2009 Small Business of The Year Volume 21, #10
Nov 22 - Dec 6, 2011
Be included in the fun!
Tehachapi’s Favorite Source for Community News & Entertainment Tehachapi officially begins the Celebration of the Holidays with the Annual Tehachapi Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place directly after the conclusion of the parade, Dec. 3rd
Take one!
www.theLoopNewspaper.com
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year By Nancy Bugé
The members of the Friends of the Tehachapi Depot (FOTD) wish you and yours a joyous Holiday Season. They have planned many wonderful events to add to the season’s merriment. As a result of delicate pre-Holiday diplomatic negotiations, Santa Claus has agreed to visit the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum (the Depot) three successive Saturdays, beginning on Dec. 3 and ending on Dec. 17. He will be there to greet children of all ages and take note of their Christmas wishes. Coinciding with Santa’s visits, there
FREE
will be a Bake Sale inside the Depot freight room the first three Saturdays of December. On Dec. 3, the Bake Sale will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until about 8 p.m., unless all of the goodies are sold before then. On Dec. 10 and 17, the Bake Sale will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until the Depot closes at 4 p.m. In addition to baked goods, hot chocolate and coffee will be available for sale. FOTD would greatly appreciate the community’s help with the Bake Sales. (All of the proceeds go toward the (continued on page 5: “Santa at the Depot”)
NEWS
Find out the latest on...
èThe Tehachapi Hospital èState Water Board’s Septic Policy èAirstreams “Turbine Cowboys”
Also inside this issue
• Adopt-A-Pet section • • Holiday Shopping Guide • • Dining Guide • • Money Saving Coupons • • Tehachapi Christmas Parade • • Upcoming Events •
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 Butcher’s Wife Page 6 Dr. Brady – the ‘Spine Guy’ • Bob - the ‘Wine Guy’ Page 7-10 Adopt-A-Pet • Wrangler Round-up Horse Events • In the Dog House Page 11 Artist spotlight • LaBella Amore • Readin’ & Writin’ Page 12 Tehachapi Skywatch • On the Bright Side Page 13 Short Flights – Thankful to Fly! Page 14 Do-It-Yourself Debugging • First Friday at Crossroads Page 15 Know the Law • Money saving coupons Page 16-17 Shop Local for the Holidays - a guide Page 18-19 The Forde Files Page 20 Jennifer’s Thoughts ... Page 21 Happenings • Meet Your New Neighbors Page 22 Daydreams • GSLC Student of the month Page 23 Yoga 101 Page 24 Tilting at Windmills Part IX Page 25 Memories of the Mayor • History of THCD Part I Page 28-29 Business Directory • Classifieds Page 30 Classic Cars Page 31 Mortgage Matters
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6 2011
Merle Norman Celebrates 20 years
Are you looking for a full service salon, spa and beauty supply? Merle Norman has it all! We are celebrating 20 years in business and proudly carry products that are made in America. Merle Norman provides cuts, color, weaves, perms, Brazilian Blow-Outs, bridal and specialty styles, deep conditioning treatments, manicures, pedicures, sculptured nails, gel nails and polish, paraffin treatments, waxing, facials, spray tanning, massage and reflexology. There is also a full selection of skin care and make-up, professional hair care and nail products. Merle Norman is open Monday through Saturday and gift certificates are available. With the holidays coming, everyone is thinking about pretty hands and feet. Manicures and pedicures include nail care, exfoliation, a hydrating mask, massage and your choice of a conventional or gel polish. If you’re asking what gel polish is... Gel polish is a permanent nail color that dries instantly with curing. Unlike
conventional polish, gel polish will stay on for weeks without chipping, peeling or wearing away at the free edge. It is for anyone who is looking for a lasting manicure or pedicure. Are you stressed, tired or in pain? Hot stone therapy massage melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. Add a foot reflexology treatment for a deeper state of relaxation and to deliver oxygen and nutrients to nourish body tissue. Everybody loves a foot rub especially when you have been on your feet all day. Looking for that radiant healthy glow that the Hollywood Stars have? Airbrush tanning is a beautiful, natural looking, healthy alternative to sunbathing or tanning beds. It is perfect for special events, weddings, vacations, holiday parties, and portraits. An airbrush tan lasts 7 to 10 days, depending on your skin type. Visit Merle Norman for the holidays and be beautiful!
The Loop Our next issue will be on stands: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 Deadline is Nov. 30, 2011 Sales: Heather Pardus 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.
Seeking Volunteers
The Salvation Army of Tehachapi is seeking volunteers for the bell ringing season. The Christmas kettle campaign is our largest fundraiser and helps provide the programs we run all through the year. The Salvation Army of Tehachapi provides emergency food and utilities to those who are qualified. They also administer the Senior Sack program on the second and fourth Monday, Commodities once a month and Fresh Rescue every weekday but Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. We assist with other emergency needs able. If you would like to help us please call 661-823-9508 or come by 213 E. E St ., Tehachapi, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thank you, by helping us you are helping your community.
Giving Tree
The Salvation Army is currently providing a Giving Tree Program for the Tehachapi area through Dec. 19. If you would like to help a child this holiday season be sure to pick up a name off the giving tree which is located just inside the door at K-Mart. You will be able to provide unwrapped gifts for a child. The tag provides their sex, age, shoe size, clothing size and suggested toys they would like. The unwrapped toys are collected at K-Mart.
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Rotary Club of Tehachapi Presents Holiday Senior Luncheon
Page 3
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
Playtime at Woodward West The weather has shifted and leaves are falling, but your kid’s energy level is still rising. The answer to the question, “What is there to do?” is here. Come out to Woodward West for a fun, interactive, and structured mommy-and-me playtime. You and your child, ages six months to four years old, will enjoy the warm atmosphere; that is filled with laughter and singing. Many fun and educational games will stimulate your child’s senses. For more information and to enroll go to www. PlaytimeMommyAndMe.com. Dads are welcome, too!
City employees hang wreathes from the lampposts, welcoming the holiday season to Downtown Tehachapi. Thanks guys, you did a great job!
Page 4
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6 2011
The Loop ‘round the World
Ten couples from Tehachapi are traveling on the Coral Princess doing the Panama Canal cruise. This is a picture taken after a miniature golf tournament aboard ship when they had time to catch up on hometown news. In the Picture: Geoff and Mindi Pugh, Barbara and Steve Williams, Ralph Kermode, Fred and Bunny Northcutt, Jan and Bob Wilcox, Anna and Bill DeGraff, Steve Walsh.
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6 2011
Tell them you saw it in
‘My’ Success Consultant
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Is This the Right TIme?
The current moment provides such The New Year is approaching and an opportunity to get obstacles out of if you really mean business, this is the way. So does Christmas! Depending the time to make things happen. Stop on your holiday traditions, dreaming, contemplating, consider being open about hoping, planning, writing, the gifts you would like to re-writing, discussing, and receive. Include clever ideas start doing! that would help you succeed. What actions are you For example ask others to taking now to prepare for contribute to your projects or 2012? If you are not in pay for a business consultant. action, you are living your Request an advertisement excuses. The most popular spot in your local paper (in excuse, of course, is money. The Loop preferably (-: ). It is legitimate-sounding Invite them to find you an but it is still an excuse. I intern who can design your personally have never met business card. Ask your anyone who did not find a friends for their time and way to get money together by Klaudia Kovacs get your office organized for what they really wanted. together. When I was young I am certain your family would and extremely poor, I wanted to visit appreciate a great idea, instead of Hawaii. The islands are 180 degrees spending hours figuring out what would from Hungary (where I was born) and make you happy. For them to give you I thought travelling half of the planet a gift that will aid your business and would be the coolest thing – so I had to increase your income will be a true go! The problem was, I just got laid off contribution: a gift that keeps giving. from my minimum-wage job and had By the way, if you feel you cannot no cash. Then I figured it out: if I gave ask openly for what you want, hell with up the room I was renting, I would get it! Invest in yourself, and give yourself my security deposit back. Plus I had my the gift! last paycheck and, if I canceled my car Since I want to contribute to the insurance while I was gone, I would get business owners’ success in the area, I am a refund. Suddenly I had enough dough going to give a Christmas present to the to go to Hawaii and stay there for three first five business owners who purchase a months! Even people who are well off package deal with me before the next The rarely have such a lengthy vacation, but Loop is published! I am going to give you I did because I wanted to (and because I a $150 refund if you book your sessions was willing to camp on the beach.) now at http://www.mysuccessconsultant. Point being, if you are really com/successstore/ committed, you most definitely will find Say yes to yourself! If you are not a way. So get a piece of paper out and sure whether business consultation is write down all the things you are doing worth it, let me assure you: it is. My now and whether those actions produce recent client spent $500 and she raised the results you want. This will give you $5000 in just 10 days. This is the kind a good indication of how committed and of return some of my clients get on their successful you are. “investment” when working with me. If you are not, I say, enough of Steve Jobs was a mastermind of planning to do things next year – when innovation and creativity. In his famous the time is right, when you lose 10 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, pounds, when the kids grow up or when he shared that he never waited for the you have cash in the bank. If you ever “right moment” but had always lived his lost someone you loved unexpectedly or life in the now. I invite you to do the same if you ever missed out on a once-in-aand blossom now. lifetime opportunity because you did not Much Success, Klaudia Kovacs grab it right then, you know very well: Business Success Consultant tomorrow is never guaranteed, life is www.MySuccessConsultant.com now!
