2019
TEHACHAPI VISITOR
Tehachapi News Tehachapinews.com/Visitor-Guide
GUIDE
TEHACHAPI VISITOR GUIDE
Table of Contents About Tehachapi Introducing Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Chamber president welcomes you. 5 Getting to Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Tehachapi's arts and entertainment scene . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Tehachapi offers year-round fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
A guide to our communities. . . . . . . 6 Visitor Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Emergency services and health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Where to get information . . . . . . . . . 11 Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Banking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Our publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What does “Tehachapi� mean? . . . 15 Getting around Tehachapi. . . . . . . . 15
Things to Do GranFondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Bicycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Golfing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Horseback riding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hunting and shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
History and Culture
Skate park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Swimming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Tehachapi's history tied to railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The famed Tehachapi Loop . . . . . . 17 Kohnen's Country Bakery . . . . . . . . 18 Wind development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Cesar E. Chavez National Monument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tehachapi's wine industry. . . . . . . . 22
Downtown walking tour. . . . . . . . . . 50 Hiking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Glider flight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Spiritual Life Mountain Spirit Center . . . . . . . . . . 60 Worship directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Norbertine Sisters Monastery . . . . 62
Tehachapi apples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Tomo-Khani State Historic Park. . . 28
Critters Abundant animal life. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
The Guides Dining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Shopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Event venues and services . . . . . . . 74 Lodging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Living in Tehachapi Arts and Entertainment Tehachapi farmers markets . . . . . . 29 BeeKay Theatre turns 50. . . . . . . . . 31 Tehachapi Mountain Festival . . . . . 32 Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Tehachapi Warrior sports . . . . . . . . 76 Doing business in Tehachapi. . . . . . 78 Relocating to Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . 80 About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
Introducing Tehachapi BY CARA JACKSON Tehachapi News
P
eople from all over California are moving to Tehachapi in search of a small-town feel, a high standard of living and the opportunity to live in “The Land of Four Seasons.” The community welcomes visitors to stop and take a tour around downtown, enjoy the varied restaurants, stay for the famous festivals or take a glider ride at Mountain Valley Airport. Many activities and events — including mountain bike riding, rodeos, mountain festivals, car shows, wine tasting and antique shopping — bring visitors to the city. In September 2018, for example, more than 1,000 people participated in the Gran Fondo, an endurance bike ride. The number of riders grows every year. City residents number more than 8,000, with additional residents in the greater Tehachapi area. This includes Golden Hills, Bear Valley Springs, Stallion Springs, Alpine Forest, Sand Canyon, Cummings Valley and Mountain Meadows. Tehachapi, known by many as “The Land of Four Seasons,” is JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS at an altitude of more Rabbitbrush grows all throughthan 4,000 feet and is out the Tehachapi area, but it is located between the San Joaquin Valley and largely overlooked until autumn, the Mojave Desert near when its bright yellow flowers Highway 58. make it impossible to ignore. The land in and around Tehachapi is very diverse. As travelers approach Tehachapi from the east or west they can see oak tree-covered mountains, Joshua trees in the dry Mojave Desert and thousands of acres of crops that feed residents of California and the world. The Kawaiisu Native American tribe lived in the area long before any immigrants settled here and a collection of resident-made Indian baskets can be found at the Tehachapi Museum. There is also a protected area called the Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, where the tribes’ winter village location was, along with a few petroglyphs that can be seen on guided tours. In the 1800s, discovery of minerals such as gold and the expansion of the railroad helped Tehachapi grow into the city it is today. The famous Tehachapi Loop can entertain visitors with its more than half a mile spiral that can be seen from lookout points on Woodford-Tehachapi Road. For more information on all that awaits visitors, go to visittehachapi.com or stop by the visitor center on 200 W. Tehachapi Blvd. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Monday. We hope you find this guide useful in planning your visit to Tehachapi. Residents will be happy to help answer your questions and make your visit enjoyable.
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2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
ABOUT TEHACHAPI
Welcome to our beautiful community By IDA PERKINS
T
he Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to Tehachapi. The beautiful Tehachapi Valley is an oasis located in the mountains between the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert. With sparkling blue skies that turn into star-filled nights with unending depth, the beauty of Tehachapi is seen in every setting. Tehachapi has much to offer visitors, whether it is wine tasting, learning about the history of Tehachapi by visiting our wonderful museums, such as the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum, shopping in our Historic Downtown Tehachapi or enjoying one of our many fun-filled festivals like the Tehachapi Mountain Festival in August. Tehachapi has something for everyone. If you are thinking of relocating to Tehachapi, the diversity of
the area offers small-town neighborhoods, mountains filled with oak trees and rustic to luxurious homes, all displayed in four beautifully distinct seasons. Please make sure to stop by the Chamber office while visiting; we have numerous brochures and relocation information on display. We are located at 209 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Tehachapi has a lot to offer and we hope that inside this Visitors Guide you find that special something that interests you. Thank you for visiting! — Ida Perkins is president of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce.
Getting to Tehachapi Tehachapi News
M
ost people travel to Tehachapi via private vehicle, but here are some other ways to get to and from town:
Amtrak — offers bus service to connect with northbound trains from Bakersfield and southbound and eastbound buses from Tehachapi. Curbside only (no bus shelter), with no local ticketing agent. Call 800-872-7245 or visit amtrak.com. Kern Transit — connects Bakersfield and Lancaster to Tehachapi with scheduled daily bus service. Call 800-323-2396 or visit kerntransit.org. Orange Belt Stages — (connects with Greyhound), offers limited service to and from Tehachapi, no terminal. Call 800266-7433 or visit orangebelt.com. Tehachapi Municipal Airport — 314 N. Hayes St., Tehachapi, north end of city, near Highway 58 at Mill Street. Operated by the city of Tehachapi, it offers fuel, pilot’s lounge and computerized weather system for current weather conditions. AWOS frequency: 120.025. Call 661-822-2220 extension 133. Meadows Field (Bakersfield) — is about 40 miles from Tehachapi and is the closest airport offering commercial airline service (American, United). Several car rental companies operate in Bakersfield. Visit meadowsfield.com.
Walking — every year people find their way to Tehachapi by way of the Pacific Crest Trail, pcta.org. The trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states and traverses the eastern side of the Tehachapi Valley. Permits are required for some but not all areas of the trail.
CONTRIBUTED BY KENNETH R. HETGE
German pilots Philipp Schroeder and Roland Fischer visit the Tehachapi Municipal Airport from Hamburg, Germany, bringing with them their 1955 French Broussard ex-military aircraft. 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
Tehachapi: A guide to our communities BY CARA JACKSON Tehachapi News
T
he Greater Tehachapi area and the city of Tehachapi together encompass more than 275 square miles with a population of more than 36,880 people and includes a number of unincorporated communities and areas within the 93561 ZIP code, according to the 2010 census. The modern development of Tehachapi began in 1876, when the railroad was completed. An earlier settlement, once called Williamsburg and now known as Old Town, was founded in the 1860s and was an important station on the road between the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Old Town declined when residents gradually relocated to nearby Greenwich, the first name for the community now known as Tehachapi. The city of Tehachapi incorporated in 1909 and for many years was surrounded by ranchland. Development of ranches in the mid-20th century has continued and a number of unincorporated communities — all part of Tehachapi — have developed. These communities offer a variety of amenities with just about as much diversity as the natural surroundings. Communities and developed areas (in addition to the city of Tehachapi) include:
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Natural beauty abounds in Tehachapi. These facilities are generally not covered in this guide because they are not open to the public. Sand Canyon/Cameron Canyon – unique and interesting areas on the eastern edge of Tehachapi with topography and plant life that bridges the mountain valley and desert areas. Sand Canyon, located to the north of Highway 58, has a considerable amount of residential development and is the home of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, as well as the Mountain Spirit Center, a Buddhist monastery and spiritual retreat. Cameron Canyon is to the south of Highway 58, and in recent years has become an important part of Tehachapi’s wind energy development. A trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail is in this area.
Golden Hills/Old Town/Oak Knolls – residential and commercial development to the west of the city of Tehachapi within the Tehachapi Valley. Alpine Forest Park/Mountain Meadows/Old West Ranch – residential developments in higher elevation areas south of the city of Tehachapi including forested land with many homes “off the grid.” Brite Valley – area including small farms and residential lots of various sizes located between the Tehachapi and Cummings valleys. Brite Lake — a reservoir that serves the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District and is open to the public for fishing — is in this area. Cummings Valley/Fairview Ranches/ Stallion Springs – the westernmost area of Tehachapi, some parts overlook the San Joaquin Valley. The historic Cummings Ranch and California Correctional Institution are located here. Cummings Valley is a mix of residential development and intensive agriculture, including commer6
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
TEHACHAPI NEWS
360’s didn’t disappoint the kids, as the pros showed off in the hangar at Woodward West in Stallion Springs. cial production of organic vegetables and producing vineyards, as well as alpaca ranches. Fairview Ranches and Stallion Springs are residential subdivisions in the valley. Woodward West, a nationally noted youth action sports camp, is here. Bear Valley Springs – a gated community in Bear Valley, which is accessed from Cummings Valley. Residents have use of facilities including the Oak Tree Country Club golf course, a shooting range, swimming pool, lakes and horseback riding trails.
Keene – the community of Keene is about 10 miles west of the city of Tehachapi and considered part of the greater Tehachapi area. The famed Tehachapi Loop is in this area as well as the National Chavez Center. Monolith – no longer occupied, Monolith was once a company town for Monolith Portland Cement Company just to the east of the city of Tehachapi along Highway 58. The cement plant is now owned by Lehigh Southwest. Other than the city of Tehachapi, all other areas are part of unincorporated Kern County. Some are organized into community services districts, which provide various services ranging from water to police protection.
ABOUT TEHACHAPI
Tehachapi Visitor Center is a spot for everyone By EMA SASIC Tehachapi News
T
here is always something to discover and explore in Tehachapi when you enter the Tehachapi Visitor Center, even for people who have lived in the area for years. The center opened about three years ago. Linda Carhart, a member of the Tehachapi Tourism Board, said there was a need for it because people come through the area for various reasons. “We are putting an emphasis on tourism,” she said. “We have a lot of people all year round, and it’s good to have a place to promote our tourism.” The Tehachapi Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. The volunteers working at the center have a number of resources available to visitors, and Carhart said they try to “figure out a person’s interests” before giving them recommendations. “We have fliers on some antique shops if you like antiques,” she said. “If you like wine, we have a sheet that tells you all about our wineries. If you like museums, we have one on the different museums.” Wine lovers can check out Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company, Triassic Vineyards or Dorner Family Vineyard, for example. For people seeking adventure, Carhart said she would advise them to explore the Pacific Crest Trail or Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, which overlooks Sand Canyon to the east and the Tehachapi Valley to the west and was the site of a Kawaiisu (Nuwa) village. Another spot for hikers would be Tehachapi Mountain Park, which offers the Nuooah Nature Trail and various camping opportunities. Animal lovers have a variety of options available to them nearby,
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Tehachapi Visitor Center is a stop on the city’s popular wine walks.
such as Indian Point Ostrich Ranch, Adorable Alpacas and Windswept Ranch Petting Zoo. There are also several music venues in town, including the popular Fiddlers Crossing. Many people might think the Tehachapi community does not have much going on, but Carhart assured the area is “active” all year long. “Coming up pretty soon is the Swing Dance competition and that brings people from out of the area into Tehachapi. We Tehachapi have several festivals Visitor Center like the Mountain Open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday Festival in August and through Monday the Apple Festival in October,” she said. Location: 200 W. Tehachapi Blvd. “We’re a very active (southwest corner of Tehachapi community. As soon Boulevard and Curry Street) as the weather gets Phone: 661-825-5003 great, the community Download: Visit Tehachapi app on gears up.” the App Store or Google Play Though the center is open select days during the week, there is also an app available that can help assist visitors during their stay. Named Visit Tehachapi, users have dining, play, hotel and motel, shopping and worship categories to choose from to plan their visit. If they know they want to visit wineries or antique shops, they can narrow their searches. It also includes information on various festivals and events. “It’s a good resource to let you know exactly what’s going on during different periods of time,” Carhart said. The Visit Tehachapi app is available for download on the App Store or Google Play. For more information on the Tehachapi Visitor Center or the Visit Tehachapi app, visit http://www.liveuptehachapi.com/405/ Visit-Tehachapi.
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF TEHACHAPI
Freedom Plaza, with the Tehachapi Visitor Center in the background, is a popular place to visit. 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Kern County Fire Department shows visitors the equipment around the fire truck at a National Night Out at Philip Marx Central Park.
Emergency services and health care Emergency services For emergencies, call 911
California Highway Patrol The Tehachapi area is served by the Mojave office of the California Highway Patrol. 1313 Highway 58, Mojave, CA 93501 661-823-5500 – non-emergency number chp.ca.gov
Kern County Sheriff Provides protection throughout unincorporated areas of greater Tehachapi; frequently coordinates efforts with other law enforcement agencies. Tehachapi Golden Hills Substation 22209 Old Town Road Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-823-6060 kernsheriff.org
Tehachapi Police Department
220 W. C St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-2222 liveuptehachapi.com Nixle is an emergency notification system offered by the city of Tehachapi. Residents and owners of businesses within city limits can sign up for free emergency notifications delivered by telephone, text message or email. More information is available online at liveuptehachapi.com.
Bear Valley Springs Police Department Under the jurisdiction of the Bear Valley Community Services District, the department provides law enforcement services 10
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
for more than 50 square miles of mountains and valleys within the district. 25101 Bear Valley Road, Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-821-3239 bvcsd.com
Stallion Springs Police Department Under the jurisdiction of the Stallion Springs Community Services District, provides law enforcement for the Stallion Springs area. 27800 Stallion Springs Drive, Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-3268
Kern County Fire Department Provides service throughout the county including within the city of Tehachapi. kerncountyfire.org Fire Station 12 – Tehachapi 800 S. Curry St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-5533 Fire Station 13 — Tehachapi 21415 Reeves St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-823-4881 Fire Station 16 – Bear Valley 28946 Bear Valley Road, Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-821-1110 Fire Station 18 – Stallion Springs 28381 Braeburn Place, #22, Stallion Springs, CA 93561 661-822-3980 Fire Station 11 – Keene 30356 Woodford-Tehachapi Road Keene, CA 93268 661-822-5555
Health care Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley: A new state-of-the-art hospital is open and equipped with an emergency room and provides other services at 1100 Magellan Drive north of Highway 58. Take Mill Street off-ramp to access the hospital. Open 24 hours. Call 661-823-3000. Dignity Health Medical Group: At 707 Valley Blvd., and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and soon will be open Saturdays. Closed Sunday. For more information, call 661-822-2530. Tehachapi Omni Family Health Center: At 161 N. Mill St. Open Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Call 800-300-6664.
Hall Ambulance Hall Ambulance has several stations in Tehachapi. Call 911 for medical emergencies, or 800-422-0656. hallamb.com
Pharmacies Tehachapi-area pharmacies include: Kmart, 710 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-8223594 Rite Aid, 811 S. Tucker Road, 661-822-9232 Sav-on (inside Albertsons), 775 S. Tucker Road, 661-823-7094 Walgreens, 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-823-0163 Anti Aging and Welness Center, 276 S. Mill St., 661-822-5811
ABOUT TEHACHAPI
Where to get information Tehachapi News
411 N. Mill St. 661-822-6828 or 800-600-2909 tehachapinews.com; Tehachapi News Facebook page; @tehachapinews on Twitter Monday — Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to noon
Tehachapi Visitor Center
200 W. Tehachapi Blvd. (at the corner of Tehachapi Boulevard and Curry Street) 661-825-5003 Thursday — Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce 209 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-4180 tehachapi.com Monday — Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed from 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch)
City of Tehachapi 115 S. Robinson St. 661-822-2200
liveuptehachapi.com Monday — Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Kern County / Office of Supervisor Zack Scrivner
Second District, includes Tehachapi 125 E. F St., Tehachapi 1115 Truxtun Ave., 5th Floor, Bakersfield 661-868-3660 kerncounty.com/bos/dist2
Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District 490 W. D St. 661-822-3228 tvrpd.com Monday — Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bear Valley Springs Community Services District 28999 S. Lower Valley Road 661-821-4428 bvcsd.com
Golden Hills Community Service District
Fiber-based Internet is Available in Your Area!*
Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council
Stallion Springs Community Services District 27800 Stallion Springs Drive 661-822-3268 stallionspringscsd.com Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at Slice of Life Enrichment School, 48771 W. Valley Blvd.
Monthly Tourism Commission meetings
Tehachapi Heritage League Museum
310 South Green St. 661-822-8152 tehachapimuseum.org Friday — Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Tehachapi Depot Museum
The third Thursday of every month at Tehachapi Police Department. 220 W. C St. For more information: P.O. Box 2386 Tehachapi, CA 93581 Email: info@tehachapiedc.com tehachapiedc.com
Kern County Library, Tehachapi Branch
101 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-823-1100 tehachapidepot.com Thursday — Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
212 S. Green St. 661-822-4938 Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. kerncountylibrary.org
Main Street Tehachapi 105 E. E St.
