December 7, 2024 Edition

Support Tehachapi Heritage League's raffle

Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer

Tehachapi Heritage League maintains both the Tehachapi Museum and the Errea House. Many people join THL because of their interest in the community. Membership fees are important to maintaining these two important assets in our community, but they do not always cover the expenses involved. Fundraisers are held to augment income, and this month there is a raffle of four items: A commemorative plate, recognizing the Tehachapi Loop's celebration of 120 years from 1876-1996, is a collector's item....

Be the hummingbird

Mel Makaw, contributing writer

This little inspiring story came to me from a friend over the Internet. In doing my own research on it, I found that it is a story repeated often in many different countries and cultures, and with many longer and shorter variations, always with a credit of "author unknown." However it is shared, and no matter when it was first told or by whom, it seems to me to be a timely addition to share with you today: According to an old Native American legend [sic], one day there was a big fire in the...

Celebration of Life: Christopher James Wilson, January 16, 1987 – November 8, 2024

Christopher passed suddenly on Nov. 8 at the age of 37. Christopher was born on Jan. 16, 1987, to parents Mary Wilson and Adam Perez Jr. in Lancaster, California. He moved to Tehachapi in 1995. Chris loved being outside, playing with his dogs, fishing, camping and taking walks with his best friend, King – his beloved dog. He loved to garden and BBQ. He was larger than life. He loved his family and friends. They were his priority in life. He loved to laugh and have fun, and his laugh was so...

The Salvation Army is helping Tehachapi children with Christmas gifts

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Tehachapi has begun signups for their Angel Tree Christmas program to help local families with Christmas presents. Families who live in the greater Tehachapi area can register at The Salvation at 538 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Once a child is accepted as an Angel, donors like you can shop for their Christmas wish list. Simply pick a tag off the Angel Tree located inside Walmart, or by visiting The Salvation Army office at 538 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Once the gifts are received, The...

Hilltop Welcoming Service

Lions Senior Christmas Program

Vicki Satalino, contributing writer

The Tehachapi Lions Club is continuing the Christmas Senior Program for the 12th year. As a part of this program, we are asking the community to help by donating sundries to the following locations: The Chamber of Commerce, The Village Grill Restaurant, Don Perico’s, Old Town Pizza and the Senior Center. Suggested items to be donated are Kleenex, 2-ply toilet paper, shaving cream, razors, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, laundry detergent, fabric softener/sheets, cleaning supplies and other...

Remembering epic December flights at Mojave Air & Space Port

Cathy Hansen, contributing writer

Voyager Thirty eight years ago on Dec. 14, the Voyager aircraft, designed by Burt Rutan, built at Mojave Airport by a team of volunteers and flown around the world non-stop and unrefuled by Command Pilot Dick Rutan and co-pilot Jeana Yeager, lifted off the runway at Edwards Air Force Base. The 1986 circumnavigation flight in Voyager was 26,366 statute miles, which more than doubled the previous record set by a B-52 Bomber in 1962. This fragile aircraft with a wingspan of 110-feet had an empty...

Mystery Writers of America honor local author

Linda Coverdale

Local author Dan Bronson has been getting widespread recognition for his latest novel, "Shout at the Devil." The Southern California chapter of the Mystery Writers of America recently published the first sentence of his book in "The Last Word," the concluding feature of its journal in which the editor showcases a single sentence from one of its members, members who include Michael Connelly, Walter Mosley, Laurie R. King, Nicholas Meyer and many other best-selling authors. Bronson made this the...

Meet Your New Neighbors

Pat Doody, Welcome Hostess

Maria and Daryl Hale moved to Tehachapi in September from the Saugus area of the Santa Clarita Valley where they had lived for 23 years. They had been hunting for a quieter, simpler life now that they were both retired. Maria said that they had considered Kernville but it was a bit too small and remote. Daryl finally found Tehachapi while searching online. It had everything they wanted: the natural setting, four seasons and small town feel without being isolated. Perfect. Maria was raised in...

