2009 Small Business of The Year Volume 21, #09
Nov 12 - 22, 2011
Be included in the fun!
Tehachapi’s Favorite Source for Community News & Entertainment
FREE Take one!
www.theLoopNewspaper.com
Tehachapi woman needs your vote! Did you know that McDonald’s employs 1.6 million people globally? Did you know that McDonald’s has great opportunities for the McFamily? One such opportunity is the Voice of McDonald’s singing Competition. This contest is a way for McDonald’s to showcase the very talented crew and managers around the world. We have a semi-finalist right here in Tehachapi! Maureen Recalde is representing Southern California, one of the biggest regions in the country. Maureen is the restaurant manager at the McDonald’s in the Love’s Travel Center off of Highway 58. Maureen, along with sister Marie Recalde and brother, Mark Recalde have lived in Tehachapi since 1994. Their mom, Maryann Paciullo opened the first Tehachapi McDonald’s in September 1994.
Maureen was five years old at that time and started her school career at Golden Hill Elementary School. She attended Jacobsen Junior High, and is a 2007 Tehachapi High School graduate. She also attended UC Santa Barbara, and moved back home last summer. Tehachapi is home, and this is where Maureen wants to settle. She is engaged to her high school sweetheart, Bryan Banford. Maureen will tell you that she has been working at McDonald’s since birth, and that she has been singing since birth also. Her mom confirms both to be true. “I love Tehachapi, and I love my McJob…there is no better place to live and work than Tehachapi! Thank you for all of your support! I hope I can represent for the United States, Southern California, and Tehachapi!” says Maureen.
Maureen is one of the top 22 contestants in the United States, and it us up to YOU to help her advance to the finals! The online voting portion of the contest began on Nov. 1st and ends on Nov. 30 th. Three of the 22 U.S. semi-finalists will advance to the final round at the Worldwide McDonald’s Convention in Orlando, Florida next April, where they will compete for a variety of prizes. There will be a total of 16 global finalists, 4 from each area of the world. Please help Maureen by visiting voiceofmcdonalds.com. Click on United States and find Maureen Recalde. Click on her picture and listen to her video for 30 seconds. VOTE 5 STARS and submit your vote. Vote as many times as you can (voting is unlimited), and give her 5 stars every time. If
you don’t have internet, please visit both McDonald locations in Tehachapi. There are laptops set up in the ordering area, where you can cast your vote. Thank you for supporting our local Tehachapi winner! Let’s get her to the finals!
Inside this issue!
Find out the latest on the Performing Arts Center & the ‘Dark Sky’ ordinance • Holiday Shopping Guide • • Dining Guide • • Money Saving Coupons •
Page 2
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Inside This Issue
Page 4 Real Estate Spotlight Page 5 ‘My’ Success Consultant • The Art Studio Page 6 Lost in the Stars • Bob - the ‘Wine Guy’ Page 7-10 Adopt-A-Pet • Wrangler Round-up Horse Events • In the Dog House Page 11-12 Artist spotlights • Do-It-Yourself Debugging Page 13 Stephen Rudin • Money saving coupons Page 14-15 Shop Local for the Holidays - a guide Page 16-17 The Forde Files Page 18 Jennifer’s Thoughts ... Page 19 Happenings • Classifieds Page 20 Financial Focus • Yoga 101 • Shag said... Page 21 Day Dreams * Memories of the Mayor • A Minister’s Musing Page 22 Tilting at Windmills Part VIII Page 23 On the Bright Side • ‘I can Make That Vegan!’ Page 24-25 Business Directory • Meet Your New Neighbors Page 26 City Council Update Page 27 Mortgage Matters • The Butcher’s Wife Page 28 Holiday Dining Guide
The Loop Our next issue will be on stands: Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 Deadline is nov. 16, 2011 Sales: Heather Pardus & Jean Nasser Distribution: Adam Bailey Copy Editor: Christopher Gripkey Layout & Photography: Sam White Publisher & Layout: Claudia Henson Production Manager: Alysia Bailey
Hilltop Publishers; Home of The Loop newspaper 204 South Green St. in Downtown Tehachapi, CA 93561 www.theLoopNewspaper.com • sales@theLoopNewspaper.com Phone: 661-822-8188 • Fax: 661-822-5646 Classified Ads: Call or email. Deadline Wednesday at 4 p.m. a week before publication date. For rates please call our office. Distribution to Tehachapi, Bear Valley, Stallion Springs, Keene, Mojave, Rosamond, California City, Edwards Airforce Base, Bakersfield and Lancaster. Mailing directly to homes. The Loop has been East Kern’s guide to entertainment and local news since 2001. It is picked up and read by over 11,000 readers (22,000 monthly) and delivered to over 250 locations, two times a month. Subscriptions are available for price of mailing. Editorial Policy: Opinions of
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 the property of Hilltop Publishers.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
County planning commissioners reject Cummings Valley solar projects by Tina Forde
The Kern County Planning Commission has denied the application by San Franciscobased Recurrent Energy for the construction of two major solar energy projects in Cummings Valley. The commissioners voted 3-1 (Commissioner Brandon Martin absent/ Commissioner Ron Sprague in the minority) Nov. 10 to deny Tehachapi Solar projects 1 and 2 on the basis that the industrial use would be inconsistent with the Greater Tehachapi Area Specific Plan guidelines regarding the conversion of prime agricultural land. “We now have to prepare for a possible appeal [by Recurrent Energy] to the Board of Supervisors,” said Chuck McCollough, president of the Cummings Valley Protective Association, who spoke at the meeting. Association Vice President Chuck Boles, JoAnne Huckins, Dr. Terry Warsaw, Janice Armstrong and William Nelson also presented the case against the solar projects, which would total 315 acres. McCollough said the association was meeting on Nov. 13 to make plans to oppose an appeal. “We want to see about meeting with Grimmway to see if they want to make a
written purchase proposal [for the land],” McCollough said. The land is owned by Dick Considine. McCollough e-mailed members of the association the morning after the meeting, calling the commissioners' vote “a golden opportunity to make this work...” Each commissioner had differing objections to the project. The prospect of a diminished tax base was an issue. Chris Babcock, the commissioner for the Tehachapi area Supervisorial District 2, was concerned about the scenic impact of the solar development on the “gorgeous valley.” The Kern County Department of Planning and Community Development had recommended approval of the Tehachapi projects, which were part of a package of 10 solar projects in the county to come before the Planning Commission Nov. 10 – all recommended for approval. The commissioners sent seven of the projects to the Board of Supervisors for final approval, as they require zone changes or other amendments. They approved the Rio Grande project outright, as it required just a Conditional Use Permit, and will be able to proceed unless opponents file an appeal.
‘Helping Nicholas’
Tehachapi Mountain Trails Association
With the holidays coming around the corner it is a time in a child's life where all the toys, food, love and laughter mean everything! Nicholas Sharp, five years old, weighing 42 pounds, has T-Cell Lymphoma, viral pneumonia, and is bedridden. He is so weak and keeps running a fever. Nov. 21 he will be six years old and lets pray he will be out of the hospital to enjoy his sixth birthday. No child wants to be in a hospital on their birthday. Ann Chiarini, his home hospital teacher, is raising money and donations to help the family. Ann teaches first grade at Cummings Valley School and has been there since 1993. Nicholas is in Sharon Weaver’s first grade class, when he can be. He is at Madera Childrens hospital ‘til he gets a little better so he can be released. The family drives to Madera once a week (360 miles round trip) for his chemo. Any donations to help with propane, gas, food and dinners would be greatly appreciated. For Nicholas Sharp: Danielle Lamb 18081 Hambletonian Tehachapi, Calif. 93561 Facebook site: Pray for Nicholas
Tehachapi Mountain Trails Association is . a 501.c.3 charitable non-profit group of walkers, hikers, road bicyclists, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and outdoor enthusiasts interested in developing and preserving multiuse non motorized trails throughout the greater Tehachapi area. They will be Hosting the IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Trail Care Crew this November. On Friday Nov. 18th at 4 p.m. the Trail Care Crew will be presenting “Better Living Through Trails” in the Golden Hills Community Services District meeting room. The address is 21415 Reeves St., Tehachapi, CA 93561. After IMBA’s Better Living Through Trails presentation they plan to begin the discussion of creating a cohesive greater Tehachapi area trails plan. They have confirmation so far from Kern County supervisor Scrivner’s office, Kern County Parks, possibly Kern County Roads, Golden Hills CSD, Stallion Springs CSD, Alpine Forest Board, possibly Bear Valley CSD, City of Tehachapi, Tehachapi Recreation and Parks Dept, and the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. The IMBA Trail Care Crew will be putting on their trail skills college the next day Nov. 19 th in the same meeting room at 9 a.m. with the hands on portion to take place in Tehachapi Mountain Park that afternoon. The sign up page is here:www.imba.com/ look for our event information page. For more information contact 661-337-0594.
The Loop is on Holiday schedule until the End of the Year
Please note: Due to Thanksgiving and Christmas the Loop will be published on Tuesdays till the end of the year. Deadline for our Nov. 22 edition will be Nov 16 by 5 p.m. for advertising. News releases will be Friday Nov. 18 by Noon. Deadline for our Dec. 6 edition will be Nov 30 by 5 p.m. for advertising. News releases will be Friday Dec. 2 by Noon. Deadline for our Dec. 20 edition will be Dec. 14 by 5 p.m. for advertising. News releases will be Friday Dec. 16 by Noon. We’ll be back to our regular schedule in January.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Sharing & Caring Thrift Store Relocates by Susan Palm
The Tehachapi Sharing & Caring Thrift Store has a new home! They have leased a five bedroom house at 203 S. Pauley. It is located at the corner of South Pauley and West F streets. Although the new building remains about the same size as the former store, the multiple rooms will allow for better organization of items for sale. Sharing and Caring Thrift Store is managed by Ada Snapp and run by approximately twenty volunteers. Their volunteering efforts give back to the Tehachapi community in a variety of ways. The store
offers gently used items at an affordable cost. The profits provide families in need with rent or utility aid. Sharing and Caring also gives food baskets and Christmas toys and more to our community members who need a helping hand throughout the year. You can support the Thrift Store and give back to our community by shopping at their store. The hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. You can drop off tax-deductable donations at their new location. For more ways to help call 661-822-3001.
Eleventh Annual Christmas Parade
The Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather. On Saturday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce is planning the 11th Annual Christmas parade “The Magic of Christmas”. The Parade route will be down F Street, beginning at Mulberry Street. Following the Parade there will be a Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum. This event is planned so the community can gather together for visiting old friends, making new friends, drinking hot chocolate, watching the parade, sharing a meal, enjoying the lights, singing carols, strolling from business to business doing Christmas Shopping. This is to be an exciting holiday
event filled with community spirit for all ages. Wouldn’t a few snowflakes complete the magic? Last year’s parade was such a success that you don’t want to miss out on this year’s event! Parade Applications are available at the Chamber Office, 209 E. Tehachapi Blvd. or at www.tehachapi.com. Deadline for applications is Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 at 4 p.m. In order to make the parade successful, it takes volunteers. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to be a part of the parade committee. Contact the Chamber office at 661-822-4180 for more information. All volunteers are welcome.
Supervisor Scrivner Appoints
Gayle Stewart to the TVRPD Board Second District Supervisor Zack Scrivner is pleased to announce the appointment of Gayle Stewart to the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District Board. Stuart, with her husband Russ, has lived in Tehachapi for 13 years. “The community really cares about what happens to the recreation and parks district in the Tehachapi area and I’m looking forward to serving the board,” said Stewart.
Stewart is a past President of Kiwanis Club of Tehachapi, a volunteer on the Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee and was a past member of the Vision Foundation, and she is a commercial Real Estate Agent for Karpe Real Estate. “The Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Parks District is essential to the quality of life in the Tehachapi, I’m excited Gayle is willing to serve for such an important organization,” said Scrivner.
Rotary Club of Tehachapi Presents Holiday Senior Luncheon The Rotary Club of Tehachapi will hold it’s thirteenth annual Holiday Senior Luncheon, Thursday, Dec 8, 2011. The luncheon is held at McMullan Hall, at St. Malachy’s Church, beginning at Noon. All senior citizens are invited to attend this free turkey dinner simply by signing up at your local churches, the Senior Center, the offices at the mobile home parks, etc., Brady Chiropractic, or by contacting any local Rotarian. Attending seniors are treated to many of the usual traditional menu items for a holiday spread. Their is always singing and music and raffle prises to start off the holiday season. Santa Claus will be in attendance, as well as our Interact Club from Tehachapi High School as servers for the event. They also hope the reindeers will join them again this year. “The seniors of our community look forward to this fun-filled day each year”, says Rotary President Jerry Hildreth. “We are here to serve, and this is one way Rotary gives back to our community”. For further information, please call 661-821-2846. Rotary meets at Don Juan’s on Thursdays at Noon. More information is available at tehachapirotary.com
Page 3
Page 4
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Income Tax Service Bookkeeping • Tax Preparation • Notary Public E-file Available
California Tax Education Council Registered Tax Preparer
Sheila A Rosales 112 East F St., #D Tehachapi
(661) 823-7597
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
‘My’ Success Consultant
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
The Art Studio
Page 5
How to Increase Your Sales Quickly?
A Place to Explore Your Creativity
You need to make it appealing for Christmas and the Holiday Season clients to sign up for your list, because are an extraordinary opportunity for most most people are overwhelmed by their businesses to increase their sales. As many email traffic. I suggest that you reward business owners have experienced, the your clients for providing classic case of establishing their email address; make it an office/store, putting out a worthwhile for them to be few ads and then waiting for on your list! Good examples the customers to wander in are: if you are a nutritionist is no longer enough to create give away a collection of real business success. recipes, if you are a coach give If you have been away a free CD with helpful stressed out about meeting suggestions. Whatever you your monthly sales goals, choose to gift your clients if your business has been with, provide something that stagnating financially, if you they want and seek. Sticking are sick and tired of working with the professions above, overtime and you are ready bad examples are: you are a to elevate your business to nutritionist and you give away a completely new level keep by Klaudia Kovacs a nice pen, you are a coach reading this article, because and you give away a coffee I will give you specific ways cup. While these are nice items, they have to change all of it rapidly. nothing to do with your business; therefore it One way to achieve increased sales is to be in communication with your customers is unlikely that they will inspire your target market to sign up with you. to learn their exact needs. In addition you You can collect your clients’ email want to remind them that you are ready to addresses many ways: a guest book in your cater to their specific desires as well as you store/office, via your website (check out my want to informing them of your freebees, example here: www.mysuccessconsultant. helpful tips, discounts, events, coupons and com), e-promotions, e-drawings, e-coupons, specialized information. e-advertisements, subscription links, blogs, How do you reach your clientele clients’ referrals, etc. quickly, effectively and inexpensively? Since I strongly believe that true and Today’s most famous business gurus long-lasting business success can only be agree that having your own newsletter, or achieved and maintained with integrity, you e-zine, is the best way to create the type of only want to put people on your mailing list relationship that is satisfying for shoppers who actually agree to it. There is no point of and business owners alike. However, before communicating with people who do not want creating a newsletter, you need to have an to be communicated with; after all building email list. a quality list is so much more important than Building a list of “your” people will be having a big list. In addition it is important the most important tool for your success. for you to be aware that there are anti-spam Andrew Carnegie, who at one point was the laws in the U.S. and you do not want to richest man in the world, said: “Take away violate those. my factories, but leave my people, and soon Begin collecting your clients’ email we will have a new and better factory.” Today’s article focuses on building your addresses so you can start sharing how you are able to contribute to them. If you have business’ email list. When I started creating a quality product/service and you utilize mine, I had less then 200 people on it, today your list the right way, you will obtain more I have close to 20,000. clients and your business will expand. Why do I suggest that you build an If you need help with building your email list versus a mailing list? list quickly, please contact me at www. Communicating via email is faster mysuccessconsultant.com/contact/. and more cost effective. Of course having additional information on your clients (like Much Success, telephone number, address, etc.) is also Klaudia Kovacs helpful because, when people change their Business Success Consultant email address, you can follow up and ask for www.MySuccessConsultant.com the new one.
