October 26, 2024 Edition
October 26, 2024 Edition
On any given day you can see about 60 to 80 trains within a 24-hour period passing through Tehachapi. Trains march up and down the 2.5% grade, some of which reach more than a mile in length, with oil tank cars, grain cars, gravel cars and freshly cut wood – all kinds of products that are needed to build or power our country. On Oct. 16, we had an historic BNSF Office Car Special train with VIP folks on board. I saw about 11 of the most beautiful silver passenger cars from the 1940s and 1950s....
Stress can make us feel sick and even shorten our lives. How we react to things around us affects every part of our body. Think about when you get mad, where do you feel that in your body? Are you the person who gets sick to your stomach? Tightens your neck? What do you do? Our nervous system controls all our organs and glands. It's protected by a strong layer called the dura mater and is nourished by a special fluid called cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). This fluid gives our nerves the nutrients...
This article mainly pertains to the newer Apple Macbooks. I wanted to touch base on this topic as I've had several conversations about it with some of my Mac customers. Here is a scenario: One of my customers called to complain that they were almost out of storage space on their Macbook/Macbook Pro laptops, and were wanting to upgrade their hard drive, possibly a 1 or 2TB drive. After looking up the specs of their Macbook, I unfortunately had to inform them that it is not possible to upgrade...
Tehachapi resident, dentist Dr. Randy Kam, has been invited to walk the Blue Jacket Fashion show on Nov. 13, during L.A. Fashion Week. Despite his nerves about hitting the runway, Kam cracked jokes about how he was going to perform the iconic "Blue Steel" look from the film "Zoolander." Created by fashion designer Frederick Anderson and marketer Laura Miller, the nonprofit event partnered with Zero Prostate Cancer to raise money and bring awareness to the disease. For Kam this show isn't just...
Earlier this year, the Bear Valley Community Services District unanimously passed a resolution proclaiming Bear Valley Springs a Purple Heart Community. Following the ceremonious installation of the Purple Heart Community sign just inside the front gate, a group of citizens stepped forward with a desire to create a Purple Heart Honor Garden. This group of passionate citizens has coordinated its efforts with the Bear Valley Springs Veterans Association, the Bear Valley Community Services...
Shirley Ann Peters, a long-time resident of Tehachapi, passed away on Oct. 14, one day shy of her 89th birthday. At Shirley's request, no service will be held. Shirley was born in Shattuck, Oklahoma on Oct. 15, 1935. She was the youngest of 12 children in the Frank and May Terrel family of Follett, Texas. Her parents passed away when Shirley was young and she moved to Tehachapi where she was raised in the loving family of Lawrence and Colleen Redelsperger, who was Shirley's sister. She is a...
We are proud to welcome Kam Kreations Kam Kreations is the work of Karen Munson. A resident of Bear Valley and our newest vendor/artist here at the Arts Center. Using her talent, art skills and attention to detail Karen creates unique and beautiful floral and ribbon wreaths for all seasons and events. Our newest class: pressed flowers One of our newer artists, Jamie Barnes, will be teaching two classes creating wonderful pressed flower arrangements. The first on Saturday, Nov. 2 will be a fall...
Custom live edge pine kitchen and island with Caribbean Blue river. Call Mountain Dog Millworks or go to their website to have them help you create your custom space. www.mountaindogmillworks.com or (661)...
This month, as part of our continued examination of the wellness wheel and practices that support balance as a key to well-being, we will be exploring environmental wellness, the practice of living in a way that supports your well-being and the health of the planet. Environmental self-care is the practice of taking care of your environment. Whether we realize it or not, the spaces that we inhabit play a significant role in our well-being. Environments include our homes, schools, workplace,...
The Desert Rose Garden Club of California City has added a new iris bed to the walking path at Inspiration Walk. Adjacent to the Remembrance Rose Garden and some big pine trees, it will be a gorgeous new place to enjoy the tranquility of the park. The iris planted is called What a Circus. Also being planted is Huckleberry Fudge, Tijuana Taxi, Dauntless, Engagement Ring, Swirling Skirts, Good Morning Beautiful, Glitter Gulch and Red Dirt Road. Next up is a 10’ by 10’ area that will be...
Well, it's time to let people know about the care of living Christmas trees! A living Christmas tree is 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 living Christmas tree? Here are a few tips: 1. The tree should not be...