Phillip Darling's creative outlet

Joscelyn Martinez, staff writer

When Tehachapi attorney Phillip H. Darling isn't practicing law on the mountains, he likes to spend his time at the beach photographing the ocean. Darling has his bachelor's in mechanical engineering, and his juris doctorate in law. Throughout his life he appreciated a good challenge and was drawn to more difficult professions. He began his legal career working in litigation, but he discovered what branch of law pertained to him by reviewing the trust and wills of people close to him. Darling...

Color Tehachapi, Land of 4 Seasons

Jill von Ranson Davies, contributing writer

In 1997, we drove on 58 West toward our new home, Tehachapi. The tenor of the Mojave Desert seemed to follow us as we climbed along with stands of small Joshua trees striving to make it to higher elevation. On our left, colorful BNSF freight cars snaked along in hues of pullman green, ochre and iron red, while micro wind turbines resembling a child's Erector Set silhouetted the somber hills on either side. Just before passing the beached "SS Minnow" boat near the exit to Sand Canyon, a wedge of...

Just Bearly

Episode...

Irene's Touch of Glass – A craft of color and creativity

Clare Scotti, contributing writer

Irene Rippy's journey into the world of stained glass began in 1987, when the pressures of her real estate career led her to seek a creative outlet. What started as a way to relieve stress has blossomed into a thriving business, Irene's Touch of Glass, known for its unique Tiffany-style stained glass pieces. Irene's work is currently featured at Gallery 'N' Gifts in Tehachapi and on her Facebook page, where clients can connect with her to commission custom pieces. Irene's work is characterized...

Holidays, sports and home

Corey Costelloe, contributing writer

I remember the holiday season in my previous career as being laced with travel, airports, hotel rooms, tournaments, games and lots of new places throughout my journey as a broadcaster. There was one Thanksgiving that I left the snowy plains of Wyoming in the morning, just in time to catch a flight home to Bakersfield and to have Thanksgiving dinner with my wife and in-laws, fresh off the plane at Meadows Field. The following year I was in Dayton, Ohio for Thanksgiving, eating in a restaurant,...

Celebration of Life: Jerry Coryell, 1953 – 2024

Don Davis, contributing writer

A White Cross and an Eagle's Feather My cousin Jerry in his prime was the quintessential lanky blonde-haired, blue-eyed surfer from any scene of the "Endless Summer." The first born son to Clyde "Bud" Coryell and Charlene "Charky" Coryell; Charky's family came from Tennessee via Arkansas and Bud's from the Dakotas with a Cherokee DNA in the mix. Think Southern Baptist meets Cherokee warrior, and he was conflicted before he knew how to ride a bike. Yet, from all outward appearances the family...

The Spirit of Christmas

Lily La B, contributing writer

Last December I wrote about the Spirit of Christmas, which I defined as love, peace and goodwill toward others. We share the Spirit of Christmas by spreading joy, kindness and compassion to those around us. Most of us manage to share the Spirit during the month of December because there are reminders everywhere. The challenge is to keep the Spirit going the other 11 months of the year. But, why bother; isn't the month of December enough Spirit for a whole year? The best reason for year-around...

Celebration of Life: Peter Francis Hicks, February 23, 1942 – November 19, 2024

Peter Francis Hicks, known as Pete to friends and family, was born Feb. 23, 1942, at either 7 a.m. or 7 p.m. (depending on what nurse/Dr./phlebotomist he was teasing over the last few months when they asked his date of birth). He passed away on Nov. 19 surrounded by family. He grew up on a Ranch and was no stranger to hard work. He told stories of his chores and duties on the ranch starting from the time he was 5 years old. He remembered all those times with joy and happiness, even when the...

Celebration of Life: Mary Davies Herbert, January 27, 1952 – November 7, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Davies Herbert, on Nov. 7 in Bakersfield, California. Mary Davies Herbert was born on Jan. 27, 1952 in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada to William Alexander Davies and Jane Randolph Davies. She was married to Walter Herbert. Mary was a Registered Nurse for 35 years. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of America, worked in St Malachy's CDA store, was a routine participant in crafting items for the CDA Bazaar, the operation of...

