October 12, 2024 Edition
On Oct. 4, Cheers to Charity distributed $53,875 to local nonprofit organizations. What began in 2014, as a small fundraiser in a parking lot, has grown into the year's most anticipated fundraising event. The Cheers team supported 14 nonprofits with grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. The August 2024 event, featuring food, wine, craft beer, home brews and spirit-free mocktails, brought together several hundred people to raise money for charity. Tehachapi's Aviator Park lit up with thousands...
Every Halloween, I have a go-to dish: chili! As a busy mom, I would prep all the chopped vegetables the night before and sautee them in a pot, adding the rest of the ingredients, letting it simmer away while I juggled pumpkin carving and costuming. By the time the sun started to set, and my son was ready for trick-or-treating, dinner was ready to be enjoyed. This year, I no longer have to prepare for trick-or-treaters, or finish touching up Halloween make-up, so I changed things up a bit with...
John Alvin Ashe, passed away peacefully on Sept. 16 in Los Angeles with the love of his family and friends. Born on April 17, 1942, John Alvin Ashe led a remarkable life filled with love and support to his family, dedication and service to our country. John Alvin Ashe leaves to mourn in his passing, wife Maria T. Ashe, five children with mother of (preceded in death) Jo Anne Ashe, John A. Ashe Jr., Sherrod A. Ashe, Wanda Y. Ashe, Patricia L. Ashe and Rhonda J. (Stacy) Moses, eight grandchildren...
Kern County Public Health, in coordination with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is investigating a potential human case of H5N1 bird flu in an individual who had contact with infected cattle at a dairy farm. "While the risk to the general public remains low, it continues to be extremely important for persons who may come in contact with infected animals to use caution and wear proper personal protective equipment,"...
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. A diamond is a piece of coal that handled stress well. A diamond in the rough. Perhaps you're sensing a theme. Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society presents "Diamond Crystals: Types, History, Sources, and Current Issues" by Renee Newman. Newman is an expert on colored stones and diamonds, and she will be speaking at our upcoming Oct. 24 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Tehachapi Senior Center. Don't miss this interesting and exciting presentation. Surprisingly,...
There once was a little girl whose mother let her wear Pippi Longstocking braids to school whenever she asked. This mother encouraged her daughter to "march to the beat of her own drum." She let her little girl be herself, even when it was weird. What a beautiful gift to give a child. The world is full of pressures, stressing one to tow the line, be acceptable. Expectations that do not necessarily "one size fits all." Some of the most creative and heroic people in this world were a bit out of...
Fused glass class, Oct. 5 Join Leila Klieman, our resident glass artist, and create a beautiful, fused glass bowl. The class starts at 10:30 a.m. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes. Cat adoption event, Oct. 12 Last month's cat adoption was a huge success, and we are repeating it again this month. Come adopt a cat or kitten or learn about getting a local non-domestic cat spayed. Downtown Trick or Treat Trail, Oct 31 The Arts Center is proud to join with the city and other businesses here in town...
For the past two years, my health had been steadily declining, and it felt like my body was betraying me. I was constantly passing out, losing energy, and spent most of my days sleeping. Despite multiple doctor visits, no one could quite figure out what was wrong with me. At the same time, I was under immense stress, caring for my husband, who was 100% disabled, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. His health was rapidly deteriorating too – he had developed dementia and had both of his legs...
Sandra was the sixth child born to parents Leslie William Crews and Rachel Carson Crews, residents of Roscoe (now Sun Valley), California. The family moved to Little Rock, California when Sandy was 3 years old. She went on to be a graduate of Palmdale High School in 1961. Sandy married Allen Nelson of Palmdale, California in March 1963 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Family and friends attended the ceremony with Sandy's brother Norman being best man and Dorothea Zoller as bride's maid. The honeymoon was...
Toys for Tots 2024 Autumn has arrived! That means it's time for our Toys for Tots drive. This has long been an annual tradition for our local Farmers Insurance office. The Tehachapi community is literally in our blood. Our office is completely staffed by long-time locals to help our community, the one we live in, to be the best it can be. It always amazes me how Tehachapi pulls together at this time of year and donates so much for our local kids. Over the years we have collected thousands of...