made from a wide selection of Bisqueware, you can be a ‘blooming’ artist. Soon Saturdays will officially be Project Day. Everyone is invited to come in and select a project for completion in a single day. You will be supplied with a kit containing all of the materials and guided through the process by Oak Valley Charter School’s art class shows off the an instructor who can progress they’ve made on Tehachapi’s first Traveling Piano, answer questions and brought to the community by The Art Studio provide demonstration, assuring your success. Keep this opportunity Unlocking your creative potential has in mind for holiday gift making. never been easier. The Art Studio provides Birthday parties, private receptions, a relaxed and noncompetitive atmosphere and parties for special occasions can also be that is the perfect environment for learning scheduled at the studio. An event specialist is new art skills, expanding your creativity, available to help you create the perfect party and sharing moments with friends. A wide for whatever the occasion. variety of artistic mediums and instruction The Art Studio is located in the are available such as drawing, sculpture, Albertsons shopping center at 785 Tucker painting, pottery, and ceramics. Regardless Rd. Ste. B Tehachapi, CA. Contact The Art of age, the studio offers classes and materials Studio for scheduling and pricing at 661-822for pre-schoolers and senior citizens. 4420 or visit the studio on the web at www. Since opening in January of 2011, theartstudio.vpweb.com. Colleen Grant – owner and operator – has been having fun doing what she loves. She teaches all ages in a variety of mediums and The “Traveling Piano” – or a venues. With the help of a talented staff, painted piano that travels to various she offers classes at the studio as well as events so that anyone can sit and play after-school art classes at school sites. Her it – has seen many iterations over the goal is to create enthusiasm for the arts and years. Some have even taken this idea to provide a comfortable environment for and turned it into an art form. An budding artists. example is Luke Jerrum, a British artist, In an effort to link the arts with the who released his 2008 traveling social community, The Art Studio and Valley Oaks artpiece, “Play Me, I’m Yours”. This Charter School are sponsoring a “Traveling art contains approximately 60 painted Piano.” Inspired by the 60 painted “Play pianos that are placed all over a city as Me, I’m Yours” pianos scattered throughout an interactive artwork that anyone can sit New York in 2010, high school students are at and play. painting an old upright piano to circulate The concept of a Traveling Piano throughout Tehachapi. Anyone wishing to has made it’s way here to Tehachapi sit down and play will find this colorful and where The Art Studio and Oak Valley unique piano somewhere in town. Charter School’s art class have begun The Art Studio is pleased to introduce painting a standing piano to be some new activities and projects. You can Tehachapi’s own Traveling Piano. now design and personalize just about If you are interested in hosting the anything - mugs, hats, t-shirts, and ceramics. Traveling Piano at your business, please Whether working with clay to create a contact us at 661-822-4420. unique sculpture or choosing a piece already
Page 6
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Lost in the Stars
Citizen Science
A while back I wrote a little about got options for you. There’s a group called the Nobel Prize. Where some of the big the Zooniverse (https://www.zooniverse.org/) discoveries, that change our understanding that needs some help. One of their projects of the universe, are recognized. called the Galaxy Zoo (where Though it does have some blind they get their name) which asks spots. Only three sciences are participants to help classify the included (Physics, Chemistry kinds of galaxies found in the and Medicine. I’m still refusing vast number of photos taken by to include economics as a the Hubble space telescope. They science.) So there are many give you a picture and you help fields that don’t have any hope by clicking on answers to the of getting a Nobel Prize. questions about shape; or if you’d Science isn’t always like to be involved in a climate about the big ideas. There are related project, they use people lots of smaller problems. So to transcribe the logs of British many that scientists ask for help ships around the world during by Mark ‘Doc’ Fisher from the rest of us. World War I. The transcriptions Some of these projects will provide weather data points are purely observational. For over 100 years from all over the world which will help better the Audubon Society has held a Christmas understand our weather. Bird Count that is being used to monitor “Sure,” I once again hear you changes in bird populations. If getting out saying, “but I would like something more and counting birds sounds like too much like a game I could play on my computer.” work (or too cold), but you like birds, you Really? Well, Okay. I’ve got something for can look into the Project Feeder Watch, run you too. There is the FoldIt Project (http:// by the Cornell Ornithology Lab (check out fold.it/portal/) which is a video game, where http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/index. solving puzzle games on your computer html). Where people set up bird feeders and provides researchers with information periodically count the birds visiting over the on protein folding. Just recently it was winter. announced that people playing this game had Next spring, after you’re done successfully found the structure of a protein counting birds, you could move on to the formed by a retrovirus (a virus like the AIDS Lost Ladybug Project. Like most things in the virus), that scientists had been looking for, natural world, the distributions of ladybugs for over a decade. The gamer found it in three are changing. There are nonnative and native weeks. species, and scientists want to monitor how There are a lot of other projects the various species are doing. “But,” you say, out there for Citizen science. There are “I can’t tell the different species apart.” Not many places where researchers are looking to worry. The scientists at the project (http:// to collaborate with the rest of us. It really is www.lostladybug.org/) are able to work from collaboration. When you register with one of photos. They even give methods for taking these projects you’re signing up with a real good photos of the bugs. This project even science project, and may even get your name encourages participation by children, with in a scientific paper. lesson plans and other educational materials If none of these projects appeal to available at the website. you, go over to Science for Citizens (http:// “Okay,” I hear you say, “but I work scienceforcitizens.net/finder/) where they all day and don’t have the energy to do that have a search engine to find the project that’s sort of thing when I get home.” Well, I’ve still just right for you. Sigh. I need more time. If you would like to let me know what you think, send me an email at mathnerde+loop@ gmail.com. If you would like links to additional information visit my blog at http://mathnerde. blogspot.com/.
Are You Looking to Support a Charity This Holiday Season? Why not pick bags4kids? It’s a local non profit agency serving children/youth in crises situations. 100 percent of your monetary donations are used to purchase duffle bags or backpacks and items that we fill the bags with. No one here at Bags4Kids is paid and there is no overhead cost. You can send a check to Bags4Kids at P.O. Box 2234 California City, CA 93505 or you can look up drop off locations on our website at www. bags4kids.org and drop off any of the most needed items listed below.: • Duffle bags and backpacks • Coloring books and crayons • New toys, games and dolls • School supplies • Hotel size shampoo, conditioner and soap • Other hygiene items • Stuffed animals Happy Holidays to everyone and thank you for your support!
Summit Singers Presents It the time of year when Halloween is barely over, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s time to plan for Christmas! The Summit Singerswon’t cook your Thanksgiving turkey for you, but they will help you kick off the Christmas season. Plan now to attend the Summit SingersChristmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 3. Since that’s the day that festivities are happening all over town, the concert is planned for 7:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to watch the parade and do some early shopping before the concert begins. As always the program will be held at the First Baptist Church, with lots of good seating for a big crowd. We know you’ll love the music, and we know you’ll leave with the Christmas spirit in your heart, prepared for the happy holidays ahead. Come prepared to hear a wide variety of music. The Summit Singers are your friends and neighbors, and we are proud to be Tehachapi’s community chorus, with something for everyone to enjoy. You may call Corinne at 661-822-3836 with any questions.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Bob - the ‘Wine Guy’ Let’s Talk Turkey When it comes to food and wine pairing, drinking a crème soda. there are those who carelessly match any dish There you have your wine selection with any libation and those who painstakingly for what could be another spectacular try to balance the flavors of the food with the Thanksgiving dinner. Speaking of dessert perfect wine. No matter where you land on our wine word is “sweetness” — the the spectrum, there impression of sugary are some dishes that taste in a wine, which remain challenging can be due to the (potluck anyone?), so presence of residual having knowledge of sugar or to other sweetways to properly pair tasting substances wine with your food in the wine such as can truly intensify the alcohol. Okay, help me enjoyment of eating. Rhonda I’m exhausted. It doesn’t get much The holiday season is by Bob the Wine Guy better than sea bass a great time to visit with Sauvignon Blanc, family and friends, and duck breast with Burgundyand a juicy steak bring them some wine, I’m just saying come with a classic Cabernet Sauvignon. With the and see us at the winery and check out our Thanksgiving holiday around the corner, here selection. are some “tasting notes” for wine selections to So my Uncle Aldo has been hesitating make your Holiday dinner spectacular. on buying a new riding mower that my Aunt Starting with your menu selection of Gladys has been bugging him to get. She appetizers, say something like cheese and thinks of a clever way to get her point across, crackers, a Riesling would be just the ticket. It when Uncle Aldo comes home he finds her contains crisp and clean green apple, pear and sitting in the tall grass that is their lawn, lime flavors that take on a honey characteristic snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing and are sure to make your guests take notice. scissors, you know to make her point. So For your first course, say a salad, a Sauvignon Uncle goes into the house and comes out Blanc would be the perfect compliment – a with a toothbrush, and says, “When you fresh and crisp aromatic wine with grapefruit finish cutting the grass, you might as well and grassy flavors. For the main course the sweep the driveway.” That’s when the fight turkey, Chardonnay fits the bill – a versatile started...the doctors say he will walk again, wine with fruit flavors ranging from apple but will always have a limp. Bada Bing. and lime and a richness characterized by ‘Til next time, love you more than Hot honey and butter. For dessert, the traditional Fudge Sundaes. pumpkin pie could be served with either – BTWG (Bob the Wine Guy) a Muscato – very fruity, orange blossom Abbondanza Fortuna honey flavor or a “Golden Peach” almost like
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
In the Dog House
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Your Pet and the Season’s Greetings Halloween marks the beginning of the season, but many typical holiday plants holiday season, one of my dogs’ favorite are poisonous to pets. Poinsettias, holly times of year! Until New Year’s Day, my and mistletoe all need to be kept out house is a veritable of your dog’s reach. cornucopia of mouthPoinsettias can cause watering aromas, stomach irritation, while tempting decorations mistletoe and holly and dog-loving house can cause vomiting guests who spend and diarrhea. Even the inordinate amounts of pine needles from your time giving belly rubs Christmas tree can cause and back massages. My vomiting and diarrhea dogs love the morsels of if ingested. Place these turkey or spoonfuls of plants where dogs can’t pureed pumpkin that are get to them, and clean added to their dinner, up pine needles daily. and they know that the Holiday Decorations stockings hung from the Not surprisingly, mantel are full of toys our pets are attracted and treats just for them. to all of the holiday Unlike my dogs, I know decorations that we that the holiday season love! Careful placement requires extra vigilance of seasonal décor will because there are keep our pets safe. potential dangers for my Although not toxic, pets. By observing a few tinsel attracts cats and precautions, I guarantee dogs because it reflects a safe, healthy and fun light and moves with the holiday season for my slightest passage of air. by Rosemary Evans canine family. If consumed it can block Food Hazards the intestinal tract and While there are many safe treats require immediate veterinary care. This is that we can share with our dogs, some also true of gift wrap ribbons. of the most popular holiday foods and/ Lights and ornaments also pose or ingredients can be toxic to our pets. health risks. Some dogs and cats love to Chocolate and caffeinated products top chew electrical wires that may deliver a the list. They contain substances called significant electrical shock. Check cords methylxanthines that may cause vomiting, for signs of chewing, and either hide them diarrhea, excessive thirst, urination, under area rugs or place them out of reach seizures, and possibly death. The darker the whenever possible. Dogs may also chew chocolate is, the higher the risk of toxicity. Christmas tree ornaments, so place them Turkey bones, onions and garlic out of Fido’s reach. You don’t want him also pose health risks for pets. Bones can eating a glass ornament! Also scented splinter and puncture your dog’s digestive candles may be attractive to your dog. Not system, and they can also be a choking only should they be placed so your dog hazard. Onions and garlic may cause can’t eat them, but they should also be gastrointestinal irritation if consumed in situated so that your dog’s tail won’t knock large enough quantities. Limit your dog’s them onto the floor. intake of these vegetables and herbs to that We love our dogs and want to share the which is in commercial dog foods. holiday festivities with them. With a little For more information on foods that are forethought and careful planning, we can potentially dangerous to your pets, you can provide safe holiday celebrations for our visit www.aspca.org, www.humanesociety. canine family members. org, or www.petinsurance.com. If you have questions or if there are Toxic Holiday Plants training topics of particular interest that Decorating our homes with fragrant, you’d like help with, you can contact me at colorful plants is one of the joys of the rosemary@thunderpawsdogtraining.com.
Welcome to the ADOPT-A-PET Section!! Many of the animals up for adoption can be seen at:
petfinder.com/shelters
This Section is in need of support! For years The Loop has generously dedicated two pages per issue to helping local pets in need find homes and in this issue we’ve added to it. Advertisers please call the The Loop today to find out how you can help to support this section. Remember, when thinking about adopting, that the adoption cost is a tax deductible donation! If you find a pet you want to adopt please call the number listed next to the pet or in their rescue’s information. All Dobie SOS dogs are neutered/spayed, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and have received a veterinary exam. All adopted dogs come with one free bath at Canine Creek and one free grooming at Tehachapi Pet Lodge. You can see all of the Dobie SOS dogs waiting for homes at www.dobiesos.org. 661-886-1721 • dobiesos@earthlink.net
Sprite Sprite is an adorable female Dobie/Husky mix, born in March 07. Poor Sprite has been waiting for a home since she was 7 weeks old! She is a healthy, happy girl that loves people--in fact she is a bit on the needy side. She is also great with dog-savy cats. Sprite is a cute combination of saucy and shy, and very active. She is great with friendly male dogs and will play non-stop. She does want to be the only female dog in her forever home, but she does fine at the dog-park. Sprite is crate-trained and can use a dog door. She is only a tad smaller than a purebred dobie and her coat is heavier and longer: tailor made for Tehachapi! She does not like to be alone, so she needs a home with a friendly male dog as companion when her human is not around.
Shelby Shelby is an energetic two-year-old black female with natural ears and a docked tail. She is a medium-size girl that we almost named “Bunny” because she seems to have boundless bounding energy. She is fine with people and male dogs; like many Dobermans she can be territorial at the fence, but is actually submissive with the male dog she lives with. Shelby is a wild child that will need plenty of your energy to begin with, but she will make a nice pet for an active home. Shelby is crate-trained.
Promote your Business! Call The Loop at 661-822-8188 or Go online for our Rates & Publication Dates TheLoopNewspaper.com
Page 7
Expires 11/22/11
Page 8
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
ADOPT-A-PET
Tehachapi Humane Society Calendar November 2011 12 - Shot Clinic, 10 a.m.-noon, THS Office 21600 Golden Star Blvd., Unit #3 (corner of Golden Star Ave. & Golden Hills Blvd.). 19 - Yappy Hour, Pet Lodge & Outfitters, 20963 Woodford/Tehachapi Road from 1 to 5 p.m. 21 - Monthly Meeting @6:30 p.m., Tehachapi Humane Society Office, 21600 Golden Star Blvd.(corner of Golden Hills Blvd. & Golden Star).
Year-round Fundraiser See’s Candy @ Mountain Antiques & Tehachapi Automotive to help STOP save more dogs & cats in dire need of a 2nd chance at life ~ Be the change to make it happen ~ AND for good measure, be a volunteer, it is extremely rewarding & priceless!
Two STOP Events at K-Mart, Saturday, 11/12/11 hhhBake Sale & Special Pet Adoption Day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Recycle Fundraiser, drop off items in a dedicated bin, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Rascal Rascal is a light gray tabby with a great personality! He is super playful, purrs constantly, loves to be petted and held and gets along great with kids and other cats. He will be vaccinated and neutered prior to adoption. Rascal is a very easy going kitten who has been around small children in a very active household. He has beautiful markings that you need to see in person. Photo courtesy of Robert Hardy Photography.
Lacey Lacey is a 12 pound, 2 year young Parsons/ Jack Russell Terrier mix with unique black and white markings, sporting a few hearts in her coloring. Other good stuff about this pretty girl named Lacey. She’s loving, plays well w/others and is housetrained. To meet/adopt Lacey, call Lynda, 661-8210518 or STOP at 661-823-4100, menu #2.
Pebbles
Willow Willow was returned to us because of catastrophic illness in the family. She is now looking for a quiet, loving home. Willow is a shy girl, but curious and able to make new friends. With a little time and patience, she comes into her own with ongoing conversations and demands for affection. She is a big kitty with a very regal bearing. She prefers to lie close to you and purr rather than being held tightly. She is not accustomed to small children and is still apprehensive around dogs. She has been well cared for, is spayed, and current on shots. Please find a place in your home and heart for this beautiful girl.
