In early November 2021 Catherine and Tom Carr moved from Big Pine, California to Tehachapi. It was Catherine's work that brought them here.

Catherine is the East Kern Regional Planner for District 9 of CalTrans (California Department of Transportation) and Tehachapi is in District 9. The Carrs had lived in Big Pine for two and a half years. Tom's word for their stay there was "brutal." He said it was 100 miles to the closest Walmart which also made it a six-hour round trip. However, that is not the only reason Tom is thrilled to be in Tehachapi. He is a golfer and his new home is located on the 6th fairway of a golf course.

Catherine was born in Montreal, Canada and moved to the United States 30 years ago. She got her bachelor of science degree in computer science from the University of Victoria; she has a degree in human factors from Cal State Northridge and received her master of science degree in transportation from University of California Davis. She will be working with the City of Tehachapi and Kern County on future CalTrans projects.

Tom was born in Florida but only lived there for about a year. He grew up a "Navy brat" whose father did photography for the Navy and also some "B" movies in Hollywood. Tom worked for the railroad out of Los Angeles for 32 years as an engineer (better known as a "Gandy Dancer"). He began laying track when he was 18 and retired at 55. He took a six year break in the middle of that career to caddy at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course in Monterey, California. He and Catherine met through mutual friends who lived in Mount Shasta.

Catherine said she likes to read and cook and has been doing yoga since the ninth grade. She said she was taught yoga by a nun. She loves antiquing and it just-so-happens, Tom loves antique restoration. Catherine likes to restore old lamps.

Keeping them company at home is an adorable ball of fur named Pancho. Catherine and Tom traveled all the way to Ruidoso, New Mexico to pick up the little rescue Borgi (Border Collie/Corgi) who is now very much at home in Tehachapi.

Welcome to Tehachapi Catherine, Tom and Pancho. We know you will enjoy your new community.

If you have moved to Tehachapi within the last six months, Hilltop Welcoming Service has a bag of information about the Greater Tehachapi area, including local activities, events, government and facilities. There are always a few coupons and gifts, as well. It is a great way to learn about your new community. Being part of this column is strictly optional. If you would like a visit from the Welcome Hostess, contact our office at (661) 822-8188.