November 9, 2024 Edition
November 9, 2024 Edition
On the morning of Nov. 4, members of the Tehachapi VFW and civic organizations joined Make Art Tehachapi in the unveiling of Tehachapi's latest mural. The "In Defense of Freedom" mural, which was painted by noted artist and Tehachapi resident Col. Mark Pestana, USAF (retired), covers all four sides of the electrical box located in front of the VFW on Tehachapi Blvd. The mural includes the Liberty Bell as the symbol of freedom as ordered by the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751. Also included is a...
This Veterans Day, I will be celebrating my favorite veteran, my fiancé Rick, with a recipe that brings back fond memories of his childhood. While blueberry pancakes are usually our go-to for special mornings, this year I decided to change it up with cinnamon streusel blueberry muffins. These muffins bring together the warmth of fresh blueberries and the comforting crumble of cinnamon streusel, and they are a perfect way to honor Rick's service and transport him back to a cherished childhood...
By luck, I ran into a pilot friend driving near Tehachapi Airport. In talking with him he asked me if I saw the P-51 at the airport. I said no. So, he was happy to take me out to the hangar where people from Vintage V-12 were working on the ship. Vintage V-12 is a locally based engine maker for the P-51 warbird power plant. This North American P-51A Mustang with registration number "N 51Z" is a special bird. It's made of parts from a "D" model and "A" version P-51 World War II fighter, bomber...
On the afternoon of Oct. 30, Marianne Paciullo, owner of both of Tehachapi's McDonald's, celebrated their 30-year anniversary at the Tucker Rd. location with a ribbon cutting. Tehachapi Mayor Michael Davies (center) and other dignitaries also...
We are proud to welcome Kam Kreations Kam Kreations is the work of Karen Munson. A resident of Bear Valley and our newest vendor/artist here at the Arts Center. Using her talent, art skills and attention to detail Karen creates unique and beautiful floral and ribbon wreaths for all seasons and events. Improv with Susan & Johnathan Saturday, Nov. 9 This month our Improv Workshop has moved to the second Saturday. Hone your skills exercise your mind and have a great time. This is a fun class that...
Ricardo Reginaldo’s parents Viviano Nolasco and Carlotta Lucero moved to San Pedro, California with six children: Lional (Leo), Ricardo, Orlando, Pearl, Beatice and Geraldine. Ricardo graduated from San Pedro High School in 1945 and entered the Navy. He served in Guam and was honorably discharged in 1948. He married and had three children. Maria, Kathy and Ricardo Jr. During his second marriage, he had more children Michael, and a daughter Cath Stewart whom they adopted. There are many...
Mario O. Merjil 76, passed peacefully at home in California City, with his wife and stepdaughter by his side. Mario was born Feb. 8, 1948, to Jose and Lucila Merjil in Pixley, California. He attended Arvin High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1966. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War where he received numerous medals and badges including the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, National Defense Medal, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation and Badge...
Today, We Honor The Overall Man Classic Bill Mead Reprinted with permission. Autumn doesn't always bother to warn us when it comes to Tehachapi abruptly. Usually it kind of sneaks in, but some years, summer ends with a sudden chill. I've gone out to my curb in my usual shorts to pick up the paper and quickly discovered we had moved into long pants weather overnight. Having lived here a mere 23 years I don't fancy myself an expert on local climate, but I'll venture a guess that we'll have some...
James A. Stoll Sr., born Sept. 4, 1949, passed away on Jan. 13, 2024 in Tehachapi. A Celebration of Life was held at Calvary Chapel with interment held at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. Jim went to be with the Lord in total peace. Jim joined the United States Marine Corps. In 1967 he served proudly in Vietnam until June 1969. In September of 1969, Jim met his bride, Barbara Smith, and married her that same month. They enjoyed 54 years together, where they shared their time and travelled....
