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Small Business Showcase
Adam Bailey - Webmaster in Training
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Paul Orr - Sales Representative
The Loop Newspaper office staff: Christopher Gripkey, Copy Editor and IT; Alysia Bailey, Production Manager; Claudia Henson, Owner/Publisher; Harriet Clendenin, Reception and Classifieds;
Meet The Loop Sam White - Photographer
Jean Nasser - Antelope Valley Sales
The Loop is pleased to present our fifth year of this Spotlight on Business special supplement. During each year we experience changes in our individual business and here is your chance to highlight any changes and let our great community know more about you and your business. We publish this supplement so we can present it at The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce Annual Fall Business Showcase at West Park Activity Center. Admission the day of the event is FREE to all attendees. Stop by The Loop booth and say hello on Wed., Sept. 25, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. This publication is also available all year long at our office and at the Chamber office as well as on stands. Be sure and let business owners know you saw them in The Loop.
This is a Publication of the Loop Newspaper Owner/Publisher: Claudia White • Production: Alysia Bailey Hilltop Publishers; Home of The Loop Newspaper Physical Address: 204 South Green St., Tehachapi 93561 www.theLoopNewspaper.com - Read us online! and follow us on Facebook. Phone: 661-822-8188 • Fax 661-822-5646 Distribution to Tehachapi, Bear Valley, Stallion Springs, Keene, Hart Flat, Mojave, Rosamond, Edwards AFB, California City, Lancaster. Directly mailed to subscribers.
Editorial Policy: Opinions of the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of staff or management. All humor is strictly meant for fun and not intended to offend. All contents of are property of Hilltop Publishers.
Claudia White has been in the printing and publishing industry since 1992, when she founded Hilltop Publishers. Her vision – becoming Tehachapi’s main source for local events and happenings – became a reality in 2001, when Claudia – along with her daughter, Alysia Bailey – established Hilltop Publishers’ The Loop Newspaper (previously Hilltop Shopper from 2001 through 2006). The Loop has grown quite a bit since its inception and now boasts a distribution to over 200 locations throughout East Kern County. “People stop me on the street all the time just to tell me how much they love The Loop and how it’s their favorite hometown newspaper,” said Claudia, “We didn’t realize what was required to pull this paper together every other week when we started, but our team is ambitious and dedicated. We’re honored to have our efforts so appreciated, and our goal has always been to have a positive effect on our community. We’re so grateful for the encouragement and support.” Claudia’s gift for cultivating relationships and love for our community has kept her very active; she has been president for Main Street Tehachapi; Chairman of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce; and a board member of The Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Corporation. Alysia Bailey has honed her craft, with over 18 years of experience in graphic design, page layout, typography and more. She has also developed an exceptional talent for ad design, has a keen eye for page layout and is also a master at Adobe inDesign and Photoshop. She has lent her skills to a variety of creative projects for Hilltop Publishers over the years. She is a dynamic part of the mother/ daughter duo who created The Loop and continue to work diligently to meet deadline after deadline. As the layout editor and manager of production, Alysia strives to make each publication fresh, engaging and fun. Working closely with family and friends might spell trouble for some, but not Alysia. “It’s great working with my family and friends. There are tough days, especially when there’s a deadline or two, but we know we have each others back. Working as a team with that kind of a support system – while bringing our community together – is very rewarding.” Alysia advocated local shopping and believes that we need to shift our spending to locally owned businesses now more than ever. “From small business owners to consumers, we all have our part in keeping Tehachapi healthy, financially and emotionally.”
Alysia envisions The Loop Newspaper as a hub of community journalism. A place for readers to share in their neighbor’s experiences and advice, to come together at events with their family and friends. “Nearly every contributor to The Loop lives in our community, we’re all neighbors, and together we make Tehachapi a friendly, warm place to live and a great place to visit too.” As a final thought Alysia adds, “Tehachapi has so much to offer residents and visitors alike. Growth can be frightening at times but it’s also very exciting. Sharing our quaint little town with others is not only great for the economy but also for our community outlook.” Chris Gripkey has worked with The Loop since 2011. He is the copy editor, works closely with Claudia on layout, and is the in-house IT and jack-of-all-trades. He has become an integral part of Hilltop Publishers. Harriet Clendenin is a new addition to the The Loop office, Harriet is the receptionist and the local “Welcome Hostess”. She has quickly fit right in with everyone at the office, and is here to help direct your call, or help you with your order. Harriet is a very active member of the community as part of the local American Legion Auxilary, and she is Vice President of the California American Legion Auxiliary. Adam Bailey has been with The Loop off and on since 2008. He spent several years as The Loop’s Distribution Manager, but has recently taken over management of The Loop’s website and Facebook content. Adam is also a writer with many stories and articles published in The Loop Newspaper over the years. Sam White is The Loop’s photographer, occasional contributor, and helps with distribution. Paul Orr is the most recent addition to The Loop family. Paul and his wife Rachel relocated to Tehachapi several months ago from Los Angelos. As commercial Actors they still get the occasional acting gig, but are both dedicated to and love Tehachapi. With Paul’s talent for writing and strong desire to get to know his new town, he has become a valuable asset to The Loop. Paul is your local sales representative. Jean Nasser has been part of The Loop since 2006. With her recent move to Quartz Hill she has taken on the role of Antelope Valley sales representative, and is the one to contact to place inserts in the newspaper. In Tehachapi Jean was very active in the local art community, and she is the second Vice President of the Tehachapi American Legion Auxilary.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Vintage and Retro
Small Business Showcase
by Lisa Kroese, owner
Expert Estate Sales by L.A. Kroese recently opened a fun and fabulous 2,200 square foot showroom at 151 N. Mill Street. At the store, local and out of town shoppers will find new/vintage furniture, retro treasures, household goods, instant heirlooms and even appliances from families who needrf an estate liquidation but couldn’t have an estate sale at their home. If you like shopping the smart way, stop by frequently – we are always getting fresh estates. Plus we have lots of great services for people just like you. We offer one stop shopping for appraisals, estate sales, online auctions, consulting and consignments. As a certified appraiser, I know the true value of the goods I am selling and marketing. That means you can consign and shop with confidence. I prepare written USPAP compliant personal property appraisals for insurance, estate, donation and other purposes. We also sell property for our clients online and we are authorized sellers with iGavel auctions. This grants our clients access to an established national auction venue far better than eBay for antiques, art and high end family heirlooms. Expert Estates also does popular traditional tag sales at client’s homes. If you are downsizing or dealing with circumstances that require estate sale services, hiring Expert Estates gets you a careful and trustworthy team who will clean, sort, stage, appraise, price, professionally photograph, market and sell your home’s entire contents. Whether in the store or in your home, we bring in shoppers from near and far to clear the entire estate: house, garage, and yard. We can leave your home clean and ready for marketing, rental or
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Expert Estate Sales residence. Our goal is to eliminate your burden – we do as much or as little as you need. We provide free estate sale and appraisal consultations to develop the best plan for your situation. Each family and each estate is unique and we understand that. My team and I have been conducting estate sales throughout Kern and Los Angeles counties since shortly after I relocated to Tehachapi in 2010 when my husband, Stephen, was hired by Scaled Composites. In a very short time I’ve been blessed with new friends and a loyal customer base. At Expert Estates, we do things differently and we like it that way. We have a unique 14-point customer guarantee for our estate sale clients. My staff and I never buy from our estates until after the public has been able to shop, that keeps our sales fresh and can draw in shoppers from Sacramento to San Diego. I offer valuable resources for people who need estate and appraisal services, like a free Estate Sale Checklist that you can download at our website. A free Home Inventory sheet for insurance and estate planning purposes. These are just a few of the things that set us apart. Expert Estates is owned and operated by a CAGA certified appraiser, is BBB Accredited, is licensed, bonded and insured, and is a member of The American Society of Estate Liquidators® (ASEL). I am proud to say, we are the only estate sale company in the county with those combined credentials. I hope you will come over and shop the smart way with us at 151 N. Mill St, Tehachapi. For more information on having an estate sale or hiring an appraiser, visit the Services page at www.ExpertEstates.com, come by or give us a call at 661-823-1635.
Lisa Kroese at the Expert Estate Sale Store by the tracks on 151 N. Mill St.
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Small Business Showcase
A Family Business by David Lange, owner Oak Valley Appliance
Fall 2013
Oak Valley Appliance
Picture of Oak Valley entry in the Mountain Festival Parade.
Our family business started back in 1979. See we actually moved here in 1976, so that my stepfather wouldn’t have to travel so far to his job. Well, three years later, I graduated from Tehachapi High School and Phil, my step dad, quit his job. Then he and my mother Peggy, sat down and looked to see what service that they could provide and Tehachapi was in need of. Viola! Appliance Repair. In 1983 I was approached by my mom who needed more help with the business because it was going well. They were selling the new Amana refrigerators and, believe it or not, they made ice cream. Things were booming but I still couldn’t see me working in the family business. Things changed. I was laid off from the wind industry as winter was coming and the tax incentive was over. A month later I said yes and I had the great, awesome privilege of working with my mom for over 18 years. Then, in 2001, cancer took her life. This February 2013 was my 31 year anniversary and 34 years for the family business. My favorite local event would have to be Mountain Festival. Although little has changed recently, you can’t deny the fact that it brings local and distant families and the community together one time a year. As far as hobbies go, I wish I had one. I’m a workaholic. That’s probably why I don’t have any close friends. Other than my wife of course! What was I thinking! The future looks great for us and always has been since we opened with God’s love and promises. I will probably die at this job. If I’m looking for a leak under your washer and seem to be lying there a little longer than what would appear to be a normal length of time, dial 911. It’s just something that has been a gift from the very beginning. I have pursued other possibilities but have been steered right back here. I seem to think the grass is greener on the other side but this is where God wants me and I’m stilling working with contentment! See I’m a dreamer and my mind never stops repeating, “How about we try this?” I’ve been flown out to Huntsville Ala. for a position as LG Electronics Regional Service Manager for the Western District, applied for a position up in Sacramento in the Bureau of Licensing for appliances and electronics in the state of California and, lastly, a maintenance tech out at CCI – out of 150 people, I tested third. Turned out they
needed two people and there were inner office transfers that had to be considered and hired first. Be that as it may, I’m still here today. Many are unaware that after being on South Street for 20 or so years, Oak Valley Appliance was relocated in the building on state highway 202 that Curves for Woman now occupies. Up until the death of my mother in July of 2001, Oak Valley was an authorized Maytag, JennAir, Magic Chef, Insink-erator disposal and Holland Grill dealer. We had a live working kitchen for customers to check out the latest and greatest and entice them with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. BBQs to experience the Holland Grill cooking style, made Saturdays a place to stop by and see what’s up at Oak Valley. We also sold TVs, VCR, DVD, Boom boxes. Had a full parts counter and sold rebuilt appliances. My mother would help customers with there questions and enjoyed selling furniture, that was actually purchased from Eric’s father (Tehachapi Furniture in Old Towne) before his dad Paul opened up another store here in Tehachapi. When she wasn’t entertaining our customer’s and all questions had been answered, you’d find her in the back rebuilding dryers. Other services included TV repair, a saw sharping service, small engine repair, and whatever else a customer would bring in. One thing that was nice is that, under one roof, you could shop, purchase, have us deliver and install the product and call us directly should you need any service while in warranty or out. One of my biggest regrets was that we didn’t keep the showroom open till 2008. So many people have moved into town and never heard or seen us. Our huge Maytag Man sign still stands and is used by Curves to this day. One of the best things that has happened to me was the hiring of Jeremy Drucker. Jeremy, whose dad owns the Christian Store on Tehachapi Blvd., has now been with us for over seven years. He’s awesome and has been praised by many customers. How many employees get letters sent to them with a thank you card and a gift card to Starbucks. He’s the new fresh me, and I’m the grumpy old man in the office that knows everything. If it wasn’t for Jeremy, I’m not sure I could have kept things going for this long. He has truly been a Godsend. Also my son Mike is showing signs of interest. We’ll see what the future holds in store for him.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
A Different Kind of Shopping Experience! by Mel White
Three local artists/crafters/ entrepreneurs – Janet Meabon, Susanna Monette, and Mel White – have joined together to form a unique shopping experience downtown in the form of Tehachapi Treasure Trove. The store features “uncommonly eclectic and unusually unique stuff” and so much more! People who come into the shop for the first time are always surprised at the astounding volume and variety of things for sale, which include locally handmade jewelry, gifts and art as well as commercial resale items. People who come back again are always surprised at how many new things are continually showing up in the store. TTT also carries a full line of arts and crafts books and supplies for the person who likes to do their own creative thing, and for those who like to learn, the store offers a variety of arts and crafts classes and workshops. Professional presentation and packaging supplies and services are also
Fall 2013
Tehachapi Treasure Trove available for the working artist or artisan. In addition, the store has just added another treasure in the form of an informal expresso and smoothie bar (complete with free wifi) and additional open studio times. Located at 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd. (where the old auto parts store used to be) Tehachapi Treasure Trove is not only a place to shop and find things you won’t find anywhere else in town, but also a hot bed of creative and artistic (and community) activities – along with other downtown businesses, TTT celebrates the First Friday of each month with live music and artist demonstrations, among other things) and resources. Combining their own unique skills and talents and offering a place for other artists and artisans to meet, work, network and sell their creations, Janet, Susanna and Mel have ensured that there will always be something fun and creative going on at Tehachapi Treasure Trove!