Scamp Scamp is a really sweet little guy and is thought to be a Terrier/mix of some sort, but whatever he is…cute is at the top of the list. He is about 4 months old weighing in at 6 lbs., is current on his shots, is micro-chipped and neutered. He has learned to ride in the car well, and does ok on a leash and is doing well with cats. He plays well with the other fosters and my dogs; and being a puppy, he seems to like children. He is very playful, but will lay down when no one else wants to play or he’ll go get a toy and play with it by himself. His favorite right now is an empty, plastic Rolaids jar. If you would like to take him into your home and give him the love he deserves, please come meet him
Kandy Kandy is a 1-2 year old white and tan Terrier Mix. She is spayed, micro-chopped and current on all of her shots, house trained and also crate trained. She walks on a leash, but needs work on it.She is very good riding in the car. Kandy is shy when she first meets people but warms up very quickly, and is loving. She gets along well with her foster brothers and sisters. We are not sure about cats. Won’t you please consider giving her a forever home?
Pebbles is a 2 year young, 7 pound, housetrained Jack Russell Terrier mix; super-loving and plays well w/others. Pebbles is good around children, likes car rides; she’s a little shy at first, all she needs is for you to give her a chance to share all her love and loyalty with you – To meet/adopt precious Pebbles, call Lynda at 661-821-0518 or 661-823-4100, menu #2.
Taffy Hi, I’m Taffy. I’m a 2 yr. young, 11 pound Yorkshire Terrier mix ~ Not that I’m bragging, but I do have good manners, am a great travel companion, I play well w/others & am housetrained. Even though she’s young, Taffy has an old soul, you can tell she is special right from the start. Can you provide her with a safe place in your home and heart? ~ If so, please contact Marsha at 661-823-7868 to adopt this tiny treasure named Taffy.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
ADOPT-A-PET
Rainbow rescue is a no-kill IRS 501 (c) 3 nonprofit dog rescue located in California City. Calif. “We are committed to helping rescued pets find their new life opprotunities.” Due to our high vet bills donations are gladely accepted through our Paypal account at rainbowrescuepets. We are at Tehachapi’s Radio Shack every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Books & Crannies every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m for puppy adoptions. Interested partis should call us at 760-373-2907 and use www.PetFinder.com. “So many sweet puppy kisses waiting to share with you.”
Spaniel Sweetheart Babies Found abandoned in Tehachapi, left in a box at only 4 weeks old, our two kissy, loving, female Terrier/ Spaniel sweetheart babies are now 9 weeks old and are waiting to share their happy love with you with so many sweet breath puppy kisses waiting for your to cuddle & snuggle! Both babies love to fall asleep on your heart cuddling your love, play, give soooooo many puppy kisses and play with their dog and cat playmates. Both are wonderfully perfect for all types of families but we think best for a single, stay home family who will have time to share their love together as a full time family.
Casper and Jasper
Page 9
Visit our new Pet Adoption Center at 1121 W. Valley Blvd. Ste. C, inside Books & Crannies. We offer new/ used pet supplies, photography, antiques and collectibles for donations. We raise funds continuously with a variety of See’s and Dewar’s candy. To contact us leave a message at 661-750-2261 and your call will be returned.
Jewel
Jewel is a low key kitty who loves to curl up on laps and sleep with her people. She is a little on the heavy side, but after having just raised 6 boys, we think she is a stress eater and don’t really blame her. She has a beautiful short grey coat that shines when she is brushed. She seems fine with other cats. Please consider giving this jewel of a kitty a forever home. Jewel is spayed, vaccinated including FVRCP, Felv and Rabies, she is microchipped, and she tested negative for Feline Leukemia. She has an adoption fee of $75.00.
Coco Coco is approximately 6 months old and you can’t help but want to snuggle your face into his fur he’s that’s cute! And believe it or not, he’s got the personality to match; friendly, outgoing and playful. Coco is being fostered by a family with little bitty kids so he knows the kid drill. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped and ready to meet the love of his life YOU! Call 661-750-2261
Casper & Jasper are playful, loving, cuddling, happy 5 month old Chihuahua/Doxie Mix puppies only 7-8 lbs who needs children and/or playmate to play, cuddle & snuggle. Absolutely perfect for a family or single family, they are devoted, warm, happy, obedient, playful and completely loving sweethearts who love to cuddle in your lap and follow you everywhere! Toys, toys, toys and sharing your love are their true hopes for their lifetimes hoping you will find them to share their love & happiness!
Marley’s Mutts Zach @ 661-972-3852 or 661-821-1327 or visit MARLEYSMUTTS.COM
Bernadette This stout and burly Saint Bernard is Bernadette, and she is 3-4 years old. Whereas you might expect to find Bernadette hiking high in the Alps or guarding the gates of a sacred monastery, nothing could be further from her actual situation; Bernadette was found picking through the trash behind a Rite Aid in Bakersfield. After some coxing (and awareness of her desperation), Bernadette hoped in the vehicle and began her road to recovery. Careful veterinary evaluation revealed that Bernie had endured a miscarriage, was grossly underweight (80lbs and should be about 115) and was flea infested. All of these factors lead to one obvious conclusion- that she was being used to bread and once she miscarried was considered useless and discarded. She is healing from her miscarriage and is being spayed on Nov 6th. Bernie has no more fleas, has gained about 10lbs and continues put on weight. Bernie is radiant; she exudes that undeniable glow that only big dogs can give off (especially Saints). Our big girl has suffered an awful existence and deserves to have that injustice remedied by being adopted to a terrific family and loved eternally. If you are interested in adopting our sagacious Saint, please contact Zach@661-972-3852, 821-1327 or visit Marleysmutts.com.
Brownie What a little charmer he is—all puppy kisses and hugs. Brownie, his brother and his mom, a German Shepherd cross, were found together in Bakersfield and the brother and mom were adopted right away, leaving Brownie without those important weeks of socialization. But all is not lost; he’s learning all he needs to know in puppy training classes with Rosemary Evans at Thunder Paws Dog Training! He’s already had several classes and we’ve seen him gain confidence in himself and blossom. During his last class, he decided he wanted to run the agility course and he jumped hurdles and ran through the tunnel so many times he exhausted himself. He’s also learning good behavior skills and manners, which are important for a growing pup whose looking for a home.
Lola This is Lola:she is a black girl rather feisty with other cats but sweet with her humans. She is about 5 years old. (spayed and up to date). Lola likes to be mostly outdoors.
Page 10
Tell them you saw it in
Wrangler Round-Up
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Did you know that a horse’s eye is Vendors will be selling all types of handthe largest in the entire animal kingdom? crafted items, along with other horseIt’s bigger than an elephant or a whale, related things. The event is from 11-6 on and twice the size of a human Saturday, and 11-4 on Sunday. eye. For more information, call It has a special light Sharon Buys at 661-549-1405. intensifying device which I came across some silly ref lects light back on the and strange laws still on the retina, allowing them to see books. Here are just a few. better at night than humans. It In New York City, it is also has a huge range of vision illegal to open or close an and is able to see about 340 of umbrella in the presence of a the 360 degrees around it. It horse. (That’s still pretty true By Jill Barnes Nelson has only two small blind spots at most racetracks.) – one directly in front and one directly It is illegal to fish from horseback behind. So, if you approach a horse from in Washington D.C, Colorado, and Utah. those directions, make sure they know Tennessee prohibits riders from lassoing you’re coming or they can spook. fish. Because the eyes are set on either In South Carolina, it is legal for side of the head, horses don’t have adult males to discharge firearms when the depth perception we do. They see approaching an intersection in a non-horse things f lat, but they are more sensitive vehicle to warn oncoming horse traffic. to movement. I’m sure all of us have Also in Marion, SC, it’s illegal to tickle a experienced that part of a horse’s female under her chin with a feather duster behavior more than once. Watch out for to get her attention while she’s riding a the killer bag f luttering across the trail. horse. And speaking of a horse’s eye, In Omega, New Mexico, every woman companies are working on an eye scan for must “be found to be wearing a corset” identifying horses – just like in the spy when riding a horse in public. A doctor movies. is required to inspect each woman to The scanners will use an infrared make sure that she is complying with the light that can capture an image of a law. Wonder where they would get these horse’s iris from distances of up to a yard doctors? away. The iris image would be matched to Also in Raton, NM, it’s illegal for a information stored in a central database woman to ride horseback down a public and could be used to identify stolen street wearing a kimono. animals. It also could be used to identify I’ll have a few more next time. a horse before a race. It should give an Don’t forget, if you have any accurate reading, as no two irises are the information to report on the horse same. community such as tack sales, upcoming There is a Cowboy Marketplace events, clinics, raff les or if you’ve won an Holiday Shopping event on Nov. 19-20 award, please contact me at 661-878-2932, at the Triple C Ranch in Bakersfield. e-mail jillbn@yahoo.com. Thanks.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Readin’ and Writin’
Lauraine Reads: ‘Heaven is for Real’
plan and a place for us and a little child shall I don’t usually review bestseller books. lead us. You note I did not say never because I I am grateful to those who said, “You learned not to do that many have to read this” and when I tell years ago. Saying never, as in I people about the greatest book never… just makes God laugh. I’ve read in a long, long time, so I have no idea how many many are saying “I’ve already people said to me, “You have read it.” Then they go on to tell to read this book, Heaven is for me what Colton’s story means to Real”. Since I’ve been on the them. Word of mouth is always road so much recently I finally the best advertising there is. went to a bookstore in Minot, Fall is indeed here and ND to autograph their stock this year we are home to watch of my books and they had this the ash tree by the driveway bright yellow book sitting on the turn colors, beautiful deep reds front table. Needless to say, I and who knows what else is picked it up and started reading by Lauraine Snelling coming. The leaves on the liquid it that night. I try to read every amber and the maple trees are night in bed just before I turn out also changing, making me glad for their the lights, I fall asleep more easily that way. glorious colors. May we take time to enjoy The line under the title reads, “A little the changing season and always find time boy’s astounding story of his trip to heaven for reading, be it by book, ereader or audio. and back.” Now if that doesn’t get your My latest release, “Valley of Dreams”, is attention, what will? His father Todd Burpo, hitting the bookstores this month. Join Cassie assisted by Lynn Vincent, decided to tell Lockwood, a Wild West show star, in her Colton’s story. adventures to find the valley in the Black It all started with what his mom and Hills of South Dakota that her father always dad thought was the flu but even a visit to a dreamed of. On to more adventures and hospital did not help. As Colton grew sicker happy Readin’ and Writin’ from Lauraine. and the doctors were unable to figure out the cause, the Burpos took him to Children’s Hospital in Denver where he was diagnosed awney parks c with a ruptured appendix complicated by severe infection. Licensed Acupuncturist As the medical professionals fought to clean out the infection, praying people Acupuncture, gathered to help the family. Not until four Herbal Therapies, months later when Colton was well again, did he begin to tell them about his trip to heaven, Medical Qi Gong, where he met the angels and sat in Jesus’ lap. Healing Classes He told his family of things that he could not 2 locations to better serve you! have known as a four-year-old child. Unless he had actually been there. 20412-1A Brian Way • Tehachapi Of course I cried through parts of this little book, thinking of my own daughter, 661-822-5611 who went home to heaven before her twenty8016 Cal City Bl., #14 • Cal City first birthday. While the Bible gives us a NOV. 13 – hhWhip R Snapper Charity Drive & Ride-A-Thon, Moonraker Ranch, Mojave, Sue lot of information about heaven, I think 760-373-7939 Ellen Hall, 661-944-4677. God sent us this little book during this time by appointment Antelope Valley Desert Riders Gymkhana, Palmdale, Doug Verseput, 661-944-6133, dverseput@ of great chaos and fury to remind us that Some insurances accepted. roadrunner.com. something better is coming, that He has a NOV. 19-20 – Cowboy Marketplace, Triple C Ranch, Bakersfield, Sharon Buys, 661-549-1405. DEC. 3 – Sundance Team Penning, Sundance Feedlot, Bakersfield, Jana Peyton, 559-280-7970. DEC. 4 – Sundance Two-Man Ranch Sorting, Sundance Feedlot, Bakersfield, Kris Mitchell, 559-936-4323. DEC. 11 – Antelope Valley Desert Riders Gymkhana, Palmdale, Doug Verseput, 661-944-6133, dverseput@roadrunner.com.JAN. 14 -- CHSRA District 9 Rodeo, Zamrzla Ranch, Lancaster, www. Veterinarian Share the Good News! chsra9.com. FEB. 11-12 – CHSRA District 9 Rodeo, Zamrzla Ranch, Lancaster, www.chsra9.com.
T
S
, LA
Horse Events Around the Area
21.11
Business Directory
Don’t keep us a secret! Take a minute to tell your friends how much you enjoy reading The Loop newspaper find and share us on facebook:
WOLFE HAVEN Horse Boarding Stables Covered Pipe Corrals, Barn Stalls, Paddocks & Pastures
Board By The Day, Week or Month
Owner: Lynn Wolfe 25731 Banducci Road
661-823-0616 Tehachapi, CA
Horse Supplies
21.09
21.10
Horse Boarding
facebook.com/ theLoopnewspaper
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
Freebo Brings Inspiring Songs to Fiddlers Crossing
Singer-songwriter Freebo will take the stage at Fiddlers Crossing on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m., for an inspiring and intimate concert of songs that speak to the spiritual nature and yearnings of humanity. The next morning he will conduct a workshop on creativity and songwriting. (See sidebar.) To folk, rock and blues musicians, Freebo is an icon. For 30 years as a bass player, he provided the solid foundation on stage and in the studio for such artists as Bonnie Raitt, John Mayall, Maria Muldaur, Neil Young, Loudon Wainwright III, Ringo Star, and numerous others. He has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Midnight Special, Muppets Tonight, and in concert with Spinal Tap. During most of that time, Freebo didn’t really think about songwriting. In an interview with Roz Larman on the radio program “Folkscene,” Freebo talked about his gradual “metamorphosis” into a singer-songwriter, backing himself up with guitar. “I never had any aspirations to be a songwriter,” he told her, “But as I played with more and more people, I realized I had a lot of musical ideas, and as a bass player, I really couldn’t get them into the music. I finally realized that if I wanted to get these ideas out, the song was the place to do that.” Freebo said he was fortunate to have spent
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
so much time around great songwriters while touring as a duo with Bonnie Raitt. This yearning for more creative expression drove Freebo to begin a process of “deep inner discovery” and to make the conscious decision to tackle the challenges of songwriting in middle age, at the height of his career. Now, more than 20 years later, he says that this creative process has taken him to “a much higher level as a human being.” Perhaps it’s because he came to songwriting later in life that most of Freebo’s lyrics have a deep spiritual resonance. He sings about such things as the “inner angel” that guides him, about the end of a life well lived deserving “a standing ovation,” as well as social issues including homelessness. Some of Freebo’s songs have garnered awards, including a Posi Award for “Best Song” in The Most Uniting Category and the Los Angeles Music Award for “Best Folk Artist” in 2007. He has also won, and been a finalist in, several songwriting contests. He has just released his fourth CD, called “Something to Believe,” with songs that show his musical range from blues and rock to folk and country. Another clue to Freebo’s sensitivity to the deeper needs of humanity might be gathered from his childhood in a small coal mining town near Philadelphia. When he grew up there, it had a population of 50,000. Today, he said, it’s down to around 5,000. “There is not a lot Singer-songwriter Freebo will stay in Tehachapi after his Nov. 18 concert at Fiddlers Crossing to present of industry now,” he said, “It’s all been shipped to China.” a workshop on songwriting and creativity the next Freebo played piano and morning, Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’re all born with pure creative potential, Freebo ukulele as a child, and tuba in the high school band. In college he says, but are gradually put in a non-creative box by picked up the guitar. His beautiful family, friends, and society. “We live in an unbalanced society that is all about results and practicality. Society voice was a welcome addition to the bass section of both high school and takes our dreams away from us,” he says, but “we can reclaim our inner child and achieve the creative goals of college glee clubs. After college he joined a local rock band that needed which we’ve so often dreamed.” a bass player, and it proved a Along with exploring the creative process, Freebo will give specific tools and hints for songwriting, song- natural instrument for him. In 1967 he acquired the name “Freebo,” and arrangement, chord substitutions, and performing, all his birth name is now his well-kept within the context of “honoring your special gifts and secret. giving yourself the permission and courage to become Freebo now lives with his the artist/musician you’ve always wanted to be.” wife in the foothills of the Southern In performing – whether a song, a poem, or a Sierras. talk – the topics of fear, preparation, tools, timing, and Fiddlers Crossing is at 206 communication will be covered. E. F St. at Robinson Street, in “How do you connect to your audience?” Freebo Downtown Tehachapi. Tickets asks, “You become one with them!” may be purchased next door at The workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mountain Music, at The Apple Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St. Tickets are $35, and must be purchased in advance through Mountain Music, Shed, or may be reserved by calling 661-823-9994. Tickets are $15 and, or reserved by calling 661-823-9994. Coffee, tea and as always, coffee and goodies are refreshments are included in the ticket price. included. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Workshop on Exploring the Creative Process
Penny Juday
As a former U.S. Navy Submarine fleet ‘detailer’, Penny staffed the Navy’s sub-fleet with crew assignments. She joined the Star Trek Deep Space Nine decorating department in 1991. Penny was soon hired as the personal assistant to the production designer of Star Trek, which then led to becoming the art department coordinator of Star Trek for the next 18 years. During her off hours Penny attended art school at Otis Parsons and earned her certificates as designer and illustrator. Now, being retired from the film industry she designs and creates her own lines of jewelry and works of art at her shop here in town called The Lost Box. One of her more popular jewelry lines is called Steampunk, which is created out of recycled watch parts.