When there's a need, our community shows up! Tehachapi is known for being a caring and supportive community, generous with their time, talents and resources. On Oct. 5, 185 people from all walks of life gathered together at An Evening for Life to show their support for the Family Life Pregnancy Center and the growing services provided to the Tehachapi and East Kern areas. Over $39,000 were raised from auctions, validating the need to embrace our community and create a safe space to lovingly...
Today the leaves are blowing from trees in great numbers, hurtling down streets and gathering in yards tired and spent. Fall has finally arrived. Blustery winds and chilly nights offer a good time for adventure in the warmth of your own living room, preferably snuggling in a recliner with feet up and one of those extra soft blankets wrapped around you. In this position, one can face any adventure with confidence. The question is, where to begin? For this review, I searched for differing...
Bread in some form or another has been around since the dawn of man. Archeologists have found millstones dating back 30,000 years, which suggest humans (most likely women) were making flatbread from the flour of ground cattails and ferns. Around 10,000 years ago wheat was domesticated and became the grain of choice for flatbread. Today, what we call a "traditional" flatbread is made with only wheat flour, salt and water. The resulting dough is rolled out into a circle then baked in a hot oven...
In memory of Ronald Ray Burgess, born April 13, 1944 in San Jose, California, passed away in Tehachapi on Oct. 14. Ronald is survived by his wife Susie Burgess, mother Ula Gouveia, four sisters, two brothers and many friends. Ronald proudly served in the Air Force proudly from 1962-1969. Ronald was a master Tech Mechanic for many years with his last position being a Wood Shop Supervisor at the prison. He loved the Lord, life, friends, hobbies, cars and motorcycles. He raced anything with...
June Nanette Tauch was born on February 11, 1937 in Lansing, Michigan to Graham and Bessie Tarvin. She went to be with the Lord on Sept. 13. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a stepson, Wallace Tauch. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Carl Tauch; her sister, Cecilia Matthews; her daughter, Pamela Nanette Murphy (Steve); her son, Donald Eugene Blankenship; two stepdaughters and their husbands, Grace (Tim) Peters and Gretchen (Del) Nuzum; daughter-in-law, Denise Tauch; 21...
On Nov. 4, the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society went to Tehachapi High School to give presentations to the Earth Science classes, which are taught by Ms. Becca Buchanan. The presentation was headed by Robert Papac, vice president of the Gem and Mineral Society, along with Ron Myrick, club president, and club members Mike Coghlan and Jim Tobin. Ms. Buchanan specifically asked the club to share general information on gems and minerals, what the Gem and Mineral Society does, which gems and...
Leilani Rae Hills, 81, died on Oct. 14 in Bakersfield, California. Leilani was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming to her parents, Clarence Raymond Miller Jr. and Dorothy Darlyne Miller. Her early childhood was spent in Green River, Wyoming, surrounded by a large extended family. Leilani and her cousin Donny were close pals and loved to explore, frequently climbing Castle Rock looking for fun and adventure. Clarence was a career Navy veteran who served in WWII. In 1953, the family was transferred to...
I understand that a lot of people have been dealing with a lot of mice over the last few months, and I have not been spared. As I settled in to write my column for the last issue of The Loop, I saw a little mouse run across the floor in my living room. It was not an isolated incident. Indeed, it had become a common one in what I was beginning to think of as my own personal mouse war. I've lost track of how many mice I've caught in traps so far (since sometime in July), and I know others have...
Ann Wurster moved to Tehachapi in July from Fresno where she was in retirement. Ann was born in San Diego and grew up in North San Diego County. She was raised a ranch kid and was always around horses. As a kid, her family used to come here. She thought of Tehachapi as horse country and had spent about six summers here. It was those memories of four seasons, mountains and horses that brought her here from Fresno. Following high school, Ann attended college at the University of California Davis...
The Tehachapi Arts Commission lent their lift to Make Art Tehachapi to help Lyn Bennett restore the mural on the east side of the Hitching Post Theater building. This saved Make Art Tehachapi over $130 a day in lift rental costs. The original mural was painted by local artist Mark...