Page 5
The Butcher’s Wife
Giving Thanks... Thanksgiving is now upon us...and and sacrifice!) we here at The Butcher Shop are so very Abundance! Having access to food and thankful! We want to truly thank you all shelter, anytime, everyday... (Just remember for voting us “The Best of to “live with-in your means”.) Tehachapi” for our great Family and Friends! It’s a customer service! No...really! relief to know that some people, Thank you! who know everything about you Now, if you all and still like you, are on this planet. don’t mind, I have some Otherwise we would all die from observations and thoughts I loneliness! would like to share with you Hot Water! Think about it. today. (Hang on a second, It was a luxury to take a hot bath/ let me grab my soap box. shower just a mere 100 years ago! Ahem.) Okay is it just me If you did, it was maybe once or or...(Sigh)...well... twice a month and it was a “shared” by Tony and Tomi Nuckolls, I was thinking about tub. Dad was first, then Mom, kids Butcher and Wife how “we,” as a society, tend according to age and, finally, the to kind of “forget” about the youngest (The Baby) who was celebration of “Thanksgiving” these days. I usually the stinky-ist! Thus the saying, mean really, I notice when I’m out shopping ”Don’t throw the baby out with the bath for groceries (or wine)...I see that the water”! store’s “holiday decor” goes straight from Oh, if you really look around and think “Halloween-spooky” to “Christmas-cheer” about it, There is just so much to be thankful without so much as a cardboard turkey to for! Just imagine yourself living back in “observe” Thanksgiving. Well, believe it or the year 1892 and you’ll get the idea! The not, we all really do have a lot to be thankful people of that era’s needs were met and your for. Even though the economy has taken a needs are met too. (Just as long as you don’t down turn and making ends meet is harder consider “internet access” a vital need for than ever, we Americans are still way better survival.) off than most of the other people on this I am especially thankful to our local planet! In the past I’ve traveled a little bit to Tehachapi Veterinarian Office, for diagnosing other parts of the world, and I have seen for sickness in my new standard poodle puppy, myself how really spoiled us Americans are “Prince Leonardo”. He is recovering now and compared to the lifestyle of other people and is full of “spit and vinegar” once again! (No countries. kidding...you should see my floor!) Thank you So, if I can just say this to you all today Tehachapi Vet! (and remind myself as well), ”Be Thankful” Best wishes to you all for a wonderful and please remember to count the “little and happy Thanksgiving and please don’t things” we take for granted everyday. forget to appreciate all the “little things” Things like: in your life that make you comfortable and Freedom! (Not such a “little thing”) happy. Thank you to our military for your service I’ll bet you’ll smile. — Tomi 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.
(continued from Front Page)
Santa at the Depot! support of the Depot.) If you can bake or buy goodies for any or all of the three Saturdays, please contact Carol Westover at 661-823-7832 or at tehachap@yahoo.com. More baked goods are needed on Dec. 3 than the following two Saturdays because of the extended hours of the Bake Sale. Remember, Santa has a sweet tooth, so be generous and maybe you’ll get just what you want for Christmas. Saturday, Dec. 3, will be very special indeed. The FOTD has planned a day as full of wonderful surprises as the Christmas stockings of every good boy and girl. To commemorate your visit with Santa on any of the three Saturdays he’s at the Depot, you can have pictures taken of the holly jolly occasion. Photos will be taken by Hank Morris Photography. For only $10 you will get one 5” by 7” and four walletsized photos. The photos will be available for pickup at the Depot for no charge or, if you prefer, they can be mailed for an additional $5. In the Depot’s freight room, along with the Bake Sale, will be Mike Nixon’s spectacular “G”-scale train layout. It will be on display the first three weeks of December , possibly longer. Many thanks to Mr. Nixon for allowing us the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his dedicated and
artistic labor. Other community members are donating their dedicated and artistic labor to make Dec. 3 as enjoyable as possible. There will be carolers singing traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. All those present are welcome to add their voices to the chorus. The more, the merrier! The Gandy Dancers will demonstrate their talents on the Depot’s deck from noon to 1:30 p.m. Their beautiful costumes and enthusiastic dancing would bring a smile to even Scrooge’s dour countenance, not to mention set his gnarled toes a-tapping. Folks from Main Street Tehachapi will be on hand to provide Christmas stockings ready to be decorated. All of the supplies needed to create a unique stocking will be available. Boys and girls can take home something they can proudly hang by the chimney with care. The activities of Dec. 3 will culminate in a tree-lighting ceremony on the grounds of the Depot at the end of Tehachapi’s annual Christmas Parade. Mayor Ed Grimes will be on hand to light the tree at about 7:30 p.m. It promises to be a breathtaking experience. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year at the Depot. We hope to see you there. Happy Holidays to all!
Page 6
Tell them you saw it in
Dr. Brady - the ‘Spine Guy’
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Bob - the ‘Wine Guy’
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6 2011
Built to Last
Christmas Dinner Wine Parings
Just like a well known American truck, body to replace calcium in the bone after it your body is built to last. If it’s built to has been taken out. At age 21 this was easy last, why do so many people have serious for the body to do. At age 65 it’s not so easy. problems with their bodies? If a Some of the hidden factors human body is built to last, why of this phenomenon are revealed does it seem to break down so only upon close analysis and easily? understanding. Many of these The drug industry earns factors relate to lifestyle, or in billions of dollars per year, other words. What are we doing profiting from the tendency with our bodies? of so many people to suffer If your driving style consists from debilitating diseases. For of flooring the gas pedal and then example, osteoporosis affects slamming on the brakes, you will more than 10 million people soon burn out your brakes and in the United States, mostly by Terence G. Brady, DC ruin the tires on your fine builtwomen. The condition involves to-last truck. If you rarely change loss of bone mass and may lead to hip and the oil and filter, your truck’s performance spinal fractures. These are very serious will seriously degrade. If you ignore consequences. There have been drugs traffic signals and highway signs you will around for many years that try to control eventually crash and demolish your built-tothe bone loss; however, the side effects are last vehicle. also very serious. The National Osteoporosis This extended metaphor is analogous Foundation estimates that 55 percent of as to how we live our lives. There is a lot Americans over age 50 either have low of research that demonstrates that lifestyle bone mass or have lost sufficient bone is responsible for a large portion of all mass to be diagnosed with Osteoporosis or cases of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and Osteopenia. If our bodies are built to last, osteoporosis. The main strategy to prevent why is the prevalence of osteoporosis so and delay bone loss and osteoporosis is high? It doesn’t seem to make sense that to engage in regular vigorous, and weight our internal systems are simply designed bearing exercises. to fail. From a broader perspective, the main The truth is that our bodies are designed strategy for preventing disease in general to withstand a tremendous amount of wear is to eat a healthy/diverse diet, engage in and tear. Human bodies are self-healing, selfregular exercise, get sufficient rest, and renewing and self-replicating machines. Our engage in rewarding/fulfilling activities with body will try it’s best to correct anything your family and friends. Above all keep your it perceives as a problem. Sometime it is spine and nervous systems in as good a shape successful and sometimes it may need a little as possible by getting a chiropractic checkup help. When women reach menopause there is on a regular basis. a profound change in the hormonal balance Our bodies are built to last. How long it in the body that affects the ability of the lasts, to a large extent, is up to us.