Page 11
Please feel free to stop by The Lost Box at 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd., next to Kohnen’s and meet Penny and her business partner Jill Ramsey. [Check out the money saving coupon on page 13 for The Lost Box]
Page 12
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Tehachapi Community Theatre’s 2011 Playwright’s Festival
TCT Playwright’s Festival Golden Quill winner “No Problem” by Thomas J. Misuraca, directed by Shanon Harrell, featured Patricia Hunter with Guy Martin, Alex Zonn and Debbie Martin. Article and photo by Karl Schuck Tehachapi Community Theatre’s Playwright’s Festival for 2011 has concluded with happy audiences and happier playwrights. “Audience numbers have grown each year. This Festival experienced a big increase over last year, with nearly full houses,” noted Executive Producer Karl Schuck. “The only complaints we got centered around the difficulty audiences had in voting for their three favorites!” The Golden Quill Award this year went to Thomas J. Misuraca for “No Problem,” a farce about the doings in an usual support group. This was Misuraca’s third time as a finalist in as many years. He won the Bronze in 2009, and the Silver in 2010. “No Problem” was directed by Shanon Harrell in her TCT directorial debut and featured Patricia Hunter, Alex Zonn, Guy Martin and Debbie Martin. Silver went to “Independence Day,” by Rhea MacCallum, directed by Mark A. Fisher who was also a finalist as a playwright with “The Muse.” “Independence Day” featured Phyllis
Belcher and Keri Campbell, both in their TCT debuts. The Bronze Quill went to local playwright Dorothy Gruett for “Another Woman” directed by newcomer Valerie Provivines and featuring Cody Steinbach and Sara McMillin, both TCT favorites. “One of my favorite aspects of the festival is that with short plays, folks who want to try on the roles of actor or director have a safe place to do it,” observed Schuck. “This year we enjoyed six first-time performances and three first-time directors. Out of 38 plays submitted, nine were selected for production, including “How to Make a Red Hat” by Nance Crawford, directed by Ali Whitlach; “SafeHouse” by David Shacklock, directed by Annette Kirby; “The Muse” by Mark Fisher, directed by Kenneth Chugg, “Bill and Coo” by Dan Roth directed by Klaudia Kovacs; “My Daughter, A Lawyer” by Bryana Haus directed by Alex Zonn and “Not Really Anything” by Doris Sadler Davis directed by Jonathan Hall.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Do-It-Yourself Debugging
Breakability Things break; this is a given in life. inside. If you do end up having to replace However, there are ways to slow down their your HDD, make sure you get one with a degration, and replacements that can outdecent warranty; you’ll save money in the last or give better performance long run. The other option is than the originals. This paper’s getting a Solid State Drive article will be covering some (SSD). A SSD has no moving of the most common things to parts; it stays cool, runs fast, go out on a computer, and your doesn’t have to be defragged, options for replacing them. and is quite durable (this is Hard Drive: Hard drives especially handy for laptops). (HDD) are one of the most However it is extremely common things to die on a important that you have enough computer, both on a laptop or a RAM in your system when desktop. Let’s first take a look using it. Additionally, SSDs are at the way HDDs are built. A quite expensive: they can cost HDD sores all its information by Alexander Kunstmann, almost 15 times what a normal on a series of metal disks (called HDD would cost. A-OK Computers “platters”), that rotate at up Power: Power cables to 10,000 RPM. As they turn, a small arm, and power supplies are another thing that much like that on a record-player, moves dies frequently on laptops and desktops, across the surface of the disk and reads or respectively. It’s usually just from dust, writes information to it. The big reason for abuse, or pushing it to hard. failure, is because of all the moving parts. What you can do about it: For laptops If the arm dies, if the spindle holding the be gentle with your power cables and don’t platter breaks, if the motor dies, if any of wind or tangle them up tightly. Winding them the disks get scratched; any of these issues is okay, but do it loosely, and try to keep can damage or kill a HDD. What’s more, the it wound in the same place every time. Be more you use a HDD, the more wear-and-tear careful how you put pressure on the plug that it gets, the hotter it gets, which both wear it goes into the laptop itself. If you do need to down faster. get it replaced, try going online or asking a What you can do about it: Make sure technician; getting the cable straight from the you defrag your computer often enough manufacturer tends to be costly. If you have a (usually once per month), and make sure your desktop, the biggest step is just keeping your system has enough RAM in it for what you system clean and cool. Many manufacturers do. Keep your computer in a place where it find the easiest way to cut corners and save gets decent air-circulation (and preferably money is with the power-supply. Should little dust), and if at all possible, get a fan you need a new one, I recommend getting in your system blowing directly across your a 400Watt supply for a normal PC. Power HDDs. If you have a laptop, try not to move supplies die more quickly when they are your system around too much while your pushed pas their limits; 400W should be HDD is doing any serious work; that’s the enough to cover whatever it is you’re doing surest way to break those little parts on the on your system (gamers may need more).
Seniors Have Fun Too! Yes, you don’t have to be young to enjoy dressing up and having fun for Halloween. The senior center had a Halloween Pot Luck, music by Denim and more food than we could eat, although we tried our best. Glen Jackson & Lucy Rodrigues won our best costume contest. Come join us for our next Potluck and Raffle, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. Donations will be accepted for our raffle of great prizes. Call and sign up 661-522-5412.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
Mulberry Memories
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Halloween Party
Page 13
COUPONS Look below for great discounts at your local businesses.
Hungry Howie’s (661) 822-1000 • 675 Tucker Rd., Suite F
20
$
Deal
2 Large, 1 Topping Pizza & 16 piece Howie bread with a 2 liter Soda
Plus tax & delivery. Must mention coupon when ordering. One coupon per customer per order. No substitutions - Exp 11/22/11 - LOOP2109
A home like feeling reaches out to you as you walk into the doors of Mulberry Place Assisted Living Community. Our residents are treated as family in our homes and enjoy spending time with other residents during are weekly luncheons, along with our daily exercise group that meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday along with our activities to help keep the residents active and on their toes so to speak. We provide rides to the Senior Center five days a week for our Residents. Our “Park Theme” backyards are open and decorated beautifully so the residents may walk from house to house ahnd visit other residents, or just enjoy the fresh mountain air of Tehachapi. We have beautiful kitchens in which we provide fresh cooked homemade meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with daily snacks. We strive to make our residents feel right at home in their own personal or shared bedrooms. Our staff is very well trained, we have a Licensed Vocational Nurse on staff for any medical care needed. We are also welcoming our new Executive Director of Administration, who had received her CNA back in 1985 and has many years working in Human Resources. We here at Mulberry Assisted Living Community has what it takes to provide the best and most positive care and atmosphere during the ladder part of our residents lives that they so much
deserve. We here at Mulberry keep our facilities peaceful, clean, positive and a fun place to live without a lot of stress or worry. On Oct. 30, 2011 we held our annual Halloween Party, every Resident attended included some of the families we had a great time, the theme was “Monster Mash”. Please fill free to contact our Executive Office 661-822-8077 to schedule a tour for your loved ones so you can see for yourselves that our houses are kept spotless by our caring and loving caregivers, and we do our best to tend to every need that our residents want or need.
Promote your Business! Call The Loop at 661-822-8188 or Go online for our Rates & Publication Dates TheLoopNewspaper.com
New Addition For St. Malachy Church
Article by Pat Gracey, photo by Sam White
A Mass, celebrated by Father Joel Davadilla and Father Roger LeDuc on November third, marked the completion of the first phase of the renovation of St. Malachy Church. The Nov. 3 date also marked the Feast Day of the 11th century Irish Saint Malachy. The new addition consists of a much needed vestibule, cry room, handicap equipped restrooms, bride’s room, vesting area and storage space.
The church, was built in 1967 during the Pastorship of Father Harry Eggert and, with the exception of the bell tower, has never had any constructional up- dates. Two other church structures have housed Tehachapi Catholic church; the first built in 1887 and the second in 1937. The renovation is a prelude in anticipation of the 125th anniversary celebration of the parish to take place next June.
Books & Crannies Bookstore Valley & Tucker - Tehachapi Next to Radio Shack - (661) 822-8440 Mon-Fri 10-6 ~ Sat 10-5 ~ Most Sun 12-3
Yarn Special! Buy one Skein & Get the second one
1/2 OFF
Must present coupon. Exp 12/31/11 - LOOP2109
New Client Special Tuesdays
The Loop newspaper
Half OFF
Coupons Work!
on all services!
New Clients Only. One Service/Coupon per client. Good with Susie & on Tuesdays Only!
Nails by Susie (661) 822-8477 Expires 11/30/11 - LOOP2109
Tehachapi Lawn & Garden Equipment Center (661) 822-3210
105 W “H” St. - Behind Train Depot - Tehachapi
$10 OFF
$20
any service over $50 OFF any service over $125
$10 OFF
any new “Echo” chain saw Must present coupon. Exp 1/31/12 - LOOP2109
Mountain Antiques & Collectibles 106 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Suites D-E Next to Kelcy’s - (661) 822-5223 Wed - Sat 11-5 • Sundays 12-4pm
facebook.com/theLoopNewspaper
Call us today to place your ad
822-8188
With our great distribution throughout East Kern, you’ll reach thousands of potential customers for only $50 a month!
The Lost Box (661) 822-1480 • 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd Next to Kohnen’s - Open 7 Days A Week - 10 to 6pm
10% off all your holiday shopping
Layaway & Gift Wrapping Available Must present coupon. Exp 12/20/11 - LOOP2109
Bay Front Inn Morro Bay, California on the waterfront www.BayFront-Inn.com 1-888-772-0072
$10 OFF
10-30% off of selected items
any room, any time
Must present coupon. Exp 11/22/11 - LOOP2109
Expires 11/22/11 - LOOP2109
Page 14
Tell them you saw it in
Shopping local has never been easier... Each time you choose to spend your money at a local & independent business you are supporting the continued strength and vitality of our community.
Locally owned independent businesses contribute a far greater portion of revenues to local taxes. A locally owned independent business returns approximately 80% of each dollar spent back to the community. Multiplier effect: One dollar spent at a locally owned business will return five times that amount within the community through city taxes, employees wages and purchase of materials and supplies at other independent businesses.
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Page 15
Community Corner Tehachapi, a Wonderful Community With everything that’s wrong in the world today, some things are most decidedly right…like life in the wonderful community of Tehachapi. Our family has lived in Tehachapi for 22 years and we have seen many changes over the years. Some good, some not so good. We were heartened to see the outpouring of pride and appreciation for our son who is serving this great country proudly in the US Army and who is currently stationed in Afghanistan. Our son returned home recently for some well-deserved R&R. He was welcomed back to town by a parade of bright lights and sirens blaring from the Patriot Guard, Tehachapi Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Kern County Sheriff’s Department and others. As if that wasn’t enough, and it was FANTASTIC, he was also honored at Tehachapi High School Warriors Homecoming game. The home crowd welcomed our brave soldier into the stadium with a spontaneous standing ovation. It
was such a proud moment for this soldier’s parents and for his wife. There are so many individuals to thank for this very special time in our son’s life. Harriett Clendenin and the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion, Jim “Kickstand” Jacobs, Joshua St Ives and their fellow warriors from the Patriot Guard (If you haven’t heard of this group, look them up. It’s well worth your time.), Officer Rick Disney of Tehachapi Police Department (A warrior himself), Amy Watkins of Tehachapi High School (Our son’s favorite teacher of all time!) and so many others. You will all hold a special place in our hearts. These fine individuals didn’t ask for recognition or thanks. But they certainly deserve both. God Bless Our Troops. God Bless Tehachapi. God Bless these wonderful individuals. Gratefully, Tom & Debbie Thebeau
Page 16
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
The Forde Files
No. 7
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Shedding light on local issues. Articles and photos by Tina Forde
City objects to Performing Arts Center’s proposed location
The struggle to build a Tehachapi Performing Arts Center encounted a new hurdle Nov. 9 at the Tehachapi Municipal Advisory Council when the city of Tehachapi weighed in with a negative analysis of the location of the center as proposed by the Tehachapi Performing Arts Center Foundation. The city’s position, presented by Community Development Director David James, followed a presentation by B.J. Mitchell, president of the Tehachapi Performing Arts Center Foundation Board of Directors. The city’s objections relate to access, land use compatibility, inconsistency with the Greater Tehachapi Area Specific Plan and zoning, water and sewer issues. Mitchell was taken aback by James’ statement. “Many of his comments are premature,” Mitchell said. Some of the issues, she said, can be handled later. “The sewer and water issues are temporary. When we go for a building permit they can be handled.” The proposed structure, she said, “is the best and highest use of that zone.” The board has submitted an application to Kern County for a Conditional Use Permit. The 7.2-acre property is at 19415 Red Apple Ave. opposite Reeves St. in a section of land that is under Kern County jurisdiction. It is adjacent to Golden Hills Community Services District and is outside the Tehachapi city limits. The property is in escrow The board hopes to accomplish the construction by generating funds through grants and donations. The 29,000-square-foot structure would include a theater, an outdoor ampitheater, sculpture garden and museums of local heritage, geology, industry and Native people. Also representing the foundation at the T-MAC meeting were Myra Fletcher, assistant treasurer of the foundation; Beverly Berg-Hansen, head of donor programs;
volunteer green engineer Stephen Waller; and construction inspector Leslie VoVilla of LAV Consulting. Mitchell and the board have been working actively toward the construction of a performing arts center since 2003. “This board is not asking for a subsidy from anyone,” Mitchell said after the meeting. “We’re building a $15 million cultural center without a penny of taxpayer money. We’d like to see some support here.” Mitchell took exception to the city’s assertion that the organization had not taken sufficient time in presenting the application to the county. “More than a year is rushing things?” she said. A movement to provide the community with a performing arts center began in the 1980s, when a effort by a group called “The Committee of 100” collapsed in a dispute over which agency – county or city – would pay for access to a parcel of land the committee had obtained from the county. The center again encountered difficulty four years ago when a deal with the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District for a 99-year lease on five acres of land at Morris Park fell apart. At the time, the foundation had $2 million in pledges. Some of those pledges have faded with the uncertainty. The center’s supporters also had hoped to see a performing arts building at the new Tehachapi High School, but in the end, the district had to leave out the performing arts building for lack of funds. ‘Fluff’ “The subject site is simply an inappropriate location,” James told the TMAC board of Rick Zanutto, representing Bear Valley Springs Community Services District, Jackie Wood, representing the Tehachapi Unified School District, and Sandy Young, representing Stallion Springs Community Services District. (Tehachapi Mayor Ed Grimes and Kathy Cassil of Golden Hills Community Services District were absent). “The proposed ingress and egress opportunities are woefully inadequate to
serve a land use of this intensity and will have significant public safety and congestion management ramifications,” James told the T-MAC board, asserting that the county’s traffic study, which said OK to the project, should have been more comprehensive. James also said the proposal would alter the rural lifestyle in the area. “When Red Apple Avenue was punched through, the residents in the immediate area were assured by the county that their rural lifestyle would be retained,” he said. That was the reason, James said, the road was not named as a continuation of Tehachapi Boulevard. He said that the Golden Hills Community Services District should not consider annexing the site unless the center “can bring water rights in sufficient quantity to offset the demand the project will have on the GHCSD.” As it is, the site is served by one well. James rejected the assertion in the Mitigated Negative Declaration that the center’s connection to public sewer and water will be pursued when such services are available. “This statement is pure fluff,” James said. “First there is little likelihood that sewer service will ever be available to the subject site or to Golden Hills in general. As such the proposed septic system should not be considered an interim solution but rather a permanent solution.” Undeterred The foundation members remain optimistic. A new architect, Myrle McLernan B.J. Mitchell, seated right, gave a presentation on the proposed Tehachapi Performing Arts Center to the Tehachapi Municipal Advisory Council Nov. 9. Mitchell is president of the board of the Tehachapi Performing Arts Center Foundation. Seated left, Myra Fletcher, assistant treasurer of the foundation; seated left rear, Beverly Berg-Hansen, head of donor programs; seated right, volunteer green engineer Stephen Waller; standing, construction inspector Leslie VoVilla of LAV Consulting.
of Lancaster, has been engaged to rework the design, which Mitchell describes as “rustic elegance.” They anticipate that legal title to the land will trigger a major leap forward. “Few, if any, grants agencies will consider a request for funds to construct a building when there is no place to put it,” she told the T-MAC board, “But this foundation board was determined not to suffer the fate of previous organizations which eventually gave up the fight.... The strong expression of need by the community for a performing arts center has been ongoing for some 30 years; clearly that need is not going away. It is only growing.” T-MAC will make a recommendation on the matter to Supervisor Zack Scrivner at its Nov. 30 meeting to be held 3:30 p.m. at the Golden Hills Community Services District board room, 21415 Reeves St., Tehachapi, CA 93561.