Chamber Directors Kathy Carey, Carl Gehricke and Claudia Henson; Chamber Ambassadors Cathy Criger, Dean Markham, Heather Pardus and Chamber President Ida Perkins join partners Mel White, Janet Meabon, Susanna Monette and Sandi Thoman at the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of Tehachapi Treasure Trove on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012. Congratulations Ladies! Tehachapi Treasure Trove is located at 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd. For more information stop by or give them a call at 822-6794.
Healing and Helping
Small Business Showcase
My name is Kristylynn FordScarlett. I am the owner operator of Bohemian Therapeutics and Spa. I am located inside Studio J Salon 114 E. F St., Tehachapi, CA. Bohemian Therapeutics was born on Aug. 6, 2010 in Denver, Colo. After many years in the nursing field incorporating massage and not being satisfied on just helping I decided to expand my wings to include healing as well. I enrolled into massage therapy school. After graduating from Denver School of Massage Therapy 815.5 hour program including 18 hours of Cadaver lab with honors, I become an official insured Licensed Massage Therapist. From that day Bohemian Therapeutics was born. One form of massage was not satisfactory for me. So I became proficient and certified in over 17 different modalities. My specialty and most favorite modality is Hot Stone Massage. I also enjoy Deep Tissue, Swedish, Pre-Natal, Reflexology, Cranial-Sacral, Sport-Injury, Body Wraps and Scrubs. After years of visiting Tehachapi, my husband retired and we recently made our vacation home into our permanent residence in Bear Valley Springs. I wanted to begin helping others and
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Bohemian Therapeutics
found my spot inside a beautiful salon called Studio J. You can also find Bohemian Therapeutics on Facebook. I honor Military and disabled persons and will work on a sliding scale if needed for returning clients. Currently I charge $1 per minute for most services (body wraps and scrubs excluded). My phone number is 805-419-0447. and my California License is #37147. I am insured by ABMP Tehachapi, Permit # 016691.
The Shop in Old Towne, Tehachapi The Shop located at 20424 West Valley Blvd. Ste B behind Domingo’s celebrated their grand opening on April 20. Dr. Milan Shah from Beautologie was at The Shop that day and will be scheduling visits throughout the year. We wish to congratulate the owners and wish them much success. They can be reached at 661-823-SHOP (7467).
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Small Business Showcase
Fall 2013
Your Local Storage Carefree Moving & Storage Since 1963
Bob and Carol Gerdl started in the moving and storage business in 1963, and in 1984 they established Carefree Moving here in Tehachapiand are located at 19510 Banducci Rd. By 1991 they expanded their services by opening a professional furniture storage warehouse which is fully insulated and heated in the winter for furniture, antiques, electronics, musical instruments and all household items. The warehouse uses storage vaults 5’ x 7’ x 8’ that are stacked with a forklift. The warehouse is also security protected and insured. This is a secure warehouse that customers know their belongings are safe at all times. The Gerdl’s have brought over 60 years of experience and knowledge to every job. Their company is totally committed to providing the highest quality and integrity. Carefree services include, free estimates with practical advice, professional packing, custom crating, palletized storage, piano experts as well as grandfather clocks, oh yes gun safes.
Packing service can be only part of your belongings or the entire house. We also offer the free use of used cartons when available; as well of a full line of speciality cartons and supplies. The company is fully licensed by the CPUC, insured, and fully qualified to move everything from a modest household to a large technical company operation. They are experienced in working directly with insurance companies when there has been a catastrophe such as a water or fire loss. Carefree Moving & Storage is a California company that partners with major van lines to provide the best, most cost effective and timely moves with destinations outside of California. If you have just one or two pieces you want moved from upstairs to down stairs call Carefree as they do that too! Carefree has a saying ”The impossible just takes a little longer”. Many of their customers are repeat customers that enjoy the service and friendly employees Carefree provides. For moving needs of all kinds call Carefree Moving & Storage before you make a commitment!
Make Something Beautiful Happen!
Hi! For those of you who don’t know me, I am Rick – owner of Mountain Gardens Nursery and Pet. I have been here for almost 34 years now! We have over 60 years of combined nursery experience between all of us at Mountain Gardens. My employees are Dot, Margaret, Cathy, Ryan, Lino, Joel, Tim and Amanda. They are a great group! They’re friendly and easy to talk to, so if you have a question just ask! If they don’t know they can find out. We are not just a Nursery! We are a pet supply, garden center, feed store, small animal supply, fish both tropical and cold water, pond supply, sharpening service (chain saws), consultants and we have people who can design landscapes and plant for you if you need it. We still specialize in the unusual! We will go out of our way to find something special. That is getting more difficult because the industry has lost several good growers this last year but we still try! Back in 1980, we had just moved up here. It was a small town, which I liked, but we didn’t know how we could make it here! I graduated from college and worked in the grocery business for years, so I had valuable retail experience! Then my father-in-law Dave and I started a landscape business. I did bidding, sprinklers, sod, plants and design etc. Today we’ve had to battle the economy and the weather, which everyone has to in this town! It has been very difficult to make a living in Tehachapi, even when the economy is great, so we would just like to encourage all of you to shop locally. Go to different stores, meet the people and get to know them! We are here for you. Small business is disappearing
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Mountain Garden Nursery by Rick Gillies, Mountain Garden Nursery
nationwide, so we would really like to stay here and help you. We have a very unique store. I have only seen one store in California that is similar to ours, but not the same, and that was in Los Angeles, that had both fish and nursery stock, but not feed or live animals or sharpening service (chain saw sharpening). We are here to help you have the prettiest landscape on your block. Summer hours: Mon - Sat 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winter hours: Mon - Sat 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make something beautiful happen!
Snow Orthodontics Grand Opening: Chamber Chairman Claudia White and Director Carl Gehricke; Chamber Ambassadors Kathleen Kline, Tina Larson, Dean Markham and Heather Pardus joined Chamber President Ida Perkins for the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of Snow Orthodontics on Monday, July 22, 2013. Dr. Snow had the honor of cutting the ribbon surrounded by his staff and several community members. Snow Orthodontics is located at 329 W. C St. For more information stop by or give them a call at 661-823-1845. Congratulations to Dr. Snow and staff.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Abundant Harvest
A New Local Office! by Kathryn Johnson
Abundant Harvest Organics (AHO) Desert Deliveries is excited to announce that we will now have a local office to serve our desert community. We will be sharing an office with Dr. Darren Robison and Dare2Care Chiropractic. Our new address is 20430 Brian Way, Tehachapi, CA – in the office that was preciously Curry Chiropractic. Please come in and visit with us. Dr. Robison is also available for Chiropractic care and is offering any of our AHO members $25 off any new patient evaluations. Let us know you are coming and we will send you a gift certificate to present to Dr. Robison. We have many great new opportunities coming, so keep an eye on what we are doing.
Promote your Business! Call The Loop newspaper at 661-822-8188 or go online for our Rates and Publication Dates
theLoopnewspaper.com
On to what is going on at the farm, Abundant Harvest Organics is having a wonderful fall season. Grapes, Granny Smith Apples and Bartlett Pears are beautiful. A ten-pound box of California grown grapes is just $14, Granny Smith Apples are a great price of $7.70 for a tenpound box and Bartlett pears are $6.50 to $23, depending on box size. Of course everything is organic. Granny Smith apples pair well with our raw organic Jack Cheese. Yummy...what a mouth watering thought. As we all know, adding more fresh fruit and vegetables is a necessary part of a healthy diet. You might ask what can I do to achieve this goal. Try some of these ideas to increase your intake of healthy foods: • Take your lunch and add some of our great fruit products. Make your favorite sandwich with roasted or grilled veggies. We haven’t met anyone yet who doesn’t like roasted veggies. • When you make hash browns on Saturday morning – add some grated squash, grated onions and sweet Italian peppers. • Use the Internet to learn about new veggies and fruits that you can add to your diet. Have you ever had a Chinese long bean or a Chinese okra? They are awesome. Some would have never purchased them if it had not been in thier Abundant Harvest box. Give us a try and see what you are missing. Call Kathryn Johnson at 661-557-0053 or stop by Dare2Care Chiropractic to share your favorite AHO recipe.
Small Business Showcase
Accredited Disability Representative
We moved to the Kern River Valley in August 1988. Within a few months I began providing contract paralegal services to attorneys in the area. Beginning in 1994, I devoted my practice to representing disabled individuals in front of the Social Security Administration. For the last 18 years I have represented thousands of claimants seeking disability. I take cases at every level – from initial applications all the way to the Appeals Council. (Non-attorneys are specifically allowed to represent claimants at these levels without attorney assistance). In 2010 we moved to Bear Valley Springs and have continued to offer my services in Kern County, Inyo County, Mono County and the Antelope Valley. I received a double B.A. in Sociology and Human Studies from California State University, 1980 Summa cum laude. I have a Certificate of Completion in Public Paralegal Studies from California State University, with honors. I interned with Bet Tzedek Legal Services in 1978 and 1979. I was employed in Los Angeles from 1980 to 1984 by Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker and from 1984 to 1988 by Sachs & Phelps as a corporate/ securities paralegal.
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Diana P. Wade
I am a founding member of National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) 2000 and became an Accredited Disability Representative in 2009. I am also a member of the Backcountry Horsemen of California and the West Coast Rocky Mountain Horse Association and a faithful and active member of the Bear Valley Church. Social Security disability is an important program for many disabled children and adults. It is a highly regulated program, and – as an Accredited Disability Representative of Disability Advocates of Central California Inc. – I see that I will continue helping people that are disabled.
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Small Business Showcase
Sheridan’s Boutique by Virginia Sheridan
For the past two decades my husband and I have had the privilege to live in Tehachapi and participate in the revitalization of the downtown residential and business districts. Even with all the new additions to our downtown, I noticed that we were lacking a quality home furnishings store. I am a retired Cal State Bakersfield Mathematics Lecturer. Antiques and fine furniture have always been a passion of mine. Sheridan’s Boutique Home Consignment was created to offer an affordable, upscale shopping experience uniquely for Tehachapi. My husband Bill and I enjoy living downtown in our remodeled 1895 home. Over the years we have collected many nicer pieces of furniture and other items for our home. I’ve always preferred to buy older pieces of furniture rather than new, because the quality of the construction is far superior. These days most things are built for planned obsolescence. It’s almost impossible to find new solid wood furniture anymore. Even on very expensive pieces, the sides and back are often a thin veneer, which does not hold up over time. At Sheridan’s you will find good quality furniture at the same or better price than some of the modern junk. I’ve always loved fine china and glassware. In the past, people kept these pieces for entertaining, and not everyday use. Others collect them for their beauty, and display them on a shelf. I believe in using them whenever possible. Just because its beautiful doesn’t mean that it is too good for everyday, especially when the
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Grand Opening
Oct. 10
everyday pieces you can buy at KMart often cost just as much. Featuring both antique and modern pieces, everything in our inventory is high quality and reasonably priced. Although Sheridan’s specializes in solid wood furniture, we also carry gifts, original art work, unique jewelry, beautiful china, and glassware. We truly have something for everyone and our ever changing inventory offers a variety of styles and periods. Whether it’s rare piece of depression glass for $25 or a vintage Heriz rug for $2000 we offer heirloom quality for a reasonable price. As lovers of antiques and long term local residents with roots in the community, we are committed to offering Tehachapi better value at a better price. We are able to offer a stunning selection of unique and varied pieces thanks to our many consignees. At Sheridan’s you can consign with confidence, as our computerized inventory management system keeps you informed of the status of your consignments at all times. Located in the heart of downtown Tehachapi, our shop at 108 W Tehachapi Blvd. was formerly part of Kelcy’s banquet room. If you’ve been on the boulevard lately you may have noticed the original windows that were uncovered during the renovations. The beautiful restoration of this historic building was the work of my husband Bill Lee, whom many of you know as the owner of New Standard Construction. We are proud to be a part of Tehachapi’s downtown revitalization, and look forward to being here for many years to come.