SMALL-TOWN FEEL
BIG-CITY SPEEDS!
661-822-6519 mainstreettehachapi.com
21415 Reeves St. 661-822-3064 ghcsd.com Monday — Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
INTERNET Gigafy me 1000 Mbps $60/mo
Basic Broadband+ 25 Mbps $25/mo
PHONE Unlimited Phone Unlimited calling in North America $10/mo with order of Internet
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www.race.com www.race.com | 877.722.3833 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
CONTRIBUTED BY SHARON WEAVER
A beautiful sunset in the Tehachapi Mountains.
Weather in the Land of Four Seasons BY CARA JACKSON Tehachapi News
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s travelers head toward Tehachapi, a “Welcome to Tehachapi, the Land of Four Seasons” sign invites them to explore this mountain community. Current and new residents of Tehachapi come to know the truth of those words. The region is known throughout the area as a place with changing temperatures. It is a place where you can experience fresh air, snow, rain and occasional low clouds at different times of the year, which can make the mountains look like another world. At an elevation of some 3,970 feet (depending on exactly where you are) between the Mojave Desert and San Joaquin Valley, residents and visitors can spend a day away from the big city and escape much of the pollution that goes along with it. The wind is always present and provides renewable energy captured by the wind turbines. According to Western Regional Climate Center, the average temperature throughout the seasons is anywhere between 42 degrees to 64 degrees. The rainfall for 2018 was 9.60 inches. Tehachapi is indeed a mountain community.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Becky and Darrin Mason emerge from the covered bridge in Stallion Springs along the 62-mile GranFondo route.
Tehachapi climate and precipitation Total precipitation Mean maximum Mean minimum Mean average Month normal (inches) temperature normal (°F) temperature normal (°F) temperature normal (°F) Jan 2.47 53.2 31.8 42.5 Feb Mar Apr May Jun
2.85 2.02 0.78 0.34 0.08
53.6 56.5 62.3 71.9 80.1
32.6 35.5 37.6 45.6 53.0
43.1 46.0 49.9 58.8 66.6
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
0.23 0.14 0.20 0.53 1.44
87.3 86.5 80.5 70.3 58.4
58.4 56.0 50.8 44.6 37.0
72.9 71.3 65.7 57.5 47.7
Dec
2.35
51.2
31.5
41.4
Source: National Weather Service
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2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
TBC MEDIA
NEW AFFORDABLE LIVING IN THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS OF TEHACHAPI.
for information email us at info@sageranch-tehachapi.com
ABOUT TEHACHAPI
Banking in Tehachapi Alta One Federal Credit Union 775 Tucker Road, 823-9942
Bank of the Sierra
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union
Stand-alone ATMs
821 Tucker Road, 833-7900
2100 Mission St., 822-9191 224 W. F St., 822-6801
Safe One Credit Union
Bank of the West
Union Bank
758 Tucker Road, 822-4491
20141 W. Valley Blvd., 822-8000 665 Tucker Road, 822-2500
Navy Federal 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Wells Fargo 1100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Others 1050 Capital Hills 107 S. Mill St. 128 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 302 E. Tehachapi Blvd.
Our publications Tehachapi News
3700 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-395-7500
Tehachapi’s hometown newspaper since 1899. Published every Wednesday 411 N. Mill St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6828
• Best websites to get news and information about the Greater Tehachapi area:
TehachapiNews.com and Bakersfield.com
The Bakersfield Californian Daily newspaper serving Kern County including home delivery and newsstand availability in the Tehachapi area.
Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/tehachapinews Follow us on Twitter @tehachapinews
www.tehachapiprorodeo.com
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2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
ABOUT TEHACHAPI
What does ‘Tehachapi’ mean? Tehachapi News
T
here is no place like Tehachapi — and no other place named Tehachapi. So just what does the name mean? The name entails the higher elevation of the city. In fact, the higher elevation of the city is the competitive differentiator because it produces clean air, four seasons, alternative energy, outdoor adventures and great agritourism. But how did the city actually get the name? Well, this is what is believed to be the origin: While searching the west for the U.S. government to find a railroad route to California in August 1853, Lt. R.S. Williamson and his scout, Alexis Godey, made their way to the Tehachapi Valley and Indians told them their name for the creek running there was “Tah-ee-chay-pay.” Williamson did not record the meaning of the name, however. Speculation abounds, and through the years, various meanings have been attributed to the word. Multiple spellings have been used, as well. The most common belief today is that the word derives from the Kawaiisu word “Tihachipia,” meaning a hard climb. Williamson, by the way, recorded a lovely description of the Tehachapi Valley from his visit nearly 150 years ago. He entered the valley from the east, having been traveling along the eastern Sierra Nevada from Walker Pass south through Cache Creek and wrote: “... a steep continuous descent for eight or nine miles, when we found ourselves in a beautiful prairie, apparently completely surrounded by high mountains, and as far as the eye could tell, it
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS ESTEN
Brandi Greene Kendrick, Luther Girado and Julie Girado Turner at the Historical Kawaiisu Preserve. was a horizontal plain. “We came to an Indian rancheria, where we learned there was a stream of water and good grass two or three miles further on. We proceeded to the place, and here found an excellent camping ground ... “There was another rancheria close to the place selected for our camp, and from the Indians we learned that their name for the creek was Tah-ee-chay-pah. It is the one called Pass Creek by Colonel Fremont, and is the same one he ascended when he crossed the mountains in 1844.”
Getting around Tehachapi Tehachapi News
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rivate vehicles remain the most common method of transportation in Tehachapi. However, the town provides two forms of public transportation, a taxi service, rental cars, and access to ridesharing services Uber and Lyft for those without a private ride.
Public transit East Kern Express — Route 100, which travels from Bakersfield to Lancaster and back every day, makes a stop throughout the day in Tehachapi at Tehachapi Park and Ride on West Tehachapi Boulevard and can make a requested stop on Cameron Canyon Road at Highway 58. The route, which makes stops in Keene, Mojave and Rosamond, gives residents the option to travel throughout the county out of the Bakersfield and Mojave hubs. The intercommunity route is $3 for a general ticket, and $1.50 for a reduced fare for youth (5-15), seniors (62+) and disabled passengers with a “Reduced Fare Card.” The charge for the cross-county route is $5 for a general ticket and $2.50 for a reduced ticket. For more information, call 800-323-2396 or 800-560-1733 or go online at kerntransit.org.
Tehachapi Dial-A-Ride — This localized public transit service is provided Monday through Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The fare is $2 for a general pass and $1 for a reduced fare pass — qualifications for this are the same as the East Kern Express. The service, which goes throughout Tehachapi, Old Town and Golden Hills, is suggested to be reserved at least a day in advance but same-day travels are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers can also transfer to the East Kern Express in Old Town and Tehachapi. For more information, call 800-323-2396 or go online at kerntransit.org/dial-a-ride/dial-tehachapi.
Taxi Tehachapi Taxicab — 661-600-2771
Rental cars Enterprise — 410 W. J St., Suite E, Tehachapi, 661-823-0500 Monday-Friday, 8 to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Ridesharing Uber — Download the Uber app on your smartphone to use. Lyft — Download the Lyft app on your smartphone to use. 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Tehachapi Depot is home to the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum in Downtown Tehachapi.
Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum By KELLY ARDIS Tehachapi News
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ith the railroad an important part of the town’s history, a visit to the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum is a must for anyone interested in trains. Full of train artifacts from the late 1800s and early 1900s, the museum is “the centerpiece of the town,” according to its curator, Doug Pickard. He means that literally, but its importance to the community and its connection to history can’t be understated. “If you’re interested in the area,” Pickard said, “we have a really comprehensive display of our history and particularly the railroad.” The museum opened in 2010 but getting it to that point took a community effort. Initially, the museum was going to be inside the original Southern Pacific depot used by the railroad, but in 2008 the building was destroyed in a fire, not long before the museum was set to finally open after years of planning. “By that time, everyone in town was very pleased (with our work),” Pickard said. “There was a huge movement in town that we were going to rebuild it.” And so they did. The Friends of the Tehachapi Depot quickly got to work on building a replica of the original depot. Helping the group’s work was a set of drawings of the original that Pickard found. He said the project closely hewed to the original with one major, but necessary, change: air conditioning. Now the Friends’ hard work has paid off with the perfect place to showcase a collection of old railroad tools, photos and newspaper articles, signals, lanterns and dining cart china, to name a few. Each year, more than 10,000 visitors come to see the collection, much of 16
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
A train pulls into the Tehachapi Depot. it from Bill Stokoe, a retired railroad worker who died in 1999. “People seem to be very pleasantly surprised with how much we have and how well displayed it is,” Pickard said. Visitors will be able to find the museum in the heart of Tehachapi at 101 W. Tehachapi Blvd., right in the center of town. Its doors are open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, and it is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Though entry is free at the museum, donations are welcomed to help it cover operational costs. For more information, call the museum at 661-823-1100.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
CONTRIBUTED BY THOMAS BOWEN
A train travels shortly after the rain on March 6 near the back road to Keene.
Tehachapi’s history tied to railroad Tehachapi News
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ne can take for granted how easy it is to travel the length of California, but before 1876, the way to and from Los Angeles and the Bay Area had a mighty obstacle: the Tehachapis mountain range running east-west in the southern San Joaquin Valley, between the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range. The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad line through Tehachapi opened up travel between two major California cities in the north and south. It would become vital to the growth of Los Angeles and remain an important part of Tehachapi’s history. Before its construction, a stage line operated from the railhead at Caliente to San Fernando, but the Tehachapis blocked the way for further southern travel. Work on the rail line started in 1874 by civil engineers William Hood and J.B. Harris. It was built by Chinese immigrants, on a 2.2 percent gradient route to Tehachapi’s summit. To get the railroad over the mountains, Hood and Harris
plotted a route across the Tehachapi Pass, the lowest and easiest pass. The Southern Pacific Railroad later was extended to Mojave and across the Antelope Valley, reaching Los Angeles through Soledad Canyon and the San Fernando tunnel. The Southern Pacific Railroad, which monopolized California’s railroads at this time, eventually found a rival in the Santa Fe Railway. Eyeing a line that would cross the Tehachapis from Bakersfield up to Tejon and Chanac Creeks, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific would come to an agreement in 1899 that let Santa Fe trains use the Tehachapi grade. The Santa Fe line no longer needed to be built. More recently, in 1996, Union Pacific absorbed Southern Pacific, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe succeeded the Santa Fe. Today, the two continue to operate the Tehachapi line. The track hasn’t changed much since it was built more than 140 years ago. It’s still one of the busiest runs of single-track railroads in the continent, with about 50 trains a day on the famous Tehachapi Loop.
Tehachapi Loop is an engineering marvel Tehachapi News At the time it was constructed, the Tehachapi Loop was considered an engineering marvel. Even now, it still draws visitors from around the world who want to see that famous landmark many simply call The Loop. On the Tehachapi Loop, the track climbs up over itself in a spiral, starting from a tunnel at the base before working up to an elevation of 77 feet at a 2 percent grade over the loop’s .73 miles. A train longer than 4,000 feet will pass over itself as it goes up the loop and over that tunnel. The loop is not only a favorite feature of Tehachapi locals and tourists, it’s also a California Historical Landmark, designated as such in 1955. It was also named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1998 by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Because of the many trains that use the track and the beautiful scenery surrounding it, the Tehachapi Loop is a must-see spot for train enthusiasts. 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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CONTRIBUTED BY SUSAN BURT
Kohnen’s Country Bakery offers a variety of baked goods.
Authentic German bakery continues traditions Tehachapi News
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ehachapi’s very own authentic German bakery recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. Kohnen’s Country Bakery first opened its doors in 2004, but its traditions, recipes and practices date all the way back to 1683. It was during that year that a baker in Vienna earned the European guild mark of lions defending and upholding the crown that most bakeries still use today. Unbeknownst to the sleeping citizens of the great city, the Turks had come up with a strategy to invade Vienna by tunneling under its walls during the night. But what they had not planned on was a baker at work in the basement of his shop preparing pretzels and bread for the coming day. It was the baker who heard the faint sounds of tunneling, who warned the city and saved Vienna. After the triumph, Vienna bakers were rewarded with extra rations of flour to bake what has since become one of the most popular pastries in the world — the croissant. It was this same baker who started to form the popular layered pastry into the crescent shape depicted even today on the Turkish flag. It is said the city celebrated its victory by devouring its enemy. Owners Thomas and Colleen Kohnen carry on the same tradi18
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tions today. Up well before dawn, it is Thomas and his staff who work through the night to prepare hundreds of baked goods from scratch. They knead, roll, toss and twist each pretzel, loaf and pastry into their iconic shapes while standing guard over Tehachapi. He first learned these trades at the age of 15 when he took an apprenticeship as a Konditor (confectionist) at the Franz Bergendahl Bacherrei in his homeland of West Germany. After three years as an apprentice, he became a tested and proven journeyman. At the age of 22, Thomas was offered the opportunity to go on a training program in the United States and found himself in Ventura County where he met and married Colleen. Shortly after, they bought the famed Bill Baker Bakery in Ojai and operated it for 15 years before moving to Tehachapi. The bakery has become a popular favorite of local folks and tourists alike, and has since expanded to include a dining space where patrons can feast on sandwiches made with fresh-baked bread and handcrafted soups served in bowls of bread. The three top favorite items that Kohnen’s struggles to keep in stock are their eclairs, lemon bars and zucchini bread. Currently, Kohnen’s employs a staff of 28, including six bakers, and is open seven days a week. Kohnen’s Country Bakery is located at 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd. For more information, call 822-3350 or visit kohnens.com.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
TBC MEDIA FILE PHOTO
Kern County has more wind turbines than any other county in the nation, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This is a photo of a wind farm in the Mojave area.
Wind development: Why Tehachapi Pass? Tehachapi News
CHRISTY RABE Broker/Owner Lic #01505500 661-972-7218
MICHELE ALEXANDER Sales Associate Lic #01215738 707-292-2805
MARGARET SHANNON DAFFERN LISA MACKENZIE SAN NICOLAS Marketing Assistant Executive Assistant, CTC Client Relations Assistant 661-488-7413 661-488-7412 661-488-7415
Close to energy users The proximity of Tehachapi Pass to the Los Angeles Basin makes it an attractive location for wind power development, as it reduces the length, cost and environmental impact of required transmission lines. Power from numerous wind farms in the East Kern Wind Resource Area is conditioned at Southern California Edison’s Windhub substation and sent south on the 500,000-volt transmission lines of Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project to the receiving substation in Mira Loma. A landscape for wind In California, summertime heating of the ground inland causes the air to rise, creating a thermal low — a low-pressure region. Cooler, higher-pressure air masses over the ocean move inland to fill the thermal low, flowing through mountain passes like Tehachapi Pass. The venturi effect of the mountain pass accelerates the wind to a high velocity, providing an attractive concentration of wind power resource. 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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National Monument in Keene honors labor leader Cesar Chavez By DIANNE HARDISTY For Tehachapi News
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en, women and children once lived in despair in a tuberculous sanitarium Kern County built in 1929 in a mountain clearing in Keene, west of Tehachapi. The same sanitarium, in the 1970s, was transformed into a center of hope for the nation’s struggling farm workers. Today, it stands as an inspiration for all Americans. Nestled at the foot of Three Peaks, a rock outcropping on the northern border of 116 acres along Woodford-Tehachapi Road, northeast of Highway 58, the former sanitarium is now the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument — managed collaboratively by the National Park Service and the National Chavez Center. The complex, where union icon Cesar Chavez is buried, was established as a national monument in 2012 by President Barack Obama. The property, which is known as Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz (La Paz) also is designated a National Historic Landmark. With his farm workers union headquarters located in Delano in the 1960s, Chavez wanted to move his family, union officials and volunteers out of the increasing volatile crossfire of his organization’s struggle with powerful growers. His search for a more secure location led him to Keene and the then-shuttered sanitarium. With county officials unlikely to agree to sell the property to Chavez, movie producer Edward Lewis, a wealthy union supporter, bought the complex in 1971 and quickly turned it over to the nonprofit National Farm Workers Service Center, which has since merged with the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. The compound became Chavez’s refuge, as well as the hub of union organizing and training for decades. Chavez, who died in his sleep in 1993 while in Arizona organizing farm workers, was brought back to La Paz for burial. The future of La Paz, as well as the movement Chavez created, became the focus of intense discussion by members of Chavez’s extended family and supporters. The 20
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TEHACHAPI NEWS
The National Cesar Chavez Center is located in the hills of Keene. result was the creation of a master plan for La Paz, which included the creation of a retreat and conference center that opened in 2010. In an interview preceding the center’s grand opening, Paul Chavez recalled that his father’s goal was to provide a place for individuals and groups to gather to work for social justice and civil rights, to learn the skills to organize and do “extraordinary things.” Funding for the retreat and conference center was partially provided by a $2.5 million grant from the California Cultural and Heritage Endowment of the California Library. An earlier state grant and contributions helped pay for the 2004 construction of a visitors’ center at the entrance to what is now the Cesar E. Chavez National Memorial. The visitors’ center features Chavez’s office, library and courtyard, as well as the memorial gardens, where Chavez is buried.