Scrivner requests turbine boundary
Kern County District 2 Supervisor Zack Scrivner has asked the Kern County Department of Planning and Community Development to prepare a map showing a proposed boundary for wind turbine developments in the Tehachapi area. At the Nov. 8 supervisors meeting in Bakersfield, Scrivner moved that the department “bring back, on or before Jan. 31, a proposal for a wind boundary around the Tehachapi area.” In the wake of the the rapid growth of wind energy developments locally and the increasing size of individual turbines, residents have expressed a desire for a clear policy on placement.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Supervisors act on ‘Dark Sky’ lighting and community gardens (no pot allowed) The Kern County supervisors on Nov. The supervisors asked the staff to 8 approved outdoor lighting rules revisions change the ordinance to exempt existing nonthat are designed to reduce unnecessary conforming outdoor lighting from the new upward light exposure requirements. and “spillover” while Planning assuring a safe and Operations Division secure environment. Chief Scott Denney The changes are and Charles Lackey, referred to as a “Dark director, Engineering, Sky” ordinance that Surveying and Permit will help preserve Services Department, the brilliance of the assisted in presenting night sky from the the 2011 zone revision encroaching urban glow staff report to the with properly shielded supervisors. Graphics from shielding odinance fixtures. Gardens The supervisors expressed concern over Also included in the package was a the term “trespass,” as in “light trespass” provision to allow community gardens when light invades a neighbor’s space. The in residential areas. Supervisors were word “trespass” was abandoned for the more concerned with the soil quality and requested specific “spillover.” testing for certification. “The ordinance requires that you The gardens will require permits but no keep your light on your property,” said fees, Oviatt said, and are meant to be centers Department of Planning and Community of community activity. Development Director Lorelei Oviatt, who “We want to see the community put up a presented the 2011 zone revisions staff sign, art, picnic tables, a place for children to report. The light should stay “inside your play, composting, produce stands,” she said. task area,” she said. Chickens and roosters may find homes County counsel Bruce Divelbiss said the in the community gardens as well, she said. revisions would not place the county in the What the gardens will not feature is position of refereeing battling neighbors. marijuana cultivation. “The county is not in nuisance Public speaker Terry Kahn of Tehachapi enforcement,” he said. “This is a community Mountain Dog Fanciers asked the supervisors ordinance – not two neighbors having a not to adopt the proposed provisions defining dispute.” animal shelters. The ordinance may help solve neighbor/ “The wording of this is wrong,” she light problems, providing a mechanism “to said. “It’s a de facto limit law.” save people from having to go to court,” said The revision would define anyone with Board Chairman Mike Maggard. “The code 11 or more animals as an animal shelter. enforcement officer can say, ‘you need to “We fought very hard not to have that,” move that light,’ and it’s less onerous [than she said. court].” The supervisors referred the matter back Residents in county areas will not be to the Planning Department. required to go out and buy new fixtures, Other zoning issues in the revision but replacement fixtures must meet the new package pertained to water-efficient requirements. Additionally, when 50 percent landscaping, passive recreational park or more of a structure is being remodeled, sites and roof solar panels on commercial the outdoor lighting must conform to the installations that use the energy. “Dark Sky” provisions. Replacement lights The supervisors asked the staff to must be more energy efficient than those they change the wording to require that lighting replaced. on sports courts not be allowed within 100 The Department of Planning and feet of residences without a Conditional Use Community Development staff report includs Permit. drawings and photos (see Kern County In another agenda item, the board website). decided to make the department of Animal The rules apply only to areas under Control an independent entity. county jurisdiction.
Page 17
Santa Schedules Three Visits to Tehachapi A team of representatives from the Friends of the Tehachapi Depot (FOTD) recently traveled to the frozen far north to meet with Santa Claus. The purpose of the visit was to ask the right jolly old elf if he would agree to make the trip to Tehachapi so that local children could let him know what they want for Christmas. The FOTD team members were pleasantly surprised to learn that Santa will be able to fly down from the North Pole to the Tehachapi Railroad Depot Museum (the Depot) on three consecutive Saturdays in December. The dates of his scheduled visits are as follows: • Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children of all ages are encouraged to bring their parents and grandparents to the Depot for a family visit with Santa. There will be a photographer on hand to take pictures of
the happy occasion, and the Depot will have special exhibits that will be of interest to all. According to Santa, “This will be my chance to visit with all of the wonderful boys and girls of Tehachapi. I want to find out what each one of them wants for Christmas. My elves will work overtime in order to have everything ready for my trip on Christmas Eve. “If the children have long ‘Wish Lists,’ they should write everything down, put the lists in envelopes, and have their parents drop off the envelopes at the Depot before my visit on Dec. 17. “Until then, remember to be good!” With that admonition, Santa concluded the meeting and headed off to his workshop with a jolly “Ho, ho, ho!” There will be further updates regarding Santa’s planned visits to the Depot and other holiday activities in future editions of The Loop.
Loop ‘round the world
Thank you so much for your recommendation, my husband and I spent a night in room 20 and it was lovely. Jane is such a wonderful hostess and the view was awesome. Thanks again to the Loop for the referal. [Erica and Jane from the Bayfront Inn are seen catching up on news from Tehachapi.] Erica, form La Bella’s.
Page 18
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Jennifer’s Thoughts... Conducting a Periodic Review of Your Estate Plan
What is conducting a periodic You need to update your plan if: (1) review of your estate plan? your (or your children’s or grandchildren’s) With your estate plan marital status has changed, successfully implemented, one (2) a child (or grandchild) has final but critical step remains: been born or adopted, (3) your carrying out a periodic review spouse, child, or grandchild and update. has died, (4) you or a close Imagine this: since you family member has become ill implemented your estate or incapacitated, or (5) other plan five years ago, you got individuals (e.g., your parents) divorced and remarried, sold have become dependent on you. your house and bought a boat to For example, many states have a live on, sold your legal practice law revoking all or part of your and invested the money that will if you divorce or remarry. provides you with enough Upon changes in your income so you no longer have closely held business interest by Jennifer Williams to work, and reconciled with A review is in order if you your estranged daughter. This have: (1) formed, purchased, scenario may look more like fantasy than or sold a closely held business, (2) reality, but imagine how these major reorganized or liquidated a closely held changes over a five-year period may business, (3) instituted a pension plan, (4) affect your estate. And that’s without executed a buy-sell agreement, (5) deferred considering changes in tax laws, the stock compensation, or (6) changed employee market, the economic climate, or other benefits. external factors. After all, if the only Upon changes in the estate plan constant is change, it isn’t unreasonable to Of course, if you make a change in speculate that your wishes have changed, part of your estate plan (e.g., create a trust, the advantages you sought have eroded or execute a codicil, etc.), you should review vanished, or even that new opportunities the estate plan as a whole to ensure that it now exist that could offer a better value remains cohesive and effective. for your estate. A periodic review can Upon major transactions give you peace of mind. Be sure to check your plan if you have: When should you conduct a review of (1) received a sizable inheritance, your estate plan? bequest, or similar disposition, Every year for large estates (2) made or received substantial gifts, Those of you with large estates (3) borrowed or lent substantial (over the applicable exclusion amount) amounts of money, should review your plan annually or at (4) purchased, leased, or sold material certain life events that are suggested in assets or investments, the following paragraphs. Not a year goes (5) changed residences, by without significant changes in the tax (6) changed significant property laws. You need to stay on top of these to ownership, or get the best results. (7) become involved in a lawsuit. Every five years for small estates Upon changes in insurance coverage Those of you with smaller estates Making changes in your insurance (under the applicable exclusion amount) coverage may change your estate planning need only review every five years or needs or may make changes necessary. following changes in your life events. Therefore, inform your estate planning Your estate will not be as affected by advisor if you make any change to life economic factors and changes in the tax insurance, health insurance, disability laws as a larger estate might be. However, insurance, medical insurance, liability your personal situation is bound to insurance, or beneficiary designations. change, and reviewing every five years Upon death of trustee/executor/ will bring your plan up to date with your guardian current situation. If a designated trustee, executor, or Upon changes in estate valuation guardian dies or changes his or her mind If the value of your estate has about serving, you need to revise the parts changed more than 20 percent over the of your estate plan affected (e.g., the trust last two years, you may need to update agreement and your will) to replace that your estate plan. individual. Upon economic changes Upon other important changes You need to review your estate plan None of us has a crystal ball. We can’t if there has been a change in the value think of all the conditions that should of your assets or your income level or prompt us to review and revise our estate requirements, or if you are retiring. plans. Use your common sense. Have your Upon changes in occupation or feelings about charity changed? Has your employment son finally become financially responsible? If you or your spouse changed jobs, Has your spouse’s health been declining? you may need to make revisions in your Are your children through college now? estate plan. All you need to do is give it a little thought Upon changes in family situations from time to time. Please call me to find out more information, Jennifer Williams, President J. Williams Personal Financial Planning: 413 S. Curry St, Tehachapi, California Office Phone: 661-822-7517 Office Email: jennifer.williams@npbfg.com Jennifer is a Registered Financial Consultant. She has over 20 years of experience in the industry. Article is Courtesy of Forefiled, LLC Securities offered through NPB Financial Group, LLC. A Registered Investment Advisor/Broker-Dealer Member FINRA, MSRB, and SIPC.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Loop ‘round the world
Richard Trough from Protech Automotive in Tehachapi recentaly made a trip to Alaska with his beloved Beverly Billingsley who took this great picture of him reading the LOOP in Ketchikan. The Loop loves receiving pictures. Thank you for sharing this with us. If you take a picutre reading the Loop on your vacation please send it to us at articles@theloopnewspaper.com with a caption to indicate who and where you are.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
“Happenings round town”
Saturday, November 12 Making Homemade Apple Cider Workshop. Tehachapi Heritage League. Errea House, 310 S. Green St. Noon to 3 p.m. 822-8152. Friday, November 18 TCT presents “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” at the BeeKay Theatre. 110 South Green Street Fridays, November 18, 25 and December 2 at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, November 19, 26 and December 3 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday November 27 and Saturday December 3 at 2 p.m. 661-822-4037. Saturday, November 19 Tomo-Kahni Tour. Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park. 9 a.m. 661-9466092. Plane Crazy Saturday. Mojave Transportation Museum. Mojave Air & Space Port. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 824-5218. Casino Night Fundraiser to Benefit Residents Affected by the Canyon Fire. D.A.R.T. for Kern Families. Stallion Springs Lodge, 18100 Lucaya Way,
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Page 19
Classifieds
Tehachapi. 6 to 11 p.m. 822-4180. Saturday, November 25 Holiday Bazaar. Bear Valley Springs. Whiting Center, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 821-3534. Saturday, November 26 Holiday Bazaar. Bear Valley Springs. Whiting Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 821-3534. Saturday, December 3 Christmas Concert. Summit Singers. First Baptist Church, 1049 S. Curry St. 7:30 p.m. 822-3836. Sunday, December 4 Tehachapi Pops Orchestra. Whiting Center at BVS. 2 to 4 p.m. 821-2079. Tehachapi Karaoke Schedule
Classfieds Work! Get Your Message Out to ALL of East Kern including Edwards AFB!
Follow The Loop on Facebook: at www.Facebook.com/theLoopnewspaper
City Slickers – Every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 to 10pm. DJ Emma. 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-4939.
Moose Lodge – Every Monday and Thursday. Phyllis Fisher and Travis. 5 p.m. till ? 123 West “F” St. 822-3889. VFW – August 20 and 26. 7 to 11 p.m. Eric’s Karaoke DJ. 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-7500. Domingo’s Mexican Restaurant 20416 Hwy 202. 822-7611. Wednesdays - Karaoke.
Local Entertainment Calendar Schedules are subject to change. Please contact the venues to confirm. The Apple Shed. 233 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 823-8333 1st Thursday - Ron Kelbaugh - Multiple Genres 1st Friday-Will James and Maria - Celtic & Traditional 1st Saturday - Jo Stone-Piano Music 1st Sunday - Moving On - Multiple Genres 2nd Thursday - Ron Kelbaugh - Multiple Genres 2nd Friday - Geezers - Folk Music 2nd Saturday - Guy & Debbie Martin - Acustic Guitar and Vocal 2nd Sunday - Craig Shaw - Folk Music 3rd Thursday - Ron Kelbaugh - Multiple Genres 3rd Friday - Tony Vice – Country Music 3rd Saturday - Mountain Pass Oldies 3rd Sunday - Moving On – Multiple Genres 4th Thursday - Ron Kelbaugh - Multiple Genres 4th Friday - Max Valentino – Acoustic Guitar 4th Saturday - Pat Strong - Country/Ballads 4th Sunday - Craig Shaw - Folk Music + 5th Thursday - Ron Kelbaugh - Multiple Genres 5th Friday - Art Larsen - Classic Clarinet 5th Saturday - Craig Shaw - Guitar City Slickers Restaurant & Saloon. 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-4939. Fridays - DJ Saturdays - Live Music Don Juan’s Grill 20700 South St. 822-6612 Wednesdays – Live Music, Marc Weber Fiddlers Crossing. Open Mike on Wednesdays. For reservations call 661-823-9994.
La Bella Italian Bistro. 209 S. Green St. 822-7419 1st Friday- Moving On - Multiple Genres 1st Saturday - Ron Kelbaugh - Mix 2nd Friday - Alicia Hansen - Violin 2nd Saturday - Geezers - Folk Music 3rd Friday - Moving On - Multiple Genres 3rd Saturday - Craig Shaw - Folk Music 4th Friday - Pat Strong - Country/Ballads 4th Saturday - Jug Band - Mood Music 5th Friday - Craig Shaw - Guitar 5th Saturday - Moving On - Multiple Genres Senior Center. 500 E. “F” St. 822-5412. Tuesdays - Wood Carving, Pinochle Saturdays - Bingo Tehachapi Mtn Pub 20717 South Street - 822-0788. Saturdays - Live Music, DJ. Tehachapi Christian Store 108 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-0626 Fridays – Live Music. Veterans Hall. 125 E. “F” St. 303-3454. Fridays - Bingo VFW. 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-7500. Fridays - Live Music Wine & Cheese Cellar. 695 Tucker Rd. 822-6300. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays - Live Music
Career Opportunities FULL TIME – ADMITTING SUPERVISOR ADMITTING PER DIEM - CLINICAL LAB SCIENTIST LABORATORY PER DIEM - ULTRASOUND TECH RADIOLOGY PER DIEM - X-Ray/ct tech (nights) RADIOLOGY FULL TIME EXEMPT - CHIEF NURSING OFFICER (BSN required - MSN preferred) PER DIEM - PT AIDE PHYSICAL THERAPY FULL TIME EXEMPT - DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY/STAFF PHARMACIST (PharmD required) TEHACHAPI VALLEY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT (TEHACHAPI HOSPITAL) is located at: 115 WEST ‘E’ STREET, TEHACHAPI, CA TO APPLY ONLINE PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.tvhd.org RESUMES SHOULD BE EMAILED TO dthebeau@tvhd.org
Attention Applicants It is the policy of Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District (TVHD) to accept online applications for any position TVHD requires successful completion of a “drug test” and “criminal background check” by any applicant seriously considered for employment.
Our wages and benefits are very competitive!!