On Friday, Oct. 11, following a naturalization ceremony held at the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument in Keene, National Park Service Director Charles (Chuck) Sams dedicated the Memorial Garden in which Cesar Chavez, his wife Helen and dogs, Huelga and Boycott are buried. Sams said that Chavez, who passed away in 1993, had expressed a desire to be buried in that spot near the dogs when he passed away. The garden was developed around his grave and Helen was buried there following her death in...
Every year on Nov. 1 and 2, Mexicans around the world honor their dearly departed during Día de los Muertos, a beautiful Mexican tradition. It is a time to remember family members who have passed, to celebrate their lives and to keep their memories alive. In our home, we prepare an ofrenda (offering), adorned with their favorite foods and drinks, inviting their memory and their many stories to be with us once again. My son Ricky has grown up celebrating this day, hearing stories about his...
Tehachapi's 11th annual Apple Festival was home to delicious food, lively music, a diverse range of vendors and a bustling environment for all to enjoy. Contributing to the widely anticipated event was The Loop newspaper's 5th annual apple pie baking contest. A panel of judges tested eight different homemade pies on appearance, crust and flavor. A group of festival goers, along with the contestants, huddled around the small pie display and judges' table, anticipating the final verdict. After...
The Errea House is the historic house on Green Street that is maintained by Tehachapi Heritage League. Just across the street from the Museum, it brings back memories to many visitors. If you haven't been there lately, you must come see a fairly recent addition: a bassinet in one of the bedrooms, which was donated by Donna Dieterle. Donna's parents, Grant and Connie Sullivan, purchased the bassinet from an antique store in Tujunga, California in 1947 when they were expecting their first child....
The Hitching Post Theater ticket raffle, sponsored by the American Association of University Women, has begun. Purchase tickets from Bugs Fontaine at (661) 821-2055 and you could win movie passes for two from Jan. 1, 2025 through Jan. 1, 2026. The raffle costs $1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets. Raffle stubs are due back to Bugs or an AAUW member by the holiday party on Dec. 11 where the drawing will take place. You do not need to be present to win. Funds raised go directly toward scholarships...
For Larry Hoose, the Honor Flight experience was a grind, and he loved every minute of it. "It was very hectic with long days. I don't regret going, I would have done it again," he said. Hoose is one of approximately 46,000 U.S. military veterans who call Kern County their home. He began his journey in the Air Force at 20 years old. Since most male members of his family were serving in the military, he felt that it was his duty and calling to serve as well. On Oct. 6, 1967, Hoose enlisted in...
It was a great weekend of activities at Mojave Air & Space Port at Rutan Field this past weekend! Giant scaled model airplane races, lots of experimental planes on the ramp and an Indoor Build and Fly Competition! Props and jets were all there. A fun day for photographers with so many different aircraft types on the ground and in the air! Teen photographer, Evan Hawley, took many photos and was all over the ramp with his friends. They were so excited when the MiG-21 came in and stole the show...
Blanche "Irene" Murphy, formerly of Tehachapi, passed away in Orange County, California on Sept. 7. Irene, as she was known, was born in Golden, Colorado to Pearl and Jake Foreman on Feb. 9, 1941. She is survived by her husband of 30 years Richard Murphy, adult children, adult grandchildren and great grandchildren. Irene and Richard moved to the beautiful mountain town of Tehachapi in 1988, where they semi-retired as they finished up their careers with the Army Flight Test Civil Service at...
With a continued awkward playoff seeding scenario with the CIF Central Section, championship games and even home playoff contests are a rarity for our community. While we will not know what the playoff picture looks like for the Tehachapi Warriors Football team until Nov. 3, there will be a championship game at Coy Burnett Stadium on Nov. 1. The Warriors will host South High School for the South Yosemite Mountain League championship on our home turf. The Spartans have had a successful run this...
I've always thought it's pretty weird that fall election time comes right after Halloween. As if ghosts and goblins aren't scary enough for us, we have to be bombarded by the final onslaught of politicians and special interest groups telling us in a never-ending array of commercials how to vote on this, that, or the other thing. Soon, however, we will all go to the polls on Nov. 5 (unless we've already voted by mail) and put an end to the campaigning when we actually elect a new president,...
The dawn of the 20th century saw many changes in the Tehachapi area. In 1909, the Los Angeles Cement Company was established four miles east of town and brought welcome employment to local men. The City of Los Angeles had established the plant to provide cement for a giant aqueduct to carry water from the Owens Valley to their city which had everything except an abundance of water. To accomplish this huge endeavor, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, as early as 1904, began to...