Friends at Mojave Air & Space Port at Rutan Field were shocked and saddened on Oct. 20 to learn that their friend and fellow pilot, Chuck Coleman, was killed when his Extra 300 crashed during an aerobatic routine at the Las Cruses Air and Space Expo in New Mexico. "Speechless" was a word heard often when people tried to express their feelings about Chuck's crash. "He was such a good and experienced pilot." The Las Cruses Bulletin reported, "The city confirmed Coleman's death on Monday...
On the road and arriving at your door! Call Betty's Cleaning Service today at (661)...
Medicare's annual open enrollment period is underway, running through Dec. 7. This time of year is an important opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to take a look at their current plans and make sure they're still the best fit. If everything works well with your current plan, you don't need to make any changes. Still, it's always a smart idea to review your options and make sure your doctors and medications are covered. I know firsthand that sorting through Medicare can be a bit...
It is hard to believe it is fall again in Tehachapi. Soon it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas! Have you been thinking about Estate Planning? I know it can be a difficult topic...but your children will be happy you have thought ahead to make it easier for them to take care of your estate without a probate. What is better, a will or a trust? A trust will streamline the process of transferring an estate after you die while avoiding a lengthy and potentially costly period of probate (in...
White Rabbit Studios grand opening White Rabbit Studios will be celebrating its grand opening on Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. Located 117 S. Mill St., Ste. B, this new event center will be a space for the community to coordinate classes, host events and gather for any number of activities. Spearheaded by Chris Morales, this new business is an exciting addition to Tehachapi. There will be live music, food, guest artists and more at this event. The Pillage Village grand opening The next is a grand opening...
The Rotary Club of Tehachapi welcomed Rotary District Governor Sherry Peckhoon Sim to Tehachapi on Oct. 10 to share her vision and show her support of the Tehachapi Rotary Club. She was joined by Assistant District Governor Mary Lundstrom from China Lake Rotary and District Chief Operating Officer Kay Pitts from the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary. District Governor Sherry Sim has been a member of Rotary since she joined the Rotary Club of Morro Bay in 2005. She then helped to start the Rotary...
The Rotary Club of Tehachapi was treated to an informative presentation by Kimberly Bittner, a member of the Bear Valley Springs Garden Club. An avid gardener, Kimberly talked about the Waterwise Garden project in Bear Valley, located at the corner of S. Lower Valley Rd. and Cumberland Rd., next to the parking lot of the Bear Valley Community Services District (BVCSD) office. The garden was originally established over 25 years ago, to help educate residents about options for low water...
Assistant City Manager Corey Costelloe reported to the City Council that he had been approached by Caltrans for the city to participate in their new Clean California Community Designation Program. The program would be limited to the first 100 cities to sign up and would kick off on Earth Day 2025. Costelloe said the city would receive special freeway signage acknowledging their efforts in keeping Tehachapi clean. The program requires that the city maintain 10 out of 15 criteria in order to...
Mountain Dog Millworks created a custom live edge pine shelf with a blue river and two half round side shelves for this repeat customer. As always she was pleased as punch with the outcome. To collaborate with Mountain Dog Millworks on your own special project call them at (661) 972-9095 or check out their website at www.mounta...
Native American mothers, grandmothers and aunties have been making toys for the babies in the family for untold centuries. For many California Indian children, one of their first presents was traditionally a rattle made from native plant material with seashells and pebbles inside to jangle around and make a pleasant sound. Not only would such a rattle provide entertainment and distraction for Native American babies, they could also use it as a teething toy, since the rattles were made of...
"Today Cummings Valley is like the center of a flower with Brite Valley, Alpine Forest, Stallion Springs and Bear Valley Springs as its petals. For many years Cummings Valley has been known and respected for retaining its historical beauty and agricultural value." – Gerry...