Page 20
Tell them you saw it in
Financial Focus
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Five Good Reasons to Create an Investment Strategy This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Some people buy investments here and Reason No. 3: You need to help manage the there, now and then. Others open an Individual unexpected. You can’t predict what life will hold in Retirement Account (IRA), put some money store for you. To cope with unexpected costs, such as in it, and then forget about it. But a major car repair or a new furnace, this type of haphazard investment you’ll need to create an emergency behavior can lead to haphazard fund containing six to 12 months’ results. On the other hand, you’ve worth of living expenses so that got five good reasons for creating you won’t be forced to dip into your and following a comprehensive, long-term investments. And to deal long-term investment strategy. with other major uncertainties of Reason No. 1: You want to life, you’ll need adequate life and enjoy a comfortable retirement disability insurance. lifestyle. For most people, building Reason No. 4: You need resources for retirement is the most resources for major life events. Your Ben Graham powerful reason to invest. As a key retirement may eventually require Edward jones part of your investment strategy, the bulk of your financial resources Financial Advisor you’ll want to consider investments — but it’s not the only milestone for that have growth potential. The proportion which you’ll need to save and invest. You may need of your portfolio devoted to these growth a down payment on a house, or you may someday investments should be based on your individual even want to purchase a vacation home. And if you risk tolerance and time horizon. And, as you have children or grandchildren, you may want to help move much closer to your actual retirement date, them pay for college. you may decide to shift some — but certainly Reason No. 5: You’ll want to keep in mind not all — of your portfolio from growth-oriented investment-related taxes. Taxes, like inflation, can eat vehicles to those investments that can provide a into your investment returns. You’ll need to evaluate reliable income stream and incur less volatility. whether you can benefit from tax-advantaged Reason No. 2: You need to stay ahead investments and retirement accounts, such as of inflation. Over the past few years, we’ve traditional or Roth IRAs. experienced relatively low inflation, but over So there you have it: five good reasons to adhere time, even a low inflation rate can dramatically to a unified investment strategy that’s tailored to your erode the value of your savings and investments. situation. This type of “blueprint” may not sound That’s why you may want to consider glamorous, and it’s certainly not a “get rich quick” investments that provide the potential for rising formula, but it will help you stay on track toward income. your important financial goals.
Shag said, ‘Thank You for Thanksgiving’ Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day (a.k.a. Armistice Day for you vintage types) occurs in November, and I never thought of tying them together before. I think it would be appropriate if, sometime during Thanksgiving Day, we would give thanks to those veterans. Veterans past, present and future who put their butts on the line to ensure that we could have a Thanksgiving Day. Think of it...if not for what our veterans have done, we might be celebrating something like Red Army Day or May Day instead. God Forbid!
Also we could give a silent thank you to the law enforcement people, EMTs, By Fred Shaughnessy, and fire fighters CADC II – who work every day to keep us safe. Thanks you to the medical folks – who keep our tickers ticking. In this country we have a lot to be thankful for, so let’s say thanks!
Fred Shaughnessy is a board- certified alcohol and drug counselor with TAASK, Inc. He holds a license in his field, a non-governmental license conferred byCCBADC/CAADAC.
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Yoga 101 - Stumbling Towards Enlightenment
Namaste at the Snarkfest Namaste (Sanskrit): The Divine in me Honors and Recognizes the Divine in You
long. Can I manage a splinter of politeness In India namaste is used as a timehonored greeting. Folks passing each other if I meet her on the street? I considered on the street whisper and bow their heads, my options. A hug was completely out of the question. Shaking hands while holding their hands in seems forced. How can I keep prayer position at the heart. I’ve my integrity intact and still always loved the word and its meaningful ritual. greet and/or acknowledge the I use the term with presence of Cruella? I found a brilliant partner in namaste. the hands-at-the-heart pose Namaste is perfect because regularly. Traditionally, at the the Divine within me can see end of yoga class, the teacher bows to the students saying and honor the Divine within her. namaste and students bow back Our Divine selves connect. to the teacher repeating namaste. My human self wants to It’s a very beautiful custom of lunge for her throat. shared respect; an act that oozes My Divine self knows love, kindness, and compassion. better. All the qualities that the yogi My human self longs to tell by Yogashanon yearns to cultivate. All the her in no uncertain terms that I qualities that I am finding to be think she’s a toxic, narcissistic in short supply in my snarky yogi heart these bully. days. Short supply indeed. My Divine Self radiates pure I’ve been blessed with a new teacher. compassion. Until I can get my human self She is gloriously beautiful with a 1000-watt to at least sit in the same room with my smile beaming from her gorgeous face. She Divine Self, namaste is my refuge. is accomplished. She is talented. She is A specific Buddhist wisdom teaching charming. I want to stab her in the face with (lo-jong) instructs “Be grateful to everyone.” a fork. Really? Everyone? Remind me why I should There’s something about this human be grateful to the hideous she-devil from the that sets me off. From the first moments bowels of Hell? I spent with her, I knew I’d found a My Cruella has shown me where my formidable new challenge. The testing had practice is lacking. She’s one of those extra begun. Hey, Yogashanan, think you’re a special teachers that pierces the depths shining example of compassion in action? of your heart, digs out some nasty little Leading with an open heart wherever you character flaw nugget and then waves it in may go? Got your Kumbaya on? Uh. Not so your face shouting, “Hey, does this belong much. to you?” Gratitude is not yet forthcoming, My new teacher (let’s call her Cruella) but I’m working with it. Surely in time I’ll has an astonishing capacity to ignite me. get this disturbance under control and find Twenty years of meditation and yoga compassion where there now is none. Either practice go out the window at the sound that or set my hair on fire. Whichever comes of her voice. Hearing her tout her own first. accomplishments, I want to run screaming In the meantime, if we meet on the from the room. Watching her manipulate street, I’ll breathe Namaste to her and to me. others, I long for hot pokers to ram into I’ll practice loving-kindness for myself as I my own eyeballs. Everything about Cruella struggle with my own capacity to stay opengives me a giant knot in my percolating hearted with this fellow human. Perhaps stomach. That was just from the first twenty someday our Divine Selves will be able to minutes. bring our Small Selves to the table, pour a Due to shared interests, I see Cruella glass of wine and drink in celebration of a occasionally. With each encounter, I feel lesson well learned. Maybe. The pigs flying the walls go up and the armor go on. Every overhead will oink in delight! orifice clenches. I’ve been employing Contact Yogashanan at www. the spectacularly pathetic technique of tehachapiyoga.com. avoidance, but that can only work for so Namaste!
If you want to drink, That’s your business! If you want to stop, That’s our business! We have a solution! We can help! Give us a call! Alcoholics Anonymous, Kern County Central Office
(661) 322-4025
Nov 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Daydreams Treasure Map To Your Soul The Way to Focus on the Future
What do you want to create for your life? really works. Make your map with passionate You might say that you want a life that you enjoy, intent. more friends, and you want to have new clothes. Remember, The Way Of The World, What do you need to do in order will bring things into fruition. for these things to happen? What Visualize, believe, be grateful, and changes in your life do you need turn passion into action – that is the to make? Perhaps it is as simple as key! If you keep saying to yourself, finishing some projects or joining “I hate this place,” or “I can’t a club. wait until this class is over,” you What are you all about? What won’t be able to go forward with is your title page? What do you your daydreams or goals. Instead stand for? What is your theme? The you will bring more of what you answers to those questions will complain about into your life. Turn attract the people and circumstances your negatives into positives and into your life that you will need visualize! I tape my treasure map to to achieve your goals. They will the door that leads outdoors. I look Charisse Rudolph coincide with your title page. at it every day, which keeps it on my ~The Leadership Lady~ mind and helps me visualize more I make a treasure map to my soul every year, and I always exceed often. Sometimes I use the movie my goals. Doing the map is a simple process. I camera or take photos of what I am daydreaming get a big piece of paper and some felt pens. In the about. The more I see it, the more I think about it center I draw the daydreams I am thinking about and the faster it happens. Sometimes I take steps in picture form (nothing fancy). Then I draw that I call “sideways” because something else lines from the pictures to balloons, and I write comes up that I didn’t expect. It is a step to the in the balloons things like: sell my bike, buy a side, but then I can take two steps forward. Life is new one, go to the beach, or learn how to play a lot like the game Shoots and Ladders. My dad the piano. You get the idea. Then I write down always said, “Sometimes you have to take one some steps I need to take in order for those things step back to take two steps forward.” It’s true; just to happen. On the map I also write in things that stay focused on your daydream. tell me what the outcome will be once I have Until the next time, “To Thy own self be accomplished my daydreams. These reminds true.” Today’s Quote: ~Fill yourself with light or me of why I am working so hard, they are the darkness will set in.~ rewards for my effort. Would you like to come to the ranch for a Another way to do this is to cut out pictures family play day? We will be holding a four hour of what you want to do, where you want to go, program during the Thanksgiving Holiday. You what it will look like, and pin them to a bulletin will connect with your family members like never board, or tape them to a sheet of poster board. I before, and walk away with a new understanding have even tacked pictures right on to the dry wall. of those you love. You may have something written down Cost is $50 per person like publishing a poem and then, like magic, Call 661-821-0482 for reservations. something even greater than you could have More information available at www. imagined happens as well. I’m telling you, it risingmoonranch.org. The next column, The Black List. If you missed any chapters you can get a copy, at U-Neek Finz, and my Inspirational cards, and paintings are there as well. Dec. 10th, I will be signing books at U-Neek Findz. Come down and visit mewww.theleadershiplady.tv
Lutheran Church Bake Sale and Bazaar Nov. 12 The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 329 South Mill St., have been busy preparing for their annual Incredible Edible Bake Sale & Bazaar on Saturday, November 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be delicious homemade goodies including candies, jams, breads,
cakes, pies and cookies. There will be a plentiful assortment of handcrafted gift items, gently-used re-gifting items and holiday decorations just in time for the Holidays. All proceeds are used for mission projects. Bring a friend, relax, browse and enjoy some cookies and apple cider while you shop.
Tehachapi Community Congregational Church United Church of Christ
A Progressive Christian Church
10:30 am Worship and Sunday School Pastor Diane Ryder 100 East E St. (Disability Access)
(661) 822-4443
Memories of the Mayor
Page 21
Third Draft’s the Charm The last time we talked it was about based on if they had a good looking older butchering hogs, steers, and lambs. Well sister or mother. Remember he was only 19. I I would like to go back to my little league had the worst team in the league and we went days, when I first became a 0-16 that year. However I had manager, and tell you about the best looking mothers and my first team. The name of my sisters you could ever imagine. team was the Cubs. They were Well going 0-16 meant that I got sponsored by Local 52, a union the first draft pick the next year. from the Monolith Cement Plant. My first three draft picks I don’t remember how much were pretty good and I thought the sponsorship was but Local I could build my team around 52 was very active in the Little those three because they were League of Tehachapi. I was so pretty good talented ball proud of my first team and I just players. However, two weeks by Ed Grimes knew I had a winner, because when I after the draft and before the start of looked at the age of the kids I had the the season, my first draft pick ended oldest team in the league. up in Juvenile Hall, my second draft pick There was only one thing that was moved away, and my third draft pick broke missing and I didn’t find out about it until his arm. We ended the season 3-13. I had my first practice. That one thing was I got to pick first again the next year talent. The kids couldn’t run; they couldn’t and I hit the jackpot. I ended up with Bret catch a ball if their life depended on it; and Oberg, Mike Muell, Ricky Rote, and Sam they couldn’t hit. I wondered how in the Franco. Not only did we win our league three world could these kids end up on a Major years in a row we went further than any team Little League team and not have any talent. ever went in the Little League playoffs. The Please don’t get me wrong, but to play the above mentioned kids went on to star at the game and be competitive you have to have high school level and all became All-League some talent. So I started inquiring about how selections. To this day I have never forgotten the team was allowed to get to the point that those great kids, and we still stay in touch it was. My investigation revealed that the even though I am now old. Kids keep me manager before me was a 19-year-old young young and I will forever love my experience man. I won’t mention his name because that with the youth. I have got to go for now, but is immaterial. remember God is always love, so you should With that said he did not draft his team be too. God Bless to all. based on talent. Instead he drafted his team
A Minister’s Musing
Thank Yous and Good-Byes by Rev. Diane Gallo Ryder How appropriate that my final Minister’s Musings falls during the season of Thanksgiving! As I prepare to leave my pastorate at the Tehachapi Community Congregational Church and to serve a church close to Los Angeles, I want to thank many people in Tehachapi in addition to church members for the deep, rich relationships and experiences I have enjoyed during my nine years here. This list is not exhaustive but I hope it is instructive of the spiritual issues we all face as spiritual folks in this community. First, thanks to Claudia, Sam and all the other people at The Loop for offering me the opportunity to put my ponderings in print. My unorthodox musings mostly achieved their aim: To comfort the afflicted, and to afflict the comfortable. Thank you to those who supported my family and I with prayers and practicality during my deceased husband’s long decline, especially the pool of handicap van drivers (thank you, Laurie!) and the staff of Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. who respected and arranged for my husband’s organ donation. Although still relatively rare in Tehachapi, all major faiths endorse organ donation. Thank you, Tehachapi public school system, for beginning to recognize and acknowledge the separation of church and state. You do a great job of educating young people but please acknowledge that learning is not one directional. We all, especially adults, have a lot to learn.
Thank you to the musician who invited my husband to perform a duet with you publicly, but withdrew the invitation because his wife’s theology was too progressive. You taught us about the depth of our commitment to the living God, who is still speaking. Likewise thanks to the several parents who refused to let your elementary school daughters play with my daughter because of her mother’s theology. How I wish God could be caught and not merely taught! Thank you to the first responders of all types – ambulance drivers, fire fighters, emergency room personnel, etc. – who serve this community well, even when stupidity (e.g. setting my own oven on fire) is the reason you must respond. You taught me how God must feel about us humans sometimes. Thank you to the animal lovers who shelter, groom, feed, and doctor the animals in this community, including our three dogs. You teach me to better see God’s fingerprints in all of creation. Thank you to the quilting community professionals and friends. You taught me much about charity and about Sabbath time. Thank you for the safe spaces where differences don’t divide this community: in yoga studios, in the Beekay Theater, in service organizations such as AAUW, in public parks and myriad other places where common vision triumphs over myopia. May Tehachapi always enjoy such unity in diversity! Thank you! God Bless you, Tehachapi! Diane
Page 22
Part VIII
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Tilting at Windmills The Winds of Change The eighth in a series of articles examining the many aspects of the growing wind energy business in the Greater Tehachapi Area
Two weeks ago I teased that this installment of TAW would involve a study of how much wind farms actually bring to Tehachapi in terms of jobs and dollars, but in light of recent developments I want to take a look at some of the major changes currently occurring in the world of wind, from the global right down to the local. Denmark gets 20 percent of its energy from wind. Germany has the most wind turbines of any country. China is set to nearly double its wind energy capacity in just one year. In terms of the raw total, America produces more wind energy than any other country, and more investment is on the way. One recent headline grabber is the world’s largest wind farm project in Pampa, Texas, proposed by oil magnate T. Boone Pickens. This is part of the so-called “Pickens Plan” to invest $1 trillion on wind turbines throughout the wind corridor from the Dakotas down to the Texas panhandle…a glowing endorsement of the wind industry from one of America’s most successful and well-known entrepreneurs. As residents of Tehachapi are well aware, there is currently a major surge of project development underway in the American wind industry, but it may not happening for the most positive reasons. With the expiration of two major federal incentives on the horizon, wind developers are pushing to build projects as quickly as possible to qualify for them. The rush has brought construction to levels not seen since 2009. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), there are already more than 7.3 GW of projects under development in the U.S., up from only 5.1 GW completed in 2010. Much of the late-stage activity has been spurred by the Treasury Grant Program, an incentive that allows developers to take a 30% cash grant rather than a tax credit…a program which will expire at the end of this year. That leaves a 12-month window for developers to take advantage of the Production Tax Credit (PTC), a core tax incentive for the industry that will expire at the end of 2012. The rush to qualify for the incentives is causing a spike in activity that will carry over into next year, but it doesn’t provide much stability in the market. In years when the PTC has expired, installations in the next year have dropped by between 73 and 93 percent. AWEA says that an expiration this time around could be just as drastic…and because the industry has grown so much in recent years, it also means that many jobs will be affected. Other factors that could contribute to the drop-off in wind installations in 2013 include low natural gas prices which make it very difficult to sell wind electricity on the market in regions developing a lot of gas and the fact that many states with renewable energy targets are coming close to meeting their goals. That makes it harder to sign long-term contracts with utilities, particularly if there’s no PTC to allow developers to compete with cheap gas. The last couple of times the industry has approached the PTC deadline, Congress extended the credit at the last minute. However with conservative members of Congress vowing to slash renewable energy spending, the likelihood of getting an extension before the end of next year is becoming increasingly unlikely, although on the East coast the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act, has been submitted by Democrat Bill Pascrell and Republican Frank LoBlondo. It would create a
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
30% investment tax credit (the same tax credit that is granted to many other US renewable energy sources) for up to 3000 MW of offshore wind projects selected by the US Treasury with the proviso that they are commissioned within five years. Here in Kern County, the wind industry shows no signs of abatement. San Diego-based developer enXco has hired Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction to build a 140 MW wind farm on the south slope of the Tehachapi Mountains. Mortenson will be responsible for the design and construction of access roads, foundations, erection, overhead and underground electrical collection system, and a 14,400 squarefoot operations and maintenance facility that will support the Pacific Wind Project as well as other enXco projects slated for development in the area. Construction on the wind farm will begin in December and is expected to be complete in August 2012. The Pacific Wind Project is the 19 th wind power facility that Mortenson has constructed in partnership with enXco. Despite local opposition, the Kern County Board of Supervisors recently approved two large wind energy projects by massive developer TerraGen Power; the 530 MW Alta Wind Energy’s Infill project stretching across 5,185 acres just west of the small desert community of Mojave, and the Morgan Hills Wind Energy project, a 230 MW project powered by 76 wind turbines spread over 2,160 acres in the mountains seven miles southeast of Tehachapi along Oak Creek Road. Terra-Gen officials have committed to flow the approximately $30 million in tax revenues generated by the Infill project into the Mojave economy, but Mojave residents remain critical of the project which would place 205 towering 3 MW wind turbines in a miles-long arch running south from Highway 58 north of town to well south of Mojave. Residents claim that the project would convert “pristine desert landscapes” to an industrial “wasteland” and “severely limit the growth of the town of Mojave.” In approving the project, Supervisor Zack Scrivner stated, “I believe that the overall benefits to our community from this renewable project cannot be overridden” and that the economic benefits to the county outweigh the impacts to the community. On another local wind energy front, on October 19th the Citizens Opposing a Dangerous Environment (CODE) filed a petition for writ of mandate challenging the Board of Supervisors and the County of Kern on its decision to approve the North Sky River/Jawbone Projects approved at the Sept. 13, 2011 hearing of the Board of Supervisors. The Petition alleges that, “Over the objections of experts, County residents and property owners, Respondents [County and BOS] rushed the Project through the CEQA process, cutting numerous corners along the way such as by, on the one hand, unveiling hundreds of pages of last-minute new information and failing to add it to the EIR and recirculate that new information for public review and comment as the CEQA guidelines mandate and, on the other hand, conducting a completely biased review process for the Project whereby County rushed EIR review, ignored proof that facts and claims it was relying on were incorrect, and at the public hearing on the Project permitted RPIs [real parties in interest] and their representatives ample time to extol the Project while prohibiting Project opponents, including CODE members, from presenting evidence and expert testimony of errors in their EIR and Project support documents.”