The staff at AltaOne in Tehachapi: Heather Van Sant, Lisa Ross, Nichole Chitty, and Brittany Miller in front of the Member Service Center inside Albertson’s in Tehachapi. (Not pictured Nicole Niceley and Emilt Paille). Photo by Christopher Gripkey.
A Little About Us
AltaOne Federal Credit Union was started in 1947 by a group of employees of the Naval Ordinance Test Station, China Lake adjacent to the community of Ridgecrest, Calif. From that small beginning AltaOne Federal Credit Union has grown to 12 Member Service Centers (MSCs) in Kern, Inyo, and Mono Counties with over $550 Million in Assets and serving in excess of 49,000 members. Our Tehachapi Member Service Center was opened in the Albertsons Supermarket on Tucker road in 2007. We are extremely happy and proud to be a member of the Tehachapi Business Community and we will continue to strive to achieve our Mission and Vision to “Provide Premier Financial Services to Our Community” and to “Be the Communities Choice”. AltaOne’s Tehachapi Member Service Center team has been an active community member; we participate in events for the community with the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, and local non-profit organizations in our community. Lisa Ross, Member Service Manager has been with AltaOne since August 2011. Originally from the Antelope Valley after living in St. George Utah for 12 years, she decided to make the move back to Tehachapi to be closer to her roots and family; two daughters, son in law, and two small grandchildren. Lisa brings a lot of financial experience with her to AltaOne, having previously worked in banking industry for the last 18 years. She is also an active member of the Tehachapi Rotary and has chosen to make Tehachapi her home. Nicole Niceley, Service Specialist-III and our most senior employee, has been with the company since 2006, and has been working for the Tehachapi MSC since they opened the doors in 2007. She has lived in Tehachapi her entire life, graduated from
Tehachapi High, and currently makes her home with her husband and daughter in our community. Being an active member of our community is important to Nicole, because she plans on raising her daughter and new baby boy here. Nicole is also an active member of the Tehachapi Rotary. Heather Van Sant, Member Service Specialist, started with AltaOne in 2009. She was born and raised in Torrance, California and loves working for AltaOne. Heather, a dedicated employee, hopes to stay with the company for many years to come. She lives here with her son, and plans to stay here for many more years, raise her family, and to one day retire in beautiful Tehachapi. Nichole Chitty, Member Service Representative-I, started with AltaOne Federal Credit Union in 2011. She is also a graduate of Tehachapi High and has achieved a degree from Antelope Valley College. Previous to working for AltaOne, she was part of the management team at the local McDonalds, and a licensed cosmetologist. Nichole is due to be married to her long-time sweetheart in October. She also plans on starting a family here and making her home in Tehachapi. Britany Miller, Member Service Representative, has worked at AltaOne at her position for eight months. Born in Bakersfield, she moved to Tehachapi before she was even one-year-old and grew up in town. Brittany graduated from Tehachapi High School, then attended Bakersfield College and American River College (in Sacramento, Calif.) before joining AltaOne. The AltaOne Federal Credit Union welcomes Emily Paille as their newest member. The entire AltaOne Team looks forward to serving your financial needs, and is here to help you “Reach New Heights”.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Come Test Drive! by Michael Sprague
Fall 2013
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ACME School of Driving
The team at ACME School of Driving are here to help us learn to drive and drive better.
ACME School of Driving is locally owned and operated by Michael Sprague and Vicki Braslow. We are dedicated to providing the most effective and informative traffic safety classes possible. We have knowledgeable licensed instructors (Patty Scott and Brian St. John) who are trained to deal with the issues that arise for new drivers. All our vehicles are equipped with dual control pedals and are fully insured and bonded. From beginners to brush up lessons, our instructors’ goal is to personalize instruction for all types of individuals, making learning interesting and fun with their professionalism. We are committed to offering the
Small Business Showcase
best and most effective driver training lessons. Our goal is to help our students be the best and safest drivers they can be. In addition we offer Drivers Education online and in classroom. We offer Traffic Violator classes online and classroom for those who have received traffic citations. We are preparing to launch a new Mature Driver program very soon. Mid-September we will be able to take care of your vehicle registration needs at our new ACME Express Services at our same location at 20810 South St. Ste. 4B in Old Towne, Tehachapi. We also have a new driving simulator. Come by for a test drive!
The Girls at BTW This year has been all about the fives for BTW Roofing & Construction. Not only are we happy to be celebrating five years of being in business, but we have joyfully welcomed our fifth beautiful little girl to the family. To say it’s been a juggling act would be putting it mildly. Luckily, we have been blessed with some of the greatest and most patient customers anyone could ask for. Whether it was a lunch made and shared, or even an amazing set of hand sewn dresses for our little ones; we have truly been blessed to have great people in our lives. In return we hope to continue to provide each and every one of them with the best workmanship and customer
service possible. We are continuing to expand our list of services, offer the best quality product available and provide reasonable prices that can easily work into our clients budgets. We are also now offering financing with many great incentives, including no interest for six months. We can’t thank everyone enough for helping us make it to five years. A special thanks to Jenny at St. Malachy Church and Mrs. Del Rio for the amazing dresses that we can’t help but love. Remember if you are in need of a new roof.... Better the weather with a roof from BTW. 661-823-4521 or 661-304-5725.
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Small Business Showcase
Where Has All The Time Gone?
by Fred Villaverde
I was asked to write this article, and being a long standing administrator for Mulberry Place Assisted Living I often wonders this very question. Just over 4 years ago we opened our first house, then another one about 2 months later, then the third shortly after that. All three are in a row which made it feel like we were so much like a family. About a year later we opened our fourth house at the end of the block. Our administrative office is in the middle along with the company maintenance person. About a year ago we opened our very first Independent Living house. It seems that we just grow with leaps and bounds. Hopefully we will fulfill our founder’s dream of becoming a complete senior wellness housing community within a time frame of 5 years. We are hoping to open what our industry calls a complete community with independent, assisted living and a separate building for a higher level of care for our loving memory care unit. We hope to give the Tehachapi community a one-stop-
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Mulberry Place for-aging-in-place seniors. Whatever the future brings to us, what we pray for is prosperity. We pray that we are prosperous enough to continue to help the seniors in Tehachapi. Whether it is with living arrangements or even some advice and help. We would like to take this opportunity to explain to all of what we offer here at Mulberry Place. We offer assisted living where we help you or your loved one with the daily parts of living such as: eating, transportation as needed, drinking, laundry services, housekeeping, medication management, bathing, etc. Through the assisted living we also work closely with the various hospice agencies and rehabilitation services. In independent living you are renting a space and are more able to care for yourself. Transportation can be included as needed, we provide general housekeeping, and other services are included. Our administration team can answer any questions you may have, please feel free to give them a call at 661-822-8077.
Professional Hairstyles and Skin Care at Golden Hills Salon by Eileen Parra
Skincare by Arlene Licensed Esthetician Looking and feeling younger is not all you will gain in the hands of Arlene Among. With 17 years experience in the skin care industry, she is a seasoned professional. Arlene received her esthetician training at Elegante Beauty College in Southern California and went on to own a day spa in San Clemente known as Rejuvenations Day Spa. She later worked for several wellknown dermatologists for five years in Orange County and was highly trained in various skin treatments including: acne, sun damage, and aging skin; the training included chemical peels that would help these problems in a more aggressive way. She is also skilled with the microdermabrasion machine, which is more like a lunch peel and less aggressive. Arlene also received training to work with Epicuren Discovery Products. These products are found in many of the high-end day spas all over the country and the unique quality
of this product is that it is based on the application of a pre-digested waterborne enzyme-vitaminprotein solution that provides a better skin health and appearance, along with cell regeneration. Arlene at Golden Hills Salon offers the most effective skin treatment that dermatologists are acquainted with today. This scientifically proven system can help make a definite improvement in the appearance of your skin and is completely guaranteed. Arlene is the only esthetician in Tehachapi that carries this line. Stop by and take advantage of Arlene’s 30 percent off your first visit to her. She also offers gift certificates. To make an appointment for your wonderful experience with Arlene, you may call 949-295-9083.
Styles by Ginger
Chamber Mixer Hosted by Mulberry Place Assisted Living at 906 Mulberry St, Tehachapi was held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. Tiffany Hughes owner of Mulberry Place is the pretty blond in the middle. Chamber members attended including Ida Perkins President and Claudia White Chairperson. Mixers are a great opportunity to meet your business neighbors and community members in an informal settling. These events are a great way to share information about your business and learn about other members. Everyone is invited to attend!
A stunning hairstyle is not the only thing you’ll get when you visit Ginger Kunstmann at Golden Hills Salon. With over 20 years of experience, Ginger is a master at cutting, perming, and coloring hair – what’s more, she can do any of these skilled tasks while carrying on a fun and interesting conversation. A true professional, Ginger finished her cosmetology schooling in Northern California and has experience managing salons in Coastal Central California and San Luis Obispo; she has also conducted classes for hairdressers and cosmetology students. Ginger has been my favorite hair stylist for a little over three years and has not only colored my hair, but has also come up with fun styles for costume parties as well as sophisticated styles for more elegant occasions like the Starlight Ball and even my wedding. I really enjoy having someone that I can trust with
my hair! You will sometimes see models posing for pictures at Golden Hills Salon while a photographer captures the many different hairstyles that have been beautifully created by this very talented professional. A visit to www. ghsalon.com will give you a taste of what can be fashioned. Ginger provides the highest quality of service with a gentle touch, and a creativity that translates a hairstyle into something artistic. For a complete experience that will leave you looking fabulous, stop by Golden Hills Salon at 20021 Valley Blvd., Suite C in Tehachapi, CA. To schedule an appointment, call Ginger at 661-345-2634. Don’t forget to visit www.ghsalon.com for pictures and more information.
www.theLoopNewspaper.com facebook.com/theloopnewspaper
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
‘Hello Banks, Bye, Bye Bugs!’
Chamber Directors Claudia White, Kathy Carey, Phil Darling and Carl Gehricke; Chamber Ambassadors Kathleen Kline, Tina Larson and Heather Pardus and Chamber President Ida Perkins joined Caroline Wasielewski and Diane Anderson at the Under New Ownership Grand Opening of Pacino’s on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Pacino’s is located at 1100 Tehachapi Blvd., Ste A. For more information call 661-822-9400. Congratulations Caroline, Chris & Diane! (Chris was on a mission to get the move accomplished from Pennsylvania.)
