August 17, 2024 Edition

  • Cheers to the best party in town!

    Mary Beth Garrison, contributing writer

    The 10th Anniversary of Cheers to Charity is in the books! Dozens of people volunteered hundreds of hours to give area residents an unforgettable night in the park. There was delicious food, carefully selected wines, craft brews/home-brewed beers, casino games and dancing to tunes that spanned the decades. "I will come back and help every single year," said Christine Welton, a five-year volunteer veteran. "I not only feel good about helping raise money for charity, the event is just so much...

  • CHP Mojave seeks senior volunteers

    California Highway Patrol, Mojave Area

    The California Highway Patrol, Mojave Area is looking for senior volunteers. We currently have eight senior volunteers, most of whom have been a CHP volunteer for over 10 years. We are looking for seniors who would like to give back to Kern County and make a positive impact. This round of applications will be closing on Aug. 23. To obtain an application, visit the CHP Mojave office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or visit us at Tehachapi Mountain Festival on Aug. 17 and 18. For more...

  • Tehachapi Terror Haunted House

    Tehachapi Terror Haunted House

    Tehachapi Terror Haunted House is approaching its fourth year in the community, with bigger and scarier plans than ever. As with previous seasons, the event will be free-to-the-public, and accepting donations for a local charity. The event is a costly endeavor, and relies heavily on the generosity of the community. Donations and local business sponsors are greatly needed as October looms ever closer. You can support Tehachapi Terror by donating to their GoFundMe, purchasing gifts off their...

  • Meet Your New Neighbors

    Pat Doody, Welcome Hostess

    Pauline McKindley moved from Vermont to Tehachapi in April to join three of her five older sisters on a 20-acre ranch they all purchased in Cummings Valley. She says she loves the openness of the valley and the view from their property, especially when SpaceX launches from Vandenburg. Born in San Bernardino County, Pauline, her sisters and two step-brothers lived there until they all moved to Tucson, Arizona when Pauline was 7 years old. Tucson was her home for 30 years. While in Tucson she...

  • Borel Fire: returning home safely

    Kern County Public Health

    As Borel Fire evacuees begin to return home, it is important to be aware that hazards still exist that can impact your health and safety. Kern County Public Health urges residents to proceed with caution as you return to your property and not to return home until the evacuation orders have been formally lifted. Ash and debris Residents may be tempted to sift through ash and debris on their property following a wildfire as they search for belongings. Sifting through ash after a fire can be...

  • Tehachapi Heritage League seeks volunteers for Kids Day at the Museum

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer

    Kids Day at the Museum is an annual event for children and youth in our community. It is sponsored by the Tehachapi Heritage League, supported by local businesses and made possible by a small cadre of volunteers. There are a few activity spaces available so any organization or individual interested in presenting a display or project should contact Kids Day Coordinator Dixie Coutant, (661) 599-1889 for further information. Individual volunteers are needed to help the day of the event. Kids Day...

  • Celebration of Life: Jack Larry Booze, January 16, 1937 – June 16, 2024

    Jack Larry Booze peacefully passed away on June 16 in Denton, Texas. A memorial service will be officiated by Dr. Larry Booze on Aug. 23 at Christian Life Assembly Church, 920 W. Valley Blvd., Tehachapi, at 10 a.m. There will be a private interment at Tehachapi Public Cemetery – Westside. Jack is the youngest son of parents Harold and Lovera (Schonauer) Booze. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio and was a college graduate from Bethany Bible College. He married Betty Lou Smith on June 8, 1974. Jack...

  • Celebration of Life: Tamara Lynn Singer, September 14, 1958 – August 6, 2024

    Tamara was born on Sept. 14, 1958 and passed away peacefully in Bakersfield on Aug. 6, holding hands with her husband Tim Singer after a valiant battle with cancer. Services will be officiated by Pastor Hector Ruiz of Valley Bible Fellowship. A memorial service will be held at Wood Family Funeral Service on Aug. 22 at 1:30 p.m. Tamara was born in Burbank, California. She attended Burroughs High School and then Los Angeles City College where she received her degree in nursing. She continued her...

