Taft (formerly Moron , Moro , and Siding Number Two ) is a town in the foothills in the southwest extreme edge of the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California. Taft is located 32 miles (51 km) west-southwest of Bakersfield, at an altitude of 955 feet (291 m). The population is 9,327 at the 2010 census. According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of ​​15.1 square miles (39.1 km 2 ).
Named for President William H. Taft in 1909.
Video Taft, California
Histori
The city started as Siding Number Two on the Sunset Railroad. According to a display at the West Kern Oil Museum, locals asked the Southern Pacific Railroad if the station could be named after the railroads arrived around 1900, but a railway official refused because the name would be too easily confused with the coastal town of Morro Bay. Instead, the train leading to the station is called Moron, a word that has no connection with ignorance. Pictures of local businesses, including Moron Pharmacy, hang in the museum.
After the fire burned most of the city, the name was changed to Taft in honor of William Howard Taft.
Maps Taft, California
Taft and oil
Taft is located in California's premier oil and gas production area, and is one of the few remaining cities in the United States that exists exclusively because of nearby oil reserves. The discovery of oil in the region occurred at the end of the 19th century near Maricopa, seven miles (11.27 km) south of Taft. Many other oil and gas accumulations were found around Taft during the early to mid-20th century, particularly the Midway field (near Fellows, California), the Sunset field (later found to be part of the same trend, accounting for modern combinations). name of Midway-Sunset), and Buena Vista. The city is built directly between these two large fields. Operational activities in this field, as well as the Elk Hills Occidental Petroleum Oil Field in northern Taft, have been the lifeblood of the city's economy for over 100 years.
The super-giant Midway-Sunset field has produced about 2.800 million barrels (450,000,000m 3 ) of crude oil, mostly heavy gravity (13-14 degrees API). Increased oil recovery operations in the form of steam and injection production have been used in heavy crude oil from the Midway-Sunset field from the mid to late 1960s. The Reservoir of the Midway-Sunset field is a layer consisting of sandstones that were largely not consolidated in the late Miocene epoch, buried in a very long time. The shallow burial depths and the ideal sandstone properties make them almost perfectly suited for steam injection. As a result, the amount of oil that can be recovered greatly increases.
Standard Oil, then Standard Oil Company of California (modern Chevron), makes Taft the company's operational headquarters. At one time it was reported that as many as 6,000 Taft residents were employed by Standard Oil. The center of this activity is "11-C Camp", so named because the location of the city in section 11 and "municipality C" is appointed by the Standard mapping department. Inside the camp is everything imaginable to run a large oil and gas company: a railroad spurs from a pathway through Taft, steel and timber for the construction of cranes and maintenance, pipes, valves, multiple offices, a vast and deep machine shop special, an abundance of supply shops, a fleet of cars and trucks, a bunkhouse for workers, and dozens of corporate houses for employees. In its heyday, the 11-C camp has excellent facilities; this includes a large playground, a baseball field, tennis courts, a large swimming pool, a public open cooking house, a beautiful garden, a clubhouse with television, a swimming pool and a card table, and an ice cream kiosk. The large complex was gradually closed for several years. In 1968 Standard Oil of California moved its accounting and finance offices to Concord, California. In the late 1980s the machine shop was closed and auctioned, signaling the end of the 11-C Camp era.
Many other oil companies operate in the area, including large companies such as Shell, Texaco, Exxon, Mobil, Teluk, and ARCO, as well as smaller operations (but with large local presence) such as Santa Fe Energy, Berry Petroleum, Tannehill, MH Whittier, and Exploration of Plains Lately & amp; Production. In the mid-1990s, according to the California Geothermal Oil, Gas and Resources Division (DOGGR), there were 68 companies operating on the Midway-Sunset field alone. While the names of most of these companies have changed, due to mergers, acquisitions, and liquidation, production activities have continued.
In celebration of its oil heritage, Taft organizes the "Oildorado" festival every five years. Oildorado first started in 1930 (see below) and was held intermittently before then.
In the early days of oil exploration and production, long before the emergence of prevention of modern bursts, gusher is the norm. Although there are many, Lakeview Gusher spur more than anything, producing 100,000 barrels (16,000 m 3 ) of oil per day at its peak. Overall, Lakeview No.1 generates around nine million barrels (1,400,000 m 3 ) of oil (a very respectable cumulative production for one well in this area). Wells and historical markers can be found along the Petroleum Club road, not far from the south of 33 cities.
Taft is also the location of a military airfield, Gardner Field, which was used to train pilots during World War II. Once the base is closed, its abandoned airstrip serves as a secret dragstrip for years.
Recent history
Currently, trains - originally built to export crude oil and importing drinking water - are gone, but the area still has a significant oil industry presence.