According to Tehachapi attorney Kassandra McQuillen, this means that the project “is now in limbo while the court reviews the record of how our County handled the application for permits and the EIR process and cannot proceed until the Court renders its decision.” Also challenging the project is a Petition filed by the Sierra Club, the Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity for a Writ of Mandate challenging the County’s certification of the EIR for the Nextera North Sky River/Jawbone Wind Energy Project. According to McQuillen, it does not bode well for the “discretion and legality of our Planning Department and the Board of Supervisors summary approval of the North Sky River Project…when environmental groups start opposing ‘green’ technology.” Infuriated by “our County’s lackadaisical attitude toward wind development today”, McQuillen also uncovered some interesting facts regarding the ClearVista Wind Project. In a letter to the Board of Supervisors, County Counsel and Planning Department, McQuillen states that “both parcels approved for rezoning to WE (Wind Energy) Combining District for the ClearVista Wind Project at the September 13, 2011 Board of Supervisor’s meeting, Kern County APN 223-052-09 and APN 223052-11, are in tax default status and the zone modification should be revoked accordingly. Both parcels have been in tax default since 2007. At this time $137,550.10 is past due on APN 223-052-09 and $9,892.60 is past due on APN 223-052-11. You can find this information at the Assessor’s office under Redemption Bills 07-1154222-00-8 and 07-1154224-00-4. Kern County Ordinance 19.102.020 states, ‘Any permit, conditional use permit, variance, or zone modification issued pursuant to this chapter may be modified or revoked by the official or decision-making body that originally approved the permit by the same procedure under which the permit was issued for any of the following causes....(B) That the property or portion thereof subject to the permit, conditional use permit, variance, or zone modification is used or maintained in violation of any statute, ordinance, law, or regulation.” On a personal level, McQuillen also had to wonder “about the nerve of going to a County for help in the face of public opposition when you aren’t even respectful enough to pay the taxes you claim you’ll bring to the County.” Despite the property owners’ disregard for the law in paying his property taxes, apparently no revocation of the approved zone modifications will be forthcoming. In a phone conversation with Kern County Planning Director Lorelei Oviatt and Deputy County Counsel Bruce Divelbiss regarding her letter, McQuillen was informed that the Ordinance she cited in her letter, 19.102.020, does not apply in the ClearVista matter because the landowner applied for an amendment to the zoning title under Ordinance 19.112 rather than a zone modification under 19.102. In other words, to obtain a “zone modification” per Ordinance 19.102, one must be in full compliance with the law, but to obtain “rezoning” to a “WE (Wind Energy) Combining District” overlay under Ordinance 19.112, one does not. As Ms. Oviatt explained to Ms. McQuillen, a zoning change improves the property value, which benefits the County because the property taxes increase, although how that benefit can be obtained from an
by Robert Lugibihl
individual already four years in arrears on paying his property taxes is unclear. “I was informed this is a policy issue that may warrant further discussion and that I should attend a meeting of the BOS and bring it up during public comment time”, McQuillen said, “or that I can pay for and request an amendment to the zoning through the regular procedures, but that it is quite costly.” Fed up with the seemingly arbitrary approval of wind energy project locations in the Greater Tehachapi Area, some residents are calling on the Board of Supervisors to draw a boundary line for future wind farm projects. According to homeowner Bob Moran, “we need to have a specific boundary, a designated distance from our homes for these towering turbines in the Tehachapi Valley.” Supervisor Scrivner agrees. “I have got this on an accelerated course and am hopeful in the next 60 days we are going to come up with something that is workable.” In addition to the head-on challenges from local residents, the Tehachapi wind energy industry is taking a hit on its flank from the city of Chino Hills. In an effort to continue their ongoing battle with Southern California Edison (SCE) over the utility mega-giant’s Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP), Chino Hills City Council members late last month made an additional $100,000 available to help fight the project which is crucial for the transmission of power generated by the many Tehachapi wind farms. The $2.1 billion TRTP project will bring wind-generated electricity from Kern County to the Los Angeles Basin. Part of a state mandate to use more sustainable energy, the project is slated to be completed in 2015. The transmission poles and towers are being installed within the right-of-way from Chino Hills’ western border near Tonner Canyon, northeast to Peyton Drive and continuing east to the 71 Freeway and eventually going into Riverside County. Construction of the towers started in October 2010. Fifteen of the larger towers have been installed in Chino Hills, replacing smaller existing structures on the right-of-way. A lawsuit introduced by the city has argued that Southern California Edison’s easements in the city are too narrow for the power corridor. In addition, Chino Hills City Attorney Mark Hensley reported the city has filed its formal request for the state Supreme Court to review the determination made by the lower courts that the CPUC had exclusive jurisdiction regarding the overburdening of the easements, based on construction of the towers in those easement areas. A decision from the Supreme Court about whether to accept the city’s request for review will be rendered by mid-January. Chino Hills residents and city government all agree that the new transmission towers are an eyesore and are having a negative effect on property values in the city which has thus far spent $2.4 million in its fight against SCE who last month was ordered by the California Public Utilities Commission to temporarily stop construction of the towers in the city because they don’t have appropriate lighting a violation of Federal Aviation Administration requirements. In two weeks, Part 9: Windfall – How much do wind farms actually bring to Tehachapi in terms of jobs and dollars?
Nov 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
‘I can Make That Vegan!’
She is My Grandma! I recently got the chance to go visit my Grandma. I order anything I want, no matter Grandma Helen. This is one of my favorite how bad for me, because Grandma says it’s trips to make. There is nothing but joy and a special occasion. That means no calories contentment when I visit. For will effect me. me. Mr. GGB and the little Grandma has that kind of bunnies, do not share the magic. We walk off lunch on the same joy. pier, our arms linked, just me It’s not because of and Grandma. There is no video Grandma, she is by far the to prove I pushed Mr. GGB off sweetest, most wonderful the pier. He’s fine, he is a strong woman that has been placed swimmer. After we pick up the on earth. This is a fact that rest of the family at the lifeguard has never been disputed by stand, and sign the medical release any person who has met by the perpetual child, go forms for the big babies who her. My family’s lack of “almost drowned”, we go back to green bunny excitement for these trips is Grandma’s house for cookies and purely my behavior. juice. I might have told on Jr. For looking From the moment we pull into the drive, at my cookie and bit Mr. GGB for trying I am magically transported to my childhood. to take the last cookie. Since I get cranky I don’t mean I am washed over with precious when I’m tired, Grandma suggests I take memories. Or sites, sounds and smells covers a nap. A nap! Who am I to argue? She is me like a warm comfortable woobie. No, 92, she knows better than me what is best. in fact, I am transformed into a spoiled five Naps here are the greatest! Nowhere will year old child. I know it’s not very mature of you sleep better, dream more carefree, and me, but I’m at My Grandma’s and you can’t wake more energized. tell me what to do! The rest of the day is filled with In my defense, I defy anyone to not laughter and fun, but before I leave, there is take the opportunity to enjoy, if only for one tradition that must be done. The lemon a day, to be Grandma’s little angel again. tree snitching. I can not remember one visit (I’m the favorite, don’t ask my cousins, we to grandma’s that I have not climbed her wouldn’t want to hurt their feelings.) This huge lemon tree and stole as many lemons is the perfect day! As soon as I walk in, I as I can. I know that I could get a ladder and am hugged, kissed and cooed over. Hello?! pick them like an adult, but where is the fun When do we ever get that in our every day in that. Plus, if you climb up the tree, you life without hearing a sales pitch? can drop lemons on the heads of the people After some priceless alone time I get below. Mr. GGB swears his hair still smells with Grandma, we shuffle off to the kitchen like lemons. Whatever, it’s refreshing. for lemonade. This is when my mental age It is always sad leaving. There are tears plummets. I get to choose the first glass, and tantrums and one incident of someone after carefully eyeing each glass to make locking themselves in the bathroom so we sure they are even. I still get the fullest. could not leave. It might have been me. We then get to sit and tell Grandma what Leaving is hard, but it is a small comfort is happening in our lives. This lovely lady to hold those lemons on my lap on the ride listens to every word I say, with her full home. It’s like taking an extra hug home attention. She just pretends to care about with me. When I use those lemons, I pretend what everyone else says, because their like Grandma Helen is right next to me, stories are stupid and boring. patiently guiding me and thinking whatever We get to go out to eat. I trip Baby I make is the best, tastiest treat in the whole GGB to slow her down so I get to sit by My wide world.
Grandma Helen’s Hug Lemon Cookies Ingredients: 1 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours zest of one lemon 1 cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup dry shredded coconut (unsweetened) ¼ cup agave Directions: In a food processor combine all the ingredients and roll a spoon full in into balls. Place on dehydrating sheets and flatten with your thumb. Dry for 6 to 10 hours. This depends on the dehydrator. It can also be done in an oven set at 200 for several hours. This is where you get to decide the texture you like. Less time for chewier and longer for crisper. I will admit there have been times when I have just eaten the dough. I love making these cookies because there is no baking. In my child-like state, I am not allowed to use the oven. It’s like making treats with those little light bulb ovens we had as kids. Only this tastes much better. Enjoy a little hug from my Grandma Helen, but don’t forget, she is my Grandma! As always, if you have any ideas, questions, suggestions or just to say hi! Email me at gogreenbunny@aol.com.
On the Bright Side
Page 23
Saying a Simple Thank You
Thanksgiving is a time to count your We may remember to say thanks to the blessings and to offer a prayer of thanks to waitress who brings us our food at the diner, whatever higher power you believe in, whether but we forget to say “Thanks honey, for that is God, The Great Spirit, the listening to me when I told you Universe, or something else. about my lousy day” at home.” Thanksgiving is a time We may remember to say thank to publicly or privately reflect, you when the children take out the remember and be grateful – for garbage because we are trying to your family, your friends, your teach them manners, but we forget home, your job, your abilities, to say to our spouse “Thank you and more; Thanksgiving is a day for remembering to fill the car up to give thanks for whomever you with gas yesterday,” or “Thank hold dear or whatever you are you for making our home look so happy to have in your life. clean and neat all the time.” We by Mel White While Thanksgiving is a may remember to say thank you to good time to thank a higher power a stranger who gives us directions for your blessings, it can also be a time for you when we’re out of town, but we forget to say to remember to say thank you directly to the “Thanks for doing all the driving tonight” to people who mean the most to you. our sweetie after a night out. On Thanksgiving Day we may remember There is nothing wrong with – and to say “Thank you for being part of my life” to everything right with – saying thank you to a loved one or, when we go around the table the people you see every day, for the everyday and say what we’re thankful for, we may list things they do. There is nothing wrong with – our family or friends. That’s good, but it is also and everything right with – saying thank you to good to remember to say thank you directly for people you don’t usually say thanks to, like the the little things too. trash collectors or the mail carriers. If you see Sometimes, unfortunately, the people them, why not yell “Good job! Thanks!” closest to us are the ones we forget to say Everyone likes to be appreciated and, thank you to for everyday things that make of course, that’s true at times other than our lives better. Familiarity with people – in Thanksgiving. This time of year, though, is as the home, with friends or even with people good a time as any to start remembering to say in the workplace – makes us sometimes take thanks to everyone who makes a difference in each other for granted. We forget that a simple your life. It’ll make you feel good too, when “thank you” can mean so much to the people you say a simple “thank you” and see someone we see everyday. These people may be the smile. It’s really a good habit to get into, and people we appreciate the most, but we often it’s a very easy thing to do, any day of the year. forget to let them know it. © Marilda Mel White Mel White, local photographer and writer, has been looking on the bright side for various publications since 1996. She welcomes your comments at morningland@msn.com.
Greater Tehachapi Fire Safe Council Gives Heartfelt Thanks The members of the Greater Tehachapi Fire Safe Council, on behalf of the residents we serve, give our heartfelt thanks and highest praise to the courageous men and women who fought the many recent wildfires in our area. The skills, knowledge, and preparedness of the Kern County Fire Department, as the lead agency, clearly helped save lives and property. The successful assault on the multiple wildfires raging through or toward our area is the result of careful planning coupled with competent tactical decision-making and heroic work by the pilots, hand-crews, equipment operators, and others on the front lines of the fires. For all of the criticism given to "government" by pundits and cynics, the suppression of the recent wildfires gives strong evidence of a well coordinated operation, including participants from all levels of government. Military, CalFire, and Kern Fire helicopters delivered water to assist firefighters on the ground from CalFire alongside firefighters from other counties and cities, (here through mutual aid agreements) and supported by personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the California Conservation Corps. Evacuations were conducted by Sheriff Deputies, City Police, Special District Police, and the California Highway Patrol, with the help of CalTrans and County Roads Department. The California Department of Water Resources, local Special Districts and Water Districts diverted water across the valley so that it
was available in hydrants and helicopter dip tanks. Non Government Organizations and community volunteers partnered with local merchants to make sure the fire victims and those trying to protect them were well-fed. From the grass roots to the top, government came to our rescue. Fighting wildfires is seldom if ever a 100 percent proposition; property and wildlife are almost always destroyed and human life threatened, but the outcome here was well short of the much larger catastrophe that was possible, if not likely. We thank the property owners who exercised their responsibility and properly cleared the weeds and other natural fuels from their land. We thank community activists who installed helicopter dip tanks, prepared access roads, formed CERT teams, and donated resources. We thank elected Board (County, City, and Special District) Members for setting fire protection as a priority. With our sincere gratitude, The Greater Tehachapi Fire Safe Council Board Jeannine Guiffre, President and Representative for Old West Ranch, Sand Canyon, and Mountain Meadows Joe Fontaine, Vice President and Representative for Bear Valley John Yeakley, Secretary and Special District Representative Paul Ackermann, Treasurer and Representative for Hart Flat, Keene Celeste Hawksley, Representative for Alpine Forest, Stallion Springs, and Country Oaks
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Business Directory
21.12s 21.09c
21.09
21.10s 21.12
Don’s Pro Technology Automotive Repair
Welcome!