Celebration of Life: Nik Scott Sutton, December 29, 1957 – November 18, 2024

On Monday, Nov. 18 Nik Scott Sutton passed away in Tehachap at the age of 66 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons and daughters-in-law, Derek and Julie, Skylar and Danielle; his sister, brother-in-law, and brother, Nardi, Mark, and Steve; his parents, Jerry and Joan; and his grandchildren, Tyler, Shane, Connor, Drew and Gage. Nik was born on Dec. 29, 1957 in Gilroy, California. He spent his youth exploring the outdoors, fishing, building and...

Celebration of Life: John Aaron Fairris, August 28, 1935 – November 24, 2024

John Aaron Fairris was born on Aug. 28, 1935, in Webb, Mississippi, to Charles and Willie (Lay) Fairris. John was the fourth of five boys. Eventually the family moved to California. He went to Jordan High School in Long Beach where he met Bonnie Lou Buckley. They married on April 9, 1954. This year they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They had two children, Christine and John Jr. John started working at Rockwell International in Chatsworth, California, when he was 18 and retired when...

Aunt Minnie

Pat Gracey, contributing writer

I read an article a while back that described a study (a study?) about why children didn't care for the school lunches. We're talking about a carefully planned, nutritionally balanced lunch. That last sentence says it all. What kid likes a carefully planned, nutritious lunch? I remember my youngest child (now past 50) used to tell me that he always put his peas in the empty milk carton. Good place to hide peas! Of course, some kids eat the lunches and think nothing much about it. The general...

Gibanica: a family tradition passed down in a pan with stains, memories

Daniela Peregrina, contributing writer

Gibanica (pronounced Ghee-bah-nee-tsah) isn't just a dish, it is a connection to my childhood, filled with family, tradition and love. Growing up, it was always present at every holiday gathering, making it impossible to imagine any celebration without it. My grandmother, Baba, would layer phyllo dough with the creamy and cheesy filling then drizzle each sheet with melted butter. I'd watch as she carefully placed her cherished enamel baking dish in the oven with her delicate hands. That same...

Old and New Friends, Sharing Christmas

Midge Lyndee, Book Review

Books are my friends and the characters within them hold precious memories. While some people use Advent Calendars to usher in December, I use picture books. I collect my old and new friends together with their holiday additions and let them usher me into the season. From Charlie Brown and Winnie the Pooh, to Madeleine and Dr. Seuss, Clifford the Big Red Dog and the very mischievous cookie mouse, I treasure our first meetings and our ongoing adventures. More recent additions like Llama Llama,...

Hilltop Welcoming Service

Life is good in Tehachapi

Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer

Tehachapi is a place where people are kind, generous and reach out to those who may need help. The Salvation Army is one of the organizations that does a lot to make life in Tehachapi more enjoyable for people. Tehachapi Community Church appreciates these efforts because they have similar goals of caring and sharing with others. Laurie Betts encouraged members of TCC to support the effort of The Salvation Army to provide Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. The small congregation was able to...

Hilltop Welcoming Service
  • Acorns: a bountiful year for an amazing food

    Jon Hammond, contributing writer

    This has been a banner year for one of the main wild food sources in the Tehachapi Mountains: acorns. Acorns are the nuts produced by our various species of tree and shrub oaks. Our landscape is defined largely by our oaks, and acorns are their seeds, the source of all our past, present and future oak trees. Each acorn is an embryonic oak tree. However, almost none of these will actually grow into a standing tree one day. There are many, many obstacles that an acorn, and the seedling that it...

