRICE REDUCED! Remodeled 3bd/2ba 301 5th Ave. Taft heights. New; plumbing, electric, forced AC/Heat, floors, paint, kitchen, baths and more. Low maintenance yard. Granite slab in kitchen. Fireplace, balcony, covered patio, and tons of charm. $150,000 (661)205-7979

MISCELLANEOUS

PERSONALS


407 Finley Drive 661-765-6424

New Family Arcade • New Billiards • New Party Center

We Deliver to Taft, Maricopa,

Derby Acres,

Dustin Acres and

Valley Acres

Offer valid only with this couponOne coupon per order.

WE DELIVER!

FREE MEDIUM PIZZA!Buy 1 Large Specialty or 4 Topping

Pizza & Receive a FREE Medium 1 Topping Pizza!

Best Pizza in Town!!

216 E Lucard St.3 Bedrm 2 Bath

3 Car Garage

COLDWELL BANKER AMERICA WEST661-472-8060 or (661) 334-4119

email: [email protected]

Beverly MitchellRealtor

Absolutely wonderful turn-key home! Living room, formal din-ing area, large kitchen with bar, 2 bedroom, 2 bath lovely mas-ter bathroom. TV or office room. Many upgrades, dual pane glazed windows, plaster walls, newer carpets with fans in all rooms. Newer storage shed. Lovely landscaped yard. Extra nice car-port. Energy efficient home! This home has had TLC!$54,500 Call to see!

Open HouseSunday 1-4 p.m.

A Wonderful Manufactured Home

Open HouseSunday 1-4 p.m.

Stephen Wright’s MUST SEE HOMES!

Realtor, GRI, E-PRO (661) 765-5274 Located at: 503 6th St. Taft, CA

DRE# 01415460

Go To: www.TaftHomes.com

888 310-1147 ext 24www.216eLucard.com

Lasagna... It only looks expensive.

1107 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-5959Expires 9/30/09. Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at participating locations. Coupon cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

$999

LasagnaNow With...More Ricotta Cheese & Beef,

Egg Noodle Pasta, and Zesty Herbs.

limit 1 per coupon

Custom Made Wedding Flower Arrangements and Bouquets Available along with other Wedding Accessories

No Appointment Needed For Smog Check!

QIKSmog & Tune

500 S. 10th Street • Taft661-763-4445

• Certified Gold Shield

& C. A. P. Station

• General Automotive

Repair

Free Retest with our repairs!We Certify Test- Only Vehicals

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

(661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

$39.75 *

for Smog Check ‘96 or Newer plus

certificate

Ask about $500.00

Free Smog RepairRestrictions Apply

* must present ad at time of service

1/2 offDiagnostics


Brand New Homes in Taft3 Bedroom, 2 bath

For Private Showing or For More Information

Call Colston Construction at 763-3517

Amber Street Homes(on front street between 6th and 5th Streets)

Amber Street HomesBrand New 3 bedroom and 2 bath homes(Front Street between 6th and 5th Streets)

For Private Showing Call 763-3517For More Information Please Call 763-3517

March 29th and 30thSaturday and Sunsay

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 29th and 30thSaturday and Sunday

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From $220,000

BARRON PROPERTIESManagement/Sales

“Putting Management back into your Property”

Ethele M. Barron325 Kern Street

[email protected]

(661) 763-9000 • Fax: (661) 763-9001 DRE# 01812075

Real Estate and Properties on the Westside

BUY IT.

RENT IT.

Taftindependent.com

Classified Ads for

less in the

Taft Independent

Starting at $2 per

line.

Photos or

Company logos

added for $5.00.

Box Your Ad for

$3 more!

Call 765-6550 to

place your ad.

Tuesday -Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crystal Lee'sNEw FALL ITEMS CoMING!

522 Center Street

New Fall items in stock and more

to come!

BooTS, HooDIES, SwEATERS, PURSES, JEANS, ED HARDY, SUNGLASSES AND MoRE!!

SALE UP To 50 % oFF oN SELECTED

ITEMS!!

419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3

Western SHop and Pet Supply

Scorpion TarantulaVariety of Snakes

Bearded Dragon Water DragonTortoise Tree Frogs

Chinchilla with Cage

•

•

•

Great New Pets!

document

Documents

taft union high school

south taft

taft ffa agriculture

taft community yard

local taft ffa chapter

high school student

national ffa

community service project