One Rainy Afternoon... One rainy Pennsylvania afternoon last August, Chris Schatz and Caroline Wasielewski received a call from Chris’ mother, Diane Anderson. The call went something like this, “Do you want to buy a restaurant?” That is how it all started, and after a quick trip full of questions and months of planning, the three of them were celebrating the Grand Opening of Pacino’s Italian Restaurant. Pacino’s has been a staple of Tehachapi Italian food scene for four years. Previous owner Frank Spaccarelli started it from scratch, using a Bronx, New York take on specialty pizzas. On May 1, 2013, it was officially introduced as Pacino’s Italian Restaurant with Chris, Diane and Caroline taking over the reins. Diane has been in the restaurant business her entire life and the opportunity to take over the operation of Pacino’s came when Frank and his wife Alicia decided to move to Arizona to open a new restaurant. Diane had been working at Pacino’s already and it turned out to be an “offer she couldn’t refuse”. Chris and Caroline moved from the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania to Tehachapi in May of 2013. They now are enjoying all the beauty that Tehachapi has to offer, especially the blue skies, and Pacino’s is now a family run Italian
Small Business Showcase
Many of the Tehachapi’s Best winners are legacy businesses that have been serving the area for many years, and Banks Pest Control is no exception – Banks started in 1969 and has been working hard for the people of Kern County ever since. Banks specializes in exterminating ants, spiders, earwigs, termites, etc., but also does vertebrate pest control – including gophers and ground squirrels. Chuck Pope is Banks’ familiar face in Tehachapi – having taken care of customers here for the past 15
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Banks Pest Control years –, and he has been joined by sixth generation Tehachapi resident Pete Kinsella, a descendent of noted residents Herb and Ola Mae Force. Banks has been providing exemplary pest control services in the area for more than 40 years. [When we had our pesty bug problem at The Loop, Chuck was quick to respond and quoted us a fair price. It is nice to know that he is a Tehachapi resident and participates in our community events. We are glad that Chuck calls Tehachapi home. — Claudia White]
Pacino’s restaurant. Lunch and dinner is served seven days a week, with a fantastic champagne brunch offered on Sundays. You will be waited on by servers donning their best “gangster-style” garb and surrounded by a delightful atmosphere incredibly unique to Pacino’s. The menu is full of artistic pizzas, with names reminiscent of Hollywood titles and New York landmarks, calzones, and familiar Italian dishes, all delicious. Chris, Diane and Caroline expect to continue the tradition of their Vegasstyle dinner shows, and Tehachapi Idol 2013 was again a success, under the direction and emcee styling of Chris. The restaurant has a large back room that is perfect for banquets and can seat 100 people. This makes it a popular destination for groups of all kinds; from pizza parties to office Christmas parties. Chris, Diane and Caroline are looking forward to serving Tehachapi as Pacino’s Italian Restaurant by providing great food, a fun atmosphere and outstanding service. Give them a call for all your dining needs, from take-out to delivery, or dine in and be their guests. Call 661-822-9400 and visit us at 1100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Tehachapi, CA.
At Banks Pest Control, Inc., we have provided superior pest control service to the Kern County area since 1969. Honesty and integrity are not just words on a page--they’re principles in which we believe and have built our business on. We believe in providing superior customer service and quality work.
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Small Business Showcase
Fall 2013
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Tehachapi’s Jazzercize
Tehachapi Jazzercise has been around since 1968. The current class owner is Melissa Bonner who started attending the class with her neighbor in 2003. The class owner in those days was Chris Duff, who convinced Melissa to get certified as an instructor. In 2008, Melissa became an instructor for Chris’ class. These days, Melissa teaches morning classes every weekday at EMB Martial Arts Studio and evening classes at Fitness Zone three days a week. Chris still teaches classes, too, teaching three days a week at T-Fitness. Melissa got into Jazzercise to lose weight and has lost over 120 pounds. Several of her students have lost significant weight as well. Prior to teaching Jazzercise, Melissa worked several years in the restaurant industry. She studied nutrition at Santa Barbara City College and UCSB; worked for
several restaurants; tended bar in the local area; and once spent a semester working for Julia Child. Melissa recently relocated her morning classes to the EMB Martial Arts Studio, run by Sensei Bill Laninovich and Sensei Carlow Paredes. The studio also teaches “Eclectic, Mind and Body” a unique style of Martial Arts and Thai Chi. They are located at 151 N. Mill St. Ste.# C, in Tehachapi. Jazzercise is great exercise and a lot of fun. Both men and women attend. Beginners need not be shy; it is just like learning to ride a bike – one Jazzercise step at a time. [Everyone has a form of exercise that they prefer and in Tehachapi we are very lucky that we have so many choices. Jazzercise just happens to be one of my favorites. The first class is free so you can try it to see if you like it. What a deal! — Claudia White]
Meet the Veszepellers, Margaret and Laszlo
Cater to Your Needs! As a caterer, Margaret Veszpeller learned her craft over 20 years ago while serving as an event coordinator at Mosaic; a thriving and creative church located in Los Angeles. As it happened, when people at each event experienced the food and the ambiance, they would ask Margaret if she would cater their wedding or other important occasion. Her skills and expertise grew and culminated to include organizing a dinner for 1,000 invitees at the grand and historic Los Angeles Union Train Station. Guests were served in two shifts of 500 at the open air courtyard. The hugely successful event drew the attention of the local Marie Callender’s general
Margaret’s Catering manager, who asked her to start a catering department in his store. Margaret served happily at the three restaurant franchises for nine years before moving with her husband and two children to Tehachapi. Now, nine years after that move, she is happy to once again serve the wonderful people of Tehachapi. Margaret teams up with some of our local restaurants and venues to make special memories happen. She looks forward to helping you with your next elegant affair. [Margaret is responsible for putting together my wedding reception at the Tehachapi Moose Lodge on 12/12/12. She did an amazing job of organizing and decorating. — Claudia White]
Melissa Bonner after a sweaty morning workout. She always has a smile on her face and is always upbeat.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
A Celebration of Taste
Fall 2013
Petra
Small Business Showcase
Page 13
Tehachapi police department
by Sam White
Lune (left) and Abe, owners of Petra Mediterranean Restaurant, and Sarah Cowan. Sarah has been with Petra since shortly after opening and has since become a part of the Petra family.
Abe (Abraham) and Lune Khoury have created a special spot in Tehachapi. It is hard to imagine Tehachapi without them and it has only been six years that they have been our neighbors. Yes they are celebrating their sixth year and wish to thank all their customers for their loyalty and support.... Petra Mediterranean Restaurant is successful in keeping the costs down and their customers delighted. They offer casual family style dining with everything fresh and made to order. Their menu includes food from all over the Mediterranean. Petra Mediterranean Restaurant has delightful and inexpensive food including: tabouleh, dolmas; sandwiches (meat ball, eggplant parmesan and philly cheese steak); wraps (falafel, dolma, veggie, lamb-beef shawerma or kefta kebab); many kebab choices; salads (Greek, Mediterranean, couscous, tabouleh, tzatziki and antipasto); pastas (ravioli, spaghetti and lasagna); drinks (Turkish coffee, mint tea, wine and beer); and a wide variety of desserts, like baklava and cakes. Keep in mind that this only lists a very limited selection of their menu. In addition to the delightful menu items, Petra also has a great variety of grocery items on the shelves. Coffee, specialty teas, pickles, olives, sesame tahini, extra virgin olive oil, cucumbers in brine, apricot/fig/ morello cherry and other flavors of jams. The selection goes on and on and is not limited to just foods on the shelves – caring unique Mediterranean items that you won’t find in a regular grocery store. If you cannot find it in the deli case or on the shelves, ask Abe or Lune and they will special order it for you. Petra Mediterranean Restaurant provides an opportunity to enjoy a taste of something different than any other eatery in the area. Abe and Lune have over 18 years of experience in restaurant management. Their homeland is the Mediterranean, and they have perfected the art of Mediterranean food to the point that at least one experienced
traveler – Frank Stibor – writes, “I’ve traveled to Israel, Egypt, Greece and Turkey and I can truly testify that the food at Petra is truly authentic.” Most of the menu items are prepared totally from scratch (Okay they do not press their own olive oil, but you get my drift). If you have restrictions to your diet – or if there are no restrictions – this is a great place to try exotic and delightful eats. No butter, just extra virgin olive oil; organic ingredients whenever possible; many choices for the vegetarian or even vegan diets with a variety of gluten free dishes; and Turkish coffee or mint tea combined with a dessert of baklava may help satisfy the palette and complete the meal. Petra remodeled and expanded three years ago, complete with new tables and chairs and created a full restaurant. This fall they will be expanding again, adding more kitchen space and additional seating. Currently they have space to accommodate gatherings, meetings, birthday parties and other events – with seating for up to 45 people. Petra also offers catering services. From informal gatherings with just a few friends to weddings, the Petra Mediterranean Restaurant is staffed and equipped to meet your needs. If you are in the Tehachapi area and would like to order ahead or information about their catering services, please give them a call at 661-822-1900. Now that fall and cooler weather are approaching one must try the “soup of the day” delights. Each day Lune makes up a pot of delicious soup that will keep you coming back for more. The food isn’t all that’s great about Petra. They have a warm and friendly atmosphere where you always feel welcomed. Whether you are enjoying a quick lunch , an evening with friends and family, Petra Mediterranean Restaurant will prove a memorable and satisfying experience.
The building currently housing the Tehachapi police department is inadequate but not for long. Superintendent Gary Manning (standing left) and Project Manager Grant Dunlap (standing right) of Aspen Builders watch the compaction of footings for supports for the new Tehachapi Police Department headquarters on E. C St. The building under renovation was built in the 1950s as a garment factory. “It’s a good solid structure,” Manning said. Above, light shines through a hole made for the roof skylight that will give more natural light to the building. Renovation began July 18 and is scheduled to be completed in one year. Photo by Forde Files.
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Small Business Showcase
Fall 2013
The Forde Files
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Business 2
New wine tasting room awaits county OK
Rendering of the wine tasting room planned for the Dorner Family Vineyard in the southeast corner of Cummings Valley. The Kern County Planning Commission will hear the application Oct. 10.
Above, the sunny Reisling grapes. Center, Michele and Mike Dorner on the Cummings Valley property they have developed by hand for 23 years. Right, rich purple Zinfindel grapes ripe for harvest. Lower photos: Resting with the wine tasting room plans, a bottle carrying the Dorners’ first label name, Oak Creek Vineyard, they can’t use because the trademark investigation revealed that another vineyard already had it. Their new trademark name is Quercia di Valle (Valley of the Oak). Center, a friendly buck and his family are kept from the vines with an eight-foot deer fence. Right, Mike Dorner tests the fermentation In the southeast corner of Cummings process of their Reisling crush. Grape photos by the Valley, Mike and Michele Dorner cultivate Dorners’ son, Adam, a film animator whose work 500 vines on their 20 acres of lushly includes “The Life of Pi.” Rendering of the buiilding forested property that Mike has planted courtesy of Mike and Michele Dorner.
By Tina Fisher Forde Three vineyards in the Tehachapi area are just emerging with their first bottlings and a renewed promise that growers may yet gain a coveted Appellation d’Origine Controlle Tehachapi trademark. The appellation requires 80 acres under cultivation, and there’s a long way to go, but the Tehachapi area appears to be evolving into a wine-tasting hot spot. With due homage and appreciation to award-winning Bob and Patty Souza of Souza Family Vineyard –the original planters, the groundbreakers who plowed ahead when experts told them wine grapes couldn’t grow in Cummings Valley – and Chuck McCollough of Triassic Legacy Vineyard, the newer growers have big plans.
with more than 600 trees in 52 varieties over the course of 23 years. Their Reisling harvest last year yielded five quarts and received rave reviews, Mike said, and they plan to enter international competitions. They do their own testing, crushing, fermenting and bottling. “It started as a hobby for our personal use,” Michele said. “We were inspired by Bob and Patty Souza. They have been our mentors.” The Dorners have completed plans for a 40-by-72-foot tasting room to be built in the Tuscan style. “We spent three months in Europe in 2009,” Michele said. They liked the German wines and the Italian architecture. Their tasting room will be the third in Cummings Valley. The tasting room plans, which include four guest cottages set among the oaks, are in the hands of the Kern
County Planning Commission, awaiting a decision on a Conditional Use Permit. They are preparing their landscaped property for weddings and events. Weddings already are booked for spring. Grower Cliff Meridth also hopes to build a wine tasting room one day (see story this page). Across the valley on State Route
202, Ilda Vaja of Cerritos and business partner Mary Sigler planted 900 Malbec vines in 2011. This year is their first full harvest. Vaja said that her native country of Argentina is the world’s best producer of Malbec. This year they planted Tempranillo, a Spanish red. “Most of the famous wineries in Argentina are owned by women,” she said. She is happy to be part of the growing wine culture in Tehachapi. “We all promote each other to help make Tehachapi a wine destination.”
Fire chief’s vines get tough love
“Let ‘em get big and strong,” Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Cliff Meridth said of his 4.6 acres of Reisling, Syrah and Cabernet vines on his 25-acre property on Highline Road. “This is a harsh area. To get your best wines you want your plants to struggle. The harder you make them work, the better the flavor.” His first harvest in 2012, bottled in Camarillo under Meridth’s Autumn Leaves label, proves the point (Forde Files lacks the wine connoisseur’s words to describe it, but the Reisling is crisp and smooth and wonderful). Meridth makes his vines work hard by keeping them trimmed until the stalks are thick, discarding the first crops. He prunes them so they grow vertically. He plans to enter competitions next year and hopes to establish a wine tasting room. “I like to grow things,” he said. He first planted grapevines in 2009.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Small Business Showcase
Page 15
Articles and photos by Tina Fisher Forde www.FisherFordeMedia.com fordefiles@aol.com © Tina Fisher Forde 2013
Shedding light on local issues.