  • Just Bearly

    Episode...

  • The Salvation Army serves Tehachapi youth with Back to School event

    The Salvation Army

    The Salvation Army of Tehachapi had another successful year with their annual Back to School event. The event served over 60 local Tehachapi families with new backpacks, clothing, and school supplies. 162 backpacks and over 1,400 articles of clothing were distributed to local families. We want to thank all of our hardworking volunteers for all of the amazing work they did to make the event run smoothly. A heartfelt thanks to the Tehachapi Pageant Queens who donated clothing and volunteered at...

  • Celebration of Life: Eddie Louis Munoz Grande 'Chulo', August 5, 2005 – August 2, 2024

    It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Eddie Louis Munoz Grande. Eddie was known to friends and family as "Chulo." He passed on Aug. 2, just three days before his 19th birthday. A viewing will be held on Aug. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wood Family Funeral Service, 321 W. F St., Tehachapi. The burial and graveside service will be held Aug. 22 at noon at Tehachapi Public Cemetery Westside, 820 Burnett Rd. Tehachapi. Wood Family Funeral Service...

  • This is not a drill

    Midge Lyndee, Book Review

    Did you feel it? We experienced an earthquake in Tehachapi this past week. It was a moderate quake and broke some glassware but did not bring devastation. The next time could. We live in a very active zone where the earth is stretching and pushing itself in all directions. This quake was a good reminder to be prepared for the ever rattling of the earth beneath our feet in California. Families have checked their evacuation kits and talked to their children again about earthquake safety and...

  • 2024 Chalk on the Walk winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer

    This year's Chalk on the Walk was a sight to behold! The 85 artists of all ages and talent levels gathered along Tehachapi Blvd. and S. Green Street to turn the downtown sidewalks into a bright festive gallery of art. Wind turbines, flaming volleyballs, country scenery and even pickle pancakes came to life at the 24th annual event held Aug. 10. "We had a spectacular show of support from local sponsors this year, and all the proceeds go directly toward buying art supplies for local area...

  • VFW supports Tehachapi Night Out

    Alex Athans, contributing writer

    Major Jason E. George VFW 12114 joined our Tehachapi community for the Tehachapi Night Out held on Aug. 6. The event helps our children to become aware of our community services such as the police, paramedics, fire department and many other organizations that are here to help us all. Major George VFW 12114, located at the Little Red School House in Golden Hills, donated $350 to the Tehachapi Police Foundation to buy 500 hot dogs to be given away complimentary to everyone attending the event....

  • Guided tours of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park

    California Department of Parks and Recreation

    Guided Tours of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park are scheduled for Saturdays beginning Sept. 7 through Oct. 12. Reservations for guided tours are required. Tour fee is $20 per person. Tours are limited to 15 people and fill up fast. Please call the Fort Tejon State Historic Park office at (661) 248-6692 for tour information. Reservations are available through the Reserve California website at www.reservecalifornia.com/. Click on the Activities tab, use the drop-down menu to select Tomo-Kahni...

  • Top bridge players recognized

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer

    There was cause for celebration at the latest Oak Tree Duplicate Bridge session when two of the players received certificates of achievement from American Contract Bridge League. Bob Nixon, leader of the local club, presented the awards to Jan Combs and John Harris in recognition for earning a record number of Master Points. That achievement indicates both have not only played for many years, but they have played well and consistently scored high. The local club consists of about 20 people who...

  • Celebration of Life: Chad Aaron Allred, July 6, 1979 – August 6, 2024

    Chad Aaron Allred passed away at the age of 45 on Aug. 6 in Bakersfield, following a brief but very aggressive battle with leukemia. He went to be with his Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. Survivors include his parents, Bob and Shirley Allred; twin brother Shawn Allred; brother and sister-in-law, Jeremy and Heather Allred, all of Tehachapi California. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Brigitte and Darrin King of Arkansas. Extended family would include many uncles,...