Visit the National Memorial Features – Memorial gardens, gravesite and fountain honoring Cesar Chavez and the memory of martyrs of the farm worker movement. In the visitor center, films about Chavez’s life are shown, and displays and artwork are on display. Visitors can browse items and books for sale in a gift shop. Operating hours – Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on the following holidays: Easter Sunday; Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Pets – Leashed pets are allowed on the trails and grounds, but not in the visitors’ center and memorial gardens. For more information: Go to www.nps.gov/cech/index.htm
HISTORY AND CULTURE
COURTESY OF JIM ARNOLD
Jim and Sally Arnold of Triassic Vineyards pour samples of their award-winning wines served with truffles during the Public Tasting event of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for 2019.
Here’s to Tehachapi’s awarded wines By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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lthough Californians may still think of areas such as Paso Robles as the best option for wining and dining, a similar experience can be found just up the hill in Tehachapi where vineyards are continuing to develop and the wines are winning awards. With the region’s warm days, cool nights and consistent winds, growers are seeking to put Tehachapi on the map by making it a designated wine grape-growing region. For the past five years, Jim and Sally Arnold of Triassic Vineyards have brought 22
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home medals for every wine they have submitted to the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest annual contest for North American wines. This year, the Arnolds were awarded one double gold medal for their 2015 Zinfandel, a gold medal for their 2015 Syrah, three silver medals for their 2015 Big Bang and 2016 and 2017 Viogniers, and two bronze awards. On Feb. 16, the Arnolds were among the 300 gold medal wineries from around the country featured at the Public Tasting held at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. Other than showcasing Triassic wines, Jim said his primary purpose for participating in the competition was to serve as an
ambassador of sorts to inform the outside what is going on at the local vineyards concerning the wine industry and the potential for growing in Tehachapi. “When we were talking, we weren’t just talking about how good our wines are, but how good the other wines are, too,” Jim said. Jim said he and Sally received a great deal of positive feedback from the wine tasters. “In fact, one person said it was the best Syrah in the whole place, and another person said it was the best 2016 Viognier he had ever tasted,” Jim said. As far as the Arnolds are concerned, anything that Triassic Vineyards benefits, so does Tehachapi benefit.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Company vineyard and tasting room owner Mike Van Atta pours a sample of his 2016 Primitivo and Red Blend. “People are becoming aware of what can be done here with growing wine grapes,” Jim said.
Triassic Vineyards
24627 Cummings Valley Road Triassicvineyards.com Wine tasting, event venue Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays noon to 6 p.m. 661-822-5341 With its first harvest in 2012, Triassic Vineyards was founded by retired geologist Chuck McCollough. The vineyard has more than seven acres planted in Zinfandel, Syrah and Viognier grapes. Triassic features a 1,380-square-foot tasting room that commands an impressive view of the Cummings Valley and surrounding mountains. Triassic and its estate-grown, award-winning wines was purchased in 2013 by Jim and Sally Arnold, who added Tempranillo to the vineyard. Under the Arnolds’ owner-
ship, Triassic has enclosed an outdoor patio to accommodate year-round tasting and dining. Friday nights, Triassic features Wine and Dines, a combination of wine tasting and catered dinners. Special events also are announced on Triassic’s website and Facebook.
ing grapes for the vineyard’s use. The vineyard is likened to the Tuscany growing area as both regions sit at a 4,000foot to 5,000-foot elevation, and produce rich wines, including a unique Zinfandel.
Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Co.
18274 Old River Road Dornerfamilyvineyard.com Wedding and event venue Tasting room under construction 661-823-7814 Voted “Tehachapi’s Best Place to get Married,” Dorner Family Vineyard was established by Mike and Michele Dorner on 20 acres of oak and pine covered land. The location features an exquisitely landscaped garden and event amenities. The vineyard is planted in 500 Zinfandel and Riesling grapevines. To show off their award-winning wines, the Dorner family is constructing a wine tasting room, which is expected to be completed soon.
26877 Cummings Valley Road tehachapiwineandcattlecompany.com Wine tasting, sales and gift shop Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 661-822-9233 Formerly known as Souza Family Vineyards, Mike Van Atta and his wife, Beth Hamilton, took over the landmark in 2018 and renamed the vineyard the Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company. With the new name came new wine varieties as the vineyard now offers 23 wine varieties. In addition to grapes grown in Tehachapi, growers in Northern California are produc-
Dorner Family Vineyard
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Mike Dorner, owner of Dorner Family Vineyards, opens up bottles in preparation for the arrival of tasters.
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Partners Ilda Vaja and Mary Sigler have started a small winery along Highway 202. Nephew Rolando Calfa explained Cabernet, Reisling and Merlot grapes have been planted. In a nod to the partners’ Argentinan heritage, Malbec grapes also have been planted. The new enterprise is purchasing grapes from Tehachapi-area growers to produce de los Viajeros wines that are bottled in Santa Clarita. de los Viajeros wines are featured during area community festivals and can be purchased at the Highway 202 vineyard. Calfa said plans are underway to open a tasting room.
COURTEST PHOTO
The vineyards at de los Viajeros in Tehachapi. Continued from Page 23
de los Viajeros
Ranchodelosviajeros.com 22701 Highway 202 Tasting room under construction info@ranchodelosviajeros.com 661-822-7735
www.galleryngifts.com w ww ww.ga alle lleryn ll ery er yn ngi gift fts co fts. com
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TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
Apple trees, with limbs heavily laden with fruit, stretch out toward the horizon at Knaus Apple Ranch in Tehachapi.
Tehachapi is known for its apple picking BY DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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ehachapi has long been known for some of the best tree-ripened apples in the country. Here, local growers have spent most of their lives perfecting their fruit by tending to their orchards year-round. Come fall, some growers open their orchards to the public for apple picking, with harvesting typically beginning in late August and continuing as late as November. Some years, however, bring an early harvest due to drought conditions, but growers report a sweeter fruit is produced as a result. Over the years, thousands of visitors have traveled to Tehachapi to take advantage of U-pick harvesting. With more than a dozen varieties found throughout local orchards, growers are happy to 26
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suggest which variety is best to suit your individual preferences. In addition, some local growers offer a variety of in-season fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. For those who seek the fresh fruit but prefer not to pick, growers offer to pick for you. Delicious home-baked items are also available at some orchards, featuring everything from mouth-watering apple crisp to apple butter, apple rings and dried apples. Apple cider is perhaps the most sought-after apple product and tends to sell out quickly. Tehachapi orchards include:
Pulford’s Appletree Orchard 19440 Highline Road: 15 varieties available, including Red Delicious, Winesap, Rome Beauty, Melrose, Empire, Jonagold, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Granny Smith, Jonathan, Spur
HISTORY AND CULTURE
Gold Blush, Braeburn and Lady Apple. Fresh ciders and jams from Chadmark Farms in Paso Robles are also available. Depending on availability of fruit, hours of operation are September through mid-November, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Orchard tours are available by appointment only during weekdays. Call 661-822-5021 for more information or for directions or visit pulfordappletreeorchard.com.
Ha’s Apple Farm 20916 Steuber Road: David and Kyung Ha started apple farming more than 30 years ago. They have since expanded their fruit and fruit product line to include seasonally available grapes, melons, pears, peaches, persimmons and pomegranates. They offer dried fruits, fruit rolls and brittles, jams, jellies, butters, syrups and vinegars. Visit their online store at hasapplefarm.com for more information.
Moessner Farms One of the few apple businesses that operates year-round in Tehachapi is Moessner Farm Café & Store at 25000 Bear Valley Road. Mike Moessner sells apples grown on a few trees on his property, but also sells handcrafted sandwiches and food items prepared in his café that is open Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The café and store, which features indoor and outdoor seating, sells more than 29 varieties of jams, as well as pastries, cookies and even sauerkraut. Call 661-821-6272 or visit moessnerfarms.com for more information.
Kolesar’s Orchard
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Becky Pulford shows off one of the ripening apples from some of their 18 varieties. Tangleweed Farm 21192 Old Town Road: Crops include lettuce, greens, berries and cut bouquets, in addition to in-season vegetables and melons. Also olive oils, vinegars and Fair Trade Coffee is sold. Hours are Fridays from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. yearround. For more information, call 661-822-8806 or visit tangleweedfarm.com.
13500 Highline Road: Five varieties available. Cherries are available seasonally. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during picking season.
Dries Farms 22710 Highline Road: U-pick available. In-season, apples, raspberries, pumpkins, lavender, lavender products and herbs will be available for purchase. For more information or directions, call 661-444-0835 or visit driesfarms.blogspot.com.
Knaus Apple Ranch 19042 Cherry Lane: U-pick available. Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples are grown. Gift shop on premises with various products available, including gifts and crafts, jams and jellies, butters, apple chips and more. Reservations are required for field trips. Call 661-822-4142 for more information or for directions or visit knausappleranch.com.
www.hasapplefarm.com www ww.ha ww hasap ha sapple sa app ap ple lle efa efar fa far arrm m.c com om
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CONTRIBUTED BY JEAN RHYNE
Tours are offered at Tomo-Kahni State Park.
Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park rich with history Tehachapi News
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ne of California’s most protected state parks lies about 10 miles east of Tehachapi. Available only through guided tours, Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park contains the last traces of some of Tehachapi’s oldest residents, the Kawaiisu. Meaning “winter home,” Tomo-Kahni sits atop a ridge in the Tehachapi Mountains, overlooking the Tehachapi Valley. Visitors to the park will be able to visit the site of an ancient Kawaiisu village, and they will be able to see pictographs, or painted drawings, in several spots along the guided route. In order to protect the extremely sensitive nature of the site, tours are only available in the spring and the fall. Although no structures still stand at the site of the village, guides bring to life the history of the Kawaiisu people, who inhabited the region as many as 1,500 years ago. The tour brings visitors along rock rings that mark the homes, or kahni, in the village that were built with juniper boughs. Visitors will also see hundreds of mortar holes throughout the park. The holes were used by women for grinding acorns and other seeds with smooth rocks. The tour includes a trip through Medicine Cave, Nettle Springs 28
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and a cave with pictographs inside. The Kawaiisu initially migrated from the Great Basin to take advantage of the Tehachapi area’s numerous resources. They lived and worked in small family units, roaming the territory searching for food. Known for their colorful baskets, woven with intricate designs, the Kawaiisu were a peaceful people who lived as hunter-gatherers. Their dwellings were made from juniper limbs that were bound together with willow boughs and thatched with brush, secured to the ground with rings of rocks. The structures looked like upside down baskets. Evidence of the temporary encampments can be seen throughout the region. Individual families would gather near a permanent spring in the park to spend the winter together. The Kawaiisu also used caves throughout the region for living areas, birthing, ceremonies, lookouts and storage.
If you go Tours begin with an orientation at the Tehachapi Museum located at 310 S. Green St. Tours, which cost $5 for adults and $3 for children, are limited to 15 people each, and last approximately four hours. Included in the tour is a moderately strenuous hike of roughly one and a half miles. To make a reservation, call 661-946-6092 or email Mojave.sector@parks.ca.gov. Those with heart conditions and breathing problems should not take the tour. The weather at high elevation is variable so layered clothing is encouraged.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Farmers markets feature fresh produce, baked goods, live entertainment BY CARA JACKSON Tehachapi News
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he Tehachapi Farmers Market, a production of Main Street Tehachapi, takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, from May to August each year. Vendors fill downtown’s Centennial Plaza and adjacent Green Street with their organic produce, arts and crafts, refreshing beverages and delicious food. Live music is also provided for visitors’ entertainment. Children can take advantage of face painting, and sweet treats as families stroll the market. Central Valley-grown fruits and vegetables are for sale by the farmers themselves. For more information, including a map and vendor sign-up forms, contact Main Street Tehachapi by calling 661-822-6519 or visit the website: mainstreettehachapi.org Cal Organic Farms, Farmers Market is offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It features locally grown organic fruits and vegetables from farm to table. Cal Organic Farms is located at the corner of Bear Valley Springs and Cummings Valley roads in Cummings Valley.
CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Shoppers are interested in all types of berries offered at the Farmers Market.
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Tehachapi area
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Tehachapi Loop
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Bakersfield
PELLISER RD
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Brite Valley Aquatic Recreation Area
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Tehachapi Tehachapi Municipal Airport
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KENT KUEHL / TBC MEDIA
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
BeeKay Theatre celebrates 50 years of live entertainment Tehachapi News
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his year, Tehachapi Community Theater celebrates its 50th anniversary with 50 years of creative people planning, rehearsing, singing and joyfully presenting plays and musicals for the entertainment of the community. For many years, TCT continuously presented wonderful theater in such places as Wells Auditorium, Tehachapi Academy of Performing Arts, the Stallion Springs Community Center, Mama Hillybean’s Coffee House (now Red House BBQ) and even Jacobsen Middle School. It was Dec. 6, 2008, when the ribbon-cutting took place for the BeeKay Theatre, and during that month, TCT opened the theater with the musical “Oliver.” This wonderful, rebuilt venue has become a beautiful, comfortable and prestigious venue to be the home for all of TCT’s productions. Having a home has allowed TCT to be focused on bringing a variety of the most interesting plays to Tehachapi with an emphasis on finding the best cast, crew and creative talents to enhance each experience. The mission statement for TCT is “to serve our
TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
The BeeKay Theatre was opened in 1936 by Louis Kanstein and Frank Baumgart. culturally diverse community with quality live theater for adults, teens and children; to provide dynamic personal development opportunities for all ages through productions, classes and workshops; to actively support other performing arts and to contribute to the health and vibrancy of downtown Tehachapi through the operation of the historic BeeKay Theatre.” The next season will include such productions as the musical comedy “Nunsense,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Trip to Bountiful” and “Little Women” (not necessarily in that order). The BeeKay Theatre is located at 110 S. Green St. in downtown Tehachapi. For more information, visit tctonstage.com.
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TEHACHAPI NEWS
Little Miss Beauty queens from all around Kern County wave from a float in the Tehachapi Mountain Festival parade.
Tehachapi Mountain Festival offers 56th year of fun Tehachapi News
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his year, the 56th Annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival promises to provide quality family entertainment for the community and tourists alike. The theme will be “Boots, Buckles & Spurs.” The event, which draws 30,000 to 40,000 people each year, is the largest family festival within the community, according to the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce, the organization that puts on the annual extravaganza. The festival includes an arts and crafts show, food, live entertainment, carnival, the Mountain Gallop 5K/10K, the Mountain Festival Parade, Thunder on the Mountain Car Show, PRCA Rodeo, VFW Dinner and Dance, Pancake Breakfast and much more. There will be more than 100 vendors at the arts and crafts show. Attendees can find artwork such as paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, glass, textile arts, wood, jewelry, ceramics and more. There are also booths selling clothing, cutlery, hats, toys, candles, sunglasses, knives, fairy gardens and kitchen tools, just to name a few. There is also a pet parade, bounce houses, and an obstacle course — that way all members of your family can partake. Trust us, you won’t leave this festival hungry, considering vendors will be out selling barbecue tri-tip sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, beef and chicken teriyaki sticks, hotdogs, kettle corn, ice cream, fruit smoothies, funnel cakes, sausage and chicken breast sandwiches and pizza, to name a few. And to quench your 32
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS
These children are all smiles as they travel fast at the carnival during the Tehachapi Mountain Festival. thirst, a Beer Garden is located in the park. So grab your blanket or lawn chair and spend the weekend making memories with family and friends in beautiful Tehachapi. This year’s event runs Aug. 16-18 at Philip Marx Central Park in downtown Tehachapi, 311 E. D St. Admission is free. Fore more information on this event, head to tehachapimountainfestival.com.
Schedule of Events Friday, Aug. 16 6-11 p.m.: Festival Carnival — Corner of D & Robinson streets across from Well School Playground
10 a.m.: Mountain Festival Parade, F Street from Mulberry Street to Hayes Street 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Arts & Crafts Fair & Park Festival, Central Park
6 p.m.: V.F.W. Live Music & Dancing, 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd.
Noon-11 p.m.: Carnival, corner of D and Robinson streets across from Well School Playground
7 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo — Rodeo Grounds, Dennison Road (gates open at 5 p.m.)
5 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo, Rodeo Grounds, Dennison Road (gates open at 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 17
6 p.m.: V.F.W. Dinner & Dance, 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd.
6 a.m.: Mountain Gallop 5K/10K — Registration 7 a.m.: Mountain Gallop 5K/10K, Aspen Builders Inc. Activity Center/West Park 7-9:30 a.m.: Royal Rangers Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by the American Legion Post, 221 Veterans Hall, 125 W. F St. 8 a.m.: Parade line-ups, Kmart parking lot
Sunday, Aug. 18 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: 22nd Annual Thunder on the Mountain Car & Truck Show, downtown Tehachapi, Green and F streets 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Arts & Crafts Fair & Park Festival, Central Park Noon-9 p.m.: Carnival, corner of D and Robinson streets.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Railroad memorabilia is displayed at the Tehachapi Museum.
