losophy and methods of nonviolent conflict-reconciliation and social change. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for major holidays. Admission is $3 per person. The gift shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, (661) 823-6134.
Alpacas abound in Tehachapi
Mortars in lichen-covered sandstone used by the Kawaiisu to crush seeds and acorns.
Photo by Mark Barna
Today, alpacas are raised for their extraordinary coats. Fortunately you don’t need to be royalty to enjoy alpaca fleece, which has many advantages over fibers produced by other animals. It is softer to the touch than cashmere and creates seven times the warmth. Even if you’re not interested in modern textiles, a visit to a local alpaca farm will leave any visitor feeling warm and fuzzy. Most ranches offer a variety of services including educational programs, boarding and breeding services and tours by appointment, so be sure to call first. The animals are unique in appearance, and friendly. Those who come in contact with the herd may wonder if they are the observer or the observed.
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Tomo Kahni State Historic Park Tomo Kahni State Historic Park, located in Sand Canyon, about 10 miles east of the town of Tehachapi was established in December 1993 to preserve ancient village and ceremonial sites of the Nuwa (Kawaiisu) Indian people of the Tehachapi region. The Nuwa or Kawaiiu people are part of the large Paiute tribal group but have their own language, culture, basketry traditions and creation beliefs. In addition to house rings and bedrock mortar sites, Tomo Kahni State Historic Park also includes the famed pictograph cave, where designs of spiritual significance were painted on the surface inside a natural rock shelter. Visiting the historic park is strictly limited to guided tours. Trained docents lead small groups of visitors. Photography is permitted. Tours are generally three to four hours long and involve a moderately strenuous hike of 1 ½ miles. These tours are given in the spring and fall, usually April through June and September through November. For more information call (661) 946-6092 or visit www.parks.ca.gov
Chavez Center The Chavez Center in Keene is located about 10 miles west of Tehachapi along Highway 58 at La Paz, a former tuberculosis sanatorium, which became the California headquarters of the United Farm Workers union in 1971. Set on 187 acres amid oaks and rock outcroppings, La Paz is where Cesar Chavez lived and worked during his last quarter century. Today a visitor’s center, memorial gardens and Villa La Paz Conference Center are open to the public and operated by the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation.The visitor center, built around the renovated wood-framed building where Cesar worked from 1971 to 1993, utilizes diverse communications media, including films and exhibits, to educate people about Cesar’s life, work, and values and his phi90
Bakersfield Life
August 2011
Brite Lake Brite Lake is open year round for day use, camping and fishing. Passes are now available at the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District office; 490 W. D St. Season passes are available for $45. Single-day boat launching passes are $15. The day use only fee is $5 per vehicle per day, boat launching $3 per boat per day (no gas engines, electric motors only), day use and boat launching $8 per day. A dump station is available for RVs and the cost is $5 per vehicle for non-campers. Overnight camping is also available with 12 sites with water and electric hook-ups at $30 per vehicle, per night. Dry camping is $20 per vehicle per night. TVRPD does not take reservations for camping. Camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Three picnic pavilions are available for group picnicking. Reservations and payment of rental fees must be made at least one week in advance for group pavilions. For more information call (661) 822-3228.
Gliders and Sailplanes A variety of glider rides are available ranging from the scenic, short, and gentle “Granny Sleigh Ride” to a thrilling thirty minute flight in a high-performance, fiberglass sailplane. Regardless of which flight you choose, your glider will be towed to altitude behind a highpowered, single-engine airplane. Upon reaching your desired altitude, you will release from tow and begin to experience the thrill of motherless flight. For those who prefer to enjoy the sights from terra firma, The Raven’s Nest Sandwich shop at Mountain Valley Airport is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering an excellent view of the runway and flight-line activities. Bring your RV and camp out at the adjacent RV Park. Services include electric and water hookups, sanitary dump station, restrooms, showers and a laundry facility. For more information call (661) 822-5267, or email mva7@earthlink.net.
Balloon Rides Weather permitting, Tehachapi visitors can ascend high above the scenic region any time of the year, thanks to Professor Muldoon’s Hot Air Balloons and flying machines. Bob Schaible a.k.a Professor Muldoon, started the company 31 years ago in Tracy, Calif. In July 2009, Schaible began offering rides to patrons in the Tehachapi area. As long as it’s not too snowy, rainy or windy, Schaible said willing participants can ride for about an hour above the Tehachapi Valley 365 days a year, seven days a week. Rides usually begin 30 minutes after sunrise, when