Don’t laugh...it’s only weeks away. almonds, dry cheese, shrimp, other nibbly Yikes!! Magic happens with the right match foods or for your starter salad. Red wine of wine to food so don’t go nuts trying to with fish? Go ahead. A medium-bodied figure it out. There’s low alcohol Pinot nothing worse than a Noir wine would neurotic wine lover pair well with many fretting over a bad seafood dishes. A marriage of a fruity roasted chicken or and oaky chardonnay pork loin can work with a goat cheese with a variety of salad. Good grief is white wines, say my Chef Emeril side Chardonnay or Pinot is showing or is it Grigio. However save Paula Deen? The key the full-bodied Cabs, by Bob the Wine Guy is to rely on contrasts Malbec or Souza’s and similarities Zinfandel for the like salt contrasts to wines with acidity. rack of lamb, filet mignon or crown rib roast. That’s why Champagne goes well with A dessert suggestion would be a Moscato oysters or smoked salmon. Likewise, soy for fruit and light fruity desserts or a Port sauce-based Asian cuisine pairs well with with anything Chocolate. Remember it’s the Sauvignon Blanc or Rieslings with their Christmas dinner, so don’t hold back. Well, fruit and acidity; a spicy Zinfandel matches with one exception, New Year’s Eve is only a harmoniously with Mexican and Indian handful of days past Christmas so you should curry dishes. Once you have determined keep a couple of bottles of Champagne the dominant flavor, try to match it with a chilled and ready to pop. My mouth is wine or the other way around. A turkey leg watering talking about all this food stuff! may not stand up to a powerful and tannic Hey our wine word of the day is finish: The Cabernet Sauvignon. However that Cab final impressions a wine gives after you have you’ve been saving for a special occasion swallowed it...aftertaste. may be just about perfect for that crown So my Aunt Celia is standing in front rib roast you splurged on for Christmas of her bedroom mirror. She’s not very happy dinner. More complications arise because with what she sees and says to my Uncle Christmas dinner often includes many Joey, “I feel horrible. I look old, fat and ugly. dishes unless your tradition is a pot of chili. I really need you to pay me a compliment.” So, in a multi course dinner, the tradition is So my Uncle replies, “Your eyesight’s damn to build from a light to heavy progression near perfect!” and then the fight started... and from a dry to a sweet. Sweet being the Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I finale as a dessert wine. Let’s get started. love you more than Turkey and Stuffing. Nothing sets the tone better than a glass of Send those emails to wineguy@ crisp and bubbly Champagne as an aperitif souzafamilyvineyard.com. BTWG (Bob the Wine Guy), Abbondanza Fortuna or try a Sauvignon Blanc with your roasted
Christmas in Tehachapi, BeeKay Variety Show Remember all those great TV variety shows of the 1970s and 1980s like “The Smothers Brothers,” “Sonny and Cher” and “Carol Burnett”? Well, on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the BeeKay Theatre, the whole family can enjoy the Tehachapi Performing Arts festival – an array of short plays, dancing and music as local young performers (and some old ones like me) come together to celebrate the yuletide season ; to honor and remember underprivileged children who are misplaced and have no family to call their own. This great Christmas extravaganza
will be hosted by Katherin Kovin-Pacino – a crusader for foster children – and myself – David Heavener. Among the many performers will be the Plaids, Guy and Debbie Martin, and professional ballet dancer Megan Furse treating us to “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker. Megan’s students will present “The Little Swans” from Swan Lake. We’ll enjoy AJ Ursua on the cello, Morgan Welch and Taylor Welch on the violin, and we’ll experience the premier of a special presentation: a one act play “Christmas in ‘hachapi.” It is a
Gentle Treatment
• Palmer Graduate • 40 Years Experience Insurance Accepted Personal Injury Cash & Family Plans
Terence G. Brady, DC
20825 South Street • Old Town Tehachapi 661-823-8888
true story about a foster child – in fact, it is Mayor Grimes’ last visit with his dying mother the day before Christmas in 1953. Another one-act is “Bags of Love,” the heart-wrenching story of an orphaned child and her most valued possession. Come sing Christmas carols, laugh, cry and even sit on Santa’s lap! Hear him tell the story of the real Saint Nick. Tickets are $15 each and available through The Apple Shed, Johnny’s Take ‘n Bake and Tehachapi Furniture. Proceeds go to Bags of Love, Koinonia Family
Services, and Jamison Children’s Center. For more information please contact Shanita@ TickettoHollywood.org.
Promote your Business! Call The Loop at 822-8188 or Go online for our Rates & Publication Dates TheLoopNewspaper.com
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6., 2011
Tell them you saw it in
In the Dog House House-Training a Dog: A Process of Elimination
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
‘Tis the season to be joyful, and nothing go to the same location every time. As soon adds more joy to a household than a puppy. as he starts to take care of business, say “Go Puppies make popular gifts during the potty” (or some other command); as soon as holidays, but it is important he’s finished his business, say to remember that they re“What a good dog!” Establishquire quite a bit of time and ing this routine is critical to your attention. With a little planpuppy’s house training success. ning and careful shopping, As with all dog training, timing you can help your puppy is critical. Help your puppy be make a successful transition successful through consistent into your home. routines. Your shopping list Crates are great tools for should include a high quality dog owners. When used corpuppy food, age-approprirectly, they provide a safe “den” ate chew toys, and most for your dog. Lined with some important of all, a crate. old blankets or towels, the crate Introducing your new puppy will quickly become one of your to the crate will aid you in dog’s favorite places to sleep and quickly and effectively house relax. Since dogs don’t like to training your young canine eliminate in their den, the crate by Rosemary Evans companion. can be useful in potty training. While housetraining a A crate is the perfect place for a puppy may appear frustrating or daunting, it dog to sleep at night, but remember that crates need not be difficult. You need a basic underare designed for short-term confinement. A standing of puppy development, a routine that puppy shouldn’t be crated for more than two you practice consistently and some tools. to four hours at a time, although they can Puppies are similar to babies in that they make it through a six to eight hour stretch at have very little bladder control when they are night. If you crate your puppy at night, make young. Typically they develop this control at sure you are sleeping nearby so that you can about six months. Until that time they need hear your pup if she needs to go out. Crates to be taken outside about every two hours. In come in a variety of sizes, materials and addition puppies should be taken out within models. 15 minutes after eating, playing, drinking or The exercise pen (ex-pen) is another napping. When you take your puppy outside, wonderful tool for dog owners. The ex-pen is free-standing and can be set up in any room in your home. It creates a play area for your pup and will prevent your dog from wandering through the house and having an accident. It allows a puppy to be with the family at all times. Exercise pens come in a variety of heights and are typically made of wire. Tehachapi has some excellent pet stores that stock these items.Canine Creek and The Tehachapi Pet Lodge carry a variety of crates and pens, or you can find them in stores such as Petsmart and Petco. House-training is a process. Your puppy will have accidents, but your patience and consistency will pay off. A puppy is a special gift; enjoy all that he has to offer. In the next edition of The Loop, I’ll explain how to quickly and effectively crate train your dog. Until then you can contact me at 661-8672295 or rosemary@thunderpawsdogtraining. com.
Don’t Miss Out The next issue of The Loop will be
On Stands Tuesday, December 6th
Page 7
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 8
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Tell them you saw it in
ADOPT-A-PET
Tehachapi Humane Society Our office hours are Mondays 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 10 a.m. till noon on the 2nd Saturday of each month (rain or shine) for our monthly Shot Clinic. 21600 Golden Star, Unit #3 - 661-823-0699 (menu #5 for dogs & #6 for cats) Note: We are unable to do dog licensing for Kern County Animal Control until further notice! DON’T FORGET ADOPTION DAY! Adoption Day is held the 1st Saturday of each month at PET LODGE from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. You can also check out our adoptables at Books and Crannies most Saturdays starting at 11am.
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! contact@thestoppers.org 661-823-4100, menu #2 (dogs); menu #3 (cats)
Cooper
Alfie
This handsome little guy would just love to come into your home and be the only love of your life; however if this can’t be, he is fine with other dogs, just doesn’t like hyper puppies. Is fine with older children, and seems to do okay with cats too. He’s crate trained and is only about 6-7 lbs, is neutered, current on shots and micro-chipped. Cooper loves laps and to lie on the back of the couch if your lap isn’t available. He’s a young six year old that would make a wonderful companion.
I am Alfie and I wish you would welcome me in to your heart and home before the holidays. Alfie is a young male Schnauzer/Terrier mix, cute as a button, sweet as can be – he plays well w/the others, is a great travel companion & housetrained – What more could you ask for in one convenient location? Call Lynda at 661-823-4100, menu #2, or 661-821-0518 to adopt adorable Alfie.
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 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.
Rascal Rascal, a light gray tabby, has 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 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.
Streak
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6., 2011
Streak, (named for the white streak down his back!), is the biggest kitten in the litter found. He is full of playfulness and energy. He is outgoing and doesn’t seem to care who holds him as long as you tell him how perfect he is! He is still a little apprehensive around dogs, but is becoming more accustomed to them. If you are looking for a sweet “macho man” to energize your home, this may be the guy for you!
Smegal & Tippy Smegal and Tippy are just 2 of 4 cool kittens who are sitting pretty at The Pet Lodge just waiting to be adopted by wonderful you, so what are you waiting for? To meet/adopt the cute kitty of your choice, call their wonderful foster mom, Toni, at 661-823-7670; you can also visit them at The Pet Lodge to see them up close.
Willy My name is Willy and I’m a young, 5 pound Yorkshire Terrier mix, very sweet and loving; I also play well w/ others and am housetrained. Will you be the special family to adopt Willy – He would love to be with you, his new best friend, pronto, how about it? Call Janis at 661-599-6400 to meet/adopt wonderful Willy.
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6., 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
ADOPT-A-PET
Rainbow Rescue is a no-kill 501 (c) 3 dog rescue located in California City specializing in puppy rescue. Donations toward our high vet bills would be greatly appreciated through our Paypal account at rainbowrescuepets.com. Your donation would truly help us make their life differences possible. Our available pets for adoption can be seen on Petfinder. com or by private appointment by calling (760) 373-2907. So many sweet puppy kisses waiting to share with you!
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. Adoption Days 11-3 p.m. at Radio Shack/Books & Crannies Dec. 3, 10, 17, 31. To contact us leave a message at 661750-2261 and your call will be returned.
Spaniel Sweetheart Babies
Turner
Found abondoned in a box at only 4 weeks, our two kissy, loving, female Terrier/Spaniel sweetheart babies are now 11 weeks old and are waiting to share thier happy love with your family. Both babies love to sleep on your heart cuddling, play, give sooooooo many sweet breath puppy kisses and play with their dog and cat playmates. Both are wonderfully perfect for all types of families!
Hi, I’m Turner, a Male DLH Tabby, DOB 4/17/11. I am very sweet and friendly and love to play. When you meet me you will discover that I am very outgoing and affectionate.
Louie
Louie is a 5-6 month young male, Chihuahua Mix pure munchkin that will make your heart smile the moment you meet him! Happy, devoted, quick to learn, playful, mischievious and extremely smart, Louie is wonderfully perfect for a growing family with children and other playmates or a stay home family that wants to share Louie’s happy heart smile and magical personality.