Personal prison, operated by Management & amp; The Training Company, contracted with the US Prison Bureau, is located on Cadet Road in the south of the city. There are large and modern high school students. The West Kern Oil Museum, in 1168 Wood Street, has extensive possessions including pumps, fire extinguishers, trucks, historic wooden cranes, photos, models, and widespread local history back to the days of India. The city newspaper, Midway Driller , is considered the oldest daily newspaper in California. In or around 2005, the Daily Midway Driller became Midway Driller and is now published on Tuesdays and Fridays. The city's second weekly newspaper, Taft Independent , began publishing on July 4, 2006.
The city, which has experienced the ups and downs of the boom and bust cycle of the oil industry, recently underwent a new development and business growth with the opening of the Tig Inn, 70-floor room with 70 rooms, the opening of the brewery, the Black Gold Brewing Company, at the center the historic city of Center Street, the reopening of the historic Taft Fox Theater, the opening of The Bank, bars and grill at the historic Taft State Bank Building, the new Taco Bell restaurant and many more "mom and pop" small businesses. The city features a 46-acre BNSF railway property in the city center featuring the West Kern Oilworker's Monument, a 37-foot (11 m) world-class bronze statue featuring several human figures featured on oil cranes by artist Benjamin Victor who paid with donations from locals, visitors and some oil companies. The railway property is part of the rebuilding project that the city uses to attract new businesses, residential and commercial office space.
Taft-Kern County Airport is located at the eastern end of town, and is a favorite for paratroopers in Kern County and South San Joaquin Valley.
The shooting took place at Taft Union High School on January 10, 2013. A 16-year-old schoolboy entered the science class with a 12 gauge rifle and fired shots into the classroom. Another 16-year-old student was hit and severely wounded. Another student was shot and not injured. A teacher suffered minor injuries from a pellet on the head. The college supervisor asked the shooter to surrender, which he did, and he was taken into custody.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' Vin Scully - "the man with the golden voice" - was in Taft, California on May 9, 2015 to commemorate a local baseball and wiffle field that bears his name. The city was filled with excitement as the crowd, Dodger's best sport, welcomed Vin. The newly built Scully Field will serve as an important gathering place for the community, providing opportunities for boys and girls to play ball in their own replica of Dodger Stadium. Taft also gave a big impression on Scully. He recorded the community in an interview with MLB, "It has a real American feeling from a small US town... you instantly feel at home." McCarthy's Majority Leader said it was about Dodger's legend and his visit to Taft: "For Vin Scully to be here to dedicate it is fun, because here we have grown up listening to the voice calling all the important games.I met Vin a few years ago and when they built this stadium for the children and wanted to name it after Vin Scully - we just contacted him and he said, 'Sure, I will come and be part of it,' and for him and his wife Sandi to come here means a lot to thousands of people here... They'll talk for generations about Vin Scully Field and the day he's here. "
Geography
Climate
Taft has a desert climate (KÃÆ'¶ppen
Demographics
2010
The US Census 2010 reported that Taft had a population of 9,327. Population density was 617.1 people per square mile (238.3/km ²). Taft's racial makeup is 7,388 (79.2%) White, 396 (4.2%) African American, 118 (1.3%) Native Americans, 93 (1.0%) Asian, 65 (0.7%) The Pacific Islands, 1,023 (11.0%) of the other races, and 244 (2.6%) of two or more races. Hispanic or Latin of any race is 3,353 people (35.9%).
The Census reported that 6,372 people (68.3% of the population) live in households, 123 (1.3%) live in unembienced groups, and 2,832 (30.4%) are institutionalized.
There are 2,254 households, of which 914 (40.6%) have children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,119 (49.6%) are married couples living together, 289 (12.8% ) has a married woman without a husband now, 178 (7.9%) have a male household without a wife. There are 176 (7.8%) unmarried partners of the opposite sex, and 9 (0.4%) married couples or married couples. 543 households (24.1%) consisted of individuals and 246 (10.9%) had someone living alone 65 or older. The average household size was 2.83. There were 1,586 families (70.4% of all households); the average family size is 3.32.
The population is spread with 1,844 people (19.8%) under the age of 18, 1,041 people (11.2%) aged 18 to 24, 3,521 people (37.8%) aged 25 to 44, 2,136 people (22.9%) aged 45 to 64 years. , and 785 people (8.4%) aged 65 years or older. The median age was 34.9 years. For every 100 women, there are 186.5 men. For every 100 women age 18 and over, there are 219.0 men.
There are 2,525 housing units with an average density of 167.1 per square mile (64.5/km ²), of which 1,375 (61.0%) are occupied owners, and 879 (39.0%) are occupied by tenants. The homeowner's vacancy rate is 2.6%; The rent vacancy rate is 10.8%. 3,847 people (41.2% of the population) live in residential units occupied by the owners, and 2,525 people (27.1%) live in rented housing units.