Construction
Remodelers
21.13 21.08
21.11
sounds pretty serious to me. Jon has found Jon Griffith’s life began in Houston, Auto Body & Paint a lovely home in a beautiful wooded setting Texas where he lived until age seven. Then for them to share, so I believe his family moved to Vancouver, Nadine will be very excited BC Canada. He was in the Air when she sees this place which Cadets in Canada from age 12 Jon has found for them. Looks through 19. He got his glider like we have not just Jon, but his license at age 15 and a power fair lady Nadine to welcome as license at age 16. Jon attended well, welcome to you both. the University of British Ole and Dolores Olson Columbia, Vancouver, BC, have come to Tehachapi from Canada where he got a degree Wyoming. Ole was born in in integrated engineering. He Minnesota and Dolores was wanted to become a pilot with born in Wyoming. They have an engineering degree, but Auto Glass known each other since high found a vast difference in the by Evie Campbell-Best school and have been married beginning pay scale between a Welcome Hostess for 55 years! Dolores worked pilot and an engineer, so went for a few years in the 1950s after an engineering career. His as a telephone operator. Some of you may first job was with NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, working as a safety remember when operators wore headphones and had a large board in front of them with contractor. He got his hands into everything long cords that they plugged into a hole in working in that capacity, which enabled the board when it lit up to show a call was him to apply for many jobs in the aerospace coming in. Well, that’s how Dolores worked Cell (661) 972-6411 • Shop (661) 822-4500 industry. While working in Houston, Jon at her job. That was also the case for my first 151 N. Mill Street, Suite E • Tehachapi taught children at the Houston Space Center. “real” job too. Oh, how times have changed! He volunteered at the Observatory and taught Ole retired in 1984, at age 57, from the interested children about space engineering. Automotive Repair Natural Gas Pipeline out of Washington State. This gave these young people a jump-start They bought an RV and became full-time by piquing their interest at a young age and Co me Make Your Car a Happy Car! to: RVers after Ole retired. They really loved that preparing them to enter this field. lifestyle and lived this way for 10 years. They Jon is currently working in Mojave started out with a 33’ RV, traded it for a 27’ building spaceships. With his knowledge and Your Full Service Automotive Center fifth wheel, and then bought a 36’ fifth wheel great engineering skills, Jon has created some with a washer and dryer. They traveled mostly very innovative new devices used in this Pass or Don’t Pay Smog Test Center in the western and midwestern states and industry. Jon is interested in art, opera and 230 East Tehachapi Bld • Tehachapi visited family and friends in those areas. They classical music. His grandparents always had 661-822-1600 eventually ended up in a park model mobile season tickets to the opera, which had a great home in Wyoming. influence on Jon’s love of the opera. Jon says Where Quality & Service are Number 1 Recently the Owens moved to Tehachapi he is an amateur artist, but I saw some pretty to be with Dolores’ brother who has lost his awesome artwork at his home. One area of Construction wife and is in poor health. He has a nicevery special interest to Jon is a sweet young sized piece of property in the rural area of lady named Nadine. They have known each Tehachapi. The Owens are enjoying living other for four years, but have been a couple in this rural mountain area, because that is for three years. Nadine will be arriving what they are used to. I’m sure they will love in December on a tourist visa from South it even more as they get to know the kind Africa, where she has been a special needs and friendly people in this community. We teacher. Her goal is eventually to become a welcome you, Ole and Dolores, and hope vet. Jon is eagerly awaiting her arrival and things go well for you here. says he can hardly wait for her to get here;
21.11 21.11c
Meet Your New Neighbors
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Water Well Service
21.13 21.8s 21.02
Tell them you saw it in
Finley Pump Service, Inc. Complete Water Well Services Design & Installation Submersible & Booster Pumps Water Storage & Pressure Tanks Down Hole Video
661-822-9283
Locally Owned & Operated Mike Finley - Lic. #874581
Batteries
21.13c
Page 24
Batteries installed for Off-Grid Homes •Quality US Built Batteries •Licensed and Insured •30 years experience Powerstride Battery Co.
Ask for Dave (661) 549-9621
If you have moved to the Greater Tehachapi Area within the last six months and would like to know more about your new community, call 661-822-8188. We will be happy to make an appointment for a hostess to come by and give you lots of helpful information, some valuable coupons, gifts and much more. Many families and individuals who come to the area are pleasantly surprised with the amount of knowledge they gather about their new home. Publishing your welcome article is completely voluntary and is not a requirement of being welcomed.
ymail.com
Don’t Miss Out Due to the holiday the next issue of The Loop will be
On Stands nd Tuesday, Nov. 22
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Remodelers
22.02hj
22.03s
Firearms Training
Alterations
21.12c
Business Directory
cont
Body Wrap
Tell them you saw it in
Beading
Page 25
21.12
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
‘It Works’
An exclusive, botanically-based body contouring treatment Delorah Latham-McCarthy Detoxifies, tightens, tones, & firms. Minimizes 661-972-6622 appearance of cellulite Susie McCarthy &
fitnslim.itworks.net *Host a wrap party and
you get wrapped for free with the Ultimate Body Applicators See Results in as little as 45 Minutes!
Home & Office Cleaning
2113
Barber Shop
21.10
Chinese Massage
2113
It Works Independent Distributor
House & Office Cleaning
Good References • Free Estimates All Services Guaranteed Alex&Dora (661) 822-6567 • Cell (661) 319-5899 1002 Green St, Tehachapi • Lic# 65484
Owner
Licensed Bonded
Pet Services By Sally Pet Sitting & Pet Taxi
This ad in color is only
$190 for 7 issues:
That’s 14 weeks total! 20.13
Pet Rescue
Call 661-822-8188 Today!
Construction
Vendor Mall
22.02
(661) 823-7136 • (661) 972-5826 Cell
21.10
Serving the Tehachapi area
21.10s
21.12c
Advertising to Fit Any Budget!
Sally Lyon
Heating & A/C
Framing
Advertise
21.09c
Pet Services
21.10
Full Service Salon
Rainbow Rescue, Devoted love waiting to find you! Meet our pets on www.petfinder.com or California City, (760) 373-2907
with
The Loop!
Chimney Cleaning
21.10s
Save
Mortuary
21.10s
Plumbing
2113
Tractor Work
21.09
IRS 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit Organization.
Live Local - Play Local Spend Local
Help Tehachapi Thrive: Shop in Tehachapi!
Sonner Electric • Residential • Commercial • Bonded & Insured Specializing in all Homeowner Needs • Ceiling Fans • Outlets • Lighting • Panel Changes, Etc.
661-810-7867 Licence #C10 800944
Advertise
$35 per issue Prepay and get 5 for $120 Call 1-661-822-8188 Today!
Call Today! (661) 822-8188
Fireplaces
21.12
Electrician
21.10
Look throughout this issue for money saving coupons!
The Heat Source
Woodburning, Gas & Pellet Stoves 2 Locations! (661) 823-0117 20817 South St - Tehachapi (661) 949-0906 42247 12th St. West - Lancaster
Advertise in The Loop’s Business Directory
Page 26
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Mayor Grimes presented Tehachapi Chief of Police Jeff Kermode with a certificate of recognition
City Council Commends Airport, Chief and Warriors photos by Tina Forde, article by Robert Lughbil It was a fairly light agenda at the certificate of recognition in light of Chief Tehachapi City Council meeting on Monday, Kermode’s 32 years of law enforcement November 7th at the Beekay Theater, with a experience and being honored as Police focus mainly on fun, flight and football. Chief of the Year by the Kern County Chief Following the customary invocation Law Enforcement Officers Association in a and pledge of allegiance, Main Street ceremony which took place on November 1st Tehachapi Board of Directors interim in Bakersfield. “Chief Kermode had to go president Kelly Saunders addressed the through four panels of interviews to get the council regarding the latest with the 501(c)3 job,” Grimes said. “I was on one of those charitable organization. While no dollar panels and we had a lot of candidates. But figures were yet available, “the Starlight Ball they say the cream always rises to the top, was a really fun night and a big success… and in this case it certainly did.” we doubled the net proceeds of the previous Moving on to agenda items, Tehachapi year’s event”, Saunders said. “Although Airport Commission Chariman Eric Hanson financial difficulties have forced Main asked for the City’s assistance in drafting Street to return to a grass roots volunteer a new airport master plan. “I cannot stress organization,” Saunders continued, “it is still enough the importance of keeping our master thriving and being supported by the local plan up to date,” Hanson told the Council. businesses, and following the low turnout at “Our growth has exceeded the existing plan which was created seven years ago, so this is a great time to bring it up to date.” Mayor Grimes concurred, stating that “Tehachapi has a beautiful airport that is always commended on the way it looks and the way it is operated. The Airport Commission is a big part of the reason for that and I want to thank them.” City Manager Greg Garrett agreed as well. “The airport is a great asset to Tehachapi,” said Garrett, “and a new master plan will assure the continuance of that asset.” The Council unanimously agreed to produce an updated master plan. City Capital Projects Manager Chris Kirk requested that the Council authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of commitment to participate in the development of the Kern County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Ron Seldon, the new Commander of the Mojave office of the California Highway Patrol Mitigation Plan. Mr. Kirk simplified that rather imposing title: “It’s all about our recent members seminar, our Economic protecting life and property.” Councilwoman Restructuring Committee will be sending out Vernon motioned to approve the request, a survey to local business owners asking them Councilwoman Wiggins seconded the motion what they want to see from Main Street. We and it was unanimously passed by the expect to have the results of that survey by Council. the end of the year.” Mayor Grimes as well In closing the Council meeting, as council members Susan Wiggins and Linda Mayor Grimes expressed his pride in the Vernon stated that they had attended and Tehachapi High School football team, the enjoyed the event. “I had a ball at the Ball,” Warriors. “The City has always been very Wiggins quipped, “and I’m very glad to hear supportive of the Warriors, who took on the it raised money for Main Street.” local champions last Friday…and won.” Next, Ron Seldon, the new Commander Grimes was referring to the Warriors Friday, of the Mojave office of the California November 4th game against the previously Highway Patrol, introduced himself to the undefeated Wasco team. The Warriors scored Council and expressed his pleasure in serving a stunning 27-18 win and took first place in the community. He was welcomed by all. the South Sequoia League. The Warriors The Mojave office is part of the CHP’s Inland can win the outright league championship Division which patrols an area larger than 12 on Thursday, November 11th, in their home individual states and includes the lowest point game against the Taft Wildcats. “The GPA of in the United States at Death Valley and the the average Tehachapi High School football highest point in the contiguous 48 states at player is actually higher than the overall Mt. Whitney. school average,” Grimes concluded. “These Mayor Grimes presented Tehachapi aren’t just football players, they are truly Chief of Police Jeff Kermode with a student athletes.”
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
The Butcher’s Wife
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Bless the Meat, Let’s Eat
It’s November, and Autumn is here again! The leaves are falling and the air is getting brisker. The Tehachapi winds are blowing harder and colder. The harvest holidays are upon us, and that means family, friends, parties and of course...wine! Let me just say this...I am very thankful for all the wonderful people we have met during our first year of business here at “The Butcher Shop” and for your continued patronage. The following is a delightfully simple, and dee-lishious, chicken recipe submitted by
one of our favorite customers, Ms. Jeanne Riesen of Bear Valley. Jeanne is a world class party girl (senior division) and local karaoke queen celebrity, as well as a darn good cook! Here is her own creation she calls...
by Tony and Tomi Nuckolls, Butcher and Wife
Oooh-La-La Chicken
Ingredients (based on feeding 4 to 6 people): 4 to 6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts One Packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix One 16 oz. Can of Cranberry Sauce French Salad Dressing (enough for drizzling) Directions: Fold each chicken breast half to form a little “roll”, wash, pat dry and cut each breast in half. Place the breasts together snuggly in a 9” by 14” glass baking dish. Once all the breast rolls are in the baking dish, sprinkle one package of Lipton onion soup mix on top of all the chicken, evenly. Next open the cranberry sauce, stir the sauce up to make it more spreadable and then apply one good size dollop of sauce to the top of each piece of chicken. Then drizzle some French salad dressing over all the chicken and then cover it all with a sheet of heavy aluminum foil and put in the fridge for a bit to marinate (The longer the better). Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and put chicken in for one hour to bake. (check for done-ness as ovens vary) While chicken is baking, you can boil up some rice or noodles to serve chicken over when done. Emmmm-emm! Yummy! Thank you Jeanne for one fine chicken recipe. Also Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
See our Front Page ad for our Chicken Breast coupon!
The Butcher Shop is located on Hwy 202 and Woodford Tehachapi road in the new Grand Oaks Plaza, between the Shell station and Frosty King. Come on by and try our 100 percent natural Harris Ranch Beef or call us at 661-822-9600 We’re open seven days a week.
GSLC Preschool Student of the Month
by Mary Clyde hair and brown eyes. My special friends here Hi! I’m Noah (like the guy with the at school are Dominic and Ark) Benjamin Gutierrez. Matthew. Right now I’m three years My favorite color old, but I’ll be four in is red – which is a good February. I’m in Miss thing, ‘cause I wanna be Mary’s class at Good a fire fighter when I grow Shepherd Preschool and up. My favorite thing boy, oh boy do I love to to do on the playground sing and dance. Just ask is ride a trike. I guess Miss Mary or Miss Ulla I’m practicing driving a and they’ll tell you I’m a fire truck, ’cause I sure really good dancer! My do zing around! I share favorite song is “Sweet my house with my mom and dad and my Potato Pie” but I can sing lots and lots of sister Olivia, and our dog Sassy. Sassy is my different songs. Miss Ulla will tell you that favorite animal too. I really like macaroni and I sing all the time, even when I’m playing cheese and playing with my favorite toy — games. I’m always singing. In case you Lightning McQueen, of course! can’t tell from my picture, I have dark blond
Page 27
Mortgage Matters
You’re Kidding Me, Right !? by Tammy Engel, Mortgage Advisor
Never a dull moment in mortgage land! Interest rates are the lowest they’ve been this year with lots of purchases and refinances are closing escrow. A common theme these days is the chorus of “You’re kidding me, right?” about documenting a loan file. To the buyers who have been saving cash at home because you don’t trust the banks: Cash doesn’t work in a mortgage transaction these days. Lenders want your money in a financial institution for at least two months before you apply for your loan. If a large deposit comes in and we can’t paper trail it, it can’t be used. Seasoned funds are critical to today’s loan approval. To the couple that throws away their bank statements: Web scans of your checking account won’t do anymore. Lenders want to see the last two “mailed” bank statements, which fully identify the institution and your complete account name and number. Anything shy of that will hold up your loan approval. Maybe your on-line banking lets you download “statements” so you can still shred the mail? And be sure to show all pages, even the blank ones and the copies of your paid checks. To the gentleman who had health problems that caused late mortgage payments: Yes, we really do want a letter from your doctor. Prior mortgage payment history seems to be a critical indicator of future performance. If your late payments
were due to something beyond your control, we’ll need appropriate documentation to prove it. To the daughter who is a joint tenant on your mom’s account in case of emergency: Please be prepared to write a letter stating that each of you has full access to the funds in your shared account. Especially on government loans, parties to an account who are not loan applicants will need to attest that our borrower can use the whole account balance if needed. To the family who banks at a faraway credit union: Be sure you know how to access your account by cashiers check or wire. Sometimes a wet signature is needed for either of those “clear funds” withdrawal methods and you might have to plan ahead. Escrow companies don’t have the means to accept cash at closing, and money orders may not be accepted either. Avoid delays by knowing what their rules are. These are just examples of some of the over-the-top documentation requests in recent loan files. Lenders are still seeming reluctant to believe anything without an inch of paper documentation to back it up, so be ready for some invasive questions when you apply for a home loan. Your reward is the most affordable housing in history, if you can suspend your disbelief at what you will be asked to provide at loan application.
Tammy Engel is your local Mortgage Advisor and is the only lender in Kern County authorized to display the Lending Integrity Seal of Approval. Contact her at 661-822-REAL. Home loan pre-approval is fast, accurate and free!
Page 28
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 12 ~ 22, 2011
Tehachapi’s Holiday Dining Options