Casper
Lily Sweet and cuddly, that’s our little Lily. We don’t know anything about Lily’s past but we do know that she’s approximately 6 months old and just plain adorable. Lily came to us with her little brother Coco and the two play and play, but we are confident that they will also do just fine on their own with the love and attention that they get from their new family. We can only guess at Lily’s parentage and so we chose Terrier to cover the bases but only a Doggy DNA test will tell for sure. Lily is well socialized and is being fostered by a family with toddlers so she will make the perfect dog for your growing family. Lily is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Please call 661-750-2261 to meet darling Lily.
Casper is a 5-6 young male Chihuahua Mix who needs to share his quiet love, cuddles, devotion, playfulness and happiness of life with a family with children and another playmate.Absolutely perfect for all types of families, Louie loves to cuddle in your lap, snuggle next to his playmates, play with his toys and know that you will love him as completely as he will love you.
Owen One look at Owen and goodbye heart. This adorable little Hound Dog mix is all boy, all puppy, all full of the Dickens just as any puppy should be, but Owen has an advantage over other pups his age, his foster mom, Rosemary Evans, Thunder Paws Dog Training, trains dogs for a living so he’s getting the best of the best. By the time he goes to his forever home he will be potty trained, leash trained, crate trained, obedience trained and well socialized. What more can you ask for in a pup? We think Owen will grow up to be 55 lbs or so, no guarantees though. He’s already about 20 pounds and he has some good sized paws to grow into.
Marley’s Mutts Zach @ 661-972-3852 or 661-821-1327 or visit MARLEYSMUTTS.COM
Shirley Rae Simply put, you would not have recognized this dog as the same one that we picked up at the Bakersfield Pound this week. This is Shirley Rae and she is a 3-4 year-old, 20ish pound Shi-Tzu. When I pulled her out of the Pound she looked miserable and pitiful and acted accordingly; she sat there and wouldn’t make eye contact. She looked like the dog from “Pirates of the Caribbean” (if they had a dog). She had huge, chunky matts the size of baseballs and several around her face that had all kinds of debris in them and she smelled like Death’s outhouse. Through all of that, you could make out these gorgeous brown eyes that reminded me of my Grandma (Shirley Rae). The Pet Lodge cleaned her up and trimmed her beautiful and now she proudly and almost pompously displays her new look and her reveled brown eyes. Shirley Rae is a doll and she commands a great deal of respect from the other dogs; almost as if they know that I named her for my Grandmother. It’s nice having a Shirley Rae in the house. Despite spending a month at the pound, she has a clean bill of health and a solid decade left grace the home of a lucky adopter. If you are interested in adopting Shirley Rae, please Contact Zach@661-9723852, 821-1327 or visit MARLEYSMUTTS.COM.
Page 9
Ultima Ultima, DSH Calico Female is a very affectionate young girl whom would enjoy lying on laps and sleeping with her people. She loves to be pet and brushed. She gets along great with other cats and doesn’t seem to mind the dogs. She is spayed and current on all vaccinations including Rabies. She has also tested negative for Feline Leukemia and has been microchipped. She has a $65 adoption fee and can be seen most days roaming the shop at Books and Crannies. She would make to terrific addition to any household.
Page 10
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Tell them you saw it in
Wrangler Round-Up
Boarding stables, even very highequinelegalsolutions.com. end ones, occasionally have customers Trainer Bill Cameron of Rosamond who run up large past due balances and recently was inducted into the Extreme refuse to remove their horses. Cowboy Hall of Fame. He has As a result, the facility finds competed over the past several itself feeding and caring for years in many EXCA events, someone else’s horses for free. including the recent World Meanwhile, the customer’s Championship in Guthrie, OK. horses occupy facilities that He placed fifth there in the could be filled with paying Futurity Division on a threecustomers’ horses. year-old mare “Tru Wings of a However can a California Dove.” horse facility lawfully sell a In the Open Division, “I’ll By Jill Barnes Nelson customer’s horses to satisfy a Cowboy Up,” a horse owned by debt? Barbara Ferrante of Hart Flat According to California Civil was the Reserve Champion in the Open Code Section 3080, California persons Division. Robin Bond rode the horse. and businesses can put a lien on their Cameron, who runs “Natural Born customers’ horses to satisfy debts incurred Riders,” hopes to start a local EXCA in caring for or providing services to those club called, “Natural Born Racers.” horses, such as boarding and health care. Possible clinic and race locations could be This type of lien is sometimes called an Rosamond, California City and Bear Valley agister’s lien, and it means the facility can Springs (Tehachapi). For more information refuse to allow a customer’s horses to leave on this contact Evon Kurtz at 661-350-6577 until the bill for those horses is paid in full. or go to www.naturalbornriders.com While the lien is automatic, the ability The High Desert Horse Association to sell the horses to satisfy the debt is not. (HiDHA) is looking for more members, The debtor can sue for the past due amount especially to its board. Board duties include and, when filing suit or at any time during setting up show dates, organizing shows, the suit, the lien holder can ask the court along with getting show and year-end for an order allowing the lien holder to sell prizes. The board has four open positions the livestock. available. The lien holder must serve the For more information on HiDHA and defendant with a copy of the application its events go to www.hidha.net or contact for an order to sell the horses and the Connie Wilkinson, 661-942-4110. notice of hearing. The court will then hold Don’t forget if you have any a hearing on the sale issue. The court will information to report on the horse issue an order permitting the sale if certain community such as tack sales, upcoming conditions are met. events, clinics, raffles or if you’ve won an For more information on this and other award please contact me at 661-878-2932, legal issues related to horses, go to www. e-mail jillbn@yahoo.com. Thanks.
Horse Events Around the Area 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.chsra9.com. FEB. 11-12 – CHSRA District 9 Rodeo, Zamrzla Ranch, Lancaster, www.chsra9.com.
Veterinarian
21.11
Business Directory Share
the
Good News!
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. 22 ~ Dec. 6., 2011
Nov. 22 ~ Dec, 6 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
La Bella Amore Always Fresh! Making it real...and really making it! make it at home for less. Most family dinners That’s what we are doing are priced less than $30. at La Bella Amore, really Give us a call or stop by and making it. Every day, we’ll have one ready for you every order, every time! in about fifteen minutes. We don’t make it till you That’s fast food time order it so it’s always hot without the fast food taste! and delicious and fresh We also have a from our kitchen. We WeightWatchers menu, only use the best quality for those of you who are fresh ingredients so it’s looking to eat on the lighter consistently scrumptious. side of things. We offer La Bella Amore is the meals from four points to perfect place to bring your infinity and beyond. Ask for holiday guests for a special a menu. treat. At La Bella Amore Like you, I am and we also have a wonderful anxiously awaiting the Vegetarian menu as well Come on in to “Name that Pasta economic recovery we all as several Vegan options. Dish” (pictured). keep hearing about. But I Our Marinara sauce is 100 See ad below for details. know, and you know, and percent vegan, so top some I know that you know, that pasta with it and you’re this elusive economic recovery is beginning all set. If there is something you would like to seem like a Unicorn…mythical that is. The that is not on the menu, whether, regular, good news is, that you can still dine out at La vegetarian, or vegan, just let us know and Bella Amore for a reasonable price. In most we will do our best to create it. We cook our instances, dinner for two including beverages food fresh to order so it’s never a problem. and dessert is still under forty dollars, not Drop by 209 S. Green St. any evening including tax and tip. Of course the sky is after 4:30 p.m. for Tehachapi’s best Italian the limit if you aren’t on a budget, but if you food, always fresh and homemade from are, we’re here for you. We don’t mind if you scratch in my kitchen from my own original share a meal and will not add a surcharge for recipes. Try our fresh gourmet pizza, it takes doing so. We don’t mind if you drink water to a little longer than others, but it’s worth avoid the cost of beverages and we do offer the wait. Choose one of our popular Italian a limited children’s menu for the wee ones. staples like chicken parmesan, spaghetti and (under ten) The bottom line is that without meatballs, fettuccini alfredo or cannelloni. you and your families, we don’t exist, so If you are a vegetarian or vegan come on we want to make it affordable for you to over, we have a great selection of dishes for continue to partake of our delicious food. you too, like Pasta Primavera, Angel Hair For those of you who purchased the 2012 Fresco, or our hot gooey Eggplant Parmesan. Bulldog card. The offer from La Bella Amore Every dinner entrée is still served with fresh is for 10 percent off any purchase, not $10 house salad and garlic bread at no additional off. The error was on the part of the company charge. Choose one of our original recipe who prints the card and was printed without homemade salad dressings or upgrade to our them sending me a proof of the ad. Apologies Tuscan Onion soup, spinach salad or caesar for any inconvenience this may cause my salad for only $2 more. customers. Every Friday and Saturday evening Don’t feel like cooking? Don’t have we feature live music by local musicians time to cook a fresh nutritious meal for your including The Pat Strong Trio, The Geezers, family? Good news for you. La Bella Amore Craig Shaw, Alicia Hansen, Movin’ On, The offers a variety of family size meals ready to Jug Band, Blue Rose, and Ron Kelbaugh go. Enough food to feed four to six people. After you’ve tried all the rest…come back to We offer spaghetti with meatballs or Italian the best, Tehachapi’s oldest Italian restaurant. sausage, fettuccini alfredo with chicken Since the owner of La Bella is also the or shrimp, chicken parmesan, eggplant executive chef at La Bella, the food is the parmesan and so on. Each dinner includes same consistently delicious fare that has a main dish, a family size salad and garlic always been served at La Bella. Stop by for a bread. You can’t beat the price and you can’t meal, you’ll be glad you did!