  • In the early beginnings

    Pat Gracey, contributing writer

    Tehachapi was once a vast, spacious valley with tall, waving grasses, wild game and running streams. Magnificent oaks centuries old, grew in profusion along with pines and fir. With the Tehachapi Mountains to the south (one of the Traverse Mountain Systems of the U.S.) and the last of the great Sierra Nevada to the north, the valley between was blessed with pleasant summers and enough rain and snowfall to grow the crops needed. Although the vast Mojave Desert began just over the Tehachapi...

  • Classes & events

    Rebecca Ortiz Johnson, contributing writer

    September is cat & kitten month Next month the Arts Center is celebrating felines with artwork and a Fixin' Feral Felines event. With that, the Arts Center is calling all area artists to show their feline-centered artwork here at the center for the month of September. You may offer it for sale or set it out for display only. All mediums accepted: paintings, photography, sculpture, etc. Please submit your work by Aug. 31. Additionally, on Saturday, Sept. 7 there will be a Fixin' Feral Felines...

  • Earthquakes vs. tornadoes

    Mel Makaw, contributing writer

    Like many of you, I felt the earthquakes a couple of weeks ago, the ones in Mettler and Lamont, and I admit they scared me a little. I was sitting in my rocking recliner in my living room, minding my own business and watching the Olympics on television, when my chair started rocking from side to side instead of forward and backwards. That's how I knew it was an earthquake. Then the alert on my phone startled me by going off and telling me to duck and cover ... and I knew it was a significant...

  • Take Your Best Shot photo contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer

    Photography captures the moment, inspires creativity and invokes dreams and memories. The photographers in the 2024 Take Your Best Shot certainly did just that. Gallery 'N' Gifts celebrated that creativity at their First Friday Artist Reception and handed out over two dozen ribbons and cash prizes. This semiannual event has taken place every February and August for the last 19 years. If you'd like to take part in the next event, mark your calendars for submission week, Jan. 26-Feb. 2, 2025. Be...

  • Tehachapi Night Out

    Pat Doody, staff writer

    Members of the community mingled with members of the Tehachapi Police Department in Philip Marx Central Park on the evening evening of Aug. 6 for Tehachapi Night Out. Police Chief Richard Standridge renamed the event to make it more relevant to Tehachapi. Members of the community visited with officers and other community organizations. The evening was followed by a showing of the movie...

  • Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra Music Director ties the knot

    Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra

    Tehachapi Symphony finished its 25th season of beautiful music making with its annual patriotic concert on June 23, featuring anthems with the Symphonic Chorus, marches, pop music, show tunes and various other genres, to great acclaim from their patrons. And then there was a huge season finale, as the Symphony's esteemed Music Director, Dr. David Newby, married Alicia Lifquist, one of the Symphony's first violins, on the Fourth of July weekend! The wedding and subsequent reception were held at...

  • Model Train Show

    On the weekend of Aug. 10-11 a Model Train Show was hosted at the Tehachapi Adult Day Care Center. Pictured is Sid from the High Desert Modular Model Railroad...

  • Why TehachaSleep?

    TehachaSleep

    1. We sell the name brands you want! Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Tempur-pedic, MLILY and Spring-pedic. 2. We are local! No more traveling long distances for quality. You can stop and try out a mattress that is right for you. 3. Keep your tax dollars here. 4. Sleep experts! We can figure out exactly what you need with some educated questions. 5. Save money! We get big box pricing on all our mattresses so that means you save. 6. Free delivery, setup and removal of your old mattress! Because we are...

  • Rotary presents Judy Trujillo with Service Award

    Susan Andreas-Bervel, contributing writer

    The Rotary Club of Tehachapi presented Judy Trujillo, Youth Service Chair, the Avenue of Service Award for her contributions to the community of Tehachapi through working with the local youth. President Jennifer Palakiko presented the award to Judy in appreciation for her outstanding work in the area of Youth Service. A former educator, Judy's love for working with high school students comes shining through, and she works tirelessly to support the Interact student clubs at both Valley Oaks...

  • Liberty Dill Photography grand opening

    Pat Doody, staff writer

    On the morning of Aug. 14, Liberty Dill Photography and the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon, officially opening the new photography studio located on the southeast corner of S. Robinson St. and Tehachapi Blvd. The event was attended by City and County officials, as well as Miss...

  • Arrest made for a string of crimes

    Parolee Roberto Betancourt from Bakersfield was arrested on Aug. 2, for committing grand theft of $1,700 in cash from a vendor at the Tehachapi Farmers Market on July 25. The suspect was also arrested for causing $2,000 in damage to a coin machine at the Wash Tub Laundromat in Tehachapi on July 30. Betancourt was booked into the Kern County Jail, Lerdo Facility on charges of Grand Theft as well as Commercial Burglary, Felony Vandalism and violation of...

  • Patrick Wong: a balanced life of millwork and poetry

    Jon Hammond, contributing writer

    Past Forgiveness Peace in the moment Now transcending all judgment Nothing to forgive Tehachapi resident Patrick Wong is a man whose life has been shaped by both precision and the esoteric, by some things that can be measured and others that are difficult to define. A retired union millwright, he spent 40 years doing exacting, highly technical work on turbine generators in nuclear power plants and other large facilities. At the same time, he created poetry and developed his own spiritual,...

  • Penstemon: Hardy and beautiful natives for your garden

    Jon Hammond, contributing writer

    One of the great things about gardening with native plants is that you know that they are adapted to our often demanding growing conditions. This is true of the large Penstemon genus, which is a group of typically hardy perennials in the traditionally placed in the snapdragon family. There 15 species of Penstemon that are native to Kern County, and many, many more that are not native but that will thrive here – North America is home to more than 250 species of Penstemon, and there has been...

  • Eight great investing quotes

    Lance Patton, Financial Advisor

    Investing can be daunting, whether you are experienced or a beginner. Even if you feel confident about your investing strategy, it can be easy to lose focus or make decisions based on emotion. Here are eight quotes from successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers that may help provide perspective and focus for your own investing strategy. "The individual investor should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator."1 – Benjamin Graham, investor, author, and...

  • Navigating the future with Blue Sky Technology Brokers

    Clare Scotti, contributing writer

    In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, finding the right partner to guide your business through the maze of internet, phone, security and digital storage options can be daunting. That's where Blue Sky Technology Brokers, founded by Teresa Waller, comes into play. Incorporated in 2016, Blue Sky Technology Brokers emerged from Teresa's vision to offer a consulting service committed to neutrality and quality customer service. Teresa provides unbiased, comprehensive information to help...

  • City receives Financial Reporting Award

    The City of Tehachapi's Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. This achievement is for the City's annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2023. This award represents the COT Finance Department's commitment to the "spirit of full disclosure," to clearly communicate the City's financial story and motivate potential users to read the report. According to...

  • A honey of a presentation

    Susan Andreas-Bervel, contributing writer

    At the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Tehachapi on Aug. 1, the club heard an engaging presentation from Chris Scotti, owner of Discover Tehachapi Tours, who is an avid beekeeper. Chris and his wife Clare sell honey through Discover Tehachapi's catering and food department. Their honey can also be found seasonally at Simply Perfect Gifts and Decor in Tehachapi. Chris practices a rather hands-off approach to keeping bees and takes great pride in offering pure, unprocessed honey. Chris is...

  • AT&T tower, new storefront approved by Planning Commission

    Pat Doody, staff writer

    After several months without a meeting, the Tehachapi Planning Commission met on Aug. 12 to consider two new projects. The Planning Commission approved the installation of a new AT&T telecommunications tower to be located on the Rockpile located at Tehachapi Airport. The 38-foot tower will join those of Verizon and T-Mobile cellular, as well as those for the city and airport communications. AT&T customers have been waiting for such a tower for many years. A Conditional Use Permit was approved...

  • Kern EDC announces new officers and board members

    Kern Economic Development Corporation

    Kern Economic Development Corporation (Kern EDC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating and promoting Kern County's boundless opportunities for business, proudly announces the election of new officers and board members. The newly elected Board officers are as follows: Chair: Andy Stanley, Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Bank of America: "For 36 years, Kern EDC has been the leading organization to attract and retain businesses across our diverse local economy. Our...