Glimpse into the past at local museums Tehachapi News
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isitors interested in learning about Tehachapi’s history have several ways to explore its roots. Tehachapi offers several museums that provide a glimpse into the past and how Tehachapi has transformed into what it is today. Here’s a look at a few museums around town and what they offer visitors.
Tehachapi Museum People can get a sense of the history of the Tehachapi area by visiting the Tehachapi Museum at 310 S. Green St. The museum, run by the Tehachapi Heritage League, features several exhibits that highlight life in Tehachapi’s early days. Charles White, president of the league, said the museum is in the process of expanding its Kawaiisu exhibit, which includes artifacts from the local Native American community. The expansion, expected to be completed in June 2019, will include new artifacts, baskets and other items, White said. The Tehachapi Museum building was built in 1931 in the popular art deco architecture of that era, according to the Heritage League. The building served as a branch of the Kern County Library until 1982, when the league moved the museum to this location. The Tehachapi Museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 822-8152 for more information.
Errea House Museum Across the street from the Tehachapi Museum is the Errea House Museum, also managed by the league. 34
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
The museum, located at 311 S. Green St., provides attendees with a snapshot of how people used to live in Tehachapi in the early 1900s. The house features a refurbished parlor, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and covered porch. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Errea House is the oldest house in the area, dating back to the 1870s, according to the league. Around 1900, the house — named after a Spanish Basque family who lived in the home for more than 70 years — was moved on log rollers to its present location. White said the museum has begun a renovation of the garden located on the north side of the property. “It’s going to be a cottage-type garden that would have been indicative of the 1900s to 1930s,” he said. “We’re doing a complete redesign and replanting.” White said the new garden won’t be finished until 2020, but it will remain open to the public during construction. “People will be able to see the development as we add new features,” he said. The Errea House Museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 822-8152.
Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum An examination into Tehachapi’s beginnings wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum, as it was the coming of the railroad that led to the founding of Tehachapi in 1976, according to the Heritage League. The museum has hundreds of train items on exhibit, a working train signal garden, a play lot for kids, a gift shop and more. The museum is a replica of one of the few buildings that re-
CONTRIBUTED BY JON HAMMOND
The Errea House, shown here decorated for Christmas, was home to a Basque family for more than 70 years. mained standing in Tehachapi following the 1952 earthquake. The building was completely destroyed by fire in 2008 but was subsequently rebuilt. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Tours are free, although donations are welcomed.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra Musical Director and Conductor Dr. David Newby conducts a season-opening performance.
Check out Tehachapi’s fun arts and entertainment scene Tehachapi News
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ehachapi is wired for excitement, despite its sleepy mountain town exterior. All year round you can find community events sprinkled throughout the town. Catch a movie at one of Tehachapi’s beautiful parks — Brite Lake, Philip Marx Central Park or Meadowbrook Park — or stroll around Tehachapi’s quaint downtown district on First Fridays. Downtown is chock-full of local artists’ work and artisan goods and places like the BeeKay Theatre keep the spirit of performance art alive in Tehachapi. While the GranFondo and the Tehachapi Mountain Festival might draw a larger crowd, there’s enough arts and culture fun year-round that’s just as enticing.
First Friday Downtown Tehachapi is the spot for visitors on the first Friday of every month. 36
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
Attendees can get their fill of art during the First Friday Art Walk and artist receptions at historic downtown locales. Other events and local businesses participate interchangeably, so check out the Tehachapi News for details during your visit.
Concerts If it’s the classics you’re craving, the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra is sure to satisfy. An award-winning orchestra, it performs a variety of concerts throughout the year at Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road. The nonprofit symphony has been conducted by director David Newby since the 1999-2000 season. It’s fully funded through private donations. For more information, visit tehachapiorchestra.com. The Summit Singers also hold concerts throughout the year. For more information, consult the Tehachapi News. Fiddlers Crossing will satisfy your craving for acoustic, coffee shop music. Fresh-
brewed coffee, teas and other goodies are included in the ticket price. Tehachapi News publishes previews of their concerts, so check out the paper or TehachapiNews. com for the latest offerings. New to Tehachapi is the Tehachapi Concerts in the Park at Philip Marx Central Park. Acts range from country to indie to rhythm and blues. Wind down on selected Sundays during the summer to free music while enjoying Tehachapi’s fresh mountain breeze. Check out bands, artists and dates at www. tvrpd.org/events/music-in-the-park.html.
Tehachapi Treasure Trove The Tehachapi Treasure Trove is your source for tchotchkes, knickknacks and art supplies in Tehachapi. Its treasures include yarn, sewing materials, beads, etc. You can put those supplies to use by attending one of the Tehachapi Treasure Trove’s many classes at 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd. To find a schedule of these classes visit its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ pg/TehachapiTreasureTrove/. Tehachapi Treasure Trove hosts a First Friday Fun Fest on the first Friday of the month. For more information, call 661-822-6794 or vosot tejacja[otreasiretrove.com.
BeeKay Theatre The BeeKay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., is Tehachapi’s first neon-lighted building. It was built in 1932 and restored in 2008. The theater hosts the Playwright’s Festival every July, where playwrights, both nationally and internationally, can submit unproduced work, in April, for a chance to win the title of Playwright of the Year. The theater is run by Tehachapi Community Theatre, a nonprofit, which puts on a variety of live shows throughout the year.
Fiddlers Crossing The stomping ground for all things acoustic, Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., is your Tehachapi source for unplugged-style music in a coffee shop atmosphere. It hosts a plethora of events year round, but is always open on Wednesdays for open mic night, 7 to 10 p.m. It’s also open on First Friday for an open house of entertainment, coffee and tea. Fiddlers Crossing hosts a variety of music styles: traditional and contemporary folk, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, Americana, country, western, blues, Celtic, world and others. Call 661-823-9994 or visit fiddler-
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
A steady stream of viewers attends the First Friday Art Walk and Photo Reception at Gallery ‘N’ Gifts in Tehachapi. scrossing.org for more information.
Gallery ‘N’ Gifts Gallery ‘N’ Gifts is the Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s co-op, which sells a multitude of fine decor in the front of the store and hosts eclectic artwork, available
for purchase, in its gallery in the back of the store. Gallery ‘N’ Gifts sells a variety of products like: hand-poured scented candles, hand-sewn quilts, pottery, luxurious Continued on Page 38
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District staff run the snack bar at a Movies in the Park. They are Morgan Stewart, Corey Torres and Angie Kroeger. Continued from Page 37
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Fiddlers Crossing offers unplugged-style music in a coffee shop atmosphere year round, such as the ever-popular West My Friend band.
bath and body products, beaded and precious metal jewelry and woodwork to name a few. It’s on 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., at Green Street and Tehachapi Boulevard, and open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 661-822-6062 or visit galleryngifts.org for more information.
Lee’s House of Music For those interested in picking up the guitar again or trying out the drums, Lee’s House of Music is your one-stop shop. Lee’s also offers tune-ups, string replacement and lessons. The music store is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and is closed on Monday and Sunday. Visit Lee’s House of Music at 20407 Brian Way, Suite 3, and you can call 661-822-0459 for more information.
Music Lessons with Bri Music Have you wanted to learn how to play guitar but just didn’t know where to start? Bri Brubaker has teamed up with the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District to supply Tehachapi with music lessons. Private lessons are open to all ages and are $30 per class. Brubaker teaches guitar and ukulele and even has group lessons at her studio, 20725 South St. Suite 7. For more information, call her at 661-557-7341, email her at bribrubakermusic@gmail.com or visit www.musicbri.com.
Hitching Post Theatres To catch the latest movies on the big screen, the Hitching Post Theatres is the spot. The multiscreen complex is on the corner of Green and F streets. While you’re watching your movie, snack on some frozen cheesecake on a stick, a Hitching Post Theatre classic. For more information, call 661-823-7469 or visit hitchingposttheatres.com.
Movies in the Park If concerts aren’t your thing, Movies in the Park will allow you to spread a blanket on the grass of Philip Marx Central, Brite Lake and Meadowbrook parks and enjoy the summer weather. During the summer, enjoy movies played on a 26-foot inflatable screen with theatrical sound on selected nights. If you’re feeling hungry, the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District supplies a concessions stand for the viewings. For more information or an entertainment schedule, call 661-822-3228. 38
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Tehachapi Valley Arts Association offers photo contests for adults and youth, and their photography is displayed at Gallery ‘N’ Gifts at contest times.
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Tehachapi offers year-round fun
TEHACHAPI NEWS
The annual Easter egg hunt is popular with children and parents. NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Barbara Villasenor and Bear lead off the annual Relay For Life’s Bark for Life walk, with many other humans and dogs following.
Tehachapi News here’s always something fun to do in Tehachapi. Both tourists and residents will be greeted with consistent entertainment and attractions all year long. Below is a listing of these events by month. Check TehachapiNews.com or Tehachapi News for details as each event approaches, and for more that come up throughout the year.
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• Model Train Show, Tehachapi Depot Museum • Spring Art Show, Bear Valley Springs • Bark For Life
May • Memorial Day Ceremony, Philip Marx Central Park • Western Swing Out Weekender 2019
January
• Run & Ride with the Wind 5K and Duathlon, Centennial Plaza
• Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce’s annual Installation & Recognition Gala
• New Warrior Challenge Obstacle Course, Philip Marx Central Park
• Rotary Club’s Wine Pairing Dinner
June
February • Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate Tasting by Main Street Tehachapi
March/April • Easter Egg Hunt by Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • Brite Lake Fishing Derby 40
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
• Flag Retirement Ceremony, Coy Burnett Football Stadium • Tehachapi Art Association’s Artisan Festival • Train Show, Tehachapi Depot Museum
July • Tehachapi’s 4th of July Hot Dog Festival & Wiener Run, Philip Marx Central Park
• Bad Bulls Rodeo, Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds • TPOPs concert and fireworks display, Coy Burnett Football Stadium • Camp Kiya, Family Traditional Music Camp • 4th of July Warrior 5k Run, Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • All American 5K, Phillip Marx Central Park • Canvas & Cabernet, Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar
TEHACHAPI NEWS
V. Zendejas colored a bright peacock at the annual Chalk on the Walk. • Tehachapi Mountain Festival (third weekend in August), Philip Marx Central Park • Thunder on the Mountain Car & Truck Show, Downtown Tehachapi • Tehachapi’s PRCA Rodeo, Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Towns, villages, people and cars are all in scale in this Garden gauge layout at the annual Train Show. August • Old-Timers Picnic, Philip Marx Central Park • Cheers to Charity
• Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s Artisan Festival • Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s Chalk on the Walk, Downtown Tehachapi • Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society Show, St. Malachy Catholic Church • Mountain Gallop 5k/10k, Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS
TEHACHAPI NEWS
Riders return from Keene and head into Golden Hills during the Tehachapi GranFondo.
TEHACHAPI NEWS
The brats are messy, but tasty at the annual Oktoberfest in Stallion Springs. • T-Town Car Show, Downtown Tehachapi • National Night Out, Philip Marx Central Park
Little Red Riding Hood better beware as the Big Bad Wolf was found lurking at Trunk or Treat, which is held every Halloween in downtown Tehachapi.
TEHACHAPI NEWS
A favorite at the Apple Festival is the popular pie eating contest. • Evening For Life presented by the Family Life Pregnancy Center, Dorner Family Vineyard
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Santa and Mrs. Claus found time while on the way to light the town Christmas Tree to join the parade by riding in this 1937 Oldsmobile convertible coupe.
September
• California State Old Time Fiddlers Association Contest
• Playwright Festival, BeeKay Theatre
• Warbirds Fly-in, Tehachapi Airport
• Oktoberfest, Stallion Springs
December
• Links For Life Lace’n It Up
• Gone to the Dogs 5k Run/ Walk, Have a Heart Humane Society
October
• Harvest Half Marathon, Aspen Builders Inc. Activity Center
• Tehachapi Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
• Tehachapi GranFondo Pasta Fest • GranFondo • Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s Artisan Festival, Railroad & Depot Park
• Tehachapi Apple Festival, Downtown Tehachapi • AST Fall Festival, Monroe High School • Trunk or Treat by Main Street Tehachapi • TPOPS Halloween Concert, BeeKay Theatre
November • Hot Chocolate Turkey Trot 5K, Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • Ugly Christmas Sweater Wine Walk, Main Street Tehachapi
• Tehachapi Creche Festival, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints • Santa at the Depot, Tehachapi Depot Museum • Christmas Bazaar, Aspen Builder’s Activity Center 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
GranFondo riders pass over the bridge crossing Highway 58.
‘A tour of Tehachapi’ — GranFondo is a hit with locals, visitors By JOSEPH LUIZ Tehachapi News
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vid cyclists from around the world will once again come together in Tehachapi this fall to ride and experience the beauty of the area as part of the GranFondo event. The 2019 ride is set for Sept. 14, with courses ranging from 18 to 104 miles to serve all skill levels. Participants will wear a timing chip that will record how long it takes them to complete a course, although the GranFondo is not considered a race. Courses will go through downtown Tehachapi into Bear Valley, Stallion Springs, Keene and the other surrounding communities, bringing views of the desert and mountains. “The ride is almost like a tour of Tehachapi and goes into every community,” said Michelle Vance, the organizer for the event and manager of the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District. “It’s a great way to show off the community and provide great hospitality.” For those who just want to spectate, there will be various vantage areas for watching the cyclists ride, Vance said. All courses start at 7 a.m. Check-in for the event is 3-8 p.m. Sept. 13 and 5-6:30 a.m. Sept. Sept. 14, both taking place at 125 E. F St. In addition to the ride, the GranFondo Festival is at Centennial Plaza, 115 S. Robinson St. The two-day festival will run from 3-8 p.m. Sept. 14 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 15th. The festival will include live music, food, information booths and more. Vance said 1,200 people are allowed to participate in the 44
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
GranFondo Race Director Michelle Vance gives a congratulatory high-five to King of the Mountain Cory Lockwood.
THINGS TO DO
GranFondo each year, about 300 of which are local riders. “It’s about the quality of the race, not quantity,” she said of the rider limitation. The King and Queen of the Mountain awards are given to one man and one woman rider who finish with the fastest time on a segment of a hill during the 104-mile ride. The location changes every year. The winners receive $500 and a special jersey. Those awards are the only ones given out at the GranFondo. There is no award for fastest completion of a course, as Vance said it’s not meant to be a race. Tehachapi’s GranFondo, one of more than 100 held across California, has been ranked 13th in the state for several years, Vance said. Tehachapi has also won the Best Century award from Cycle California! Magazine three times. The cost to participate in the ride varies depending on the course. The price ranges from $65 for the 18-mile course to $130 for the GranFondo. Money raised from the event supports community nonprofit organizations and public safety efforts. Vance said the GranFondo usually brings in about $22,000 a year.
Cyclists must register by July 7. To register or for more information, visit tehachapigranfondo.com.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tandem bikes and a few three wheelers participate in the Tehachapi GranFondo.
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THINGS TO DO
Bicycling and camping Tehachapi News
Bicycling The Tehachapi area is a bicyclist’s paradise with numerous trails as well as scenic byways and terrain ranging from flat to grueling. A number of efforts exist to expand on the trail system to eventually connect most of the region. The website of the Tehachapi Mountain Trails Association, www.tehachapitrails.com, provides extensive information about local trails.
Camping Whether bringing along your home on wheels, or roughing it, Tehachapi offers a variety of facilities for campers including: Brite Lake Brite Lake is open year-round for day use, camping and fishing. Passes are now available at the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District office, located at 490 W. D St. Season passes are available, as are day-use boat launching passes. A dump station is available for RVs. Overnight camping is also available with 12 sites providing water and electric hook-ups. Dry camping is also available. TVRPD does not take reservations for camping; firstcome, first-serve. There are also three picnic pavilNICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS ions available for Brite Lake is an easy access lake for all group picnicking. to enjoy. This avid fisherman is set for Reservations and a day’s fun of angling. payment of rental fees must be made one week in advance for group pavilions. For more information call 661-822-3228 or visit www.tvrpd.org. Indian Hill Ranch RV Park & Campground Indian Hill offers 37 full hook-up RV sites, 50 and 30 amp electric service, paved access and pull-through parking. Propane, laundry and mail service are available as well. For more information, call 661-822-6613 or visit www.indianhillranch.com. Rankin Ranch This 31,000-acre ranch has been family owned and operated since 1863. They opened their picturesque property to the public in 1965 and have been warmly welcoming guests ever since. Ranch activities such as hiking, fishing and horseback riding are available, as are amenities that include cabins, home-cooked meals and swimming pool access. Kids programs, hay-wagon rides and barbecues make it a favorite for all ages. For more information, call 661-867-2511 or visit www.RankinRanch.com. 46
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Buttercups line both sides of a game trail in Tehachapi Mountain Park. Mountain Valley RV Park Located adjacent to Mountain Valley Airport, this park is open year-round. Twenty-seven sites with hook-ups (water and electricity), dump station. Raven’s Nest Sandwich Shop, Skylark North Glider Port, rides and lessons available. For more information, call 661-822-1213 or visit www.skylarknorth.com. Tehachapi Mountain Park The park is 8 miles southwest of Tehachapi, located on the southern side of Highway 58 between Mojave and Bakersfield. Woody’s Peak (elevation, 7986 feet) overlooks the park from its dominion in the Tehachapi Mountains, the dividing line between the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. Activities include: Hiking: nature awareness on the Nuooah Nature Trail / www. kerncounty.com/gsd/parks/nuooah.aspx Camping: 61 family campsites and two group facilities — Tehachapi Mountain Camp and Sierra Flats Equestrian trail riding: A 10-horse corral lies adjacent to the Horseshoe Campground For more information, call Kern County Parks and Recreation at 661-868-7000 or visit www.kerncounty.com/gsd/parks/tehachapi. aspx.