New play place!
Tehachapi economic snapshot In the second quarter of 2013, Kern County generated $15.72 billion in real personal income, $110 million more than the previous quarter. The rate of unemployment dropped to 11.8 from 14.2 percent. Below the county average, the rate of unemployment averaged 6.5 percent in Ridgecrest, 7.2 percent in Tehachapi, 8.0 percent in Bakersfield, and 9.0 percent in California City. The housing market continued its recovery. The county’s median sales price for all residential units appreciated $16,200 (or 10.6 percent) from $153,000 to $169,200. In Bakersfield, the median housing price appreciated $10,600 (or 6.1 percent) from $172,700 to $183,300. – From the Kern Economic Journal By Abbas P. Grammy, Professor of Economics, California State University, Bakersfield, Calif.
Unemployment rate of cities in Kern County, Q 1 and 2 Location Ridgecrest Inyokern Tehachapi Bakersfield California City Rosamond Frazier Park Wofford Heights Taft
Unemployment Rate (%) 6.5 6.9 7.2 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.1 11.0 11.3
Location
Unemployment Rate (%)
Oildale Mojave Lake Isabella Shafter Lamont Wasco McFarland Delano Arvin
12.2 12.9 13.6 20.6 20.7 21.4 24.1 29.4 30.5
Note: City-level data are not adjusted for seasonality and “informal” market workers.
Kern County housing prices, first and second quarters, 2013 Location
Median Price 2013.2 $169,200 $183,300 $158,200 $140,900 $129,100 $82,300 $171,500
Median Price 2013.1 $153,000 $172,700 $129,700 $134,200 $127,200 $63,100 $160,600
Price Change ($) 2013.2 to 2013.1 $16,200 $10,600 $28,500 $6,700 $1,900 $19,200 $10,900
Price Change (%) 2013.2 to 2013.1 10.6% 6.1% 22.0% 5.0% 1.5% 30.4% 6.8%
Just a few odds and ends and a digital menu board are left to finish on the remodeling of the McDonald’s© on Hwy. 202 Kern County at Tucker Road , owner Maryann Paciullo said on Sept. 18. Bakersfield The restaurant features more seating, big windows for a feeling spaciouness, new decor and a brand new Play Place, Delano which, if bubbling, laughing children are any indication, is Ridgecrest a great success. The play area is more open so parents can see where their children are (remember wondering if your Rosamond kid will ever emerge?]. Paciullo said Ronald McDonald will Taft appear at the grand opening Oct. 11. Shown, top, Ashley Febrow, 7, on new play equipment; below, her brother Tehachapi Zachary Febrow, 9, on the game monitor that can be Note: The dramatic housing price changes in Delano and Taft are a reflection of the low number of houses sold. played in eight languages.
City seeks builder, operator for motocross complex
The city of Tehachapi has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to construct and operate a motocross complex at the Rodeo Grounds and Event Center. Included in the master plan is a site for a 13-acre motocross facility capable of attracting a supporting thousands of riders and visitors each year. The city will provide the property, water and sewer, unpaved and unstriped roads, parking areas, oversight and dirt. The contractor will provide an adult track, a pee wee track, track perimeter fencing, equipment, manpower and maintenance of all areas besides roads and parking, operations, advertising and marketing, safety policies and procedures, insurance and indemnity, schedule of events, sponsorships, bleachers, necessary buildings, overall site layout with track design and construction, signage. The complex must be open a minimum of four days a week, host a minimum of four motocross-related events a year and provide a percentage of the parking fees, admission and registration/entry fees to the city. Submit proposals by 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 at City Hall, 115 South Robinson St., Tehachapi, Calif. 93561.
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Small Business Showcase
Fall 2013
RST Crane
RST Cranes Inc is owned by Rick and Sonya Torres since 2003, a husband and wife team located here in Tehachapi. Rick came to Tehachapi from the Lancaster - Quartz Hill area to take care of his father. He was employed by Zond Systems and – years later – with a wind turbine company called Sea West Energy, where he began operating cranes alongside of his many years of experience on wind turbines. Ricks interest in cranes led him to working for a crane company and then owning his own. Sonya comes from a family of entrepreneurs and with that experience runs and manages the office. She has lived in the Tehachapi area since 1978. The whole staff at RST Cranes operates, maintains and schedules the company’s crane service and their equipment. RST provides a modern fleet of cranes with CCO licensed operators and the company is committed to providing a safe, high quality and personal care with their crane service to their customers. This is a company that believes in their community and country and is available to assist wherever and whenever they are needed. RST volunteers their crane to raise and fly our American flag in support of our armed forces and in national and local events. RST and their family members really enjoy participating in our local parades and
Thrity-One Years of Hardware Fun by Sheila Zanghi
Our Community
RST and their family members really enjoy participating in our local parades and festivals volunteering their personal time and artistic skills in creating colorful and heartfelt floats and displays. Mountain Festival this year was no exception celebrating 50 years of festivals.
festivals volunteering their personal time and artistic skills in creating colorful and heartfelt floats and displays. RST Cranes would like to thank Jack & Jenny Dressel for their support and believing in us to start RST Cranes along with our family & friends. RST would also like to thank all of their customers for their support and for the opportunity to be able to serve them with their lifting needs.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Every year my husband Don says, “We’ll be here another three years.” Of course, it used to be, “We’ll be here for five years.” Now it is “three years” and has been so for a while. I figure at this rate we will retire around the time our grandchildren, currently ages one and two, are graduating from college. Trouble is, Don and I love our customers and we enjoy helping our neighbors with their home repair and home improvement projects. Besides, Don would drive me crazy if we retired. Over the last 31 years we have become the destination for you, our do-it-yourselfers, handymen and pros, because we know your time is too valuable to waste on wandering the aisles of forest-sized box stores in search of products or to track down someone who knows about your project. Our employees can help you with any project. In the event they don’t know they have only have to ask a senior sales person such as Mike, Aleshia, and Jeff – who has been here for an accumulated 20 years – or Don, who has been in the business over 50 years. I have been in the hardware business for 31 years myself – amazing how time flies. Our mantra is to find the easiest and most cost-effective solution to the customer’s home improvement problem. When a customer first moves into our community from a big city they don’t know how to react when they come into our store.
Pioneer True Value They are so used to the high-pressure tactics and poor advice and poor service from where they came from that it takes at least three visits for them to understand we are on their side. About the fourth visit they are asking for and taking our advice knowing we will make their project as painless as possible. We have personally used almost every product in the store and know what to recommend. In some cases our customers have asked us to order their favorite products in and we test those products and they become an item we work into our inventory offering. We offer many services like new custom screens, rescreening, knife and scissor sharpening, chain saw sharpening, chain saw chain fabrication, key duplication, rekeying locks, lumber milling, glass cutting, pipe cutting and threading. People are always amazed at how many items we can pack into our store. I tell them if they don’t see it, ask. Chances are very good that we have it or can special order it. Many times I have had customers surprised that we have exactly what they need especially after they had looked high and low elsewhere for the product. My advice – start here first. Our mission is to get you in and out quickly with the right products and the right information so you can complete your project and get on with the fun stuff. Start right. Start here.
Kyle and Annabelle were serious when testing the quality of their sandbox made from Pioneer True Value products by their Grandpa Zanghi. Photo provided by Pioneer True Value.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Know What to do in an Emergency by Marty Pay MBA, CLU, LUTC-F
Fall 2013
Marty Pay Insurance
Meet the team at Marty Pay Insurance from left to right: Marissa Sovell, Becky Bourland, Marty Pay, Cindy Reniche and Ginger Patz
One thing our recent fires did was remind us all how important it is to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster! The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has some great tips on what to do in case of a fire on their website. Practice Escaping From Every Room in the Home: If possible have two ways to get out of every room. If the primary exit is blocked by smoke, you’ll need a second way out. Security Bars: In the event of a fire they can become a trap! Make sure safety windows and doors have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in the event of an emergency! Immediately leave the home: If your home is on fire do not waste any time saving property. If you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. Never open doors that are hot to the touch: When you come to a closed door use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob and any cracks between the door and the door frame. Make sure fire is not on the other side of the door! If it
feels hot to the touch it’s time to use your secondary exit! Designate a meeting place outside: Designate a meeting place that everyone is familiar with, or designate a friend or relative out of the area that everyone knows to call and check in with (and this one applies to earthquakes as well)! Once out, stay out: Escape first and never re-enter a burning building. If someone is missing, alert the firefighters they’re equipped to handle rescues if necessary. Smoke Alarms: Make sure working smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home. Test them monthly to make sure the batteries are working and replace them at least once a year. Have your valuable papers in one location were you can grab them in one motion as you’re headed out the door. Remember, things can be replaced but you can’t! [Marty has been a Farmers Agent for 33 years, 23 of those here in Tehachapi. He has also been a Chairman of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce.]
Canine Creek Grand Opening
Canine Creek Pet Wash & Boutique owner Susie Atherton was joined by Chamber Directors Kathy Carey, Claudia White and Tammy Wallace; Chamber Ambassadors Cathy Criger, Kathleen Kline, Tina Larson, Dean Markham, Heather Pardus and Chamber President Ida Perkins for the Grand Opening/ Ribbon Cutting of their new location on Monday, April 22, 2013. Canine Creek Pet Wash & Boutique is located at 798 Tucker Rd., Ste. #5 . For more information call 661-822-0307 or stop by and say hello.... Congratulations Susie Atherton! [ P.S. – The Loop wants to also acknowledge the wonderful energy and presence of Susie. Over the years she has contributed greatly to our welfare and brought Facebook alive for our community, when it was just in it’s infancy. She is always willing to help and we hope the community takes the time to go in and visit her amazing new location. Thanks again Susie for all you do. ]
Beauty Professionals
Small Business Showcase
The beauty professionals at Merle Norman cosmetics, salon, spa, and beauty supply have had the pleasure of serving Tehachapi for over 21 years. We would like to thank our amazing clients, whom we value tremendously, for supporting our local business, and making us love what we do even more. We put our clients first so you will look and feel beautiful while you have fun doing so. Our goal is to make you feel even more fantastic walking out our door than walking in. Merle Norman is the only salon in Tehachapi that is truly a one stop shop. We carry cosmetics that are family owned and have been made in America for over 80 years. We offer top-rated skin care, beauty supply, and a wide variety of hair care products including but not limited to; Redken, Paul Mitchell, Kenra and Matrix. Our Reception staff is cordial and helpful to make sure all your needs are met, and that’s
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Merle Norman just the beginning! Our Salon offers a full menu of services from hair, nails, massage, hot stone therapy, reflexology, facials, and waxing to airbrush tanning, ear piercing, and makeovers. We only use the highest quality products and have licensure from top academies. Our team at Merle Norman is committed to a high level of excellence and never stops improving. We attend trade shows and professional classes to learn from the best in the world, stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, fashion, and further our knowledge of the beauty industry to keep our clients fabulous. We owe our success to you, our wonderful current and future clients. Beauty is our business! Conveniently located on the corner of Valley Boulevard and Tucker Road, we invite you to come in and enjoy a Merle Norman experience that you’ll love.
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Small Business Showcase
Dust Bunnies Beware! New Merry Maids Owner Jennifer McMahan and her crew are on a mission to get the job done! McMahan has owned the business since July 2009, but has been involved in the company for fourteen years. She started out at Granada Hills California Merry Maids in 1999 as a Teammate, was promoted to Team Captain – then office assistant, estimator, moved in June 2006 to Ridgecrest to be a manager and now has become the owner! She takes her job very seriously and guarantees customer satisfaction. The Merry Maids Franchise is worldwide in offering quality residential cleaning services. Jennifer’s franchise covers Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, Inyokern, Trona, Boron, Edwards, California City and Mojave. An initial, free, in home visit determines the
Fall 2013
Merry Maids cost of the customized cleaning, based on the size of the home, the frequency of service and the amount of work requested. Jennifer and her crew enjoy giving back to the communities they clean by participating in Relay for Life and cleaning the Southern Sierra Boys and Girls Club for free every week. They are part of CleaningforaReason. org, which offers free cleaning for women undergoing cancer treatment. Customers can schedule weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or special occasion cleaning. They also offer window cleaning and carpet cleaning. All employees are bonded, insured and have passed drug screening testing and background checks. Merrry Maids can be reached at 760-371-1428 or merrymaid1255@verizon.net
The team at Merry Maids: Keyla, Letecia, Channel, Athena, Brieann, Evvy and Jennifer.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Chamber Installs New Board of Directors and Celebrates Honorees
Senator Jean Fuller installs the 2013 executive board of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce. From left are, Kathy Carey, Tammy Wallace, Marty Pay and Claudia White. The rest of the board not pictured are Tim Kielpinski, Carl Gehricke, Phil Darling and Carolyn Wiles.