Page 11
Readin’ & Writing’
Lauraine Reads:
Words Hit Hard as a Fist As in all things, the first line of defense Have you ever had someone bully is knowledge and Charisse offers workshops, you? I didn’t realize this was such a wide seminars, counseling, and confidence spread problem until Charisse Rudolph told building events across the country me about her book, “Words to educate and inform those who Hit Hard as a Fist”. As I look want more information and to back, which we all need to do learn new coping skills. Reading at times and before I even read Words Hit Hard as a Fist is well the book, it seems I saw articles worth your time and money. and programs about bullying You can order it from Amazon, showing this is of near epidemic bookstores and the author herself proportions. I know I am at www.theleadershiplady.tv. revealing my age here but, when Copies of the books are also I was a kid, there was usually available at her speaking events. a bully around, but parents and Her column Daydreams is a teachers stepped in and either regular feature in this paper (The taught the victim how to fight by Lauraine Snelling Loop). back or cured the bully with In other book news – “Valley some rather severe measures. of Dreams” – book one in my latest series Movies have hit the top of the charts, like called Wild West Wind, introduces readers to Karate Kid (both one and two), where the Cassie Lockwood, trick riding and shooting victim is taught to fight back. Martial arts star of a Wild West show that goes belly up. classes help build confidence. The year is 1906 when Cassie and her band Now there are books and seminars to of misfits travel south into the Black Hills help alleviate this hurtful thing. So I read of South Dakota to find the valley her father Charisse’s book to really learn more about always dreamed of returning to. How can she this for myself. Besides identifying the make it on her own when she discovers the problem, “Words Hit Hard as a Fist” offers Engstrom family ranching there already? diagnostic quizzes, lists of remedies, and I’ll be signing Valley of Dreams at questionnaires to help the readers grow the Crossroads Gallery on Dec. 2 as part of skills needed to combat bullies. As I read the our monthly First Friday celebration. Come book, I learned some ways to help grow my and get a head start on your Christmas own self-esteem and recognize when others shopping with books and lovely art work need help. I also learned that this is not just a of all kinds. See you then and in the childhood or teen problem but affects homes, meantime, Happy Thanksgiving. schools and workplaces throughout life.
Artist Spotlight
Nancy Waldron will be a featured artist in December.
Nancy Waldron
By Marilda Mel White Nancy Waldron settled in Tehachapi it. Her variety of subject matters and use of (from the Bay Area) and started taking colors continues to delight fans and fellow watercolor classes from a local artist. Having artists alike. previously studied in oil and acrylics, she “The fall season brings to mind fishing quickly decided she enjoyed the “freedom trips with my father in the California Sierras,” and looseness” of watercolor, and consistently she says, which is why she’s explored those chooses it over other mediums now. memories with paintings of “those fishing “The watercolor paint feels like pure experiences” as her subject of choice for movement to me,” she says, “And it always December. has something to teach me – working with Nancy Waldron is a long time member watercolors is a balancing act that keeps of CrossRoads Gallery and her work will be artists on their toes.” featured in December. Nancy will be on hand, Nancy excels with her chosen medium with other member artists, on First Friday, because she is content to never stop learning Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. to open the new from it and is open to change as she uses monthly art show.
Page 12
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Tehachapi Skywatch
The Great Rift The fall weather has been clouding years across, was can only see about 3000 up our evening skies, but there are still light-years into it. (Most of the mapping of times of exceptional clarity with the cooler the galaxy has been done using radio and temperatures. infrared wavelengths.) However The Milky Way arches high there is a hole in the dust located across the sky from north to in the constellation Scutum that south in the early evening. It can allows us to see 20,000 lightoften be seen shining through years toward the center of the high, thin clouds. While most galaxy. Scutum lies low in the of us in Tehachapi have seen the west in the early evening. Milky Way, a truly spectacular If looking at our own sight is something that we galaxy bores you, now is an cannot see. excellent time to view the The Milky Way, as seen Andromeda Galaxy. It is the from earth, is the foggy light of largest member of our Local millions of suns in the plane of Group of galaxies, and it is by Dale ‘Hawk’ Hawkins our galaxy. Those stars formed destined to become far larger. out of the enormous molecular Andromeda is currently closing dust clouds that make up a large part of the on the Milky Way at a rate of 75 miles per galaxy. Some of this gas and dust can be second! To us that certainly seems fast, but it seen in “nebulae” that are lit by nearby stars. will still take a few billion years before our However, most of it lies in dark interstellar galaxies to start dancing around and through space and cannot be seen directly. Yet it each other. We have that long to become an can still be clearly seen by the light that is interstellar civilization. missing from the Milky Way. On a clear, Almanac dark night, the Milky Way seems to be cut The moon will be brightening until we in two by a band of darkness called “the are treated to a total lunar eclipse before Great Rift.” The casual observer could easily dawn on Saturday, Dec. 10. The moon will perceive that this band is dark because there start to dim at 4 a.m. and will reach totality are no stars there. In fact, there are stars that at 6 a.m. as it sets behind the western hills. are hidden from view by dense, dark clouds For some time now, the only planet of dust and gas of interstellar space. So when worth mentioning has been Jupiter. It will you see the Great Rift, realize that you in still dominate the night sky, but now all fact looking at large, dark structures of the of the planets can be viewed in one night. galaxy. Venus can be seen in the southwest just after It is estimated that there is enough sunset, rising higher each night. Mars and gas and plasma in these clouds to create Saturn rise around midnight, while Mercury a million suns. At a distance of only 300 can be seen rising through the morning light-years, they will surely be one of the twilight. Uranus and Neptune can be seen in first destinations for warp-driven starships of the evening, but are not easy to find. (Before exploration. anyone says anything, Pluto is no longer These dust clouds severely limit our considered a full-fledged planet. Sorry Pluto ability to see much of the galaxy. Although fans!) the Milky Way is about 100,000 lightThe Geminid Meteor Shower will occur Dec. 13 and 14. However a bright moon will wash out all but the brightest meteors. Winter officially arrives on Dec. 21 at 9:30 p.m. Sunbathers rejoice! The days will start getting longer. Pity the astronomer, for whom the nights begin to get shorter. Sunrise/Sunset 6:40 a.m./4:43 p.m. (Nov. 26) The Great Rift spits our view of the galaxy in two. Courtesy: Paranal Observatory
The Andromeda Galaxy hurls toward its rendezvous with the Milky Way in the year 4,000,002,011 +/- a billion years! Xourtesy: Adam Evans (with Creative Commons license)
On the Bright Side
Nov. 22 ~ Dec, 6 2011
Meat and Potatoes
I was driving home late one night and I’m not making any judgments, except to I was starving. I stopped and got an order of recognize that that particular diet won’t work French fries and a soda pop. It was late, I kept for me unless there is a catastrophic event like driving while snacking. a worldwide potato-bread-andI dropped a French fry on the rice famine, which will force floor of the car, just out of reach. me, kicking and screaming, into The five-second rule wouldn’t different eating habits. help – I’d have to stop the car if Meanwhile I do recognize I wanted to get that beautiful, that I need to lose some weight. golden, slender, and fried slice of What with reduced exercise due potato. I almost teared up I was so to physical challenges over the distressed at losing that French fry. past few years, coupled with Which is as good an example non-reduced eating habits – plus as any of why I will never succeed aging and changing according by Mel White on the Adkins diet, or any diet that to nature’s plan – I’ve packed on says “No Carbs.” quite a few extra pounds. Diets I love potatoes – always have, probably which require you to deny yourself don’t always will. I remember when friends first appeal to me – who wants to live a life without started on the Atkin’s diet, they were excited potatoes? ice cream? potatoes? orange juice? because they could eat all the meat they wanted. …did I mention potatoes? For them giving up potatoes was no big deal. I also know “miracle” diet pills aren’t the I thought it sounded like a horrible, torturous answer either. Although the correct answer is thing to do to oneself. printed right on their packages: they all urge For me, you see, a meal without potatoes is you to take the pills along with a balanced diet like a day without sunshine, a canoe without a and an exercise routine. In fact all diets (real paddle, a television set without a remote. or just for money-making) urge balance and I was raised on hearty Midwestern meat exercise, and that appeals to me a lot. and potatoes, and it is one of the things from Therefore I’m trying for balance and all my raisin’ that took. I may have rebelled against things in moderation; all sorts of textures and many of the things my parents tried to feed me, colors on my plate but balanced and smaller but meat and potatoes were okay from day one. sized. Sounds like a good recipe for losing We had some combination of meat and weight to me, while actually staying happy and potatoes – and bread and gravy, of course! – at cheerful through it all. Especially when I treat every meal when I was growing up, at home, at myself to a few French fries every now and friends’ houses, at church and school. As young then. jocks we loaded up on carbs before athletic Okay yes, as you might have guessed, events, and we celebrated with steak and baked mostly I’m thinking about this week’s potato afterwards. Thanksgiving dinner, which will feature lots Old habits die hard. I still think of a salad of meat and potatoes and gravy and all sorts of – even if it has chicken (or ham) and croutons other things that I might not be able to manage (and pasta) in it – as an appetizer and not a with “balance” or even smaller sizes. So be it. meal. It’s something to nosh on while waiting It’s tradition. for the real food to arrive. I plan to start my balancing act/diet, right Keep in mind that I’m not telling you after Thanksgiving dinner (which is, of course, what you should think about it – I have friends another tradition…). who have succeeded on low-card diets and © Marilda Mel White Mel White, local business owner/writer/photographer, has been looking on the bright side for various publications since 1996. She welcomes your comments at morningland@msn.com
Tehachapi: Home to American Cancer Society’s Hero of Hope The American Cancer Society’s Heroes of Hope are a group of individuals who provide a highly visible symbol of personal victory over cancer, encourage support and participation in the programs of the American Cancer Society, and have shown exemplary involvement in Relay for Life. This year, Barbara Duggins of Tehachapi was nominated and selected to be one of the 28 Heroes of Hope in California. Barbara has been very active in the local Relay for Life for the past six years, most recently being the Event Chair of the 2011 Relay for Life. Over the next year, she will be telling “her story with cancer” and speaking on behalf of Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society at public events, meetings and at several Relay for Life functions throughout California, as well as helping to recruit other cancer survivors to attend their local Relay events and offering information on the services
and programs of the American Cancer Society. If your organization or group would like to have Ms. Duggins speak, you may request her at www.caheroesof hope.org.