On the last Saturday of September, more than 280 classic cars, trucks and motorcycles rumbled into Downtown Tehachapi for Thunder on the Mountain Car and Motorcycle Show. Gorgeous autos filled Green Street, F Street and surrounding parking areas. The streets were filled with guests who enjoyed live music from Smokin' Jack Primo, shopping at vendor booths and even racing on pedal cars. At noon, engines roared to life for the iconic "thunder" sound that lasted more than a minute. At the end of...
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Sue Wonacott, fondly known to many as Momma Sue. Sue's warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication touched the lives of everyone she met. Her remarkable 18-year tenure in the health insurance industry, including 12 years at Farmers Insurance, is a testament to her commitment to helping others navigate the complexities of health insurance. Sue's passion for serving the community led her to join Central Health...
The weekend of Sept. 21 and 22 saw 62 horse and rider teams from throughout California and Nevada gather at the Bear Valley Equestrian Center for the California State Horsemen's Association (CSHA) Trail Trials 2024 State Championship Event. Avid trail riders competed for beautiful awards and bragging rights as California State Champions after two days of competition, riding up to seven miles a day while encountering different challenging obstacles throughout Bear Valley. Numerical scores were...
On the morning of Oct. 7, artist Lyn Bennett began the repairs on the Nuwä mural located on the north side of the Hitching Post Theater. Bennett is part of the "Make Art Tehachapi" mural restoration...
Local Volkswagen clubs met at the former Kmart parking lot for their annual trek to the Stallion Springs Oktoberfest on Oct. 5. We saw a great mini car show, which included many popular years of custom VWs. There must have been over 100 VWs and other custom cars headed for the fun in...
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Donald Walter Waldowski, Jr. was born Dec. 18, 1953 in Webster, South Dakota. His mother soon gave him the nickname Toby. Toby gave his life to Jesus on his knees in the basement of his home after hearing Billy Graham's message and call. He received his bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University (SDSU) in 1976. While attending SDSU, Toby fell in love with Barbara Shelsta and they were married their junior year on Aug. 9, 1975. After graduating together, they moved to Orange County,...
Every month has a special designation, and every year around this time I like to write a reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a great time to get those breasts checked and catch any abnormalities early. Early detection can save lives, and early detection depends on actually getting checked out. October is the month to get that done! So that's my reminder for this year. Because in researching the month of October, I also found a lot of other fun stuff to remember and...
I've seen my fair share of high school football games over the years. I played in some memorable ones, too. From the field to the press box to the broadcast booth and the public address system, I've witnessed several contests that stick in my brain. But the game on Sept. 27, Tehachapi High School vs. Golden West (Visalia), is now at the top of my chart. Our Warriors lost the game, but witnessing that contest was worth the price of admission, or at least the price of my volunteer time to THS...
This is part 2 of an article that was in the Aug. 31 issue of The Loop newspaper. Last time I talked about the origin of coffee and how it came to America. In this installment, I'll explain how to roast your own coffee. But first, why should you bother? Because the resulting drink is SO MUCH BETTER than anything you've ever had before. And it's fun, easy and lots cheaper than buying from expenisve coffeehouse chains every day. There are two ways to roast coffee beans: drum roasting and fluid...
Chaelsea Tolentino has owned and operated the Mountain Coffee House on Mill Street for the past four years. It's a modern-day oasis of hot and cold coffees, teas and yummy edibles served in a welcoming ambiance reminiscent of a retro, mid-century coffee house. Over the years, Chaelsea has traditionally hosted local artists, musicians, storytellers and poets. October's featured artist is Andi Hicks who brings her eclectic collection of watercolors, acrylics, embroidery and photography to their...
I met Dr. William Costello, his lovely wife Annette and their seven children on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, following services at Tehachapi Sovereign Grace Church where Will had been installed as permanent pastor the week before. The family came to Tehachapi from Visalia where Will had been pastor of Grace Bible Church for six years before joining the pulpit-supply team of Grace Bible Church of Bakersfield. When Pastor Mike Jarvis resigned from TSGC at the end of 2022, Will was sent to fill in...