Pictured are Patty Souza, Souza Family Vineyard honored as small business of the Year, Maryann Paciullo of McDonalds for large business of the year, Bob Souza of Souza Family Vineyard and Ed Grimes Citizen of the Year.
Tehachapi Cleaning ProZ Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting
Susan Abrego owner of Tehachapi Cleaning ProZ was joined by Chamber Directors Phil Darling and Carl Gehricke; Chamber Ambassadors Cathy Criger, Tina Larson, Heather Pardus and Chamber President Ida Perkins for the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of her new office on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. Tehachapi Cleaning ProZ is located at 20725 South St, #7 . For more information stop by or give Susan a call at 821-2532. Congratulations Susan!!
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Downright Good Massage
The Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum The Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum is open to the public Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friendly and informative docents are always on hand to answer visitor questions and conduct special tours. The Depot facility is also available for rental. Thus far many civic and cultural organizations have celebrated special occasions at the Depot. In addition, weddings, birthdays, and class reunions have also taken place at the train museum. The central downtown location makes the Depot a convenient place to hold that special event. General admission to the Depot is free which makes it one of Tehachapi’s most family-friendly
Small Business Showcase
destinations. Managed by the all - volunteer Friends of the Tehachapi Depot (FOTD), the Railroad Museum offers educational tours to area schools in order to convey a sense western history and the role of railroads in that history. During the Christmas Season, Santa visits the Depot on the first three Saturdays in December, in order to receive gift requests and have pictures taken with Tehachapi children. The Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum is the jewel of our region and the heartbeat of our city. So bring your family and friends and enjoy a unique experience!
Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of Moses Master Carpet on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. Moses Master Carpet is located at 110 E. Tehachapi Blvd. For more information stop by or give them a call at 822-6959. Congratulations to Moshe (Moses) and Adrianne Mizrache!
April of 1989 saw the opening of my massage practice, Tehachapi Therapeutic Massage. This journey began in the fall of 1988 when I enrolled in a massage course at the Institute for Holistic Studies in Ventura, CA, completed and was Certified in March of 1989. I had wanted to learn and practice massage therapy ever since receiving my first ever massage in 1982, finding it such a profound physical, mental and emotionally healing experience - especially during a bout with deep depression in 1984. Knowing there is so much pain in this world in all those areas, and knowing what a healthful benefit it would be for so many, I wanted and resolved to be of help in this manner. It has been a very rewarding experience for not only my grateful customers, but also definitely for myself. Prior to this I had no career or business background, other that a six-year stint at a school in Bakersfield and a few local jobs, spending most of my time with my family in Sand Canyon. I enjoy the local Main Street activities, and am very grateful for how their efforts have revived our downtown from the deterioration I had been witnessing during the years prior to their coming on the scene. First Fridays are a favorite, but I participate in many others. A local openminded discussion group, Spiritwind, which meets at our Community Congregational Church has been an ongoing activity, among others, for the personal and spiritual growth it offers. Reading is another favorite
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Therapeutic Message
pastime. and I love this arts-minded community. Music also abounds, and many local groups get my attention. I appreciate the Tehachapi Symphonic Orchestra and participate with them via the Symphonic Chorus. This massage “work” has exceeded my expectations and I still love it - and all my clients, from whom I have learned so much! If you have had a massage before, do you remember how you felt during and afterward? Maybe it’s time to remind yourself. If you have never had a massage, maybe it’s time to come and experience what those who have, are talking about!
Monument Commercial Insurance Agency owner Dean Markham was joined by locals for the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of their new office on Thursday, October 18, 2012. Monument Commercial Insurance Agency is located at 122 E Tehachapi Blvd, Ste 7 For more information stop by or give Dean a call at 952-9153. Congratulations Dean!!
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Small Business Showcase
Fall 2013
You Can Count on Witts! by Paul Orr
For the past 25 years, Witts has been providing Tehachapi and surrounding communities with a large variety of office products, but they are about much more than just selling supplies. Yes, they belong to an important worldwide buying group known as “Independent Stationers” giving them more purchasing power than even big box stores and allowing them to offer very competitive prices. Yes, they have over 40,000 items which can be available in just one day. They do have direct partnerships with many manufacturers…something that gives them the opportunity to pass on even more savings to their customers. It’s certainly true that they offer a great variety of topquality office furniture (from desks, filing cabinets and storage shelves to complete cubicles and executive office set-ups) , fast and competitive printing services, Shipping and shipping supplies (they use Fed Ex, UPS and USPS), a wide variety of gifts for all occasions and a great inventory of computer supplies. This is all true, but what sets Witts apart from the competition is their absolute commitment to the best in customer service. They offer free next day delivery to our community; they’ll give you help in planning your office with their ‘Planning Solutions’ service, offering delivery and installation, project management, ergonomic consultation and space planning…in fact, they go out of their way to understand the individual needs of their customers with every aspect of the services they offer. You’ll
have the help of their trained professional staff who are experts at coming up with creative solutions to all of your needs. Speaking of needs: Did you know that Witts offers a wedding gift registry for that special day? Did you know that they print wedding invitations, offer custom party favors and bridal shower gifts? Also, while we’re on the subject of printing, if you are starting a business, or are already in full operation, Witts has a full line of printed materials that will help you achieve, or maintain, success. You can purchase envelopes, business cards, letterhead, carbonless forms, brochures, newsletters (there is a folding and mailing service to go with them!) and all kinds of promotional materials from pens to sticky notes to full color calendars…. to mention only a few of the materials they offer! How do you order from Witts? Nothing to it! Just go online to Wittsonline.com and go to the Ordering tab (you need to be a Witts business customer to order online, and you do get special pricing!). You can also FAX your order or simply call it in on the phone. Just be sure to download the credit application on the same page to make your buying experience at Witts a little more convenient. Don’t forget: Witts, being an integral part of our community, supports the community in many ways. Just give them a call if you have any questions about this, or any other information you read here. Their phone number is 661-822-6760. The store is located at 20437 Brian Way in Tehachapi, just north of Route 202.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Your Friendly Kelcy’s Restaurant Staff
Pictured left to right: Martha, Mary, Shelly, Kathy and Christina. It is always a pleasure to visit the women at Kelcy’s as they always have a smile to great you. Kelcy’s is the the oldest restaurant in town being started in 1933 by Vaughn Squires. On April 1, 1969 it became Kelcy’s. It is a place where locals and well as visitors are welcome. Daughter Kathy has managed the restaurant for the past several years. Over the years they have amassed quite a collection of photos and objects depicting the history of Tehachapi and its people. They invite you to enjoy their displays while you are there. Photo by Harriet Clendenin.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Skinovative Face & Body Acne Clinic
Donita White, owner and sole proprietor of Skinovative Face & Body, is a Registered Nurse, Licensed Esthetician, and Certified Acne Specialist. She stays current regarding issues of professional skincare through attendance of classes offered by Face Reality Acne Clinic, the Physician’s Care Alliance, the International Dermal Institute, Eminence Organic Skincare, Glo Therapeutics and Bio Elements. She graduated from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1979 and Federico’s Career College in 2009. It was later in the same year when she attended an acne class taught by Laura Cooksey, an esthetician in San Leandro, California, who has specialized in the successful non-prescriptive skincare treatment of acne since 1990. Laura developed her expertise by studying with renowned dermatologist, James E. Fulton Jr., M.D., Ph. D., who only recently passed away. Dr. Fulton, who also suffered through acne, founded Acne Health Care Centers International and the non-profit Acne Research Institute. He also authored Acne Rx and co-developed Retin-A, as well as brought Benzyl Peroxide to the arsenal for acne care. Donita became a Face Reality Certified Acne Specialist in 2009. Donita was born in Savannah, Georgia, and grew up in the small Midwestern town of Knoxville, Iowa. Following High School graduation she worked on a Liberal Arts degree at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, before moving to Des Moines in pursuit of a nursing education. Upon graduation from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, she landed a nursing job that would be the love of her life (career-wise) for many, many years in Labor and Delivery. It was while traveling in Mexico the winter of 1979 that she met the man who was destined to become her husband, and father
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Moessner Farms
of their two children. Jessica was born in 1982 and Eric followed, in 1988. John passed away following a year long battle with cancer, in 2008. Both adult children remain in Bakersfield. Donita is the proud Nana to Jessica’s four children: Brandon, Aubrey, Briana and Kaleb. She is cat-mom to Moe and Blackface. A Bakersfield resident for 33 years, Donita moved to Tehachapi a little over a year ago. Locally she specializes in effective clear skin treatment within Natural Health Massage & Spa, located at 20041 Valley Blvd., Ste #3 in Golden Hills, Tehachapi. A young acne sufferer herself, it has become her passion to offer an alternative and proven successful mode of skincare treatment for acne – a protocol that is 95 percent effective when carefully followed. She doesn’t claim that this will be a quick and easy fix, but can assure her clients it will be worthwhile. Donita combines bimonthly acne treatments with non-poreclogging, non-prescriptive products for a customized homecare regimen specific to each individual’s skin type and acne type. A skin assessment and consultation precedes the first acne skincare treatment. Treatments are determined by specific client needs and tolerances, but will always focus on exfoliation, with extractions of existing acne impactions. Sometimes the need will be greater for hydration, while at other times it will need more anti-inflammatory, antibacterial action. This is not a one-size-fits-all skincare protocol. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 661-805-9575.
Amazing Sandwiches and Much, Much More Since 1980 Moessner Farms has been located just outside the Bear Valley Springs gate in beautiful Cummings Valley. Founded by Paul and Ursula Moessner, it is now being run by Mike Moessner and his wife, Julia and the continued help from Paul and Ursula themselves. Also assisting at the farm are Eric Moessner, stepson Grant Holloway and part-time helpers Caylee Huckabay, Kevin Lowder, Agi Lowder and Natalia Tapia. The Moessner family has been farming in Tehachapi for over 30 years and they grow a large variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and they can a delicious variety of jams and jellies made from farm fresh ingredients. You can also find
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sauerkraut, pickled beets and pickles. Moessner Farm is also open for lunch serving unique and delicious sandwiches at a reasonable price. Signature sandwiches include a classic Rueben with toasted rye bread, lean pastrami, Swiss cheese, homemade sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing; Harvest Turkey melt with cranberry wasabi mayo; and California Pastrami with Parmesan cheese-toasted sourdough bread with lean pastrami, cheddar cheese, green chili pepper and habanero mayo/. These are just a few of the mouthwatering choices. Moessner Farms also offers fresh baked pastries such as apple strudel; cherry, berry, apple or apricot fruit puffs; shortbread cookies and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, just to name a few. Right now they are harvesting some of the best vine ripened tomatoes you will ever eat. Moessner Farms is located at 25000 Bear Valley Rd. (just before the Bear Valley Springs gate). You can see their full menu and other information about the farm at their website: www.MoessnerFarms.com. The Farm House restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for lunch. The fruit stand is open every day from 10- 5 p.m. and is located on Bear Valley Road between the BVS gate and Cummings Valley School from July through December. Call the farm at 661-821-6272 or Mike Moessner at 661-477-9058 for more information.