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Page 13
Short Flights
Thankful to Fly!
Next week is Thanksgiving and for option is not allowed, period. those of us who enjoy f lying and love I want everyone to know that aviation in general; our blessings and Mojave Airport, Tehachapi Airport and freedoms are many, especially California City Airport are at Mojave, Tehachapi and all General Aviation airports. California City airports! All the grants to develop the As we observe this special runways, taxiways and safety day set aside to give God our improvements at our three thanks and appreciation for our airports are due to that GA many blessings, we find that status. General Aviation plays we are thankful for not only an important role in America’s the hand of Divine Providence economy. in the formation of our great The U.S. aviation industry nation, but for the freedom to is worth $190 billion and by Cathy Hansen f ly in the clear blue skies of generates a foreign trade surplus East Kern County! for our economy. GA in the Of course America’s freedoms make United States has an annual economic sense to us and seem so logical – freedom impact exceeding $11 billion and employs of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of more than 1.3 million Americans in highly the press, freedom to bear arms, and all the skilled, high-wage jobs. freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution The United States has more pilots than and the Bill of Rights, but remember any other country, 60 percent of the world’s there are fanatics out there who want to total. Only in the U.S. can someone of kill you because you are blessed with moderate means afford to f ly. Contrary to these freedoms! Also remember there are the image of pilots as wealthy, the majority young American men and women dying on of AOPA members have family incomes foreign soil today fighting for freedom and between $35,000 and $100,000, the same as liberation from tyrannical dictators! the general U.S. population. In 1982, during a Thanksgiving Not only is f lying exciting, it is one Proclamation, Ronald Reagan said: “Today of the most rewarding endeavors one can we have more to be thankful for than our pursue. We not only enjoy f lying our own pilgrim mothers and fathers who huddled aircraft, but we enjoy watching others f ly on the edge of the New World that first and listening to them as they do passes Thanksgiving Day could ever dream. down the runway. We should be grateful not only for our For us f lying personifies freedom! To blessings, but for the courage and strength be able to accomplish exciting things in of our ancestors which enable us to enjoy your life and have the freedom to take the the lives we do today.” chance, accept responsibility and possibly Although big government steadily even fail, is the American way. trespasses on our freedoms with Here is one of my favorite quotes: “For restrictions, American pilots are still ahead once you have tasted f light you will walk of other nations in the world, who are the earth with your eyes turned skyward, severely limited and cannot freely f ly their for there you have been and there you will own private aircraft as we do. long to return.” — Leonardo da Vinci Look at the photograph of ex-military I wish a Happy and Blessed aircraft sitting on the f light line at Mojave Thanksgiving to you and your families. Airport owned and f lown by civilian pilots. Remember to say a prayer for our troops We are thankful that we can see sights fighting for the freedoms we cherish and like this in our country and especially at please remember their families as you sit our airports! There are some countries in down to your Thanksgiving dinner. the world where this “taken for granted” See you on our next f light!
Ex-military aircraft on ramp at Mojave including: Korean War F-86E Sabre; North American T-28 Trojan; French trainer Fouga Magister CM-170; and Grumman S2F Tracker.
View from the tower at Mojave Airport of various military and civilian aircraft on ramp, including a North American P-51 Mustang.
North American AT-6 trainer aircraft from World War II.
Loop ‘round the World
My husbands family flew out to California from Melrose Park Illinois for his 70 th Birthday in November. Here is a picture of his Mom & brother reading "The Loop" at the Railroad museum. They love our "small" town and enjoyed your newspaper and local sights. Their names are Charles Domingo andh Mary Domingo. I know you usually show people in areas out of Tehachapi reading your paper. I thought you might enjoy someone from out of town flying here to read it. By the way, my husbands name is Anthony Domingo and I am one of your biggest fans. – Your friend, Sharron Domingo
Page 14
Tell them you saw it in
Do-It-Yourself Debugging
Holiday Fun
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
I don’t know about you, but I can find good news is: you don’t have to. A 7” touch buying Christmas gifts practically terrifying. screen, 4GB internal storage (expandable up There’s the concern of how much they are going to 32GB), integrated wi-fi, up to six hours of to cost, as well as the question battery life and with the Android of “What do I get”? At the same OS starts at $110. Not enough time, I love the feeling of finding power for you? Stop by the office something that fits someone and we’ll find something that suits perfectly; something they love, your needs. that they didn’t even know they USB Desktop Fish Tank: wanted. Though I specialize in Know someone that’s married to computers, I work on and supply their computer and also likes fish? electronics in general. So please Combine both into one with this take a moment to read through miniature fish-tank. It features a this and get your brain-cells clock, calendar and pencil holder, by Alexander Kunstmann going on some unique holiday and can hold 1.5L of water. It can surprises. make a decorative addition to any Vid-cam Glasses: They look like a pair office or to someone’s workspace, only $60. of sunglasses with an MP3 player mounted Not quite up to taking care of actual fish? in them. Upon closer inspection, you can find You can get a simpler model with robotic fish the micro-camera mounted in the front of the that swim around inside, for only $20. glasses, the lens about the size of the “o” on USB Heated Gloves: It’s winter, so it’s this page. With rechargeable li-ion battery cold. Not all offices are heated as much as and micro-SD card. It can record for up to five someone might like, especially if your “office” hours. It’s great for candid videos, or for hands- is on the road, working with a laptop. If you’re free recording. The full package is $100. The having trouble keeping your hands warm while glasses, without micro-SD card, are $75. typing, give these a try. They plug right into a Portable Video/Game Player: What can USB outlet on your PC or laptop, heat up and it do? It plays music/games/movies. It takes keep the feeling in your fingers for $20. pictures/videos. It has 2GB of storage with the Looking for something else? I’ve got a capability to hold more, can get FM radio, and lot more than this, and would be happy to find connect to at TV through the standard red, something that suits your friends or family. white and yellow composite cables. If you know Please note that some gifts, like the someone who’s a game-fanatic, or if you have a glasses, gloves and fish tank, can take up to a child that wants more than an MP3 player (but month to arrive. If you want to have a gift by you don’t want to break the bank), this is a nice Christmas, instead of a receipt, please come in option at only $60. sooner than later. Also please keep an eye on Light Tablet: Everyone wants a tablet, the A-OK Computers Facebook page; there will but they don’t want to spend $500 for one. The be short-term specials popping up!