  • City launches 'Reindeer Rush' Scavenger Hunt Program

    The City of Tehachapi launched the Reindeer Rush Scavenger Hunt on Friday, Nov. 29. This festive event encourages residents and visitors to explore Tehachapi's shops and attractions during the holiday season. The Shop Small Passport can be picked up at any of the following locations: • City Hall (115 S. Robinson St.) • Kern County Library, Tehachapi Branch (212 S. Green St.) • Tehachapi Depot Museum (101 W. Tehachapi Blvd.) • Tehachapi Visitors Center (200 W. Tehachapi Blvd.) For a full...

  • Betty's Cleaning Service

    Make the most of your family time this holiday season! Leave the cleaning to Betty's Cleaning Service, so you can relax and create lasting memories. "Enjoy your holidays – let us handle the mess!" See their ad on this page. Pictured: Betty from Betty's Cleaning...

  • Simply Perfect gifts for the holidays

    Simply Perfect Gifts and Decor

    Simply Perfect Gifts and Decor is thrilled to celebrate its two-year anniversary in Tehachapi! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful community for their warm welcome and unwavering support. Your patronage has made these past two years an incredible journey, and we are truly humbled by the positive response we've received. Our store has become a haven for those seeking unique gifts for all occasions. From birthdays and anniversaries to housewarming and holidays, we have curated a...

  • Planning Commission recommendation tabled by Council

    Pat Doody, staff writer

    At their Nov. 12 meeting, the Tehachapi Planning Commission reviewed and approved a tentative parcel map dividing two commercial parcels totaling 10.3 acres located at the end of Bailey Court in Tehachapi into seven parcels, and recommended the Tehachapi City Council approve the map and a finding that a Notice of Exemption satisfies the California Environmental Qualty Act (CEQA). Development Services Director Jay Schlosser said, at this time, the division was for mapping purposes only, no...

  • GHCSD honors Shaw for years of service

    Pat Doody, staff writer

    At their Nov. 21 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Golden Hills Community Services District honored Director David Shaw with a Certificate of Recognition. Shaw is stepping down after serving on the Board for nine years. Shaw, who was elected to the Board in 2016, did not run for reelection in November. The commendation noted that it was during his tenure that much of the work was done on the rehabilitation of the district's water wells as was the development of the Masterplan for the...

  • Estate plans

    Diana Wade, LDA

    If you are reading this article, I am assuming you are at least thinking about an estate plan. So, let's continue! What are the benefits of a Living Trust? A trust does not get filed with the court. A will does. Transferring your biggest assets into a trust makes it a whole lot easier for your heirs, I should say kids, to manage your assets upon your death. The person you name as the successor trustee can manage your assets if you become incapacitated. It can also be highly customized to fit...

  • An unexpected gift

    Adventist Health

    Few people would be thankful for a painful fall. But after Tehachapi cattle rancher Jessie Milano took a tumble last summer, she soon learned that she had a lot to be grateful for. "I got hit by a flat cart, and I fell on my right side," she says. "It knocked the wind out of me, and I had a lot of pain in my right breast." When the pain lingered, she visited Amber Medina, FNP, her family medicine provider. After several tests, Adventist Health's experts found the source of Milano's pain - she...

  • Deck the halls with savings at ACE Hardware: Your ultimate Christmas destination

    Maranatha Ace Hardware

    The holiday season is upon us, and Maranatha ACE Hardware is your go-to store for all things Christmas! We will be carrying fresh cut Noble and Douglas Fur Trees this year, and Santa will be making a special appearance on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Come kick off the season with us, we've got everything you need to make this season merry and bright. At ACE Hardware, we carry a stunning selection of holiday lights to transform your home into a winter wonderland. We have variety...

  • Mountain Dog Millworks giving locals an additional 10% off everything

    Serve your big holiday dinner to your family and friends on this beautiful Live Edge Redwood Table. Mountain Dog Millworks is offering an additional 10% off the already discounted price for Tehachapi locals. Go to their website to see this and other beautiful live edge furniture. If you're local, they'll give you an additional 10% off any item you find on the website www.mountaindogmillworks.com (coupon code LOCALS10), or call them to make an appointment to have a custom piece designed and...