When it comes to choosing healthcare for you and your family, especially in smaller communities like Tehachapi, you deserve the very best. At Adventist Health, we're proud to offer 5-star primary care, backed by ratings from real patients just like you. In 2024, Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley earned two 5-star ratings - one for patient recommendations and another for cleanliness. These ratings are based on patient survey data collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),...
President Jennifer Palakiko and Club Service Chair Rhonda Brady from the Rotary Club of Tehachapi helped kick off The Salvation Army's Winter Coat Drive by delivering 37 new jackets that will go to children in the community. Every year, The Salvation Army holds their annual coat drive so they can help provide jackets to people in the Tehachapi area. Kyle Yates, Center Coordinator for The Salvation Army Tehachapi Community Center, thanked the Rotary Club for their donation, saying, "We usually...
Flooring center in Old Town celebrates with a ribbon cutting. On Oct. 1, Stockdale Tile celebrated four years of business in Tehachapi. With several locations in Kern County, Stockdale Tile serves its communities with great customer service and a varied selection of high-end products. During the ribbon cutting, the owner, Tony Marion, said a few words about the outpouring of community support he and his family have received over the years and how truly special Tehachapi is. Guests enjoyed...
New business in Tehachapi specializing in auto window tinting. On Sept. 27, First Class Window Tinting celebrated its Grand Opening with a special ribbon cutting. Karen Sanders of Kern County Board of Supervisors and Clare Scotti of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce presented certificates of recognition to owner Anthony Carnevale. Alongside his son and members of the community, Anthony cut a golden ribbon symbolizing a hopeful beginning for the family business. With 30 years of...
We welcomed Officer Ted Thorson, #24033, to the California Highway Patrol, Mojave area. He graduated from the CHP Academy in West Sacramento on Sept. 13. He is excited for the opportunity to serve the communities in Eastern Kern County. Over the course of the next few months, Officer Thorson will be training with various officers and learning how to best serve California. The CHP Mojave Area is looking forward to the positive influence he will have on Kern County. You can follow his journey and...
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 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 California...
The Tehachapi Police Department is providing free window decals for residents with special needs and their family members. The decals will help officers be aware there is an occupant in the home who may not respond or comply well with commands from law enforcement. These stickers are free for anyone in the greater Tehachapi area and are available in the lobby of the Tehachapi Police Department at 220 W. C St. "At the Tehachapi Police Department, we are committed to providing service to every...
The City of Tehachapi is accepting applications from those interested in participating in the 2024 Tehachapi Hometown Christmas. The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Downtown Tehachapi. The city is seeking vendors that can provide free crafts or activities for kids, Christmas-themed items priced for children to purchase and other handmade items for purchase. In addition to vendors, brick-and-mortar storefronts are encouraged to apply to be part of the "Tehachapi...
Social Security and Medicare are important to most Americans. To learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of these benefits, Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club invited Jon Bauman to speak on this topic at their October meeting. Bauman leads the Social Security Works Political Action Committee, which was created in 2017 to elect leaders who will work to expand Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, as well as lower prescription drug prices for all Americans. Bauman praised action by President...
This is article No. 20 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 is a profound way to release the emotions of the past and build confidence, self-esteem and clear anxiety. When we are children, our minds are like sponges, absorbing experiences, emotions and beliefs that influence our behaviors and feelings throughout...
Join us for the upcoming inspiring, relevant messages at Shepherd of the Hills Church! These thought-provoking messages will ignite your passion for leaving a meaningful legacy. Starting Sunday, Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m., we'll explore how to create a legacy that shapes our lives and impacts generations to come. A legacy of faith The message, "Making Your Mark: How to Leave a Legacy That Matters," will reveal the profound role faith plays in our lives and how our spiritual journey can inspire...
My name is Dale Cisneros, and I am running for the Kern County Board of Supervisors, District 2. As a long-time resident of Tehachapi, where I farm alongside my wife of 30 years, Lori Cisneros – currently a trustee on the Kern County Board of Education – I am deeply invested in our community's well-being. I am not a politician, but a grassroots candidate who believes in putting "America First" and upholding the Constitution. With 20 years of leadership experience in various management...