2000
According to the 2000 census, there were 6,400 people, 2,233 households, and 1,565 families living in the city. Population density was 422.6 people per square mile (163.2/km ²). There are 2,478 housing units with an average density of 163.6 per square mile (63.2/km ²). City racial makeup is 83.16% White, 1.97% Black or African American, 0.84% ​​Native American, 1.27% Asian, 0.44% Pacific Island, 10.39% of other races, and 1 , 94% of two or more races. 15.55% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,233 households in which 33.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% are married couples living together, 10.7% have non-husbands female households, and 29.9% are not family. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.8% had someone living alone 65 or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city, the population is spread by 25.6% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% years or more. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 women, there are 108.5 men. For every 100 women aged 18 and over, there are 109.6 men.
The average income for households in the city is $ 33,861, and the average income for families is $ 42,468. Men have an average income of $ 47,000 compared to $ 26,838 for women. The per capita income for the city is $ 17,564. Approximately 13.1% of families and 17.5% of the population are below the poverty line, including 26.5% of those under the age of 18 and 5.5% of those aged 65 and older.
Education
- Jefferson Elementary School
- Parkview Elementary School
- Conley Elementary School
- Taft Elementary School
- Roosevelt Elementary School
- Lincoln Junior High School
- SMA Taft Union
- Taft College, Community College
Local holidays
In October 2010, Taft celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Every five years during October, Taft holds a birthday celebration. The event began as a parade and lunch for the residents, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Taft in November 1930. The festival was held every five years until World War II, during which time there was nothing to be done.
After the war, in 1946, the celebrations began again and the Taft Territory Chamber of Commerce made it permanent. A contest was held to select a name for the event and "Oildorado" was chosen, which had been submitted by W.A. Poff.
Today, Oildorado is a week long celebration, where many events are held. Oildorado is an ongoing testimony to Taft as a certified "Oil City" - its origins simply because of oil production and exploration, a rare distinction among any city in the world. Thus, there are several oil field skills contests held every Oildorado. These include or include: welding, pipe threading and fitting, rod wrenching, various skill tests with a backhoe, and at least until the end of 1965 an exciting contest with both a rig and a good local service crew. Understandably, because of safety and possibly a matter of responsibility, the exciting contest stops. More to say about their contests and participants over the years, that's pretty impressive for those who are there.
In addition, there was a beauty contest where a Queen Oildorado was chosen, a facial hair growth contest, a talent show, a barbeque party, a street show, a parade, and in 2005, a motocross race. People usually wear cowboy boots and cowboy hats all week.
It's also a habit for all men to grow facial hair during this time. If a man does not grow facial hair, he must pay permission and wear a pin bolo or pin collar called the Puss Smooth Badge. If he is caught clean shaven without his badge, he may be captured by Posse, a group of men wearing western clothes, pistols and sports rifles filled with blanks and, of course, facial hair. The man will be placed in a prison truck called "The Hoosegow" and tour the city for an hour for everyone to see. Warrants can also be purchased to have others arrested and placed in The Hoosegow.
The Posse is overseen by Grand Marshal. The group patrols the streets, schools and businesses and is involved in shooting with Bandits (Wood Nickel Gangs) who usually wear a bandana mask on their faces.
Other staple foods from this week's celebrations include wood coins, dinner theaters, classic car shows, and rodeos.
Famous people
- Sam Andrew, artist and founding member and guitarist of Big Brother and the Holding Company, was born in Taft
- Bill Bagnall, editor and publisher, member of Motorcycle Hall of Fame
- Jordan Belfort, businessman and convicted villain, "Wolf of Wall Street"; not from Taft, spending time at Taft Correctional Institution
- Jeanne Cooper, actress
- Loren Cunningham, co-founder of Youth With A Mission
- Dennis Fimple, actor
- Ron Graham, mathematician, magician
- William Nelson, Olympic 2008, Athletics
- Tracy Rogers, an NFL football player
- Ryan Shuck, guitarist
- Benjamin Victor, the sculptor
Movies filmed in Taft
- 25 Hill
- 50 ft. Attack. Women
- The Best of Times , a movie about Taft
- Five Pieces Easily
- Girl Walking Home at Night
- Meteor
- No Breaks (a 1976 film detailing the city's efforts to break the world record for the longest bread and longest underwater sandwiches in the Guinness Book of World Records)
- Thelma & amp; Louise
- Too Young to Die?
References
External links
- Official website
- Taft Territory Chamber
- Taft College
- "SMA Taft Union"
- "Lincoln Jr. High School"
- "Taft City School"
- West Kern Oil Museum web page
- Newspaper Midway Driller
- Newspaper "Taft Independent"
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments