January 18, 2025 Edition
January 18, 2025 Edition
When a client comes in to look at fabrics to change the design of their home, the first thing they ask is, "what is everyone else doing?" This year we will start off with the 2025 color of year. Whether in the form of a morning walk, cup of coffee or piece of chocolate, we all search for simple moments of joy that keep us going throughout the day. This year, Pantone is honing in on those everyday pleasures we love, and there's one color in particular that embodies that comfort: Pantone 17-1230...
Did you know you are an alchemist? Just like ancient alchemists tried to transmute lead into gold, we all have the natural ability to turn moments of emotional distress into gratitude. We all, as human beings, experience a wide-range of emotions. Sometimes, we struggle with emotions such as anger, grief and sadness. It can be useful to have a way to perceive things that would allow us to honor our emotions and use them to move to a more comfortable way of being. This is the concept of emotional...
Bruce Houghtaling moved into his Tehachapi home in November following his retirement from the "best part-time job in the world." For the last 23 years, Bruce had been a stagehand at most of the major studios in Hollywood. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work many TV shows and game shows, as well as concerts and conventions in Los Angeles. Then everything became digital and work was harder to find, so it was time to "call it quits." He had visited Tehachapi in the past with his...
Scott Thomas Tickenoff passed away on Jan. 7, 2025, at the age of 51. Scott was born on March 30, 1973, in Lancaster, California. He is survived by his Mother Patti Kullrich, his father and stepmother – Thomas and Kate Tickenoff. A niece Claire Tickenoff, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. Scott was deeply loving and loved deeply by his family and friends. He will be missed, kept in our hearts and memories forever. Services will be Saturday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. in Mojave at the...
Brian Farley St. John went to be with our Heavenly Father on Dec. 17, 2024, after a very courageous and hard fought battle with multiple myeloma. Brian was born to Maureen and Julian St. John on July 2, 1961, in Encino, California. He attended Simi Valley High School and was in the class of 1979. Brian served over 20 years as a senior code enforcement officer for the City of Lancaster before his retirement. Brian was always the funniest guy in the room and thoroughly enjoyed making everybody...
A pun can be a noun or a verb, defined basically as a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings. For example, "his first puzzle punned on composers, with answers like 'Handel with care' and 'Haydn go seek.'" Or, as in punning someone, or having punned a friend. A pun is also defined as a double entendre, a play on words, a witty quip. Mostly what I think is that puns are just great fun (I love the...
Ever since the beginning of personal computers, one of the biggest nuisances has been the inevitable slow-down issue. You buy a brand new computer, and it is super-fast! You open a program, zip-blam! You surf the internet, zappo! Lightning speed! But then, you start installing programs, updating the operating system, temporary files get installed and left to clutter your system. And slowly, your computer starts to lose its speed, its pizzazz. Why does this happen? Think about it like this. You...
Claude Wayne Kiser is survived by his four children: Kathy, Caryle, Rita and Richard and their respective spouses; nine grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. A celebration of life was held for Claude on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Village Collective, 122 S. Green St.,...
On Jan. 18 we will be celebrating four clients completing our substance use disorder treatment program. Completing Cornerstone's program is not a simple task and often takes a year or more to complete. The majority of clients go through three program levels: the intensive outpatient program (15-20 hours per week), the outpatient program (6-10 hours per week), and the step down program (1-5 hours per week). Each level has specific objectives and growth goals the clients are expected to achieve....
On Jan. 3, Gallery 'N' Gifts held its monthly First Friday artist reception. This month featured a multi-artist show curated by Andi Campognone. The show, titled "The Expanse," celebrated artists Aazam Irilian, Nuri Amanatullah, Josh Patterson, David Koeth, Mark Pestana and Denise Lewis and features a space/aeronautical theme. The event drew in quite a crowd. If you missed the opening, the show is available for viewing through Feb. 5. Gallery 'N' Gifts is located at 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. The...
If you've noticed the white patches on the "People of the Nuwä" mural and wondered what was happening, it's all part of an effort by Make Art Tehachapi to preserve this important piece of art. The team has been hard at work cleaning and repairing the failing stucco, ensuring the mural's structural integrity for years to come. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. As fall 2024 quickly transitioned into colder months, the team was unable to proceed with the necessary paint touch-ups. The...
The Salvation Army brought hope and joy to many families in Tehachapi during the past year. They were especially busy during the winter holidays when they provided meals, warm clothing, Christmas gifts and a safe place for young people to gather. Tehachapi Mountain Democrats appreciate the work of The Salvation Army and have helped with several of their efforts with donations of food and other items. They have also helped with the distribution of gifts. Recently they met with Marget Willer to...
As we step into the first few weeks of 2025, I'm reflecting on the major change that I have experienced this past year, my journey into plant-based living. January 15 marks one year since I made a lifestyle leap, inspired by the Blue Zones, the regions where people live long, vibrant lives fueled by simple, plant-focused eating. Incorporating more plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, nuts and seeds has transformed the way I cook, eat and live. Our plates have been filled with colorful...
Paul Zubeck was born in San Fernando, California on New Year's Eve, 1953. His famous quote was, "I never had a problem finding a party!" Paul was an avid Boy Scout, ascending to The Order of the Arrow. He loved camping, fishing and hiking, and enjoyed telling his story of hiking to Whitney Portals over and over. He loved gardening because he loved flowers, and he had a natural talent for creating rock gardens. He was a skilled craftsman and woodworker having learned at his grandfather's side....
Dr. Richard Louis Sottile, 80, of Tehachapi passed away on Jan. 4. Richard was born on Sept. 29, 1944, to Antoinette and Agostino Sottile in Brooklyn, New York. He was their third son after a 15 year gap. He started life chasing after his big brothers and continued the next 80 years chasing his dreams. As a child, Richard moved to Southern California with his mother after the untimely death of his father. He graduated from Canoga Park High School and went on to pursue a career in Chiropractic,...
On my last visit to my cardiologist he told me I need to walk at least a mile a day. I listened to him and decided to walk around to yard sales in Golden Hills one day. I spotted a metal detector at one sale and thought this was another good way to encourage more walking. The metal detector was in need of a little care with fasteners lose and lots of cleaning. The owner wanted $3. But since I was concerned it wouldn't work, I walked away with my $2 detector. I got a nine volt battery from the...
As we watch parts of California going up in flames, lives surrounded by ashes, I've been reading a book circa 1865, a time when people chose to become pioneers, chose to trim down their possessions to bare minimum and head out into the unknown wilds of an infant country. Most were driven by hope for a better life. For some it was a yearning for adventure, desperation for others. Unlike the fire victims of today, those pioneers made that choice. Usually pioneers ventured forward with some...
The Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra is looking for a few talented musicians to join one of the United States' most unique symphony orchestras. The TSO is an award-winning orchestra that has performed in the Greater Tehachapi Area, the surrounding communities and throughout the county since 1998. Led by Music Director Dr. David Newby, the TSO plays five to six concerts per year featuring a diverse range of professional music. Concerts are not only free to the public but also livestreamed to an...
Isabel Cortez Cervantes was a well known and respected citizen of this community until her death in 1991 at age 87. In 1914 when she was only 11 her father, Odilon Cortez, immigrated his family from the small Mexican village of Cosio in Aguascalientes, to Tehachapi. Much lumber was being taken from the Cummings Mountain area and sent to Los Angeles and the work was good. Another vital reason for the move was the regular raids on villages in their area by the notorious bandit, Pancho Villa; a...
I saw one of the most beautiful birds of prey in North America this week, as it hovered over a fallowed field north of Highline Road: a White-tailed Kite. These striking birds are among my favorites and are one of the most uncommon raptors found in the Tehachapi area – most people have never even heard of them. White-tailed Kites (Elanus leucurus) are medium-sized birds of prey that typically hunt in open grasslands, fallow fields and savannahs. They are mostly white and can be mistaken for...
January weather in Tehachapi can be snowy, windy and extremely cold, or it can be sunny and mild with temperatures in the 60s. Some of the strongest (and at times competing) influences on Tehachapi weather are these two realities: one is that we are in the mountains at 4,000 feet above sea level, which brings rapidly changeable weather, low temperatures and occasional snow; the second is that despite our elevation we are still in Southern California, albeit on the northern edge, which brings...
Now that we have entered 2025, we cycle into a new Chinese Zodiac: The Year of the Snake, specifically the Wood Snake. In the Chinese Zodiac, your animal sign is determined by the year you were born unlike the western zodiac which is determined by the month you were born. Each year corresponds with a different animal in a 12- year cycle beginning with the rat and ending with the pig. From a spiritual standpoint, the Year of the Snake offers great opportunity for transformation, introspection...
The 25th Annual Kern County Teacher Recruitment Fair is scheduled to take place Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Larry E. Reider Education Center, 2000 K Street in Bakersfield. Individuals who are fully credentialed, intern-eligible and holders of bachelor's degrees or higher are invited to attend. Sponsored by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, this is the county's largest gathering of school district recruiters in one location. It is an excellent opportunity for those who...
Jan. 14 was the first meeting of the year for the Tehachapi Unified School District governing board. Pictured: The board members are joined by the January student greeters from Cummings Valley School. The greeters were (left to right) Riley Bororquez (grade 3), Sawyer Bororquez (grade 5) and Samuel Marquesen (grade 1). Board members present were (from left) Dale Christensen, Tyler Napier, Paul Kaminski, Wayne Cooper and Superintendent Frank...
Long-duration energy storage developer and operator, Hydrostor, has reached a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $1.76 billion with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Clean Energy Financing Program (including approximately $1.5 billion of principal and approximately $280 million of capitalized interest). Once finalized, the loan guarantee will help to fund the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center, a 500 MW advanced compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) project to be built in...
Do I need to file a tax return? The answer depends on your filing status, your age and the type of income you earn. Each person is allowed to earn a certain amount of income before they are required to file a tax return. For 2024 tax returns, individuals are not allowed a personal exemption deduction but are still entitled to a standard deduction of $14,600 for a single file. Hence, an individual can have $14,600 of taxable income before being taxed if under age 65. If age is 65 or over, an...
A special election will be held on Feb. 25 for representative of Assembly District 32. This is necessary because Vince Fong was on the November ballot for two separate offices and cannot serve both. This made another election necessary. Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone is running for this office and Tehachapi Democratic Club invited her to speak at its January meeting. Cruz-Boone was born in Bakersfield and continues to live there. Her parents, however, live in Tehachapi so she is very familiar with this...
Question: My husband died recently and I need to transfer the property into my name. How do I do that if my name is not on the deed? I thought since I am the surviving spouse I can just transfer the property into my name. Answer: Remember, this information is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney if you need direction on what procedure to use in your case. Fortunately, there is a simple solution. But it does require a court order. According to "How To Probate and Estate in California" by...
Mountain Dog Millworks' new Lazy Susan makes sharing meals and condiments at dinner easy! Pick wood and size according to your personal needs. Matte or glossy finishes available. Featured above is their 18" diameter burned Ash with a glossy finish. This one was inspired by a local customer and they are thrilled with the results. Great for the table or on the counter for easy access to all your spices. Check out their website www.mountaindogmillworks.com or...
How much time do you really spend on yourself? Taking care of your body and your mind? We all know that if we don't take care of ourselves, we won't have anything left to give to others. But even though we know this, we often spend our days taking care of everyone else and forget to do anything for ourselves. Imagine you're on a plane and the oxygen masks drop down. What's the first thing you want to do? Help someone else, right? But, the flight attendant always says to put your own mask on...
TehachaSleep Furniture and Mattress Store is excited to announce its Grand Opening on Jan. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. It's going to be a celebration you won't want to miss! Whether you're looking to upgrade your mattress, revamp your living room or find the perfect gift for a loved one, TehachaSleep has everything you need to make your home more comfortable and stylish. To make this event even more special, we're proud to announce that the celebration will be catered by TehachaPIE, bringing delicious...
As we step into 2025, homeowners, potential buyers and investors are keenly observing the trajectory of mortgage interest rates, which play a pivotal role in the housing market's dynamics. Industry forecasts for this year present a nuanced picture, reflecting the complexities of economic policies, inflation rates and global market influences. Rates to hover above 6%: According to multiple sources, including financial institutions and housing market analysts, the 30-year fixed mortgage rates...
For home fruit growers, it is time to apply annual dormant oil application on selected fruit trees. This is probably one of the most important sprays for fruit trees and the least toxic of all spray materials for the homeowner to handle. Dormant oil is a refined petroleum product formulated for orchard tree use. It has been in use for well over a century in commercial orchards and is still regularly used today. It is classified as an insecticide, and acts by coating overwintering insects hiding...
Although it is a difficult conversation, I always encourage families to discuss end of life decisions, even if they are a young family. The truth is, tomorrow is not promised to anyone of any age. Informing loved ones of your wishes, even if it's only verbal, can alleviate a great deal of stress on them should you pass unexpectedly. Too often I have sat with families who have no clue what their loved one wished for in their end-of-life decisions. This, on many occasions, has led to squabbling...
The City of Tehachapi is excited to celebrate Women's History Month this March by opening nominations for the Tehachapi's Extraordinary Women Recognition program. The program aims to spotlight women in Tehachapi who inspire, lead and pave the way for others, making a significant impact on our community. We are seeking nominations for women in Tehachapi who go above and beyond in their daily lives and work, demonstrate great character, act as leaders/change-makers and actively participate in our...