Chris Parlier is a former law enforcement officer, Bakersfield City Councilman and U.S. Air Force veteran, holding an extensive career in public service. After honorably retiring as a Special Agent with the California Department of Justice, Chris dedicated eight years to representing the residents of Bakersfield City's Ward 7. Throughout his career in public service, Chris demonstrated a profound commitment to serving the public and enhancing the safety and quality of life for Kern County...
Mark E. Schoenfeld is a 19-year resident of our outstanding Bear Valley Springs. Over those years, our community has slowly declined, we are spending more dollars and receiving less in services. A vote for Mark Schoenfeld is a vote investing in this community's present and future. Get to know Mark: • Family man, animal lover, cancer survivor. • Business owner. • Law school graduate. • Extensive experience in business planning, organization and management. • Influenced completion of BV...
Greetings, voters! My name is Dr. Jeremy Alan Woods, and I have over 25 years of experience as an educator, entrepreneur, executive and consultant. I'm an Associate Professor at California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) and the Managing Director for the university's Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI). Over the course of my career, I've taught and mentored over 3,000 students, published 20 different thought leadership papers and helped generate $20+ million in revenue for...
On the road to retirement, be on the lookout for hazards that can hamper your progress. Here are five potential risks that can slow you down. Traveling aimlessly Embarking on an adventure without a destination can be exciting, but not when it comes to retirement. Before starting any investing journey, the first step is setting a realistic goal. You'll need to consider a number of factors - your desired lifestyle, salary/income, health, future Social Security benefits, any traditional pension...
On Sept. 25, officers of the Tehachapi Police Department were made aware a 12-year-old student at Jacobsen Middle School had made several threatening posts on the social media application Snapchat, targeting Jacobsen Middle School. The posts depicted an airsoft firearm and stated not to show up to school, insinuating a school shooting was going to take place. During the investigation, it was determined the student did not have any weapons available to carry out the threat and stated to law...
On Sept. 26, the Rotary Club of Tehachapi welcomed Dr. Denise Lewis from the Bear Valley Springs Astronomy Club, who gave an enlightening presentation titled, "Dark Skies and Wildlife: Detrimental Effects of Artificial Light at Night." Lewis earned her doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. She spent her career at the University of Georgia as a cross-cultural gerontologist and qualitative methodologist. After retirement in 2021, she and her husband, Michael, moved...
On Oct. 5, the Tehachapi Police Department hosted a Street Interdiction Team (SIT) Operation made up of various agencies throughout Kern County. The participating agencies were Wasco, Arvin, Stallion Springs, Ridgecrest, Wasco, Shafter and Kern County Probation Department. The goal of the operation was to conduct parole/probation compliance checks and to serve active arrest warrants on persons who are out of compliance and reside in the Tehachapi area. As part of the operation, 17 locations...
The City of Tehachapi's Development Services Department received two awards from the American Society of Civil Engineers Southern San Joaquin Branch for their outstanding work on bringing the Valley Park and 2023 Local Grind and Overlay projects to fruition. The City of Tehachapi received two of the eight awards presented during the ASCE Southern San Joaquin Branch awards ceremony. The "Outstanding Parks and Recreation Project" was awarded to the city's Valley Park project. The one-acre,...
I spent last week in Arizona, working with a world-renowned land artist named Jim Denevan to create a giant ephemeral art piece for a music and art festival. I almost always focus my writing on the Tehachapi Mountains and surrounding areas, but I thought readers might find this project interesting. Jim has been creating art for 35 years, working primarily on sandy beaches, playas and desert landscapes around the world, on projects that are often epic in size and concept. I've worked with him...
If you'd like to attract hummingbirds to your garden AND you'd like a perennial that would still be blooming in August, September and October, then here's a beautiful native plant to consider: California Fuchsia. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to red flowers, since they can see the color red and insect competitors can't, and the tubular shape of California Fuchsia flowers also favors hummers with their long bills and nectar-sipping tongues. California Fuchsia was formerly known as Zauschneria...