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
CrossRoads Gallery Plans big First Friday in December by Mel White
CrossRoads Gallery has big plans for the monthly First Friday Artist Reception on December 2. Featured artists Tina Dille, Flo Sussell, Sandi Thoman, and Nancy Waldron will all be presenting new works of art, and artist/author Lauraine Snelling will be signing her latest book. The traditional guest art show in December – “Anything Goes!” – is always a popular one, which means the gallery will be overflowing with new art. Tina Dille and Nancy Waldron are both watercolorists, but each has her own unique and distinctive style. Flo Sussell creates in a variety of mediums and subject matters, her latest being pencils or pastels of wild burrows. Sandi Thoman, one of the newest members Sandi Thoman’s detailed paintings on ostrich eggs are all onein the gallery, is an artist of-a-kind and very unique. Her work will be featured in December who uses almost anything at CrossRoads Gallery. as a canvas – her exquisite paintings on ostrich eggs are just the tip from 5 to 8 p.m. – will be a great chance to of the ice berg. Speaking of ice, her latest see just how talented and skilled our local efforts are delightful scenes on ice skates! artists are. It’s also a great chance to meet the Lauraine Snelling, another watercolorist artists in person and see the new art while and newer member in the gallery, is perhaps sipping a glass of champagne (or punch). best known in town as a best-selling CrossRoads Gallery is located on the Christian author and regular columnist northeast corner of the Compass Rose in the in the Loop. She is the author of several middle of historic downtown Tehachapi, at novel series, some of which are available 101 E. Tehachapi Blvd. For more information at the gallery (and bookstores everywhere). call 661-822-5242 or check out the website at She’ll be signing her latest book “Valley of crossroadsgallerytehachapi.com. Dreams,” which has just been released. Every month the gallery also features Fiber Fun is a new addition a number of guest artists in themed shows, bringing ever new energy into the gallery. to First Friday The all-inclusive “Anything Goes!” theme in December usually means more artists Fiber Fun is a new addition to participating, which is always fun around the First Friday. All knitters, crocheters, holidays. spinners join the party, bring your For guest artists who may want to projects and meet fellow crafters at participate in the future, upcoming themes include: January’s “Winter Wonderland” and Picture Perfect, 112 E. Tehachapi February’s “Love, Actually.” Blvd. #A, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The December First Friday – on Dec. 2
First time to Morro Bay we decided to just roam around and check out the town
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Know the Law
The Holidays are Coming by Stephen F. Rudin
Consumer spending represents about 70 percent of the nation’s GDP. Holiday spending generates a good part of that. Traditionally the holiday shopping frenzy begins on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. That is the time for retailers’ end of year sales to turn the accounting books from red to black. It’s also that time of year to get caught up in holiday spirit, something many of us find easy to do. I should be a Grinch and warn how the stores pull out all the stops to get into your pocketbook. Not at this time. Instead my suggestion this year to is shop local. Frankly there is a growing awareness that supporting the local business community helps the local economy. Local stores do not have the economy of scale that the big box stores have. However the local retailers do have a personal touch that you will not find in the big box stores. Our independent, local stores have a wide selection of unique gifts and provide that personal interaction all in a smaller shopping environment. The local stores typically know more about the products they stock. A local Boutique may not have the broad range of products found in a bigger store. However many carry a greater selection of those products they do specialize in. Along with specialized products comes specialized service. Compare that to the few larger department stores that provide a similar level of service. They cost just as much or more to shop in. Now the Grinch is back! Look at the numbers. Americans spend on average between $500 and $1,500 on
holiday gifts and related expenses. Consumers shouldn’t spend more than 1.5% of their total income during the holidays. That amounts to $750 for Americans with an average household income of $50,000. Balance that spirit of giving with your resources. Be sure you know how much you have before you start giving. Write a holiday spending plan, including the list of people you will buy gifts for and the amount to spend. Stick to the budget and use cash for all purchases. Set a limit for each aspect of holiday spending and include meals, baking, decorating, wrapping, cards and gifts. If at all possible, avoid credit cards. Assuming a 2 percent minimum payment, an average daily balance of $3,000 in credit card debt, and the charge becomes a minimum payment of around $60 a month. If the credit card company charges a 15 percent APR, interest could cost you between $400 and $450 per year. Here’s how to figure it out: 1. Divide your APR by 365 days per year. 15 percent / 365 = (about/day) .04 percent 2. Multiply .04 percent by 30 days per month. .04 percent x 30 = 1.2, or .012 percent 3. Multiply .012 percent by the $3,000 original balance = $36 a month in interest With a $60 minimum payment, $36 goes toward interest each month and $24 goes toward your $3,000 credit card balance. So after you send your first $60 payment to your $3,000 credit card bill, you will still owe $2,976. If you only pay your minimum balance due each month at 2 percent, it will take over 16 years to pay off your $3,000 debt. During those 16 years of making minimum payments, according to results from a minimum payment calculator on CreditCards.com, you will have paid $3,641 in interest turning your $3,000 purchase into $6,641. Whatever you purchased for $3,000 will likely be broken or forgotten long before you’ve paid it in full! It is true that credit cards are an important part of our lives. You must have one for reserving a hotel room, renting a car, or booking travel tickets. They can also provide a source of emergency funds if you’ve been injured or have another emergency. However you want to get into the habit of paying for your credit card debt in full each month, as often as possible, to avoid paying interest or at least pay as much as you can toward any credit card debt. Reduce the amount of interest you pay rather than making just the minimum payment. Most of all, have a Happy Holiday Season!
Page 15
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 12/31/11 - LOOP2110
New Client Special Tuesdays
Half OFF 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 - LOOP2110
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 - LOOP2110
Mountain Antiques & Collectibles 106 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Suites D-E Next to Kelcy’s - (661) 822-5223 Wed - Sat 11-5 • Sundays 12-4pm
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 - LOOP2110
Natural Health Massage & Spa Black Friday Only: 1 hr massage Gift Certificate for $35 (661) 557-5303 •20041 Valley Blvd, STE 3
1 Hour Hot Stone Massage $45 1 1/2 Hour Hot Stone Massage $65 Deluxe Spa Pedi w/Shannon $23 Body Salt Scrub w/Lori $25 Must Mention Coupon - Exp 12/6/11 - LOOP2110
The Lost Box (661) 822-1480 • 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd New Location next to Kohnens for the Holidays! 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 - LOOP2110
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 12/6/11 - LOOP2110
Expires 2/29/12 - LOOP2110
Page 16
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
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.
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Great Turnout at Grand Oaks Ranch
On November 15 the monthly Bridal Association mixer was held in Tehachapi for the first time at Grand Oaks Ranch, owned by Phil Wyman. Tehachapi restaurants Fez Cafe and Moessner Farms catered the event and the Ranch was beautifully decked out with holiday cheer. Photos by Heather Pardus
Page 17
Page 18
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
The Forde Files
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Lawsuit to block hospital construction looms as groundbreaking nears
Rendering by SWA. A Santa Monica law firm has informed the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District that a group of people intends to challenge the Board of Director’s Oct. 19 approval of the environmental report for the proposed new hospital. A “Notice of Intent to Challenge Approval of Tehachapi Replacement Hospital and Outpatient Center Project,” dated Nov. 16, 2011, arrived in the hands of the directors just prior to the Nov. 16 board meeting at the Golden Hills
Community Services District building. The “Notice of Intent” letter is the prelude to a possible lawsuit that could derail a tight construction schedule that was to begin with the groundbreaking, tentatively set for Dec. 19. “It’s the first step in a lawsuit under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act),” healthcare district counsel Scott Navé said by phone the day after the board meeting. “We don’t know at this time what relief they are seeking.
We don’t know what their claims are.” The two-paragraph letter signed by attorney Michelle N. Black of Chatten-Brown & Carstens states: “Please take notice that on behalf of the Tehachapi Area Critical Landuse Issues Group (TACLIG), we intend to commence an action to challenge the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District’s approval, on October 19, 2011, of the mitigated negative declaration prepared for the Tehachapi Hospital Project. “As encouraged by recent amendments to the California Environmental Quality ACT (e.g. Pub. Res. Code §§ 21167.9-21167.10), TACLIG would be amenable to resolving its dispute with the District through mediation. Please contact me if the District is interested in pursuing this alternative to the above-mentioned litigation.” “I don’t know what the lawsuit is going to contain,” said Jo Anne Huckins, a party to the
No. 8
challenge along with Tehachapi resident William Nelson. Huckins is chairman of the non-profit Tehachapi Hospital Foundation and was active in the successful $50 million bond election to provide construction funds for the new hospital. Others in the group of people challenging the environmental report want to remain anonymous, she said. “A few don’t care to be identified,” she said by phone the day after the board meeting, “At this point they are all from Tehachapi.” Karen Northcutt of Karen Northcutt & Associates, based at Lake Isabella, prepared the environmental report that the board approved. The Capital Hills site the board selected for the new hospital has drawn criticism for its location north of Highway 58. Construction was to begin by Jan. 1, 2012 to meet a state seismic timeline phasing out the existing hospital building, opened in 1957.
Healthcare district finances in tip-top shape
Rick Jackson, an external auditor for the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District, told the Board of Directors the district has four times the assets needed to meet liabilities – a 4-to-1 ratio.
The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District has enough cash on hand to operate the hospital for 171 days, external auditor Rick Jackson reported Nov. 16 at district Board of Directors meeting at the Golden Hills Community Services District board room. “Most hospitals would love to have 100 days,” Jackson said. CPA Jackson, of TCA Partners, LLP of Fresno, said the district has four times the current assets needed to meet liabilities – a 4-to-1 ratio. Most hospital district have a 2-to-1 asset-toliability ratio, he said. The district can meet its debt service five times over, he said. “It was a good year and a good balance sheet,” Jackson said. “Compared to other hospitals, you are doing very well.” In another financial matter, Chief Financial Officer Joe Demont expressed disappointment when the board tabled the matter of salary and wage adjustments for hospital employees. Dr. Susan Hall led the board in requesting more information on future staffing before taking action (Dr. Gary Olsen recused himself, as his wife works at the hospital). “Your decision is mistaken,” Demont said to the directors, citing the report that the hospital has been in the top 10 percent of critical care hospitals for three years – and one reason it has done well, he said, is that it has not budgeted for raises and salaries. “The numbers are at the expense of not giving to hospital workers,” he said. He urged the board to give serious consideration to the matter “and not worry about
staffing in the future.” Eminent domain With votes of 4-1, Director Bill Steele dissenting, the board approved resolutions to acquire two easements at the proposed hospital site by the legal process of eminent domain. Coldwell Banker real estate broke/owner Bernie Connolly, speaking for Scott M. Murphy of the Touchstone company, owner of one of the properties, objected during the public hearing to the action being contemplated by the board. “Compensation is grossly inadequate,” Connolly said. He said that a hospital at the site “is not the highest and best use” of the property and “there was no intent to put Challenger (the road) through when it was parceled.” Attorney Tom DeNatale of Klein, DeNatale, Goldner of Bakersfield, counsel in the property matter for the healthcare district, said the statutory requirements had been met. Counsel Navé halted a discussion on compensation as not allowable at the meeting. Murphy, in attendance at the meeting, objected to the action being contemplated by the board. The other property owner did not speak and apparently was not in attendance. Steele said he was uncomfortable with the eminent domain action, in which the government can seize private property with due compensation, but without the owner’s consent. “It breaks my heart to get to the point of eminent domain,” Steele said after the meeting. “It goes against my grain to offend people that way.” Steele said that negotiations with the property owners had yielded no progress. Shovels ready Construction of the new hospital is scheduled to begin. “We anticipate starting construction Dec. 19 with the groundbreaking,” Hospital Project Manager Norm Clendenin reported to the board. Director Dr. Hall suggested that a weekend, rather than Mon. Dec. 19, for the groundbreaking would enable the public to enjoy the event. Clendenin said city permits for the first phase of construction will cost $725,937.00 Those permits – which is one big building permit package – include fees to cover the impact of traffic, public safety, water and sewer and utilities. The fees require new developments to pay their own way, Tehachapi City Manager Greg
Garrett said by phone Nov. 17. “It’s pay me now or pay me later,” Garret said. “Development pays its own way. Existing residents do not subsidize new development.” The city and county fees are the same, he said, and it makes sense to build in the city where water and sewer infrastructure are in place. Clendenin said there’s a challenge with dirt. “We have 24,000 cubic yards of export from the hospital site,” Clendenin said. “It will take 2,000 trucks (loads). The county engineer and city are putting together an export plan.”