Two decades ago, inventor David Schmidt found himself on a mission to solve a critical problem for Navy SEALs. During their grueling "Hell Week," SEALs often endured 40-hour missions without sleep, relying on stimulants like caffeine and amphetamines to stay alert. These substances, while effective in the short term, posed serious health risks, including heart problems. Schmidt was approached by the Department of Defense to create a wearable technology that could keep soldiers awake and focused...
Once you retire, you'll likely need to draw on a variety of financial sources – and one of the most important ones may be your 401(k). And for 2025, you can put even more money into your plan than ever. You can invest in your 401(k) in one of two ways, depending on your employer's plan. With a traditional 401(k), you contribute pre-tax dollars, which can lower your taxable income, and your money can grow tax deferred. If you have a Roth 401(k) option, you can contribute after-tax dollars,...
In keeping with its ongoing efforts to serve all members of the public, the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District is in the process of conducting an update to its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluation and transition plan. The accessibility plan provides a comprehensive plan for accessibility for persons with disabilities to District facilities, programs, services, activities and events. The District is seeking input from the community and organizations assisting persons...
Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District invites the community to take the plunge at the second annual Presidential Polar Plunge, happening Monday, Feb. 17, at 9 a.m. at the Dye Natatorium Pool, 400-B S. Snyder Ave. Whether you're up for the challenge of swimming a lap in cold water or just want to experience the benefits of a cold plunge, this event offers something for everyone. Join us for a refreshing end to your three-day weekend and celebrate Presidents' Day in a unique and...
When disaster strikes, our community comes together to make a difference. The Rotary Club of Tehachapi and Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District invites you to an unforgettable event that combines great music, delicious food and a powerful mission: supporting the victims of the Altadena/Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles area wildfires. Join us on Sunday, Feb. 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Aspen Builders Inc. Activity Center, 410 W. D St., Tehachapi. Tickets are $30 each. Live music featuring...
The Tehachapi Amateur Radio Association (TARA) is excited to announce that our Winter Field Day will be held at Brite Lake, 22902 Banducci Rd., Tehachapi, from 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 through 1:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26. We are excited to announce that County Supervisor Parlier will visit our Winter Field Day. Natural disasters are unpredictable and can strike when you least expect them. Winter Field Day is an opportunity for TARA to practice emergency preparedness and communications in...
Get ready for a romantic and fun afternoon of wine, chocolate and local charm at the Tehachapi Valentine's Wine Walk, taking place on Feb. 15 from noon to 5 p.m. This popular event, hosted by the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce, invites wine lovers to explore Tehachapi's historic downtown shops and experience award-winning local wines, live music, handcrafted chocolates, savory snacks, activities and more. The event will feature 18 wine tasting locations showcasing all of Tehachapi's...
The Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society is happy to welcome back the popular Latin guitar duo of Liza Carabe and JP Durand, the co-creators of the world music group INCENDIO. This group has always been enthusiastically well received in Ridgecrest. They will provide an exciting musical program offered Sunday, Jan. 19 at the Ridgecrest Methodist Church, 639 No. Norma St., in Ridgecrest, California at 4 p.m. They will be performing original music and their own arrangements of rock, pop and blues...
Royten's Enrichment Academy Community Hope (REACH) is thrilled to announce the inaugural TreeVitalize tree planting and workshop event, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m., at City Hall, 21000 Hacienda Blvd., California City. This landmark occasion symbolizes a new chapter of growth and revitalization for the community and will feature a keynote address by newly elected Mayor Marq Hawkins. The event will commence with the planting of a magnificent 16-foot Eldarica Pine tree, followed by...
Audubon meets for the first time in 2025 at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the Golden Hills Elementary School, 20215 Park Rd., Tehachapi. We will celebrate Carol Gates' 14 years of service as leader, introduce Cindy Marble and Joan Cote as new co-leaders and have a program on water birds. Bob Barnes, aka bird encyclopedia, is visiting from Ridgecrest and will be speaking on our topic. He will be using e-bird and other online birding applications to supplement his program, so bring your smart...
Join the fun! Apple Festival, Carnival, Apple Festival Rodeo &...
Your Complete Guide to Mountain Festival Weekend, August 16-18,...
Happenings, Heritage &...
Vol. 48 No. 01. The Loop newspaper, Tehachapi's favorite source for community news and local happenings, since 2001. Stay in The...
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Spotlight on Tehachapi’s Growing Economy &...
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