Make the most of your family time this upcoming 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 special promotion on this page. Pictured: Betty from Betty's Cleaning...
On Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m., the McDonalds on the corner of Tucker Rd. and Hwy 202 will celebrate 30 years of business with the Tehachapi community. The entire community is invited to celebrate as McDonalds hosts this customer and employee appreciation event. All previous employees will receive a special gift, and there will be games and giveaways throughout the afternoon. McDonalds has partnered with community organizations throughout its 30 years, and the local Salvation Army is one of...
As the spirits stir and the veil between worlds grows thin this Halloween, the Healthy Hippie is set to celebrate its new ownership and the spooky season with you. The official grand re-opening will take place on Oct. 31, promising a day filled with events, workshops, live music (TBA) and much more! The shop, located at 20418 Brian Way, offers a wide variety of crystals, teas, spiritual books, incense, essential oils, tarot cards, groovy apparel and locally crafted items. The previous owner,...
A Halloween Concert performed by TPops is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27. It will be just as entertaining and spooky as the community has enjoyed by this group in previous years. Robbie Martinez, the conductor, has planned a program that features the sights, sounds and drama of Halloween. The community is invited to attend the concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, at ADHC Building, 123 W. F St. There is no charge to attend, although donations are always welcome. This concert will appeal to all...
The City of Tehachapi invites the community to attend this month's Coffee with the Mayor event at Mountain Coffee House on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The Coffee with the Mayor event was designed to create a comfortable setting for the community to engage with its local government and meet the mayor, councilmembers and city staff. Join us each month on the third Thursday for a free cup of coffee and a chat at Mountain Coffee House, located at 120 S. Mill...
It will be 16 years this December since my daughter and I walked into the BeeKay Theatre to see the very first Tehachapi Community Theatre production put on there, "Oliver!" I remember being impressed by the historic art deco style of the interior, the welcoming spirit of the ushers and by golly just how close that stage was to every single seat in the audience! If you've never been to a small theater before, it's an experience like no other. Every seat in the house feels like one you'd pay the...
The Tehachapi Symphony is rehearsing for its first concert of the 26th season under the direction of Dr. David Newby. The concert will be Sunday, Oct. 20, at Country Oaks Baptist Church, located at 20915 Schout Rd., beginning at 4 p.m. Guest violinist, Lorenz Gamma performs Othmar Schoeck's "Violin Concerto in B-Flat Major." Schoeck was born in 1886 in Switzerland and lived in a lovely village on Lake Lucerne where his father was a landscape painter. Schoeck studied music in Zurich, then...
Events are subject to change. Check with appropriate organizations for details, or stay in The Loop at www.TheLoopNewspaper.com/. Witch/Warlock Hat Decorating Contest community judging until Oct. 30 Witch/Warlock hats are on display at Gallery 'N' Gifts for judging from Oct. 4-30. The community will determine the top three winners. You can judge in person, or on our Facebook page until Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. First, second and third place winners will receive a prize. Where: Gallery 'N' Gifts, 100 W....
At the Oct. 19 Plane Crazy Saturday, we will be celebrating the return of the Mojave Experimental Fly-In! Featuring all Experimental aircraft, many of which were designed by Burt Rutan. This year MEFI is focusing on best speed modifications. Mojave Experimental Fly-In is being organized by The Airmanship Foundation, Mojave Air & Space Port at Rutan Field and the Mojave Transportation Museum Foundation. All aircraft homebuilders are invited to bring their aircraft for display and compete in the...
The Rotary Club of Tehachapi is thrilled to announce several exciting events this holiday season and into the new year. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the season and kicking off 2025 with community-building activities and a festive wine dinner! Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 7 Bring the family and enjoy a magical morning at our annual Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Aspen Builders Inc. Activity Center. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, take pictures and enjoy...
Join the fun! Apple Festival, Carnival, Apple Festival Rodeo &...
Your Complete Guide to Mountain Festival Weekend, August 16-18,...
Happenings, Heritage &...
Vol. 47 No. 07. The Loop newspaper, Tehachapi's favorite source for community news and local happenings, since 2001. Stay in The...
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