  • Greg Chick discusses rainwater harvesting projects in Africa

    Susan Andreas-Bervel, contributing writer

    At the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Tehachapi on Aug. 8, the club welcomed Greg Chick, to talk about his work with Global Water Works. Greg provided a very interesting and relevant presentation, as Rotary International promotes clean water projects around the world. Greg began his interest in water and water systems a long time ago in 1974, while working on 50 acres of citrus irrigation in Ojai, California. He eventually earned his state contractor license, first in California, then in...

  • Major street projects for 2024-25 approved by Council

    Pat Doody, staff writer

    The three primary items brought before the Tehachapi City Council for a vote at their Aug. 5 meeting were presented by Development Services Director Jay Schlosser who requested funding for all of the city's upcoming road maintenance projects for the fiscal year 2024-25. The first of the projects presented was for surface repairs and reconstruction of approximately 1.7 miles of roads in Capital Hills on the north side of Highway 58, an area that had not been touched since it was originally...

  • The heart of your local hardware store

    Maranatha Ace Hardware

    In an age where large chains and online shopping dominate the retail landscape, the local hardware store stands as a beacon of community engagement and personalized service. These neighborhood gems offer more than just tools and supplies. They embody a sense of place, a connection to local history and a commitment to helping residents with their projects, big and small. Maranatha Ace Hardware is here for you. Maranatha Ace Hardware carries a wide array of products that cater to both...

  • John the Plumber hiring fair: opportunities for aspiring plumbers

    John the Plumber

    Local plumbing business, John the Plumber, is excited to announce a hiring fair, offering opportunities for those interested in starting or advancing their careers in the plumbing industry. The fair will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 to 11 a.m., at their location, 103 W. I St., Tehachapi. John the Plumber is known for its commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction. As the business continues to grow, they are looking to expand their...

  • Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center announces 2024 fair dates, theme

    Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center

    The Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center is excited to announce the dates and theme for the 2024 Antelope Valley Fair, which will take place from Sept. 25-29. This year's theme, "Hay It's A Moosical Fair," was developed in collaboration with Lancaster High School's Audio Visual & Engineering students. The top three projects were submitted by Isabel Grider, Lars Smith and Alyus Albright. Albright's theme, "Hay It's A Moosical Fair" was selected as the winner by the Board of Directors. "I would...

  • Brews on the Mountain, Sept. 21

    The Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District (TVRPD) is excited to announce the third annual "Brews on the Mountain" event, set to take place on Sept. 21 at West Park. This unique beer festival will bring together the best brews from near and far, live entertainment, games, and a stunning mountain backdrop for an unforgettable day. "Brews on the Mountain" is a celebration of craft beer culture, offering attendees the chance to sample a variety of beers while enjoying live music and delicious...

  • Kern Audubon Society-Tehachapi meeting, Aug. 27

    Carol Gates, contributing writer

    Please join us on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., for our next quarterly meeting. Our speaker will be Erin Gates, with Miranda Hernandez assisting, from the César E. Chávez National Monument. We meet at the Golden Hills Elementary school cafeteria, 20215 Park Rd. Raffle and refreshments are an added bonus. About Erin Gates Gates serves as the superintendent of César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California. In her most recent role at Redwood National and State Parks, where she...

  • 'Deathtrap' opens at the BeeKay Theatre

    Andi Hicks, contributing writer

    What do you get when you combine fame, ego, ambition, jealousy, intrigue, deception and just plain malice with a touch of the psychic? You get "Deathtrap, a thriller in two acts," which is the opening line spoken by actor, Ed Kramer who plays playwright, Sidney Bruhl in the Tehachapi Community Theatre Association's (TCTA) summer offering. "Deathtrap" playwright, Ira Levin was just 23 when he wrote his first novel, the award-winning masterpiece of crime fiction, "A Kiss Before Dying," then...

  • Current issue now in stands!

    Vol 47 No 04

    Vol. 47 No. 04. 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

    Hover over any issue for details, when you find the one you want just click, read, and...