People say they love being scared. Then one little itsy bitsy spider comes along, lands on their hand or sweeps across to tickle their face and chaos erupts. There is flailing and leaping and high pitched screaming, all from one little itsy bitsy spider. Forget vampires and ghosts. Spiders rule! What do Shelob and Aragog have in common? Both are mammoth-sized. It is rumored that Aragog is the largest between the two, according to Harry Potter fans. Bilbo and Frodo may disagree. Lord of the...
Did you know that the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor was dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886? The Lady is so iconic that it's hard to imagine a time when she was not there. The statue sits on Liberty Island (formerly Bedloe's Island) in the Hudson River, not far from where it dumps into the Atlantic Ocean. The island is actually on the New Jersey side of the river, not the New York side, but the island itself is considered part of New York. Liberty Enlightening the World is the work of French...
Get ready for a winter wonderland at Simply Perfect Gifts and Decor. Our highly anticipated Christmas reveal will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 29. If you're a fan of festive décor, you won't want to miss it. From adorable snowmen and whimsical gnomes to classic nativities, angelic figures and enchanting nutcrackers, we have something for everyone. Two favorite displays are our enchanting snow globe collection and ornament wall. These exquisite pieces capture the magic of the season. From snowy...
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we are all busy making plans with family, checking school schedules and looking forward to a bit of time off of work. Here in the Blooms flower studio, we are planning some gorgeous Thanksgiving centerpieces, and it has caused me to stop and wander down memory lane just a bit. Thanksgiving for me evokes fond memories of family. We would gather at grandpa and grandma's house and by lunchtime, it would be bursting at the seams with uncles, aunts, cousins...
Q: My husband died recently and I need the 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. A: 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 NOLO, any...
At different times, inflation may be high or low, but, except in those rare periods of deflation, it's always with us. During your working years, when you may receive boosts in your salary, you at least have the potential to keep up with inflation - but what happens when you retire? As a retiree, what can you do to cope with the rising cost of living? Here are a few suggestions: • Keep some growth potential in your investment portfolio. During your retirement years, you may want to move your...
In recognition of the significant contributions of local credit unions to the community, the Kern County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed Thursday, Oct. 17, as "Credit Union Day" in Kern County. This proclamation was presented by 1st District Supervisor Phillip Peters and was formally accepted by Sierra Network of the California Credit Union League Chairperson Chris Lowe during the Board of Supervisors' morning session on Oct. 8. Representatives from AltaOne Federal Credit Union,...
Tehachapi residents can now enjoy a "Certified Healthy" meal at Mango Haus Lounge. Owners Johnny and Karen Diaz's focus has been to show residents that healthy food can taste great. Along with their Bakersfield location, Mango Haus, Mango Haus Lounge was recently included in the Certified Healthy Program, by the Kern County Department of Public Health Services, making it the first restaurant in Tehachapi with this designation. Their hope is to create a "new movement" within the restaurants, by...
As winter approaches, keeping your home warm and cozy becomes a priority. One of the most effective ways to enhance insulation and reduce heating costs is through the right window treatments. Here's a look at some of the best options to help keep the cold out during the chilly months. 1. Cellular shades Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are a top choice for winter insulation. Their unique design features air pockets that trap heat, providing an extra layer of insulation against...
Summer has faded and autumn has returned to the Tehachapi Valley, bringing with it the annual spectacle of thousands upon thousands of migrating Turkey Vultures. Day after day, these big black birds soar through Tehachapi Pass on their journey southward. The vultures hitch rides on thermals to gain elevation, circling as they ascend rising columns of warm air like an invisible spiral staircase. This flight behavior is known as "kettling," for the way the jumbled circling birds look as though...
Hollyhocks are one of the few ornamental flowers that naturalize so well in the Tehachapi Mountains that they can thrive without any care or supplementary watering – you can often see beautiful examples of them growing on roadsides, vacant lots or other neglected areas. They are among the first flowering species to have been cultivated in gardens, and there are references to them in literature that date back hundreds of years. They are considered one of the prime choices for traditional...
On Nov. 1, TehachaSleep will open at our new location at 831 Tucker Rd., Tehachapi Town Center (near SaveMart and Rite Aid)! We will be introducing new furniture, as well. All the major brands you want will be available, including: Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Tempur-pedic, Spring-Pedic, Mlily and more! We also have the largest selection of adjustable bases in Tehachapi. TehachaSleep will be open at 112 E. Tehachapi Blvd. until Oct. 31. See you...