THINGS TO DO
Golf, horseback riding, hunting and shooting Hunting and shooting
For more information, call 661-821-5144.
Horseback riding
Tehachapi Sportsman Club Operates a shooting range just off Sand Canyon Road, a half-mile north of Highway 58. The range has two trap houses with automatic machines and voice release microphones. Facilities include outdoor rifle range (50, 100, 200 and 300 yards), outdoor pistol range (7 to 50 yards), simulated cowboy shoots and tactical timed events. Archery targets are available as well. For more information, visit www.tehachapisportsmanclub.com.
Golf The game of golf is a popular way to pass the time in Tehachapi, thanks to scenic mountain vistas and ideal climate. Oak Tree Country Club The Oak Tree Country Club is located in the Bear Valley area of Tehachapi. Although the club is private, locals who are current
Tehachapi is definitely horse country, but facilities and available areas to ride are mostly private. Exceptions are trails in Mountain Park, operated by Kern County. Both Bear Valley Springs and Stallion Springs have extensive equestrian trails available for residents.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Owner and driver Debbie Popolizo, at left, and passenger Sherri Grace and her driving horse “Jackarandam.� members may bring visitors with them. The 9-hole golf course features more than 3,000 yards of play area.
Rankin Ranch Horseback riding is a favorite activity at the ranch (approximately one-hour trail rides, twice each day, except Sundays, the rides are in the morning only). This activity is available to guests age 6 and older (maximum weight 250 pounds). Many guests have never ridden before and some who own their own horses are experienced riders; however, all levels of riders enjoy the beautiful scenery and serenity one can experience while on the back of a horse.
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THINGS TO DO
Fishing and flight Tehachapi News
Fishing Brite Lake Stocked for fishing and open year-round for day use. Boat launching passes for the day or the season are now available at the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District office, located at 490 W. D St. For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit www.tvrpd.org.
Flight Tehachapi’s beautiful blue sky is favored by pilots and can be enjoyed by visitors, as well. Airport Tehachapi Municipal Airport is located south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. At an elevation of 4,001 feet, TMA is known as the corridor to northern and southern California. An ideal spot to not only fuel but to enjoy an old-fashioned mountain town. A friendly place to rest your wings! For more information, call 661-822-2200 or visit www.liveuptehachapi.com. Gliderport Skylark North is a full-service glider flight school, located in the beautiful Tehachapi Valley. Phenomenal lift conditions generated by the Sierra Nevada mountains to the north, the Tehachapi Mountains to the south, and the Mojave Desert to the east make Skylark North a perfect location for gliders and sailplanes. Soaring over the scenic Tehachapi Valley and exploring the tree-covered ridges of the Tehachapi Mountains offers a thrilling way to see the local sights. For more information, call 661-822-5267 or visit www.skylarknorth.com.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Isaiah Norton, left, helps fellow angler Richard Townson land one. Townson has been a first-place winner in derbies at Brite Lake. Spaceport The Mojave Airport was first opened in 1935 as a small, rural airfield serving the local gold and silver mining industry. In 2004, Mojave Air and Space Port became the only private airport in the U.S. with a commercial spaceflight license. When it comes to global “firsts” in flight, flight test and aerospace, the Mojave Air and Space Port has been a consistent breaker of records and aerospace barriers. Learn about its rich history with a visit to Voyager Restaurant and Legacy Park, home to SpaceShipOne, The Voyager and The Rotary Rocket Roton. For more information, call 661-824-2433 or visit www. mojaveairport.com.
Skate park and swimming Tehachapi News
Skate Park Ollie Mountain Skate Park The 11,000-square-foot skateboard park is comprised of vertical ramps, a half pipe and various rails. It is by far one of the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District’s most utilized facilities, Ollie Mountain, at 490 W. D St. next to the Aspen Builders Inc. Activity Center, is frequented by Tehachapi’s large population of skaters, and hosts skating competitions and Music in the Park. All skaters welcome! For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit www.tvrpd.org.
Swimming Dye Natatorium Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District operates a heated, indoor six-lane pool (25 yards) located at 400B South Snyder, next to the Jacobsen Middle School parking lot. For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit www.tvrpd.org. 48
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CONTRIBUTED BY TEHACHAPI VALLEY RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT
Dye Natatorium pool offers a variety of activities.
THINGS TO DO
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Friendly volunteers welcome visitors to the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum in Downtown Tehachapi.
Downtown Walking Tour Tehachapi News
T
he historic Downtown Tehachapi Walking Tour is in the heart of the community. It’s easily walked with numerous restaurants, shops of all kinds and museums along the way. There also are a large number of murals depicting historical and cultural facets of Tehachapi along with helpful markers identifying points of interest. 1. Tehachapi Museum This structure was built in 1932 as the Kern County Branch Library. When a new library was constructed in 1981, the county gave the old building to the City of Tehachapi, with the stipulation that it be used as a public building. In 1982, the city leased it to the Tehachapi Heritage League to be used as a museum. 2. Errea House The Errea family occupied this dwelling for 75 years. The structure was built by a doctor in “Old Town” (or “Tehichipa”) 4 miles west of Tehachapi, between 1870-75. It was moved to this location on log rollers in about 1900. It is the only surviving structure from 50
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the Tehichipa settlement. The Errea house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 29, 1997. 3. Old Tehachapi Hospital The original building, built by Jean Capdeville, was used as a rooming house. It was sold to Drs. Madge and Harold Schlotthauer in 1934 and was used as the hospital until the 1952 earthquake. Although badly damaged, no lives were lost in the hospital. The large trees planted by the Capdevilles remain. 4. Two 1890s Houses These two houses were constructed in the 1890s. One structure was built by R.D. Williamson, the other by Fred Boden. 5. Gallinger House Built by Joe Gallinger in 1880, it was purchased in 1924 by Jim and Lucinda Wiggins Brite. In 1944, the Davis family purchased the house. It was customary in those days to drive sheep and cattle along Curry Street to the railroad stockyard. 6. Original site of the first Catholic Church in 1887 The present building was constructed in 1936, as the second St. Malachy’s Church. In
the early 1980s, the structure was sold to the newly formed Sierra National Bank, which in turn was acquired by the Bank of the Sierra in May 2000. 7. Odd Fellows Hall Built as the Odd Fellows Hall in the early 1930s, it was later used as a movie theater, dance hall and labor union hall. It was once owned by St. Malachy’s Church and was used as a church hall (1949-53). The structure survived the 1952 earthquake intact, and then housed the Red Cross, telephone company, and a department store, among other temporarily displaced businesses. It was then sold to become the Santa Fe Hotel, and later became a private residence (known as the Talmarc Building). It is currently known as the Door of Hope Building, operated by the Family Life Pregnancy Center. 8. The Tehachapi Depot The Tehachapi Depot building was originally constructed in 1876 and replaced in 1904 after a fire. The depot is a rare Southern Pacific Combination Type 23 building. Through the auspices of the Tehachapi HeriContinued on Page 52
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Weekdays 10 - 5:30 Sat. 10 - 5 & Sun. 12 - 3 435 West “J” Street Tehachapi CA 93561 • 661.823.1930 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
People of the Mountains: The Nuwa Tribe was created by muralist Colleen Mitchell-Veyna. Continued from Page 50
tage League, the depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. In 2008, the depot burned once again and was totally reconstructed in 2009, now serving as the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum. Although no longer a railroad stop, it was one of the most active rural and agricultural stations in the state during World War II. 9. Site of the Kessing Building On this site, the first frame building in Tehachapi was built by Mary and Bernard Kessing. The original wooden building was replaced in 1914 by a brick building named The Kessing Building, which was destroyed in the 1952 earthquake. 10. Arrastra at Railroad Park The arrastra was a very primitive way of milling or crushing gold ore, using a mule and drag stones, a method brought to the area by the Spaniards. The Tehachapi Heritage League moved the arrastra to this location, stone by stone. At its original site, the arrastra was in danger of being eroded and destroyed by runoff in Water Canyon Creek. 11. Former Richfield Service Station The Richfield Service Station was built here in 1921 by Jack and Ted Leiva, who operated the station and adjoining cabins for travelers for more than 50 years. It was named the Bartlett Richfield Station due to the many Bartlett Pear trees being planted in 52
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the area at that time. Earlier, this was the site of the first town dump. 12. The Muro House This was the first house constructed in Tehachapi, built in 1877 by Fred Boden. It was occupied from 1895 to 1940 by Mr. and Mrs. T.P. Sullivan. Sullivan was the Southern Pacific Roadmaster and was elected to Tehachapi’s first Board of Trustees in 1909. It was designated a local landmark by the Tehachapi City Council. The house takes its name from the Jose Muro family, which lived in the house for many years from before World War II. 13. Site of the Old Fire Station In 1930, the old City Hall was constructed just south of here at the corner of F Street and Robinson. Almost identical to the current Tehachapi Museum building, the old City Hall has been extensively modified. These reinforced concrete-walled buildings withstood the 1952 earthquake, without damage. 14. Bandhauer Market The Bandhauer Market building was later the Town and Country Market. Just to the north, between this building and the BeeKay Theatre, was the Tehachapi Food Lockers and the Lottie Lee Shop. These two shops were later torn down to make space for a parking lot for the Bandhauer Market. 15. Former BeeKay Movie Theatre This building was built as a motion picture
theater. It was constructed of thick, reinforced concrete, and survived the 1952 earthquake. It was remodeled as an indoor mall and later sold to the Moose Lodge. A fire in 1994 destroyed all but the shell. This building is now owned by the city of Tehachapi and has been lovingly restored. The mural on the south side of the building is Tehachapi’s latest mural and depicts people waiting for the theater to open. 16. Hitching Post Theater This building was constructed after the 1952 earthquake. The two-story frame hotel (formerly the Old Summit School, which was moved to this site from North Curry Street in the early 1900s) had survived the earthquake, and was moved from this site to make way for the new construction. The current building was originally used as a post office, a department store, an electric shop, a variety store, and a drug store (all at the same time).
Other points of interest Site of Early Historic Buildings: The current building, which was built for the post office, replaced two older houses. Across the alley, there was once a small, tin building that housed fire fighting equipment, including a hand-drawn cart with hoses. That building can now be seen at the northeast corner of the Errea House garden (Walking Tour stop No. 2). August Weferling House: Located on the northeast corner of D and Green streets, this house was built in 1880 by August Weferling.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The T-hacha-P Brand panels were created from photographs by Art Mortimer. The redwood tree in the front was planted the day he married his second wife, in 1905. McFarland House & Late 1880s House: McFarland House, located on the northwest corner of D and Green streets, was built in the late 1880s by the McFarland family, which operated a sawmill and box factory in Tehachapi, circa 1890. Across the street, a late 1880s house was located on the southwest corner of D and Green streets. B.M. Denison House & 1880s House: Located on the northeast corner of D and Curry streets, this house was built in 1898 by B.M. Dennison. The house was constructed entirely from cedar wood. Dennison planted the first commercial Bartlett Pear orchard along Curry Street. Across the street was the 1880s House, located on the southeast corner of D and Curry streets; this house was built in the late 1880s.
Murals “People of the Mountains: The Nüwa Tribe” Painted by Colleen Mitchell-Veyna in 2004. In this village scene from before contact with Europeans, women weave baskets and grind foodstuffs in bedrock mortars. Children play games, as the men make tools and weave rabbit pelt blankets. The border shows more recent members and elders of the tribe, and baskets for which the local Indians were known. The background includes local pictographs, a natural lake and the natural vegetation still visible in the area, such as cattails and rushes. The domed huts are called kahni, which means “house” in the Kawaiisu or Nüwa language. “Red Front Blacksmith Shop” Painted by Lynn Bennett in 2006. The original Red Front Blacksmith Shop was located directly across the street from this mural. The workers pictured represent many local ranching families. The images in the ovals next to the buildings show scenes from Tehachapi’s ranching history. The outside ovals show working blacksmiths in their shops. All images were taken from old photographs. A few of the well-known local cattle brands and the names of the ranchers are shown in the box. “1915 Street Dance” Painted by Phil Slagter in 2004. A street dance held in 1915 commemorated the first electric streetlights installed in Tehachapi. The site of the dance was the corner of Green and F streets. The building there housed the Masonic Lodge and the Post Office in 1915, and you see the type of streetlight actually installed in 1915. Faces of current local residents, and those from the history of Tehachapi, were chosen to incorporate into the scene. The
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Continued from Page 53
Not on map, but located in or near downtown
faces represent five former mayors, other old-time residents, as well as current residents, one child and a dog. The fire hydrant with a straw hat tossed casually on top is from the original photo. “The Legend of Avelino Martinez” Painted by Patti Doolittle in 2007. It depicts a cowboy who worked for a famous outlaw. Martinez came from Mexico with a group of drovers as a 13-year-old. Of Mexican, Native American and Chinese descent, he stood 4 feet, 4 inches tall. He worked as a horse groomer for legendary outlaw Joaquin Murrieta until 1853 when Murrieta was captured. He then worked at Ranch El Tejon until 1920 before moving to Cummings Ranch in Tehachapi until his death in 1936, reportedly at the age of 112. “USPS Air Mail” Painted by Mark Pestana, noted test pilot and Tehachapi resident, and completed in 2007. It is located on the front of the Hitching Post Theater and commemorates the building as the site of the original Tehachapi Post Office, constructed after the 1952 earthquake. An original architectural feature of the wall is the inset relief of an eagle, a sculptural element that is incorporated into the envelope. “Cement Plant at Monolith” The Monolith Mural was designed and painted to display the importance of the cement plant and the township of Monolith to the history of Tehachapi. It was created based on vintage photographs by Art Mortimer and celebrated the 100th anniversary of the plant, where production began in 1908 by the City of Los Angeles for cement that was used in building the Los Angeles Aqueduct.
“T-Hacha-P Brand” Logo originally designed by Art Mortimer, painted by Tehachapi artists in 2005. The “T-Hacha-P” logo was taken from an early fruit crate label. The steam-powered combine shown is followed by a horse-drawn water wagon, with Tehachapi Peak in the background. Jake Jacobsen, a former mayor and civic leader, along with his brother Rolf, built this seed-packing shed. The funnel still seen on the roof of the building, directed seeds into a hopper, which you can see inside the building. In the past, Tehachapi has seen the production of seeds for many diverse crops. “Centennial Panels” To celebrate the City of Tehachapi’s centennial, the panels were created in 2009 by artist Colleen Mitchell Veyna and volunteer assistants. Over the course of just a few days, the group transformed three large panels in a concrete block wall on the north side of Tehachapi Boulevard into a gallery of Tehachapi’s past and present. “BeeKay Mural” The latest of Tehachapi’s murals, it was completed in 2011 and is on the side of the BeeKay Theater adjacent to the newly developed Centennial Plaza. The mural was more than eight years in the planning and celebrates the history of the theater originally built by Frank Baumgart and Lou Kanstein, the name coming from their initials. The artist was Colleen Mitchell Veyna. The people waiting in line to buy tickets are all locals whose families chose to honor them by including them in the mural. Those in line come from different eras but, for the sake of uniformity, are all depicted in 1940s-style clothing.
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Open FRI – SUN (and most holidays) 8:00 a.m. - sunset 12112 Copus Road, Bakersfield, CA 93313 Ph. 661.858.2972 Check out our website www.skydivesanjoaquinvalley.com skydivesanjoaquinvalley.com
THINGS TO DO
DARLA A. BAKER/TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Desert Segment of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail at the interesection of Cameron Road and Tehachapi Willow Springs Road has stunning views of the nearby windmills.
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and more Tehachapi News
T
he path of one of the world’s most well-known trails runs just east of Tehachapi, drawing dozens of hikers to the mountain town every year. The Pacific Crest Trail stretches 2,652 miles through the western side of the United States, from the county’s northern and southern borders. Hikers traveling north use Tehachapi as a place of rest and relaxation before climbing to higher altitudes further up the trail. A group of “trail angels” in Tehachapi ferry the hikers back and forth from the trail, letting them sleep in their houses and shower after days on the dirt path. But aside from the mother of all West Coast trails, Tehachapi offers numerous other hiking experiences. Places like meetup.com and trailangellist.org provide resources for those who want to link up with other humans for hiking, lodging and transportation.