  • Local author's sci-fi saga continues

    Lorena Para

    After three years of anticipation, local author Lorena Para returns with "The Gravity of Elendoras," the highly awaited sequel to her novel, "The Fera." Released on Nov. 30, this new installment continues the thrilling saga of Orinthia Anton, a Galactic Marauder Hunter turned space pirate, in a story brimming with high-stakes action, personal discovery and unexpected twists. "This book was a true passion project," says Lorena. "The journey to write it wasn't easy – life threw multiple...

  • Success with living Christmas trees

    Rick Gillies, Mountain Gardens Nursery & Pet, contributing writer

    Many people plant a tree every year after Christmas, which really adds to the beauty of their yards, year round. Here's some advice on how to plant a living Christmas tree, a live tree which comes in a container planted in soil. People like them because they are beautiful inside, and after the holiday, you don't throw them away. You plant it in your own yard. So, it saves you money! Living trees have a good chance of surviving the move from indoors to the landscape. Unsure how to care for a...

  • Joyful Life Hypnotherapy offers past-life regression

    Rosemary Powell, CMS, CHT, FNLP of Joyful Life Hypnotherapy

    This is article No. 22 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. Hypnotherapy, a respected tool for relaxation and mental well-being, has gained attention for its role in past-life regression - a process where individuals explore possible memories of previous lifetimes. While this practice may seem unconventional, it offers...

  • 3 big market uncertainties

    Lance Patton, Financial Advisor

    Every moment seems especially uncertain when you are living it. It is always an illusion. In the shadow of several elections and a couple of wars, with central banks pivoting and equity markets on an unusually long bull run, late 2024 may feel especially dangerous. One way to remember that risk is just the water we swim in is to enumerate and describe our uncertainties. It makes them feel tractable. What follows are my three big questions, and my guesses at their answers. I choose the word...

  • All-In-One or tower PC?

    Guy Martin, owner of Control-Alt-Delete

    Shopping for computers has changed immensely throughout the years. Since the inception of the home Personal Computer (PC), most computer users were used to this setup: the tower computer, monitor, and of course, the different peripherals connected to the tower, i.e. keyboard, mouse, printer and such. When laptops became more affordable to everyday users, those became the way to go for portability and ease of use. Over 10 years ago, the All-In-One Computer (AIO) was becoming more popular as an...

  • 'Hard Climb' reflected in artwork

    Susan Andreas-Bervel, contributing writer

    On Nov. 21, the Rotary Club of Tehachapi was treated to an interesting and artful presentation by Dr. Leana Mitchell, president of the Bear Valley Springs Cultural Arts Association. Leana's presentation was titled "Hard Climb Art," and highlighted the art program that takes place at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. Leana said she has been rather passionate about this art program, as there are many residents of the prison who have amazing artistic abilities, which can be a...

  • Support Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum and you could win big

    Diana Buerge, contributing writer

    The Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum is having an opportunity drawing on Dec. 21 to raise money to assist with upcoming projects. Opportunity tickets are being sold by Friends of the Tehachapi Depot for a chance to win a Christmas tree full of gift cards, which have been donated by several local businesses. The total value is over $600! Tickets are $10 for one ticket, $50 for six tickets, or $100 for 13 tickets. Stop by the museum, check out the tree and buy your tickets. The Depot Museum is...

  • Rotary Club's Twelve Days of Christmas

    The City of Tehachapi and the Rotary Club of Tehachapi are seeking the community's support in gathering non-perishable food items and other essential goods for seniors and families in need this holiday season. Items can be dropped off at various participating locations until Monday, Dec. 16. Drop-off locations include Tehachapi City Hall, the Tehachapi Police Department, The Loop newspaper, Tehachapi News and Mountain Bible Church. The "Twelve Days of Christmas" program aims to fill boxes with...

  • Why is there a circular bite out of all the shadows?

