Taft News Now

07/21/2026

For those traveling the 99 & 58

Drivers traveling through Highway 58 at Highway 99 should plan for overnight detours as Caltrans crews install new overhead sign infrastructure, said the City

07/21/2026

🎭📚 Books in Motion is Coming to the Library! 📚🎭

Join us on Monday, July 20th at 4:00 PM for a fun-filled afternoon where stories come to life! ✨

Enjoy a live theatrical performance inspired by a beloved children's book, then take home a FREE copy of the book to keep the adventure going! 📖💛

After the performance, stick around for a hands-on craft that brings the story to life in a whole new way. 🎨✂️

This exciting event is perfect for children and families who love books, creativity, and interactive fun. We can't wait to share this special experience with you!

See you on Monday, July 20th at 4:00 PM for an unforgettable afternoon of stories, smiles, and creativity! 🌟📚

07/21/2026

TOMORROW
Tuesday July 21st

🎲♟️ Game On: Board Game Day! ♟️🎲

Ready to roll the dice and have some fun? 🎉

Join us for Game On, where we'll have a variety of board games for all ages to enjoy! Whether you love strategy, teamwork, friendly competition, or classic family favorites, there's a game waiting for you. 🧩🎯🃏

Bring your friends, meet new players, and spend the day laughing, learning, and making memories around the game table. 😊🏆

Come play, challenge yourself, and discover a new favorite game at the library! 🎲📚✨

07/21/2026

🌻📖 Sunflower Storytime 📖🌻

Calling all little sprouts! 🌞💛

Join us for a cheerful Sunflower Storytime filled with bright stories, fun songs, and engaging activities all about these sunny garden favorites. 🌻🎶📚

Little ones will enjoy learning about sunflowers through interactive storytelling while growing their imagination and love of reading. 🌱✨

It's the perfect way to celebrate nature, make new friends, and have fun at the library!

Come join us for a blooming good time! 🌻😊💚

07/21/2026

🥪📚 What's in Your Lunchbox? Storytime! 📚🥪

Join us during Lunch at the Library for a fun storytime all about lunchtime favorites! 🍎🥕🧃

We'll read a delightful story about what's inside a lunchbox, talk about favorite foods, and enjoy a hands-on craft inspired by the story. 🎨✂️✨

It's the perfect way for little ones to enjoy a story, get creative, and have some lunchtime fun with friends! 🌈😊

Come listen, create, and discover what surprises are hiding inside the lunchbox! 🥪📖💛

07/21/2026

07/21/2026

07/21/2026

The Kern County Probation Department is proud to announce the appointment of Elaine Moore as the County’s next Chief Probation Officer. Selected by the Kern County Superior Court and announced by Presiding Judge John W. Lua, Moore will assume her new duties on July 25, 2026, succeeding Chief William Dickinson, who will retire on July 31, 2026, after 32 years of service.

Moore’s appointment marks a historic milestone for the department as she becomes the first female Chief Probation Officer in Kern County Probation Department history.

A Kern County native, Moore began her career with the Department in 1996 as an Extra-Help Department Aide. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Religious Studies, from California State University, Bakersfield, she was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer in 2001. Throughout her nearly 30-year career, Moore has served in numerous assignments across the department, including Juvenile and Adult Court Investigations, the Youth Detention Center, Youth Supervision, Administrative Services, Camp Erwin Owen, and Youth Court and Programs.

In August 2023, Moore was promoted to Deputy Chief Probation Officer, where she oversaw the Youth Services Bureau. In that role, she was responsible for five operational divisions, including three youth facilities, court investigations, and approximately 400 staff positions.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Moore as the new Chief Probation Officer,” said Presiding Judge John W. Lua. “Her passion for the department and unwavering dedication to its mission are unmistakable. With her extensive leadership experience and deep knowledge of probation services, she is exceptionally well positioned to serve our community.” Judge Lua also noted that Moore’s leadership will continue the strong traditions established by Chief Dickinson and the department’s previous leaders while advancing the important work of the Probation Department.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Moore on this historic achievement!

07/21/2026

07/21/2026

🏆🌿 Garden Showdown Finale! 🌿🏆

After weeks of voting, cheering, and some fierce garden battles, we've reached the championship round! 🎉

🥔 Potato is representing the vegetables after digging its way through the competition!

🍉 Watermelon is representing the fruits after rolling past every challenger!

Now it's time for the ultimate showdown...

🥔 Potato 🆚 Watermelon 🍉

Will the mighty potato take home the Garden Showdown trophy, or will watermelon prove it's the sweetest champion of them all? 👑🌱

🗳️ Cast your final vote and help us crown the Garden Showdown Champion!

Only one can win... Who are you rooting for? 🎉🥔🍉