"If you happened not to know enough to engage in advance the seat beside the driver, then the trip was rather a horror, crowded into the stuffy interior between oldtimers, liquor salesmen, mining experts, an occasional stray 'girl' from the local bawdy house, or one of those distressed and distressfully pitiable 'lungers' of whom you had the grace only to hope he wouldn't die on your shoulder. Outside there was a magnificent panorama and often good entertainment." – Mary Austin Mary Austin, a...
"Back in my day, we had nine planets. . ." – Dave Bouldin Local amateur astronomer Dave Bouldin musing over the demotion of Pluto from a planet to a "dwarf planet" or...
"Misuse of the word 'literally' makes me figuratively insane." – English teachers everywhere For reasons that have yet to be explained, otherwise intelligent people have begun using the word "literally" to mean the opposite of what it actually means. As in "she literally exploded when she saw the mess" or "it's literally raining cats and...
"Jimmy George's mother died when he was still in his basket [cradleboard]. No other women were nursing, and there were no cows or sheep for milk. His grandmother kept him alive by dipping pinenut soup from a bowl into his tiny mouth with her finger." – Wuzzie George Paiute peoples like the Nuwä (Kawaiisu) of the Tehachapi Mountains were able to sustain even infants on the nutritious Pinyon Pine (Pinus monophylla) nuts that were gathered in large numbers each...
"It was the start of lambing season, and up on the hillsides the shepherd's work was beginning. If ever a man was proud of his work and contented in it, the shepherd is. He is a craftsman, his work is his life. Long hours of solitude in the valleys or hills have a tranquilizing effect; either a man can't stand the life or it makes him meditative, and constant association with the sheep who depend on him makes him calm and unhurried." – Alan C....
"Good morrow, Benedick. Why, what's the matter, That you have such a February face, so full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?" – William Shakespeare, Much Ado About...
Cerro Coso Community College is excited to announce the acquisition of land for the home of the new Tehachapi campus, a significant milestone that will enable the college to expand educational opportunities in the Tehachapi area. This project marks a transformative step forward for Cerro Coso's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to meet the growing needs of students and the broader community. Currently leasing space from the Tehachapi Unified School District, Cerro Coso...
In a thrilling addition to the science fiction world, local author Lorena Para has introduced readers to a universe of epic fight scenes, intriguing characters and spacefaring adventures. Her novel, "The Fera" has garnered rave reviews from readers who praise its immersive storytelling and unforgettable female lead, Orinthia Anton ... a Galactic Marauder Hunter turned space pirate. Readers are calling "The Fera" an "amazing first entry into this series..." and "fun and fast paced with vivid,...
The Blacksmith Automotive team are geared up and ready to assist you with your automotive needs. Pictured: Mike, David, Natasha and...
Local author R.M. Williamson has released her new children’s book, “Bluey the Butterfly,” which focuses on themes of self-discovery and overcoming self-doubt. The story follows a butterfly who feels different but ultimately gains the confidence to embrace his uniqueness. Published by Covenant Books, the book aims to inspire young readers to believe in themselves and appreciate their individual qualities. Vibrant illustrations complement the narrative, making it engaging for children. “Bluey the Butterfly” is available at bookstores...
This is article No. 21 in a series. See previous The Loop newspaper issues on www.TheLoopNewspaper.com for more information, education and inspiration in how Joyful Life Hypnotherapy can help you have the joyful life you deserve. Family estrangement is a painful experience that affects more people than many realize, up to 40% of families. The causes are varied: differing values, addiction, toxic relationships or long-standing conflicts. For those who find themselves separated from loved ones,...
Social Security is complex, and the details are often misunderstood even by those who are already receiving benefits. It's important to understand some of the basic rules and options and how they might affect your financial future. Full retirement age (FRA) Once you reach full retirement age, you can claim your full Social Security retirement benefit, also called your primary insurance amount or PIA. FRA ranges from 66 to 67, depending on your birth year (see chart). Claiming early The earliest...
The Tehachapi City Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. They are currently meeting at the Police Department Community Room, 220 W. C...