    There was a solar eclipse visible in Tehachapi on May 20, 2012, and some Tehachapi residents took photos of the event. Chris Esten took a photo of unusual crescent-shaped shadows caused by the solar eclipse that began at about 5:30 p.m. On that afternoon, Chris and his wife Kerri were at their home in the Tehachapi Mountains and when checking out the eclipse, they enjoyed the distinctive shadows caused by the partially eclipsed sun as it was shining through small gaps between the leaves of...

National Wreaths Across America Day in Tehachapi, Dec. 14

Debie Peralta

Tehachapi Westside and Eastside Cemeteries, official Wreaths Across America (WAA) locations, will host a wreath-laying ceremony joining more than 4,600 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day. Coordinated and led by 5150 Dieselz, local volunteers and fundraising groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of 782 veterans' wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest there. This annual event seeks to further the...

Chanukah: Dec. 25, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025

The Jewish celebration of Chanukah is often associated with the Christian holiday of Christmas, but that association has little to do with the significance of each holiday and more to do with the timing. Each is celebrated at the end of the year when the holiday season has hit full swing. But much like the story of Christmas, the story of Chanukah is a rich one. The celebration of Chanukah has a deep history that can be traced back to a successor of Alexander the Great. Upon conquering Syria,...

Sing-along with TPOPS, Dec. 15

Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer

TPOPS Orchestra was pleased with the community's positive response to their recent Halloween Concert and is now in rehearsal for a Christmas Sing-Along. This Tehachapi group has a long tradition of performing during holidays. This year the concert will be Dec. 15, 4 p.m. at the ADHC Building, 123 W. F St. Suggested donation is adults $10, teens $5 and young children are free. TPOPS is a community orchestra that plays pop tunes as well as light classical music. It is a teaching and learning...

National Wreaths Across America Day in Mojave, Dec. 14

Tami Kelley

Mojave Cemetery, an official Wreaths Across America (WAA) location, will host a wreath-laying ceremony joining more than 4,700 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day. Coordinated and led by local volunteers, sponsorship groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of 526 veterans' wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest there. This annual event seeks to further the yearlong mission to Remember, Honor,...

December events at the Arts Center

Mark Kamerer, contributing writer

Tehachapi Hometown Christmas Tehachapi Arts Center is excited to participate in the Hometown Christmas event again this year. This year is the Reindeer Rush Scavenger hunt. Come on in and find the reindeer and we'll stamp your Reindeer Rush Passport. This event runs until Dec. 23. The more stamps you have the more chances you get for the big drawing on Dec. 26. We have passports if you haven't received yours yet. Don't forget to turn them in at City Hall by Dec 23. Good luck. Runamuk Ceramics...

Carols & Candlelight on Christmas Eve

Sonia LeDuc, contributing writer

Tehachapi Valley United Methodist Church will present its annual Carols & Candlelight Christmas Eve service starting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24, at the Methodist Church, 20920 Schout Rd. (across from Country Oaks Baptist). Come and sing along to carols! The evening begins with a half hour of singing carols followed by the service. Enjoy the music and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. The service tells the story with alternating scripture readings and carols, concluding with the...

Holiday Event Calendar

Friday, Dec. 6 The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce is excited about their 3rd annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest which is now under way! Businesses across Tehachapi decorate their windows and store fronts to spread holiday cheer and compete to win first place! It is free to enter and decorating will need to be completed by Dec. 6. The contestants will be judged by a panel of judges and a popular vote, and winners will be announced Dec. 9. Awards will be distributed shortly...

CALM's 22nd HolidayLights presented by Adventist Health

Kern County Superintendent of Schools

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 runs nightly through Jan. 4, except on Christmas Day. 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 offer guests the choice of 5:30 p.m....

  • Current issue now in stands!

    Vol 47 No 11

    Vol. 47 No. 11. The Loop newspaper, Tehachapi's favorite source for community news and local happenings, since 2001. Stay in The...

  • Past Issues of The Loop newspaper

    The Loop newspaper

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