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Small Business Showcase
The Best Scott’s Auto Full Service Body Automotive Collision Repair Facility
Scott’s Auto Body Inc., located at 117 E. H St., Tehachapi, was started in 1983 by Scott Richmond. Today Scott’s Auto Body Inc. is owned and operated by his son, Philip Richmond, who carries on the tradition of a full service automotive collision repair facility. Our team of highly skilled I-Car Gold certified technicians are continually trained to keep up with the advancement of automobile technology. At Scott’s Auto Body Inc., we are so sure of our work and want you, the customer, to be 100 percent satisfied, that we offer a written lifetime warranty for all repair work performed by us as long as you own your vehicle. Whether you are in need of minor cosmetic repairs, a wheel alignment, suspension work, or major body repairs;
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Scott’s Auto Body Inc. works hard to provide a stress-free repair experience. We welcome all insurance company’s. We know it is your choice where you get your vehicle repaired and we thank the Community of Tehachapi for choosing us. As a member of the Tehachapi Business Community, we adhere to a strict Code of Ethics of honesty, integrity, safety and craftsmanship. Continually following this Code of Ethics is what has allowed us to grow over the last 30 years, and will allow us to continue serving the Tehachapi Community for the next 30 years and beyond. Stop in for your Free Estimate. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 661-822-4432 to schedule an appointment.
For All Your Drapes, Blinds Decorating Needs! & Design by Charlotte
I’ve lived in Tehachapi since 1972 and enjoyed working in this business for over 30 years. Specializing in complete Window Fashions for your home, and commercial buildings. I carry a wide variety of blinds, shutters and custom draperies and offer professional installation. I have been fortunate to have had the same installer for many years. The industry is constantly changing. I have been staying on-trend with style, color and textures while meeting the needs of my customers with energy efficiency being a very important factor. Whether you are looking for
something contemporary, something timeless, or in between, a wide array of options allow you to customize your practical needs and personal design goals in the comfort of your own home. I carry a wide assortment of fabrics that can easily compliment an entire room. The Lightweave Solar Shades are very popular in this area. They maintain your exterior view while blocking UV rays and minimizing glare. Solar Shades offer many style options and a variety of openness levels. It has been a pleasure working with Tehachapi residents. I have had many repeat customers and would like to thank you all for your continued support!
“We Do It All!” State of California
LICENSED SMOG CHECK
661-822-1100
410 West “J” St. - Tehachapi Mon-Fri 8-6pm, Sat. 9-4pm
INSPECTION and REPAIR STATION
Richard All Major Credit Cards & ATM accepted
your Complete Auto Care Facility
Chamber Directors Kathy Carey and Carl Gehricke; Chamber Ambassadors Kathleen Kline, Tina Larson and Heather Pardus and Chamber President Ida Perkins joined Amanda Woolley at the Grand Opening of her new salon Cutting Edge on Monday, June 10, 2013. Cutting Edge Hair Salon is located at 20725 South St. For more information cal1 661-822-1656. Congratulations Amanda!
Bring a non-perishable food item to our shop for the Salvation Army and we’ll give you $10 OFF a smog inspection, including the certificate.
10.oo
$
OFF!
No Hidden Costs!
Must present coupon before invoicing
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
More Than Just Auto Repair Richard Traugh and his team provide knowledgeable care for autos, trucks, tractors, vans, and even RVs. Fast service, great work, fair prices, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff... what else do you need when the subject is vehicle repair? In addition to the mechanical work they also buy, sell, trade, gold, silver, and rare coins. Richard has been involved in bullion since his childhood. It runs in his family; his father is also a collector and dealer. At Protech, their goal is to provide the best value, selection, and service in gold, silver, bullion coins and bars, in addition to the high quality of vehicle service. You take pride in maintaining your vehicle, and staying on top of all recommended service. Your vehicle has rewarded you with smooth driving for a long time. Sometimes there’s a part or system in your car that needs a little TLC. If your vehicle has a problem, bring it in for a check up, as soon as possible. Sometimes you’ll need a repair. Other times, all it takes is a little routine maintenance to get everything back in working order. Whatever care your vehicle needs, they can help. Complete auto care is what they are all about, and they have been doing it for over 16 years. There are many things that can go
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Protech wrong with your vehicle and keep you from being safe on the road. They are equipped to handle repairs on most vehicles both foreign and domestic. Whether you just need your brake pads replaced or a complete engine overhaul, they are an excellent fit for your repair needs. They will fix it right the first time and get you back on the road. Getting regular tune-ups for your vehicle is important to keeping it in good condition. However, there’s more to it than the basic lube, oil, and filter. You also need to stay on top of your tire rotation, fluid replacement, brakes, transmission, and a whole list of other item. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Come in for preventative maintenance today! Come see why no shop is as quick, qualified, or convenient as they are. Their mechanics are highly skilled, have years of experience and are ASE certified. Most of all they love cars and care about yours. Protech Auto Service provides Smog Inspection, Tune-ups, Alignments, Brakes, Shocks/struts; basically, they “Do it all”. Congratulations to Protech for being one of the “Best of Tehachapi” businesses by Tehachapi Life Style magazine. Vehicle problems? Give Protech a call at 661-822-1100 and those problems will be solved.
Richard Traugh and Bob Johnson of Protech Auto Service, in addition to vehicle mechanical work they buy, sell, trade, gold, silver, and rare coins. Photo by Sam White.
Chamber Director Carl Gehricke presented Barbara Ferrante with a Certificate of Congratulations for the 10 th Anniversary of Jake’s Steakhouse, located at 213 S. Curry St., Tehachapi, CA 93561. Over the years Barbara has maintained the quality and perfection that she has become famous for. We appreciate you being in Tehachapi for the past 10 years. Congratulations Barbara!
Jake’s Celebrates 10 Years It’s been ten years since Barbara Ferrante established her cozy dinner house on South Curry Street, which she named Jake’s, after a beloved dog. Knowing, among other things, she would include Harris Ranch Four Diamond Black Angus Beef on the menu, she wanted a simple name for her restaurant; something easy to remember. “And Jake’s rhymes with steaks,” she said. Ferrante reinvented and redefined her space from an existing restaurant. Thus, her niche as a Tehachapi restaurateur at Jake’s Steakhouse was born. Ferrante didn’t stop with the décor changes; or after the intimate booths were installed and the bar was designed and hung with sparkling glassware. She continued on the outside, creating an inviting, dog-friendly front patio space, as well as a lot of curb appeal. “Like me, many people in Tehachapi are animal lovers and I wanted to create a space where they could come and bring their dogs and sit outside in the fresh air,” she said. “Now, tourists on Tehachapi Boulevard notice the umbrellas on the patio and come down this way.” Community support, ambiance and mouth-watering repast aside, excellent service is what brings her customers back again and again. “The staff is fabulous. They all go the extra mile to make the customers happy,” Barbara said. “Most of them have been here a long time.” Jake’s staff knows that hungry Tehachapites cannot live by beef alone. The Black Angus steaks are merely part of a diverse menu that includes pastas, seafood, ribs, salads, burgers, panini sandwiches and daily soups, not to mention the specials. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dining experience for two, a feast for the whole family – with wheel chair accessibility – or a snack under an umbrella on the patio with your best friend, Jake’s Steakhouse is the place.
Drop by Jake’s at 213 So. Curry St. for lunch or dinner from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. It’s best to make reservations for parties of six or more. Call 661-822-6015 or visit Jake’s on their website at www.jakessteakhouse.net.
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Small Business Showcase
Fall 2013
Celebrating Four Stone Mountain Years in Operation Phy. Therapy by Moe Cramer Jr., PTA
Stone Mountain celebrated its four year anniversary this summer. It’s amazing how time flies! It seems like only yesterday that Dan Steinberg, MS, PT and I opened the doors. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Silke (my wonderful wife) for taking on the management of our front office and playing a major role in the everyday function of the business. Emily Lopez was a great addition assisting Silke in front and back office responsibilities. A huge boost to business took place when Julie Gonzales, MPT came aboard just over two years ago. Starting a business in today’s economic climate can be a scary endeavor, but four years ago Dan and I wanted, so badly, to be free to step out on our own and open a practice with all of the bells and whistles. A practice that strives to deliver nothing but the best to our community. Having a private practice gives the freedom to develop a product without the hassle or restriction of the corporate mentality...no requests in triplicate through the chain of command, no committees and subcommittees to approve, or more often, disapprove your requests, no watching your hard-earned revenue go to pay for huge overhead expenses instead of being used to better improve your practice. We knew chasing this dream came with its risks, mainly, what if it doesn’t work? That kind of pressure was exactly what we needed for the dream to materialize. It moved us to be even more meticulous and to put even more energy into the project. It had to work, our livelihood was at stake. Brand new building, top of the line exercise equipment, cutting edge rehabilitative technology, and the newest software for patient records. It seemed like a good recipe for success. All of the above, combined with our continued education and certifications, 90 years combined licensed experience, and proven rehabilitation techniques respected by the top orthopedic surgeons in the area have made our dreams a reality. “Did he just say 90 years combined licensed experience?” Yes I did! Of course Dan’s history takes up 49 of the combined years. I never pass up the opportunity to mention that Dan received his Certificate to Practice Physical Therapy about a week before I was born! What a pleasure being mentored by such a well-educated and knowledgeable man; US Army Veteran, UCLA graduate. Dan was
an Assistant Professor at State University of New York at Buffalo, Associate Professor at Boston University, graduate division of physical therapy, and Instructor of Kinesiology at Tufts University – He taught people how to be physical therapists. I also have the great fortune to work alongside and be mentored by Julie. She has 21 years of extensive experience in the treatment of acute and chronic orthopedic conditions, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, as well as neurological and geriatric rehabilitation. She has worked in home health, at several of the Bakersfield hospitals and at Tehachapi Hospital Rehabilitation. I received my Physical Therapist Assistant license 20 years ago, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. I began my career in health care 29 years ago as a United States Navy Corpsman where I began training in orthopedics and worked in every department of the hospital setting. I participated in fitness training in the areas of boxing, football, baseball softball, triathlons, and conditioning. My fondest memories are working with the United States Marines in Field Medical Services. After the service, I continued schooling at Calif. State University of Northridge where I finished all pre-requisites for application into the PT program. It was at that time Silke and I had our first child. We decided I hold off applying so Silke could be a stay at home mom. I received my PT Assistant License with the intention of returning to school when he went into kindergarten, but then came number 2, 3, 4, and 5. I’m grateful for my past experience as it gave me the administrative experience to run rehab departments including Tehachapi Hospital where I received the Clinical Manager of the Year Award three years running. It’s been a great ride and we continue to dream and plan to grow! Referrals from the best orthopedic surgeons and doctors in the area have been at the highest since opening. And I can’t leave out all of the ‘word of mouth’ referrals from our wonderful clients (thanks folks!) To ensure the best of care, Stone Mountain Physical Therapy uses only licensed staff, not so in other local settings. If you’re in the need of physical therapy why not choose the most experienced, knowledgeable staff in Tehachapi? We’re certain you’ll be happy you did!
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Update on the Tehachapi Murals by Charles White The Loop Mural painted on the west side of the Tehachapi Lumber Company has been deemed too damaged to repair. In a tough decision made by the Main Street Murals Committee, the mural will be removed and the wall painted to match the existing color of the building. The action was made necessary due to the deteriorating surface of the original plaster covering the bricks that were used in construction of the building when built in 1906. Subsequent coats of plaster are separating from that foundation, aggravated by vibration from trains on the nearby railroad tracks. Several local contractors and a mural restorer have looked at possible methods to restore the mural and no solution was found. The passing of the mural is a sad event for Tehachapi as it was the first mural painted in Tehachapi, by nationally known artist John Pugh. The murals were a pivotal event in bringing attention to Main Street Tehachapi and in bringing pride to the downtown area for local residents. It was also a step to help achieving the goal of a walkable downtown for residents and visitors, as outlined in the City of Tehachapi’s Downtown Master Plan. All the funds for the murals were raised through fundraisers, grants, donations and the generous help of the community. A recent assessment of all the murals has identified needed routine maintenance, touch up painting, and other minor repairs to extend
the life of the murals another five to ten years. With regular maintenance it is expected that they will endure for several more decades. A contract was awarded to local artist Lynn Bennett for cleaning of all murals and touching up of the murals as needed at this time. She has already cleaned and touched up the BeeKay, Air Mail and Native American murals. Bennett painted the Blacksmith Mural on the Moose Lodge in 2006 and also assisted with several other murals. She was the winner of the first “Mini Mural Challenge,” sponsored by Mel White, to help identify local mural artists. Mural Restorer Wayne Winieki, who investigated the condition of the Loop Mural, has applied a coating to protect the Centennial, BeeKay, and Apple Shed Murals against damaging UV sunlight and to make them easier to clean. This work was completed over Labor Day weekend. The popular Murals Brochure has been out of date for several years and is being updated to include all ten of the murals and will note that the Loop Mural was removed in 2013. In addition to the brochure, information about the murals is available in the Tehachapi Visitors Guide. Donations for restoration work and to fund future murals are welcomed. Messages for Main Street Murals can be left at 661-822-6519 or donations sent to Main Street Tehachapi, P.O. Box 830, Tehachapi, CA 93581.