Whether you get to Tehachapi by train, car or foot, the area offers numerous opportunities for experiencing the natural world. Willow Springs Road Trailhead Located at the intersection of Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road and Cameron Canyon Road, this section of the Pacific Crest Trail will take hikers through either through one of the region’s many wind farms or along an old creek bed. Traveling north, hikers will eventually reach Highway 58 via a wind turbine forest. The southern route takes travelers down Cottonwood Creek, a steep route that can be difficult to navigate. Highway 58 at Cameron Canyon Road Trailhead Those who travel north of Highway 58 along the trail will relive the first steps of Cheryl Strayed, whose bestselling memoir, “Wild,” has inspired thousands to hike the trail. The trail quickly gains elevation, reaching the top of Waterfall CanContinued on Page 56
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yon in eight miles. Approximately eight miles beyond Waterfall Canyon is Golden Oak Springs, a year-round spring. Tehachapi Mountain Park A few miles south of Tehachapi, this 490acre park offers opportunities for hiking, camping and horseback riding. Although not for the fainthearted, a hike up Woody’s Peak (elevation, 7,986 feet) brings travelers to the dividing line between the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. The Nuooah Nature Trail loops a quarter mile within the park. The interpretive trail was built and is still maintained in part by Boy Scout Troop 104 and bears 20 markers that describe points of interest along the trail. Golden Hills Nature Park Located on the grounds of an old golf course, this natural area offers leisurly hikes in an area just outside Tehachapi called Golden Hills. The golf course sat dormant for 20 years
TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
The Golden Hills CSD would like to keep the Nature Park, photographed here in January 2017, as “natural” as possible.
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COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER RUSH
The Pacific Crest Trail offers stunning views year-round.
before being repurposed into a trail system. Visitors can expect great views of nature and wildlife. About five miles of trails can be used by hikers, horseback riders and cyclists. Those hoping to take home a souvenir may be lucky enough to find a stray golf ball.
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Information sessions are held weekly. Please contact Karina Diaz today! (661) 863-0350 ext. 5203 www.MentorsWanted.com 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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THINGS TO DO
See all of Tehachapi in a glider plane ride Tehachapi News
I
f going on a sailplane ride is on your bucket list, then Skylark North is the place to call! The full-service glider flight school offers sailplane rides, instruction and rentals at the Mountain Valley Airport in the beautiful Tehachapi Valley. Whether you are ready to take your first glider flight or are an experienced glider pilot looking for world-famous soaring conditions, Skylark North is the place for you. The staff’s professionalism and concern for your safety is known worldwide. In addition to the numerous television shows, movies and commercials which have been produced at Mountain Valley Airport, Skylark North is designated by the FAA to administer FAA flight tests. After your ride, enjoy breakfast, deli sandwiches, baked goods, homemade soups and fresh salads at the Raven’s Next Sandwich Shop. The Raven’s Nest is open seven days a week. RV parking with water, electrical hookups, a large restroom, showers and laundry facility are available at Mountain Valley RV Park, located at the west end of the airport. Skylark North is located at 16334 Harris Road. For more information, visit skylarknorth.com or email info@skylarknorth.com.
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CONTRIBUTED BY MOUNTAIN VALLEY AIRPORT
Gliders line up at Mountain Valley Airport. The airport can be reached at 661-822-5267 and the RV park at 661-822-1213.
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SPIRITUAL LIFE
JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Peace Bell Pavilion provides shelter for an enormous brass bell that bears the word “Peace” in many languages.
Mountain Spirit Center: An unforgettably beautiful place By JON HAMMOND For Tehachapi News
O
ne of the most remarkable and unforgettable places in the Tehachapi area is a Buddhist retreat nestled up against two rocky canyons in Sand Canyon. The Mountain Spirit Center is an exotic and gorgeous place that welcomes anyone who will respect its peaceful atmosphere. This calm and serene place is the site of a remarkable transformation that has taken place over the past two decades. Visitors today see three ornate structures built using Asian architectural styles, with curved, swooping roof lines, detailed 60
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carvings and amazing painted ornamentation that was created by temple artisans who were imported from Korea expressly for these projects. There is a large assembly hall, a smaller but more ornate temple building that sits on a hill like an intricate jewelry box, and an open-sided, roofed pavilion housing an enormous bronze Peace Bell. When I first visited this site many years ago, however, it was the picture of neglect and degradation. Then in 1994, along came a Zen Buddhist monk who was looking for a place to meditate. The monk, an American named Mu Ryang Sunim, was born Erik Berall and grew up in Connecticut. After graduating
from Yale in 1981, he pursued his interest in Buddhism and became an ordained monk, spending five years wandering Asia and visiting monasteries, and was inspired to build a Korean-style monastery in the mountains of California. He fell in love with the Sand Canyon property despite its neglected state, and in 1994 he raised about $100,000 through donations and personal loans from family and friends and purchased 318 acres. He then pitched a tent on the property, which became his new home, and he began years of hard work restoring the land and creating a sanctuary. He and I became good friends and I often visited him over the years. “The purpose was to create a place where people can come to leave behind their problems,” Mu Ryang Sunim explained. “I want to create a place where people could come to forget about whatever miserable situation is troubling in their life. It is a space where people can see more clearly what’s going on in their life. Zen poses questions. It deals with: What are you? Why am I alive? What is the truth? I see this project as a straight course to finding myself while helping others, too.” With the help of volunteers and Tehachapi stone mason Carl Carlson, who worked there for nine years, an unparalleled center arose, an inviting place that embodied Mu Ryang’s goal of promoting peace and harmony among all people from all cultures. The handcrafted structures are off the grid, with electricity generated on site by wind and solar power. Water is reused for the irrigation of native trees and shrubs, so gray water is captured and the center does not use toxic chemicals, soaps or detergents. The center has a stated goal to “Develop the temple in a sustainable and environmentally beneficial manner.” The unprecedented transformation of a degraded property into one of the most intriguingly beautiful places in the Tehachapi Mountains must be seen to be believed. To reach the Mountain Spirit Center, take Highway 58 east and exit at Sand Canyon Road. Go up Sand Canyon Road about 2 and 1/2 miles and turn right onto the unpaved Pine Canyon Road and follow the signs to Mountain Spirit Center (Tae Go Sa temple). Visitors are welcome any day, and Sunday services are held weekly at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions about various retreats, events or volunteer opportunities may be addressed to the Abbot at 661-8227776.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Places to worship Abundant Life Pentecostal Church of God 19434 W. Valley Blvd. 661-822-7715
First Baptist Church 1049 S. Curry St. 661-822-3138 fbctehachapi.com
A City on a Hill Church 48771 W. Valley Blvd.
Four Seasons Community Church 20400 Backes Lane, Building 2 661-300-1169
Apostolic Faith Church 423 S. Curry St. 661-822-6622 Bear Valley Springs Community Church 26180 Plateau Way 661-821-0183 bearvalleychurch.org Calvary Chapel of Tehachapi 15719 Highline Road 661-823-9814 calvarychapeltehachapi.com Christian Life Assembly 920 W. Valley Blvd. 661-822-3813 clatehachapi.com Christian Science Society & Reading Room 206 E. F St., Suite 4 sites.google.com/site/christiansciencetehachapi
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 329 S. Mill St. 661-822-6817 goodshepherdtehachapi.org Grace Fellowship of Tehachapi 326 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-9760 gfteh.org Mountain Bible Church 630 Maple St. 661-822-7541 mountainbiblechurch.org Saint Jude’s In-The-Mountains Anglican Church 630 Maple St. 661-822-3607 stjudesinthemountains.org
Church of Christ 401 S. Mill St. 661-822-3991 tehachapicofc.org
Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church 407 W. E St. 661-822-3060 saintmalachy.church
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 600 Anita Drive 661-822-6490
Shepherd of the Hills 24300 Bear Valley Road 661-822-1400 sothchurch.org
Country Oaks Baptist Church 20915 Schout Road 661-822-1379 countryoaks.org
Stallion Springs Community Church 18151 Saint Andrews Drive
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
A live Nativity tableau was created outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 661-823-0799 stallionspringscommunitychurch. com
tehachapi22.adventistchurchconnect.org
Summit Christian Fellowship (Tehachapi Foursquare Church) 414 S. Curry St. 661-822-7400
Tehachapi Sovereign Grace Church 20413 Brian Way St. 661-805-8020 sgct.org
Tehachapi Church of the Nazarene 19016 Highline Road 661-822-4426 tnaz.org
Tehachapi Torah Discovery Center 20681 W. Valley Blvd. 661-221-8588 torahdiscovery.org
Tehachapi Community Congregational Church 100 E. E St. 661-822-4443 tcccucc.org
Tehachapi Valley United Methodist 20400 Backes Lane 661-822-1440 tehachapiumc.org
Tehachapi Mountain Vineyard Church 502 E. Pinon St. 661-822-9313 tehachapimountainvineyard.com
Tehachapi Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church 20708 Tucker Road 661-822-4564
Tehachapi Seventh-day Adventist Church 20335 Woodford-Tehachapi Road 661-822-1174
Valley Bible Fellowship, Tehachapi campus 326 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-325-2251
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CONTRIBUTED BY NORBERTINE CANONESSES
Prayer is an integral part of the lives of the Norbertine canonesses.
Norbertine Monastery and Bethany House offer silence, solitude By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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ust a few minutes southwest of the city of Tehachapi sits a secluded patch of heaven hidden in the clouds. A peaceful atmosphere pervades the beautiful 470-plus acre property of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph, a convent of cloistered, contemplative Norbertine nuns. The sisters are members of a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church which dates back to the 1100s when St. Norbert founded the Norbertine Order in the Prémontré Valley of France. This young and growing community of 43 sisters (with several more young women discerning entrance) is led by Mother Mary Augustine, Prioress. Seventeen sisters have made their Solemn Profession, that is, final and perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, becoming totally consecrated to God for His honor and glory, and the salvation of souls. Within their enclosure, the sisters joyfully lead a simple life of prayer and work, striving through their daily activities toward ever greater self-sustenance. As cloistered Norbertine canonesses, their principal duty and mission is prayer, and especially liturgical 62
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prayer, interceding throughout the day and night for the needs of the Church and the world, serving as the “heart” of Christ’s Mystical Body, pumping the sap of grace to all of His members through their hidden life of prayer and sacrifice. They welcome visitors and guests to join them from their small lay chapel for Holy Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours and their daily Rosary. The Mass is always sung by the sisters in Latin Gregorian Chant, and is celebrated daily by a Norbertine priest from St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, the sisters’ “Mother Abbey.” In their efforts toward self-sufficiency, a requirement of all Norbertines, the sisters engage in a number of activities within the monastery. They sew and sell priests’ vestments, raise honey bees, have an annual Christmas wreath and gift box fund-raiser, and run their monastery gift shop and bookstore, and Bethany Guest House, as part of the Norbertine tradition of hospitality. They also have their own greenhouse and organic gardens, 150-plus chickens from which they daily gather eggs, and their own cows and goats, from which they daily use the fresh milk to make their homemade artisan cheese and dairy products, which they hope one day soon to sell to the public, after the necessary licenses/permits are received.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Visitors are welcome to browse the sisters’ small monastery gift shop, open 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. daily, where you will find items for sale made by the sisters — such as five-decade and single-decade rosaries and other religious items, homemade jams and marmalades, specialty anise-almond biscotti, granola and macaroons, raw honey from their bees (in season), body care items, aprons, baby blankets, specialty greeting cards, their Norbertine Canonesses nun doll — as well as the sisters’ chant CD, religious books and other religious items, including icons, statues, medals and more. The sisters also sell a number of their items through their online monastery gift shop (click on “Gift Shop” at the sisters’ website: www.norbertinesisters.org). The sisters’ most pressing project at this time is Phase II of their Monastery Expansion Project: the construction of their future chapel and wing/accessory areas, estimated at about $12 million. Given the sisters’ growth and the nature of their canonical and ecclesial vocation, this project is of the highest importance. Putting all of their faith in God, the sisters trust that the funds needed will come in His time, as they continue to cooperate with His grace in bringing this need to friends and benefactors in a manner consistent with their rule and cloistered way of life. To date, they have received about $1.8 million, with many new and long-standing friends contributing toward the project, as well as desiring to help in various ways, including through hosting local, Orange and Los Angeles fundraisers organized and carried out by Friends of the Norbertine Canonesses. When they receive about $8 million toward the goal, they will be able to begin with
the bid process and construction. For more information, contact the sisters or to make donations, one may go to their website. An interesting recent blog post provides added insights: http://www. marcusallensteele.com/the-hidden-warrior-nuns-of-tehachapi/ Bethany House: Located right next to the monastery, the sisters’ guest house is available for private retreats, day visits and overnight stays, for those desiring some time of silence and solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of the world, and an opportunity to share in the sisters’ rich monastic and liturgical prayer life, including daily midnight Matins. For more information, to inquire about availability, or to make reservations, please contact our guest mistress at nsguestmistress@gmail.com or call us at the number below. Directions: From Highway 58, take exit 148, Tehachapi 202 — Tucker Road. Go south on Tucker Road to Highline Road. Turn right; go 1.3 miles to Water Canyon Road. Turn left; go 2.3 miles to the big brown Norbertine Monastery sign on your right. Turn right onto the property, and then right at the white gate, going past the first buildings and the priests’ log cabin. Continue up the road to the chapel, gift shop and Bethany House at the top of the hill. Prayer requests and information: All are welcome to e-mail prayer intentions to the sisters at their e-mail prayer request line: pray_req@cybersurfers.net. To learn more about the Norbertine Canonesses of Tehachapi, visit the sisters’ new website at www. norbertinesisters.org For more information, call 661-823-1066 or e-mail MotherMaryA@aol.com or norbertinecanonesses@gmail.com.
Historic
Keene Cafe
Breakfast | Lunch | Daily Specials Home of the “Keene House Burger” Open: Monday - Saturday 7 AM - 3 PM 30256 Woodford-Tehachapi Rd. Tehachapi, CA 93531
(661) 823-7010 “Conveniently located in the middle of nowwhere.” 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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CRITTERS
TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
Batari is a tiger at the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound in Rosamond.
Meet the animals! They’re abundant in Tehachapi By EMA SASIC Tehachapi News
W
hether you are a fan of fuzzy, winged or unique wildlife creatures, Tehachapi has various farms and activities available to animal lovers everywhere.
Adorable Alpacas When it comes to the Adorable Alpacas ranch, the name says it all. Visitors will be greeted by fuzzy adorable alpacas of all colors, shapes and sizes. Adorable Alpacas, located at 24815 Cummings Valley Road, provides stud services, alpaca sales and boarding, according to its website. Ranchers specialize in growing and caring for Huacaya alpaca herds, and they have won first place and color cham64
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
pion ribbons at various competitions. Visitors will find two types of alpacas at the ranch when they come by for a tour: Huacaya (ones that look like fuzzy teddy bears) and Suri (ones that have dreadlock-like fiber). Tours are available from noon to 4 p.m. most Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors will get up close to the alpacas and learn about their different personalities and the process of spinning fiber into yarn. Reservations can be made by calling 661-805-3895 or emailing AdorableAlpacas@aol.com. Hours of operation change frequently, so visitors should verify ranch hours before they arrive for their tour. If gates are closed, call the ranch and wait for a tour guide to arrive. For more information on the ranch and tours, visit https://www.adorablealpacas. com.
Kern Audubon Society Bird Watching Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! There are plenty of birds flying and chirping around Tehachapi, which makes it a great area to participate in bird watching. All bird watchers are welcomed to join the Kern Audubon Society during its monthly trips. More experienced “birders” will help newcomers identify species and their distinguishing features. The society travels to various locations across Kern County and neighboring areas for its trips. Bird watchers have visited places such as Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wind Wolves Preserve, Tule Elk State Reserve, Kern River Preserve, Atwell Island Restoration Project and Carrizo Plain National Monument. Kern Audubon Society usually schedules field trips on Saturdays and occasionally on Sundays or weekday mornings. Information about where to meet for each field trip is announced in its monthly newsletter, Audubon’s Warbler, and website https:// kernaudubonsociety.org/index.php.
CRITTERS
Feline Conservation Center — The Cat House
TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
An alpaca during a winter storm.
Anne Mulkins
661-340-2349
CalBRE#01035324
Cat lovers, this one’s for you. The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound’s Feline Conservation Center, also known as the Cat House, is where visitors will find more than 60 of the world’s most endangered felines and 19 species. These include: tiger, jaguar, cougar, snow leopard, bobcat, Canada lynx and three subspecies of leopards. Located at 3718 60th St. W. in Rosamond, the Cat House is a conservation center and research facility. Funds received are used to support the compound’s animals and build a natural history museum and public education programs. Most of the compound is open for visitors to wander at their own place. Information plaques describe the cat species in detail, and docents are available on the grounds to answer questions. The center does not have moats between guests and the animals, so visitors can get as close as 5 feet from the cats. Tours are also available. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, but it is closed on Wednesdays, ChristContinued on Page 66
Sue Chandler
661-599-2378
CalBRE#00791174
Thank You Tehachapi for letting us help make your Dreams Come True.
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Continued from Page 65
Rescue operations
mas, Thanksgiving and Feline Follies Day, which is Aug. 3 this year. General admission costs $10, seniors 60-plus and active duty military with ID cost $8 and children 3-12 cost $5. For more information, visit http://www.cathouse-fcc.org/index.html or call 661-256-3332.
Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue Marley’s Mutts is a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, trains and rehomes death row dogs from Kern County’s animal shelters, according to its website. For more information, call 661-556-7178, email inquiries@marleysmutts.com or visit marleysmutts.org.
Bear Valley Springs Equestrian Center Equestrians can find several amenities to make themselves and their horses feel right at home at the Bear Valley Springs Equestrian Center, located at 26800 Bear Valley Road. The center offers full service boarding for members, a motel for overnight guests and a campground with restroom facilities. There are six arenas available that feature different riding disciplines, such as dressage, driving, cattle events and jumping, according to the center’s website. Additionally, there is a multi-purpose ring that can be used for gymkhanas and reining. The center hosts several events from May 1 through Oct. 31, so visitors are encouraged to check with local equestrian clubs for their schedules. Bear Valley Springs considers its 50-mile trail system the “jewel” of the area. Trails vary in difficulty from flat meadows to high mountain terrain. Office hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and facilities can be used from dawn to dusk. For more information, visit bvsa.org and call 661-821-3960.
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Tehachapi Humane Society The Tehachapi Humane Society’s goal is to prevent animal cruelty and reduce pet overpopulation by providing assistance with the cost of the spay or neuter surgery. For more information, call 661-823-0699 or visit http://tehachapihumanesociety.com. Have-a-Heart Humane Society Have-a-Heart Humane Society rescues abandoned, abused and injured animals, provides low-cost vaccinations and spay/neuter programs and educates the community about responsible pet ownership. For more information, call 661-822-5683, email haveaheart@bak.rr.com or visit http://haveahearthumanesociety.org. S.T.O.P. (Save Tehachapi’s Orphaned Pets) Abandoned pets can find a second chance at love and happiness through Save Tehachapi’s Orphaned Pets. Each pet that comes through the organization is placed in a caring foster home until the right owner for them is found. For more information, call 661-823-4100 or visit http://www.stoprescue.org.
CRITTERS
CONTRIBUTED BY TOSHIMI KRISTOF
A pair of mated Coots. A monogamous bird that forms a strong pair bond, Coots engage in lots of interaction to strengthen the bond between them.
my.doterra.com/bloomsandoils
661.301.1043 www.britecreekfarm.com check website for hours
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THE GUIDES
DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Jake’s Steakhouse servers offer a bevy of tempting appetizers.
Dining and imbibing Tehachapi News
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ehachapi has the unique distinction of offering a wide variety of locally owned dining establishments ranging from casual to fine dining, in addition to a number of nationally known restaurants. Tehachapi also offers award-winning wineries that feature tasting rooms and a handcrafted brewery with a selection of unique brews. Baskin-Robbins 785 Tucker Road, Suite E 661-822-3496 Bean Me Up 20001 W. Valley Blvd. 661-670-9050 68
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
Bear Valley Country Market & Grill 26900 Bear Valley Road (gate pass required) 661-821-3124 Big Papa’s Steakhouse and Saloon 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-7272 Blue Ginger Pho Vietnamese Cuisine 1121 W. Valley Blvd. 661-823-1199 Bobby Salazar’s 400 Steuber Road 661-823-4922 Burger King 620 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-1897
Burger Spot 208 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-3145
Dog House Saloon 777 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-4200
Carlos’ Donuts 20011 Valley Blvd. 661-809-8936
Domingo’s Bar & Grill 20416 Highway 202 661-822-7611
Chester’s Chicken 400 Steuber Road 661-823-4922
Domino’s Pizza 1121 Valley Blvd. 661-822-3444
Cinnabon 1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Flying J Travel Center 661-823-1049
Don Perico’s Mexican Restaurant 840 Tucker Road 661-822-5366
Del Taco 645 Tucker Road 661-823-9442
Dorner Family Vineyard 18274 Old Ranch Road 661-823-7814
Denny’s 9000 Magellan Drive 661-823-7380
Downtown Yogurt Junction 117 E. F St. (no phone)
THE GUIDES
CONTRIBUTED BY DON PERICO’S JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Coffee Mill offers a work area for people wanting to use their laptops or other devices.
Don Perico Mexican Food & Bar offers wedding receptions and other large events.
Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant 108 S. Green St. 661-822-5506
Dunkin’ Donuts 540 Tucker Road 661-822-1418
Hungry Howie’s Pizza 675 Tucker Road 661-822-1000
Kasagiri Japanese Restaurant 128 E. F St. 661-822-7533
Frosty King 20651 Highway 202 661-822-4016
Ichiban 675 Tucker Road 661-822-1000
Keene Cafe Highway 58 – Exit #139, Keene 661-823-7010
Gold Mountain Sports Tavern 20601 Highway 202 661-823-4615
Jack in the Box 801 Tucker Road 661-822-1316
Kelley’s Cafe 20424 Brian Way 661-822-1608
Little Caesar’s Pizza 815 Tucker Road, Suite A 661-822-6666
Gracian’s Grill 860 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-4016
Jake’s Steakhouse 213 S. Curry St. 661-822-6015
King of Siam (Thai) 760 Tucker Road 661-823-9977
Local Craft Beer 365 Enterprise Way, Suite G 661-822-2337
Henry’s Cafe 550 Tucker Road 661-822-0732
Johnny’s Take & Bake 807 Tucker Road 661-822-9596
Kohnen’s Country Bakery 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-3350
TEA DONUTS
Linda’s Cakes & Things (phone only) 661-972-4361
Continued on Page 70
Fresh Donuts Fresh Farmer Brothers Coffee Fruit Smoothies Iced & Blended Coffees Croissant Sandwiches
2 FREE DONUTS WITH PURCHASE OF ANY DOZEN Open 4 AM - 5 PM • 807 Tucker Rd. • 661-825-5005 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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P-Dubs Brew Pub 20700 South St. 661-823-4766 P-Dubs Grille & Bar 27725 Stallion Springs Drive, Stallion Springs 661-823-7777 Petra Mediterranean Deli & Restaurant 200 S. Green St. 661-822-1900 Perfetto Italian Restaurant 209 S. Green St. 661-822-1711 Pizza Hut 785 Tucker Road 661-822-0500 PJ Fresh 1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Flying J Pilot Center 661-823-1049
DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Hayden Robinson and Carlos Castellanoa, owner of Carlos’ Donuts, were excited to hear the popular doughnut shop made the Best Of list for 2018. Carlos’ Donuts was named Best Overall Business as well as a favorite as Best Breakfast Place. Continued from Page 69
McDonald’s 795 Tucker Road, 661-822-0948 2900 E. Tehachapi Blvd, Love’s Travel Center
Moessner Farm Cafe & Store 25000 Bear Valley Road 661-821-0924
Midori Sushi 414 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-1216
Mulligan Room Bear Valley Springs 29541 Rolling Oak Dive (Gate pass required) 661-821-4107
Mill Street Kitchen (catering) 208 S. Mill St. 661-827-7558
Noble Roman’s Pizza 401 Steuber Road 661-823-4922
Oak Branch Saloon Bear Valley Springs 29500 N. Lower Valley Road (Gate pass required) 661-821-5521
Primo Burger 118 E. F St. 661-823-7202 Raven’s Nest Sandwich & Coffee Shop at Mountain Valley Airport 16334 Harris Road 661-822-5267 Red House BBQ 426 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-0772
Old Towne Pizza 20430 Brian Way, #5 661-822-3558
Savannah’s Old Town Saloon 20717 South St. 661-823-1550
Papa’s Restaurant 27821 Stallion Springs Drive, Stallion Springs 661-823-9326
Sonic Drive-In 1040 W. Valley Blvd. 661-822-9099
Sunday Brunch
EXICAN M
ILL
DOMINGOS BAR & GR
Cuisine
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Happy Hour
Monday through Friday 3 to 7p.m.
Lunch & Dinner Old Towne - 20416 Valley Blvd. 661-822-7611 70
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THE GUIDES
Starbucks Coffee 300 Tucker Road, 661-822-0573 785 Tucker Road, inside Albertsons SteamPunk Cafe & Grill 20324 W. Valley Blvd. 661-823-4469 Subway 655-A Tucker Road, 661-823-7075 2000 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Love’s Travel Center 1050 Capital Hills Pkwy., Shell Station Taco Bell 1098 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-823-7033 Taco Samich 211 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-823-8947 Tea Donuts 807 Tucker Road 661-825-5005 Tehachapi Natural Market 20221 Valley Blvd. 661-823-4087 Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Co. 26877 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-9233 TehachaPie 208 S. Mill St. 661-827-7558 Thai Hachapi 119 E. F St. 661-823-4891
The Coffee Mill 120 S. Mill St. 661-822-6455 The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant 807 Tucker Road 661-822-9137 The Oaks Restaurant Bear Valley Springs 29500 N. Lower Valley Road (Gate pass required) 661-821-5521 Time Out Sports Bar and Grill 160 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-771-7529 TK’s Pizza & Pasta 604 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-8366 Triassic Vineyards 24627 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-5341
NICK SMIRNOFF/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Red House BBQ on East Tehachapi Boulevard.
Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar 695 Tucker Road 661-822-8220 Village Grill 410 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-1128 Wendy’s 1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Flying J Pilot Center 661-823-1049 Limited time offer.
Westlane Brewing 207 E. H St. 661-527-0779
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Shopping Tehachapi News
Pilot Flying J Travel Center 1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 823-1049
Tehachapi's main shopping districts are Central Tehachapi, West Tehachapi and Old Towne.
Sheridan's 114 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4252 Southern Shooters Supply 120 E. F St., 823-1223
Central Tehachapi
Spirited Bead & Klews Gallery 435 W. J St., 823-1930
Central Tehachapi includes downtown. A full range of goods and services are available in this area, which spans from Highway 58 to Mill Street.
Stop Staring Boutique 108 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 750-4408
5 Hearts Quilts 104 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-8709
Tehachapi Bible Book/DirecTv store 212 Curry St., 823-6823
Alligator Rose 117 S. Mill St. Suite H, 562-2351069
Tehachapi Christian Store 108 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-0626
Auntie Em's Antiques 225 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-3420
Tehachapi Flower Shop 117 E. F St., 822-3117
B & B Liquors 220 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-3521
Tehachapi Lawn & Garden Equipment Center 105 W. H St., 822-3210
Bee Good to Yourself Essential Oils and Training Center 104 S. Robinson, 917-2332
The Pilot Flying J Travel Center has an open floor layout.
Bliss Interiors and Antiquities 106 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 304-3275
Tehachapi Tack Shack 117 S. Mill St., 823-1115
Gallery 'N' Gifts 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-6062
Love's Travel Stop 2000 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-1484
Tehachapi Treasure Trove 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-6794
Cycle & Go Cyclery 121 E. F St., 825-5246
Go2Girlz Estate Sales 211 Curry St., 238-5355
Moses-Master Carpet 110 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-6959
Dahlia A Boutique 101 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-6195
Gold Coast Station 426 N. Curry St., 822-5026
Mountain Music 206 E. F. St., 822-6794
The Dressing Room 112 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 557-0790 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd.
Darlene's Real Swell Toys 103 W. H St., 823-1920
Home Depot 507 N. Mill St., 823-5434
Nannette Keller Boutique 102 S. Robinson St., 825-5306
The Storefront at Mill Street Kitchen 208 S. Mill St., 827-7588
Debbie's Fabrics 112 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-7114
Karen's Cottage 101 E. H St., 466-6373
Oak Tree Antiques 102 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-0162
Tractor Supply 480 N. Mill St., 823-1687
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CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS
THE GUIDES
West Tehachapi West Tehachapi is west of Mill Street to the area around Tucker Road (Highway 202).
SaveMart 841 Tucker Road, 822-3098 Savon Drugs 775 Tucker Road, 823-7094
Albertsons 775 Tucker Road, 823-7090
Sears Hometown Center 835 Tucker Road, 822-4914
All American Automotive & Tires 787 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-4950
Tehachapi Liquor 840 Tucker Road, Suite J, 823-1118
Auto Zone 842 Tucker Road, 823-1294
This and That Home Decor/ Rancho Raviri 777 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 582-3044
Big 5 685 Tucker Road, 822-4197
To Your Health 785 Tucker Road, 333-5651
Canine Creek Pet Wash & Boutique 798 Tucker Road, 822-0307
U-neek Findz 450 W. F St., 822-7311
Delgado's Jewelry 1121 W. Valley Blvd. Suite J, 8226657 Dollar General 846 Tucker Road, 750-0121 Dollar Tree 844 Tucker Road, 823-9041 Family Dollar 655 Tucker Road, 822-1105 Kmart 710 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-7496 M&M’s Sports 760 Tucker Road, Suite A, 8231668 O'Reilly Auto Parts 700 Tucker Road, 823-1490 Postal ASAP! 785 Tucker Road, 822-7508 Radio Shack 1121 W. Valley Blvd., 822-4512 RiteAid 811 Tucker Road, 822-9292
UPS Store 1121 W. Valley Blvd., 823-4940 Walgreens 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-0163 Walmart Tucker Road and Tehachapi Boulevard Slated to open summer 2019
Old Towne and beyond The Old Towne shopping area is in the unincorporated area along Valley Boulevard (Highway 202) and adjacent streets including South Street. 1st Choice Paint 20424 Brian Way #5, 823-4414 99 Cent Shop 20350 W. Valley Blvd., 823-8620
Handcrafted HoneyBee 20609 Santa Lucia St., Unit C, 844-434-9548
V.I.P. Computers 21019 Santa Barbara Drive, #B, 823-1387
Hemme Hay & Feed 20616 South St., 822-7442
Visions Studio 20733 South St., 428-0139
Napa Auto 20633 South St., 822-3015
Witt's Office Supplies 20437 Brian Way, 822-6760
Norm Hanson Firearms 20358 W. Valley Blvd., 823-4977
Thrift stores
Pioneer True Value 20901 South St., 822-6806 Ranch Service & Supply 20700 South St., 822-9101 Sessions Consignment 20601 Highway 202, Suite A108; no phone Tangleweed Farms 21192 Old Town Road, 805-2101718 Tehachapi Floor Covering 20571 Santa Lucia St., 822-5025 Tehachapi Furniture 20302 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 8237000
Guild of Tehachapi Hospital 115 W. E St., 822-3425 Help & Hope 20328 W. Valley Blvd., 822-7805 New To You 432 W. J St., 238-8942 Rescued Treasures 1121 W. Valley Blvd., Suite B, 8225682 Revolve 20424 Brian Way, no phone Sharing & Caring 203 S. Pauley St., 822-3001 The Mix 20407 Brian Way, 822-0459
Cell phone stores
Tehachapi Natural Market 20221 Valley Blvd., 823-4087
AT&T Authorized Retailer 695 Tucker Road, 823-8229
Tehachapi Pet Lodge 20693 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, 822-6471
Cricket Wireless 840 Tucker Road, Suite H, 8234289
Tehachapi RV & Cycle 20818 South St., 823-0733
Metro PCS 807 Tucker Road, Suite A, 8234032
All Access Computers 20418 Brian Way, 822-0999
The Tire Store 21011 Santa Barbara Drive, 8239037
Brite Creek Farms Corner of Banducci and Highland roads, 301-1043
Twisted Sisters Revival 20300 W. Valley Blvd., Suite F, 970-231-2558
T-Mobile 1054 W. Valley Blvd. Suite C., 750-0300 Verizon 785 Tucker Road, 823-0437
114 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Open Daily 10am - 5pm 661-822-4252 www.sheridansconsignment.com 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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Event venues and services Tehachapi News
T
ehachapi is a great place to have a wedding, family reunion, special event or a business retreat. Some hotels, restaurants and churches have small meeting rooms and many local restaurants offer catering. Dorner Family Vineyard Located in Cummings Valley, Dorner Family Vineyard is a gorgeous landscaped garden and premier vineyard venue located on 20 oak-and-pine covered acres. Dorner Family Vineyard can host upward of 250 people with ease in its 6,000-squarefoot outdoor venue. 18274 Old Ranch Road 661-823-7814 dornerfamilyvineyard.com Jennifer’s Terrace Located in the city of Tehachapi, Jennifer’s Terrace offers a 1920 vintage home and custom-designed garden landscaped as a traditional English garden. Jennifer’s Terrace includes both paved surfaces and lush green grass, all surrounding a raised fountain and lavender garden. The 3,500-squarefoot facility can accommodate up to 180 guests. 413 S Curry St. 661-822-5808 Jennifer’sTerrace@yahoo.com jennifersterrace.com Lifetime Events Lifetime Events offers a 5,000-square-foot indoor venue, complete with an open auditorium, large gathering room, catering kitchen, lots of parking, a large stage and auditorium. It’s complete with sophisticated sound and visual systems and an optional grand piano. It’s perfect for concerts, wedding receptions, parties, presentations and more. 48771 W. Valley Blvd. 661-733-7409 74
2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
CONTRIBUTED BY TEHACHAPI WINE & CATTLE CO.
Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Co. has an informal country feel. sminor@sliceoflifeschool.com lifetimeeventstehachapi.com National Chavez Center Located in Keene just 15 minutes from Tehachapi, the National Chavez Center is set on 187 acres amid oaks and spectacular rock outcroppings. The 17,000-square-foot Villa La Paz can accommodate 20 to 400 people. Monica Parra, National Chavez Center director of operations 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road 661-823-6271 mparra@chavezfoundation.org chavezfoundation.org Rose Garden Estate Located in Cummings Valley, Rose Garden Estate offers a 20-acre venue with an amazing courtyard and stunning mountain views. It has an amazing array of English roses and a display light over the fountain that can match the color of your event. Rose Garden Estate also offers a 5,000-square-foot barn with bathrooms and a kitchen area. It offers a bed-and-break-
fast for the night. 24492 Bear Valley Road 661-477-6140 rosegardenestate@gmail.com rosegardenestateweddings.com Shirley’s Place Shirley’s Place is an outdoor venue that sits on 80 acres of beautiful land in Cummings Valley. They have a bar and a guest room, and a covered patio for dancing. 25001 Banducci Road 661-319-5031 shirleysplacevenue@gmail.com shirleysplacevenue.com Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company Overlooking the beautiful Cummings Valley, this picturesque winery and event venue includes a historic Victorian home built in 1888, two rustic barns, a gazebo, dance floor and dining area. The winery also has a banquet room. The venue has an informal country feel, perfect for your special event. 26877 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-9233
info@tehachapiwineandcattlecompany.com www.TehachapiWineAndCattleCompany.com The Woods Pavilion Located in the city of Tehachapi, The Woods Pavilion is an outdoor facility with a large shaded patio area providing a comfortable venue with a woodsy ambiance for your event. The Woods Pavilion can house small or large groups. 323 W. F St. 661-822-0762 pavilion@woodtehachapi.com thewoodspavilion.com Triassic Vineyards Located in Cummings Valley, Triassic Vineyards is on a sunny slope below an isolated ridge of 220-million-year-old rocks from the Triassic Period. It is surrounded by natural beauty. Triassic Vineyards offers a heated patio. 24627 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-5341 info@triassiclegacy.com triassicvineyards.com
THE GUIDES
Hotels, motels and lodging Baymont Inn & Suites Tehachapi 500 Steuber Road, 823-8000 Best Western Country Park Hotel 420 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 8231800 Best Western Sure Stay 418 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-5591 Fairfield Inn & Suites Tehachapi 422 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4800 Golden Hills Hotel 22561 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, 822-4488 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 901 Capital Hills Parkway, 8229837
Ranch House Motel 500 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4561 Ranch Motel 507 W. Curry St., 822-4283 Santa Fe Motel 120 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-3184 Stallion Springs Resort 28681 Stallion Springs Drive, 822-5400 The Lodge at Woodward West 18100 Lucaya Way, 822-5581
Bed and Breakfast Rose Garden Estate 24492 Bear Valley Road, 4776140
www.kotzagency.com 2019 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL DUFFY
Going for a two-point conversion and an 8-7 lead, Warrior Hayden Palmer, #6, dives over the goal line in second quarter action of the 2018 season opener against Wasco on Coy Burnett Field. Tehachapi led 22-14 at the start of the fourth quarter. Wasco regained the lead with just over five minutes left on the clock to defeat the Warriors, 28-22.
Community supports Warrior sports By JOSH BENNETT Tehachapi News
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f you’re planning on visiting Tehachapi on Friday nights in the fall, or on certain days in the afternoon, don’t expect many places to be open or many people to be out and about. Instead, they will be at Tehachapi High School or at Coy Burnett Stadium cheering on their Warriors. Reminiscent of those small Texas or Midwestern towns in the movies, Tehachapi bleeds green and black and rallies behind the Warriors on game day, no matter what the sport is. “The days are gone of the Friday night football where the whole town is there,” said Mike Heckahorn, the Tehachapi High track and cross country coach. “We’ve grown enough where we get a large amount of supporters. It’s not like it used to be in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but we still have strong support.” OK, so it’s not quite the same as the movies — it is Hollywood, after all — but the little town in the mountain that is about two hours outside of it does have its own hometown pride. The town’s most famous example is its football team. With 30 league titles and 11 section championships under their belts, Friday nights in the fall are definitely occupied for most people in town. The home games at Coy Burnett Stadium become a community event for fans of all ages to meet up with friends and family and just 76
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CONTRIBUTED BY MCKENZIE RICHETER
The Lady Warriors take the ball down the court with the Golden Hawks close by earlier in the season. hang out while also supporting their Warriors. “I don’t think it’s necessary overly fanatical but it’s definitely an exciting time for the community, a one high school town,” said Doug DeGeer, the current head coach for the Tehachapi football
LIVING IN TEHACHAPI
CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL DUFFY
Senior hitter Mady Cotta, No. 7, in action against Bakersfield Christian.
team.” There’s usually a lot of connections there with the kids that are playing on Friday nights. For everyone else it’s something to do for everyone to come together.” Despite the tough 2018 campaign for the Warriors, who finished 2-8, they continue to have a solid fan base at home and on the road. The Warriors play the majority of their away games in Bakersfield, which is about 45 minutes away, and a fanbase always travels with them. While the football team is the most popular squad in town, the recent success has come from the girls basketball and volleyball teams. The girls basketball team shared the league championship this past season, had a deep run in the Division II section playoffs and even picked up a win in the D-IV CIF State playoffs. “One of the biggest things I’ve noticed in my tenure has been the girls side and how strong it has gotten with parental support and following the teams and letting people know who they are,” said Heckahorn. The volleyball team also had a strong 2018 campaign and gave the town something to cheer for during the football woes in the fall. “At the same time as football season we have volleyball going on and they have been top notch, they’ve had so much success,” said DeGeer.” They get a lot of support throughout the season.” One benefit Tehachapi has as a small town is that a lot of alumni still live there, creating generations of Warriors. So if it’s past Warriors, current players, or the future currently playing in Tehachapi’s youth leagues, there will always be support and pride for Tehachapi High sports.
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Doing business in Tehachapi Tehachapi News
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usiness continues to grow in various industries in Tehachapi. The city’s location makes it a prime location due to its close proximity to aviation and space-related industries in Antelope Valley; the ever-growing local agribusiness operations which produce wines, grass-fed beef and produce; the Tehachapi Mountain Range, which is one of the world’s largest producers of wind-generated electricity; and the California Correctional Institution, a state prison that continues to provide economic stability. If you are interested in throwing your hat into the booming Tehachapi business ring, contact one of the following resources. City of Tehachapi Tehachapi City Hall can assist you with any information you need or any questions
you may have about starting a business in the city. The office is open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 115 S. Robinson St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-2200 liveuptehachapi.com Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce is to advance the prosperity of its members through community leadership, opportunities and advocacy. The office hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed 1 to 2 p.m.) 209 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-4180 chamber@tehachapi.com tehachapi.com Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council The council enhances the quality of life in the greater Tehachapi area by attracting, retaining and supporting business. They meet the first Wednesday of each month at the Slice of Life Enrichment School. They also meet the third Thursday of every month at the Tehachapi Police Department for their Tourism Commission meetings. info@tehachapiedc.com tehachapiedc.com Kern Economic Development Corporation They provide information about assistance available to all businesses in Kern County. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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2700 M St., Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-862-5150 kedc.com East Kern Economic Alliance The alliance was formed by a group of local officials, community leaders and business-minded individuals with a desire to promote economic development in eastern Kern County, which includes Tehachapi. Information can be obtained through the Kern Economic Development Corp. Kern County Board of Trade The board is responsible for promoting and marketing Kern County. It is the county’s official tourism bureau and promotes Kern County as one of California’s premier retirement destinations. It also serves as the Kern County Film Commission, which provides permits and services for film, television and commercial production and markets the county as a location for filming. 1115 Truxtun Ave. (5th floor) Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-868-5376 kerninfo@kerncounty.com visitkern.com Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance Tehachapi is recognized by the Alliance as an important part of the economy of northern Los Angeles County, eastern Kern County and GAVEA. 3041 West Ave. K — SCT, room 125 Lancaster, CA 93536 661-722-6566 info@socalleadingedge.org socalleadingedge.org
Josh Riley - Broker 760-382-8331
DeVerie Riley 760-382-8335
Beecher Aller 661-754-6371
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Wendy Finley-Blackburn 661-472-9058
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Haylee Gang 707-272-4591
Lindsey Redera 707-639-2600
Debra Shea 661-965-9367
Jutta Thacker 661-972-2641
Sean P. McCostlin 661-750-7035
Stevi Campbell 661-805-1632
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LIVING IN TEHACHAPI
Real estate
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
There’s so much to celebrate at the 2018 Tehachapi High School graduation.
Relocating and living in Tehachapi Tehachapi News
T
he city of Tehachapi is an ideal destination for people and families of all ages, offering affordable housing, low crime rates, clean air,
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favorable weather, and a closeknit community to lean on. If you are interested in relocating to Tehachapi, the following resources may be helpful in your move.
Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors This is the group to go to if you are looking for housing or land in the Tehachapi area, whether it be buying or selling with help from a local Realtor or looking for a service provider who can help with your ownership needs. They are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 803 Tucker Road 661-822-7652 tehachapiaor.com
Public schools Tehachapi Unified School District 300 S. Robinson St. 661-822-2100 teh.k12.ca.us
Main office and EPIC de Cesar Chavez Charter High School 122 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Suite C 661-822-4381 Tehachapi Learning Center 100 E. E St. Mojave River Academy: Tehachapi Resource Center 20948 Sage Lane 661-510-9198 mojaveriver.net Valley Oaks Charter School Tehachapi 20705 South St. 661-822-6900 valleyoakstehachapi.org
Private schools
Public charter schools
Heritage Oak School 20915 Schout Road 661-823-0885 heritageoakschool.info
FIELD Farmworkers Institute of Education and Literary Development
Tehachapi also has an active home-schooling community.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Tehachapi Visitor Guide
Each office independently owned and operated
Published by Tehachapi News 411 N. Mill St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6828 TehachapiNews.com
Associate Publisher: Virginia Cowenhoven Vice President and Executive Editor: Jim Lawitz Managing Editor: Christine Peterson Business Manager: Stephanie Garcia Visitor Guide Reporters: Darla A. Baker, Cara Jackson, Kelly Ardis, Josh Bennett, Dianne Hardisty, Joseph Luiz, Pete Menting, Sam Morgen, Ema Sasic
Specialty Publications Art Director: Glenn Hammett Art & Marketing Manager: Holly Bikakis Graphics: Kent Kuehl Advertising sales: Betty Jo Autery, Lisa Ohls, Sandra Honea The information in the Tehachapi Visitor Guide was believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Due to changes in ownership, management and market conditions, we advise visitors to contact businesses directly to confirm information important to your plans. Copyright 2019 by Tehachapi News, a member of the TBC Media Family. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication my be reproduced or used in any way without permission of the editor, in advance and in writing. Address requests for use to: editorial@tehachapinews.com.
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Advertiser index
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1st Priority Vehicle Registration Service....................................... 45 Access Real Estate...................... 83 Agape Mortgage .........................80 Airstreams Renewables.............66 All Amreican Automotive Service Center......................... 39 American Pacific Mortgage......66 Associated Real Estate............... 79 Barry the Blade.............................51 Bee Good To Yourself Essential Oils Training Center................ 67 Best Realty........................... 8, 9, 29 Big Papa’s Steakhouse............... 57 Blue Ginger Pho........................... 69 Bob’s Army Navy Story.............. 35 Brite Creek Farm.......................... 67 Built Right Home Inspection.....80 BVS Properties.............................54 California Mentor Network........ 57 Canine Creek................................ 56 City of Tehachapi.........................84 Country Oaks Baptist Church....61 Country Real Estate.................... 59 Darlene’s Real Swell Toys.......... 72 DC’s RV Center............................. 35 Dignified Home Loans...................2 Domingos Bar & Grill.................. 70 Don’s Pro Tech Auto Repair....... 77 Elizabeth Tona...............................81 Farmers Insurance Group.......... 35 First Baptist Church.....................61 Friends of the Tehachapi Depot......................................... 29 Gallery ’N’ Gifts............................ 25 Gold Coast Station...................... 72 Gold Mountain Tavern................ 53 Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce........................... 33 Ha’s Apple Farm........................... 27 Have A Heart Humane Society...................................... 38 Hoffmann Hospice.......................31 Kaiser Permanente...................... 45 Kari Munoz / Coldwell Banker Best Realty............................... 56 Keene Cafe.................................... 63 Keller Williams Realty................... 4 King Of Siam..................................71 Lance Patton................................. 35 Lucky’s Barber Shop................... 77 Main Street Tehachapi................14
Marcie Crytzer............................. 39 McDonald’s of Tehachapi............71 Midori Sushi.................................. 70 Mill Street Kitchen.......................31 Mojave Air and Space Port........ 39 Mountain Music...........................58 Mountain Valley Airport.......31, 58 National Chavez Center............. 25 Picture Perfect Parties...............58 Platinum Realty Group................19 Postal ASAP.................................. 77 Pulford's Appletree Orchard...... 27 Race Communications.................11 Rankin Ranch ............................... 57 Remax Tehachapi..................42-43 Ridgecrest Visitors Center........ 47 Sage Ranch....................................13 San Joaquin Tractor.................... 63 Sheridan’s...................................... 73 Skydive San Joaquin Valley.......54 State Farm Insurance.................. 75 Steampunk Cafe & Grill.............. 33 Tea Donuts.................................... 69 Tehachapi Automotive............... 75 Tehachapi Community Theatre...................................... 37 Tehachapi Mountain Group....... 65 Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association...................14 Tehachapi Natural Market......... 78 Tehachapi Pet Lodge & Outfitters.................................. 65 Tehachapi Treasure Trove.......... 37 Tehachapi Unified School District..........................21 Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District..........................49 Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company...................... 24 Tesa Noonan................................. 78 Thai Hachapi................................. 73 Tierra del Sol................................ 78 Time Out Sports Bar & Grill....... 75 The Spirited Bead.........................51 The Woods Pavillion......................3 Triassic Vineyards....................... 24 Visions Stained Glass................. 73 Wanderlust International Travel..........................................51 Wood Family Funeral Service........................ 82 Youngblood Customs..................81
“Your access to the American dream” www.accesstehachapirealestate.com 801 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Suite 2 • 661-822-8989
Lic. 01325395
JIM HUTSON 661-972-5041
MARY ANN DURNELL 661-972-4405 Cell
DRE #01280427 Licensed since 5/15/2000 GRI certification 2002 Past TAAR President 2007 Tehachapi resident since 1995 LAPD - Retired 1968-1994 USAF Veteran 1964- 1968 From your initial consultation to your final walk - through, I will be there to guide you!
DRE# 01280554 Licensed since 6/5/2000 GRI certification 2002 Tehachapi resident since 1995 Attends Shepard of the Hills Church madurnell@att.net From your initial consultation to your final walk-through, I will be there to guide you.
LAURA LYNNE WYATT 661-333-1821
MARSHA MOORE 661-304-3606
Lic# 01510246 Licensed 6/28/2005 Golden Hills resident for 20 years 6 years in Oak Knolls Firefighter mom Retired worship leader
DRE# 01443357 Licensed since 7/17/2004 Broker since 5/15/2014 Golden Hills resident since 1994 Hobbies include Nascar, working out & family Serving the community with knowledge & experience!
DRE#01399298 Licensed since 9/17/2003 GRI certification 2006 Tehachapi resident since 2001 Hobbies: Shopping, cooking, family and friends
TERRI ABLES 661-809-0091
NICOLE CLAYTON 661-972-2073
MICHELLE LABBEE
Lic.#02062955 Licensed 6/13/2018 Bear Valley Resident since 1980 Tehachapi Business owner for 25 years Tehachapi Ag Boosters 1987- 1995 Member of Christian Life Assembly tables.agent@gmail.com
DRE # 01482915 Tehachapi resident for 29 years Proud mom of 2 awesome boys Licensed since 03/2005 Hobbies: Hiking, shopping and jogging Department of Corrections
BROKER / OWNER #01257007 Licensed since 04/1999 Broker since 09/2010 Access Real Estate opened on 10/14/2008 Stallion Springs resident Tehachapi Association of Realtors President 2017 & 2005 Tehachapi Realtor of the year 2005 Another listed, another sold.
NOELLE FOSTER 661-304-7732
BARBARA SHAW 661-972-1978
LORRI BUSSE 661-557-0029 Lic #01932151 Licensed since 6/6/2013 Bear Valley resident since 2003 TAAR board member 2017 2019 TAAR president Avid- golfer, traveler and gardener Military relocation professional
REALTOR®
PAUL DURNELL 661-319-3486
LANETTA ASHMORE 661-972-4273
BROKER / OWNER #01325395 Licensed since 12/2001 Access Real Estate opened on 10/14/2008 Bear Valley resident Served U.S. Army for 4 years Dept. of Corrections 1987- 2013 Tehachapi Association President 2016 Realtor of the Year 2016 Hobbies: Mountain biking, golf, M/C riding
Lic #01340925 Your home town connection! Licensed since 05/2002 Property owner in Tehachapi since 1978 Lived in Golden Hills, White Oaks Knoll and Stallion Springs areas. Proud parent of 3 and four grandchildren.
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