Truth #1: a reverse mortgage is a loan A reverse mortgage offers a way to take equity out of your home and continue to own and live in the home. The lender will make some of your equity available to you either as cash, payouts or as a line of credit. In exchange, at the end of the loan, you will owe the lender the amount you borrowed with interest. Reverse mortgage borrowers may continue living in their homes without making monthly mortgage payments as long as they also continue to uphold the...
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...
On Oct. 18, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated approximately $3.8 billion for projects that will continue to refurbish the state's transportation infrastructure, enhance safety and create more options for the traveling public. The projects will improve coastal rail lines, freight corridors, bridges, highway interchanges and system enhancements aimed to increase accessibility for multi-modal users. Nearly $3.5 billion of today's investment is funded through the landmark...
The City of Tehachapi is hosting a final community Hometown Christmas planning meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at noon at the Tehachapi Police Department Community Room, located at 220 W. C St. All community members interested in participating in or sharing their ideas for the 2024 Tehachapi Hometown Christmas event are invited to attend. Members of the City of Tehachapi Community Engagement Department will lead the discussion on the plans for this year's event and will provide an update on how...
We are excited to announce that the City of Tehachapi's Finance Department has been recognized with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This award is a significant honor for our community, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our city staff and leaders to ensuring top-tier budgeting practices. The award reflects our commitment to providing a budget that works as: • A clear policy guide for decision-making. • A...
The leaves are falling along with the temperature. Here at Karl's Hardware we have everything to help you get prepared for whatever winter has in store. We also have everything you need for your fall clean up before it hits. Rakes, trash bins and so much more. We are also pleased to now offer a 5-gallon propane exchange program. Switch out your empty tank for a new one with ease. Don't have a tank, that's ok, simply purchase a tank that's already filled and exchange when it's empty. Don't...
The first offering for the Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society 2024-25 Concert Season is from the award winning Akropolis Reed Quintet. RCMS is pleased to be able to bring this exciting and dynamic group to the Ridgecrest music loving community for the first time at 4 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the Ridgecrest Methodist Church, 639 N. Norma St. Founded in 2009, Akropolis will perform both traditional as well as some new and exciting pieces. Akropolis in its collaboration with poets, a metal fabricator,...
The City of Tehachapi and Houchin Community Blood Bank (HCBB) are hosting a Blood Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All successful donors will receive a special Halloween-themed glow-in-the-dark t-shirt from Houchin. HCBB is partnering with Tehachapi Vineyard Church, Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District and the City of Tehachapi to offer the community a chance to give back by donating blood. The drive will be held at Tehachapi Vineyard Church, located at 502 E. Pinon St. To...
McCall, Idaho-based Courageous Kids Climbing, is a few weeks away from the return visit to Bakersfield with a FREE rock wall climbing event planned for people with disabilities/special needs (physical or intellectual). If you or someone you know with special needs (physical or intellectual, visually challenged, hearing impaired, traumatic brain injury, cancer or burn survivor) is interested in participating in the event, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. until noon at Action...
Please join us during our First Friday event, Friday Nov. 1, 4 to 7 p.m., at Gallery 'N' Gifts, 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Beverages and refreshments will be served. This month we will be celebrating our member artists as they display new work. Gallery 'N' Gifts is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our artists are local and many of the works represent the environs of Tehachapi and the surrounding areas. The art spans a variety of medium and subject...
On Dec. 5, the Tehachapi Police Foundation, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, will host the annual Shop with a Cop event at the Tehachapi Walmart. This initiative aims to provide 15 deserving children, from grades 3 and 4 within the Tehachapi area, an unforgettable holiday experience. The selected children, who are identified as being in need, will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and enjoy a festive shopping trip with officers. The Foundation is seeking nominations...
McDonald's 30th anniversary celebration On Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m., the McDonalds on the corner of Tucker Rd. and Highway 202 will celebrate 30 years of business with the Tehachapi community. The entire community is invited to celebrate as Tehachapi's first family-owned and operated 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...
On Monday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held to unveil a patriotic mural at VFW Post 5948. Local artist and retired Air Force Colonel Mark Pestana has painted a mural representing the branches of the military on a city-owned utility box outside the VFW. This new artwork is part of Make Art Tehachapi's ongoing efforts to create, protect and preserve the historic murals in Downtown Tehachapi. VFW Tehachapi Mountain Post 5948 is located at 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Pestana...
Join the fun! Apple Festival, Carnival, Apple Festival Rodeo &...
Your Complete Guide to Mountain Festival Weekend, August 16-18,...
Happenings, Heritage &...
Vol. 47 No. 09. The Loop newspaper, Tehachapi's favorite source for community news and local happenings, since 2001. Stay in The...
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