In the quiet hours of a recent night, as the world outside his window lay still, Samuel A. found himself reflecting on the transformative journey he had embarked on over the past five months. His story, a testament to resilience, hope, and the incredible power of LifeWave patches, is one that has profoundly impacted his life both physically and emotionally. Eight years ago, an accident forever altered Samuel's life, leaving him with an injury that severely impaired his ability to use his left...
The Rotary Club of Tehachapi welcomed Kyle Yates, center coordinator for The Salvation Army Tehachapi Community Center, to speak about the work they do in the local community. Kyle has worked for The Salvation Army in various roles for 7 years, but most of his work has been with their after-school program. The Salvation Army serves approximately 500 families to help with food insecurity and they distribute over 46,000 pounds of food every month to help people in need in the Tehachapi area. At...
At a recent weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Tehachapi the speaker was Jim Damian, the Chief Economic Development Officer for Kern County. Jim began by saying he not only grew up in Tehachapi, but also that, "I seriously grew up right here, in this room at Kelcy's restaurant." Jim explained that, for as long as he could remember, he ate dinner at Kelcy's after church every Saturday night with his family, including his grandparents. He got his first job as a busboy at Kelcy's, starting when...
Fifteen theatre students stood in the Tehachapi High drama room and expressed what they were feeling at that exact moment. Some said they felt nervous, others excited. It was a bittersweet time for the seniors graduating at the end of the school year. This shared moment of vulnerability was part of the rehearsal process for their production of "Emily Brontë, Teenage Necromancer." Written by Don Zolidis, it is based off the work of English novelist and poet Emily Brontë. The play follows...
The Tehachapi Police Department is excited to host the 2024 Special Olympics Torch Run on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. All donations from the Torch Run help to fund Special Olympics programs locally and enrich the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities. The Torch Run will kick off at Centennial Plaza where participants will go on a half-mile run/walk through downtown Tehachapi. All community members are welcome to sign up to run, walk, or cheer on participants. It is free to register...
Trains have been traditional gifts for young and old alike. The Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club would like to share their toys with all of you at their Fall Model Train Show to be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Listen to the whistles, bells, huffing and chuffing as you watch the operating layouts in Large Scale, Lionel, On30, HO, N and Z Modules. There will be guest exhibitors. It's a fun time for the public as well as the modelers. There...
On Monday, Nov. 11, a Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will be held in Downtown Tehachapi. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of F and Green streets and will conclude at Philip Marx Central Park. The Veterans Day Ceremony will begin at Central Park at 11:11 a.m. paying tribute to our local veterans. Retired Master Chief David Gladden will be the keynote speaker for the ceremony. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era in 1972, was a combat veteran during Desert...
This Thanksgiving we come together not only to celebrate the season of gratitude, but also to honor the legacy of those who paved the way for us – our ancestors. In Native American culture, elders are the keepers of knowledge and traditions, providing valuable guidance to younger generations. Elders are revered and treated with the upmost respect, and their needs remain priority. When honoring our ancestors, the connection with history, identity and spirit remain strong. As we reflect on the...
The California Living Museum (CALM) announced today that tickets for the award- winning HolidayLights, now featuring a refreshed logo, are now on sale at www.calmholidaylights.org/. HolidayLights will kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 30 and run nightly through Jan. 4, except on Christmas. Guests can enjoy the lights from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and enjoy new extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. This year, timed ticketing during Fridays and Saturdays will...
California State Park's Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park (SHP), 15701 E. Ave. M, Lancaster, will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with exhibitions showcasing the compelling work of Indigenous artists as they display their art and share insights into their rich cultural heritage. Visitors can also purchase their artwork. On Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10, artist Peggy Fontenot will visit and showcase her work. Fontenot is an award-winning Native American...
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Vol. 47 No. 09. The Loop newspaper, Tehachapi's favorite source for community news and local happenings, since 2001. Stay in The...
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