A contract was awarded to local artist Lynn Bennett for cleaning of all murals and touching up of the murals as needed at this time. She has already cleaned and touched up the BeeKay, Air Mail and Native American murals. Pictured here is Lynn cleaning and touching up the Airmail mural on the Hitching Post Theater.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Small Business is a Big Source of Economic Growth
Small Business Showcase
Classes Are Free with Membership
Page 25
TFitness
by Linda Carhart
The Small Business Administration considers the definition of a small business to be any business with 500 or less employees. There are more than 28 million small businesses, and 75 percent of them have sole proprietors. The number of jobs, innovations and creativity stemming from small business has been on a steady increase and is a major factor in helping our economy grow. Tehachapi offers a variety of small, enterprising businesses. You can visit with some of these and learn about their products or services at the upcoming Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce Fourth Annual Fall Business Showcase on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at West Park Activity Center, 410 W. D St. in Tehachapi. There are many reasons that we should support small and local businesses including: Buy Local – Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other
local businesses, service providers and farms – continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250 percent more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses. Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future. Get to know your local community: You should visit our local merchants and see what they have to offer. You just might be surprised at how much you can buy locally and how many professional services and other services are available right here in Tehachapi. It will certainly save you precious time and money on travel to shop elsewhere.
Meet some of your instructors. Pictured, Left to Right: Lori Martin, Amber Lea Mitchell, Lynne Henning, Ashley Krempien, Shanan Harrell, Maria Jones, Julie Drimakis, and LeeAnn Rivera. Not Pictured are Dawn Heafner, Deanna Bailey and Christine Duff.
Tehachapi’s premier 24-hour fitness center! Come by and see what’s happening! Members have 24/7/365 access. Guests and visitors can stop by and try us out during our sign up hours. TFitness members now also have access to our gyms in Bakersfield! Feel free to get a workout done at Oildale Fitness located at 200 China Grade Loop. Your member card will give you access at both clubs! TFitness is a great addition to Tehachapi. The owners have become Tehachapi residents and plan to raise their family here. That says alot about there commitment. We would like to take a moment to introduce you to their new Director of Fitness – Amber Mitchell. They are excited to have her on board and look forward to growing with her! “Hello, my name is Amber Lea Mitchell and I am a stay at home mom, wife and striving environmentalist. I am a licensed Zumba® Basic, Zumba® Toning and Zumba Sentao™ Instructor. I fell in love with Zumba® after my daughter was born, in order to get back into shape. I achieved the results I wanted and more. I have over twenty years of experience in dance and two years in
fitness. I am pleased to announce that I am joining the TFitness family as an instructor and your new Fitness Programs Director. I look forward to meeting each and everyone of you face to face in one of your group classes. It sounds like we have a great and knowledgable group of instructors! I look forward to working with each and everyone of you.” TFitness has a full range of classes that are included in the montly fee. Here are some instructors and their specialities: • Lori Martin – Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates, Body Sculpt, Step • Amber Lea Mitchell – Director of Fitness, Zumba, Zumba® Toning • Lynne Henning – Zumba® • Ashley Krempien – Certified Personal Trainer, Body Attack, Body Combat • Shanan Harrell – Yoga • Maria Jones – Certified Personal Trainer, Body Sculpt, Pilates • Julie Drimakis – Zumba® • LeeAnn Rivera – Pilates, Step, SET, Lift • Dawn Heafner – Body Combat • Deanna Bailey – Body Attack • Christine Duff – Jazzercise Check out their Facebook page for the schedule.
This is an example of all the classes TFitness has to offer. Check them out on Facebook!
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Small Business Showcase
Fall 2013
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
A New ‘Bistro’ on the Boulevard
On The Blvd Bistro
by Mary Clyde, Wordsmith
Workers put on the finishing touches to the newly remodeled McDonald’s Restaurant. Photos courtesy of Nick Smirnoff.
McDonald’s© and Maryann Paciullo: A Long Running Tehachapi Success Story Courtesy of Nick Smirnoff
No Loop business journal would be complete without an update on Tehachapi’s long running success story, McDonald’s franchise owner and operator Maryann Paciullo. Maryann owns both McDonald’s in Tehachapi and is soon to celebrate her 19 th year as a successful local business woman. To mark this occasion she has embarked on a total re-model of her store in the Albertson’s Shopping Center. The plans called for a totally new children’s play area, additional seating, bathroom re-model, kitchen re-model and upgrade, as well as new faster drive up window lanes, with exterior painting and the addition of a rock façade; the final touch is new landscaping. Paciullo has nothing but praise for her contractors and the Tehachapi City Building Inspectors. “So often in other cities they (city inspectors) take forever to sign off on various steps of a project. This causes closure and loss of business for the
perimeter. Not so here - a phone call that we’re ready for inspection and they come right out. This has helped us to keep our store closure to a minimal two days.” Paciullo has given employment opportunities thousands of area teenagers over 19 years. Two of her success stories are still employed with her today. From counter help to cook to General Manager is Gabriel Noboa, 19 years and still employed by Paciullo. Ryan Chambers another employee is now on his 16 th year with her. We at the The Loop salute such long time success and fortitude in our business community.
Great turnout for the Grand Opening for Fastenal on Tehachapi Blvd! on May 16, 2013
Whether you’re hungry for an artisan sandwich, a salad, some soup, or a combination thereof, there’s a great, new place in town you’ll want to visit! On the Blvd Bistro, a new and “trendy” place that’s like a cross between Paneras and Sequoia, is just waiting to tempt your taste buds. Located at 106 B West Tehachapi Boulevard, (the corner of Curry Street and Tehachapi Boulevard, across from Kohnen’s Country Bakery) On the Blvd Bistro is Barbara Ferrante’s latest entrepreneurial endeavor. “The corner just cried for a business that would draw people into downtown,” Barbara said, “I wasn’t sure what might go into the space but I just knew it had to help promote downtown. So I came up with the idea of adding something new in the way of food service. We’re not in competition with Kohnen’s Bakery, and, as a matter of fact, I think our two businesses actually will compliment each another.” If you’ve been paying attention, you probably have noticed some of the outside changes, such as the covered and partially enclosed east end patio, but did you notice the fans and outdoor heater tucked inside there as well? Or what about the more open west end, and the umbrellas adding a splash of color to the outdoor seating area? There are 15 tables, allowing for seating of 60 on the patio. There will be lots of shade for those not wanting direct sunlight but
who still enjoy being outside. And for you folks who are ‘wired’ to your electronic devices, there will be free wi-fi access. In addition, the patio will be ‘dog friendly,’ as well. The inside also has seen a great transformation: 18 stool seats in front of the windows; four 55” TV screens sporting the menu, and eventually another large-screen TV will support local small business with ‘streaming’ advertising (available for only $50 a month). The inside menu will include lots of pastries, Krissy’s Cake Creations cupcakes, their version of healthy smoothies, and eventually Cadbury ice cream bars for those craving ice cream. “You can order and pay on-line with our phone app, so you are able to call ahead and just pop in, pick up your order and pop right back out,” Barbara added. If you’re “addicted” to caffeine and are looking for a latte, cappuccino, espresso or a mocha, you’ll find a selection of Milano coffees at On the Blvd Bistro as well. Responding to “why another food venture,” Barbara said, “I always need a creative outlet. But the real truth be known, I needed a second job to help support my horse habit, so I created one!“ she said laughing. (Barbara and her champion, I’ll Cowboy Up, competed in Kansas in August.)
Chamber Directors Claudia White, Phil Darling and Carl Gehricke; Chamber Ambassadors Cathy Criger, Kathleen Kline, Tina Larson, Dean Markham and Heather Pardus and Chamber President Ida Perkins joined Barbara Ferrante at the Grand Opening of her new restaurant On The Blvd. Bistro on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. On The Blvd. Bistro is located at 160-B W. Tehachapi Blvd. For more information call 661-822-1602. Congratulations Barbara!
a supplement to The Loop newspaper
Fall 2013
Small Business Showcase
Page 27
German Beer, Cupcake wine (pictured) and delicious German Chocolate are now available at Kohnen’s, along with several other unique items. Be sure to take a look around next time you visit.
Experience Kohnen’s Bakery
Congratulations to Dave’s Auto on their 30th Anniversary
by Claudia White
Just imagine you’re driving across the country traveling Hwy 58 through Tehachapi. One day you take the time to get off and drive down the main street and discover an authentic German bakery (by chance or with Yelp). They not only serve flaky pastries, but they do so much more. They have several kinds of fresh baked breads, build-your-own sandwiches, build-your-own-salad, bagels, Danish, succulent pies, cream puff, cheese cakes and the best iced tea (and coffee). They also carry German beer, Cupcake wine, German chocolate, mugs and so much more. Now, each time you drive Hwy 58, you plan to stop at the best German bakery. You even plan your trip to drive through at the proper time for either continental breakfast or lunch. We at The Loop frequent them often – it is within walking distance of the office. We like to sit outside when the season permits and visit with the patrons. We feel blessed to have such a great bakery so close. The gift shop includes the World’s Largest Beer Stein measuring four feet tall. A must see! and German American antiques.
Life would not be the same if we didn’t have Kohnen’s in our town. Thanks to the Kohnens, Thomas and Colleen, for deciding to move here and create a spot for locals and tourists alike. Tehachapi’s Oktoberfest was born from their idea ten years ago to carry on a German tradition in Tehachapi. Thank you again for the little bit of Germany you bring to us in this celebration every year, especially with the delicious Oktoberfest-only sauerkraut. Hours at Kohnen’s for this year’s Oktoberfest are 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 5 and 12. Luckily the brat wurst that they also serve during Oktoberfest is available year round. It is making me hungry just thinking about all the delights they offer. You can decide what you want when you walk in, or you can pick up one of their menus and order by phone and pick it up. Also be sure to check Yelp for a current Danish offer. Do not forget this is the place to get your German Beer and Wine. Soup is almost here starting October and going through May. Remember, hours at Kohnen’s for this year’s Oktoberfest are 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 5 and 12. They are here to serve us and they do it well.
Chamber Director Carl Gehricke presented Dave & Diane Dolan with a Certificate of Congratulation from the Chamber of Commerce along with a Certificate of Congratulations from Senator Jean Fuller. Dave’s Auto Repair has been open for 30 years and is located at 20824 South St. For more information stop by or give them a call at 661-822-6847. Congratulations Dave & Diane.
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Small Business Showcase
Joy, cheers launch hospital construction
While monster earthmoving machines have been excavating a pad for the new Tehachapi Hospital since mid-February, the official groundbreaking Mar. 28 confirmed the reality of construction for residents weary of battles, hardened by delays and skeptical of any progress. The beautiful 22.36-acre Capital Hills site, surrounded on three sides by rolling
Fall 2013
hills and grazing cattle of the Loop Ranch, was the gift of the Broome family, who own the ranch. The patriarch, John (Jack) Broome, who spearheaded the donation, died in 2009 before he could see any progress toward construction. The Hospital is on schedule and will be completed by 2015.
“This is your hospital,” Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District CEO Alan Burgess said as he invited everyone at the groundbreaking to pick up a shovel and participate. Shown, from left, (partially obscured) Tehachapi historian Del Troy, whose husband was a physician at the existing hospital; former board member who fought for the new hospital Bill Steele; Sandy Young and Susan Mueller of Stallion Springs. Above photo and story by Tina Forde
“Welcome to the new HiLightz Salon, where we keep up with the latest trends! We feature hair care for men, woman and children.” They opened in January 2013. They are located at 979 W. Valley Blvd. 823-1016. Pictured (left to right) Stephanie, Lois, and Alison. Photo by Heather Pardus
Expert Estates Grand Opening
Chamber Directors Phil Darling and Carl Gehricke; Chamber Ambassadors Kathleen Kline, Tina Larson, and Dean Markham joined Chamber President Ida Perkins for the Grand Opening/ Ribbon Cutting of Expert Estate Sales on Wednesday, July 24, 2013. See story on pg. 3.
a supplement to The Loop newspaper