The city, he said, will get 8,000 cubic yards. The rest of the dirt will be used as capping material at the county disposal site on East Tehachapi Blvd. that is marked for closing in several years. Clendenin said the Loop Ranch will provide labor to move the fence that is adjacent to the hospital site. The healthcare district will pay $4,500 for fencing materials. Tom Reid of construction consultants Bernards/Colombo said the project is generating significant interest from bidders.
Airstreams Renewables’ ‘Turbine Cowboys’
Representatives of Airtreams Renewables, taking on a leadership role.” Tehachapi’s home-grown wind energy/industrial Tehachapi, the birthplace of wind energy safety training company, brought a gust of pride development in the United States, remains the and optimism to the Tehachapi Kiwanis Club epicenter for the industry. luncheon meeting Nov. 16. People want to be based here, Cole said, and Through others in the industry partnerships with are returning. military organizations, “A lot of jobs are the company has coming back to the established a conduit Tehachapi area,” he said. for military veterans With its emphasis to transition to good on safety, “Airstreams civilian careers, is providing a safety Director of Admissions culture,” Cole said. The Thomas E. Cole told the company expanded club. to safety training for With its two-week the oil and natural gas Airstreams Renewables Director of Admissions wind turbine technician industries. Thomas E. Cole (left) and Field Manager Merritt Mays and industrial safety The programs shared the success of the home-grown wind energy tracks, Cole said, attract women students. training company at the Nov. 16 Kiwanis meeting. Airstreams is able to “Nothing in the wind teach in-demand skills to veterans who might not industry is gender-specific,” Mays said. “It’s have received marketable training in the military. making the guys step up their game. It’s been The company abounds with stories of male-dominated. (With women around), their graduates who go to jobs immediately. professional and work ethics skyrocket.” “Twenty students will graduate on Friday and Now located at the Tehachapi Municipal they are working on Monday,” Cole said. “We have Airport, the company plans to build its own 90 percent placement.” campus on property at Jameson and Tehachapi Wind energy and oil and gas companies call Willow Springs Road. up and place orders for graduates. The founders and principals in the company “One company asked for 70 technicians over – locals with decades of experience in the wind the next five years,” Cole said. industry – are Chairman/CEO David Schulgen, The Airstreams graduates exhibit leadership President/COO Jeff Duff and Vice President of when they move into the workforce. Training Mike Messier. “Whatever magic we did, we did it right,” “You know the program ‘Ice Truckers?’ said Airstreams Field Manager Merritt Mays. “Our Now there’s going to be a program called ‘Turbine students are put in charge of people coming out of Cowboys.’ It’s being produced for the Weather a 90-day program. Our students are coming in and Channel,” Mays said.
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Page 19
Shedding light on local issues.
Articles and photos by Tina Forde. email: fordefiles@aol.com • tel: 661-822-4515
A misty morning in Cummings Valley Clouds drift over the northern hills of Cummings Valley and the distinctive Triassic Legacy wine-tasting boutique and vineyard.
State water board listens to public, modifies septic policy
The State Water Resources Control Board has backed away from top-heavy state enforcement in its proposed new standards for septic systems. The revised policy for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) incorporates public response to 2008 workshops that indicated the original draft policy, written under a 2000 legislative mandate, was heavy-handed and inflexible. “It was overreaching,” said George Kostyrko, director of the board’s Office of Public Affairs. “There was too much requirement for homeowners testing. The staff looked at the legislative intent. The (new policy) is drawn from homeowners, environmentalists and county health officers. Now it is more flexible.” The new policy, which has undergone the requisite public scrutiny through workshops and awaits final approval by the state board, will not affect systems that are in good operating condition and not near a stream, river or lake contaminated by bacteria or nitrogen-related compounds. The first line of inspection and control will remain the local agents, he said. “The fear was that the prior effort was all run by the state,” Kostyrko said. For Kern County, the septic system authority is the Environmental Health Division of the Public Health Services
The State Water Board’s goal is to ensure that all existing septic systems remain in good operating condition and don’t threaten a nearby stream, river or lake with bacteria contaminants. – California State Water Resources Control Board
Department. The proposed policy establishes a set of regulatory tiers that pertain to small, domestic septic systems: Tier 0 – The existing system is working properly, not leaking;
Tier 1 – Relates to permitting of new, replacement or upgraded septic system; Tier 2 – Local management programs take into account specific geography, terrain and geology when approving septic installation; and Tier 3 – Relates to a system that is located near a water body that has been identified as an “impaired water body” for either bacteria or nitrates. The state water board has stepped in to require sewers to be build in certain areas near discharge-contaminated water – Russian
River, Los Osos, Malibu – but there are no such problems in the Tehachapi area. Water purveyors such as the city of Tehachapi and the Stallion Springs, Bear Valley and Golden Hills community services districts consistently report good water quality. The Tehachapi area aquifers remain healthy. Lonnie Wass, supervising engineer for the Central Valley Regional Water Board, said that septic systems a have a long life if they are properly maintained and pumped on schedule. “There are things you can do to reduce water flow,” Wass said. “With lower flow toilets and washing machines, flows per household are a lot less than they used to be. We still create waste water and it has to be disposed of.” Under the state board, there are nine regional water quality control boards in California, four of which administer parts of Kern County, based on the watersheds. The regional Central Coast and Los Angeles boards cover small portions of Kern; the Central Valley board covers most of west Kern; and the Lahontan board is the authority in east Kern. For information and to read the full state septic policy document, visit www. waterboard.ca.gov (the direct link to the septic policy is http://www.waterboard. ca.gov/water_issues/programs/owts.)
Kern water districts object to limited input on Delta plan
Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District General Manager John Martin has joined 13 other Kern County water district managers in signing a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar objecting to the local agencies’ limited role in crafting a workable Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). The letter concludes that the prospective inability by local districts to participate fully in decisions could erode trust and place the process of Delta recovery in peril. The roles of federal, state and local public water agencies in the Delta plan have been outlined in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The managers call the MOA “a necessary agreement.” “We recognize that we have a unique role to play in moving the BDCP forward because we are the Public Water Agencies closest to the families, farms and businesses that fund the BDCP,” states the letter, dated Nov. 11, which also was sent to the Bay-Delta office of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in Sacramento. “The support of our customers, and
therefore of our Boards of Directors, is determined by their faith that your agencies are capable of working cooperatively with the State agencies and the local public water agencies involved in the BDCP to bring the project to a successful conclusion.” The letter gingerly gets to the point: “Our review of the MOA reveals that the local Public Water Agencies that are involved in and funding the BDCP have been assigned a considerably smaller role in decisions related to developing this Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) than is allowable by State and federal law. We are concerned that this arbitrary limitation of their participation reduces the likelihood of successfully completing the BDCP.” (emphasis by Forde Files). Specifics The letter says the MOA restricts the administration of contracts and is ambiguous as to whether the water agencies will be fullfledged participants in the plan. The water district managers ask in the letter for assurances from regulatory agencies.
“It is the strength of those assurances that will result in large investments in the recovery of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta’s endangered species,” it says. “Weak assurances will result in weak environmental protections and serve neither of the co-equal goals.” Martin said that Salazar has been under pressure from environmental groups to back off on involvement with water contractors. The letter strongly urges Salazar to remain a signatory to the MOA and, in Martin’s words, “to make good on their promises.” “The MOA is an important link in the chain that keeps the many funding agencies together and willing to fund the BDCP,” the letter says. “Withdrawal from, or modification of, the MOA will be received as a powerful signal that the Obama Administration does not share the State of California’s commitment to solving the Delta’s environmental and water supply problems.” (emphasis Forde Files). Other Business In other Tehachapi-Cummings County
Water District business at the Nov. 16 Board of Directors meeting (Director Rob Schultz absent), Martin reported that the district is keeping Jacobsen Reservoir (Brite Lake) level down to reduce water loss. The lower level keeps with water within the clay liner. In 2009 Martin said the loss was more than 1,200 acre feet; in 2010 it was 897 acre feet and this year, with the additional conservation measure. it was 561 acre feet. Martin discussed new water contracts and the problem of water banking in this abundant year. He said the San Luis Reservoir is predicted to spill by Dec. 1, at which time water districts will gain or lose rights to excess water depending on their rank in the hierarchy of districts. He said solutions of water storage include the possibility of storing at a new Granite Construction quarry at Wheeler Ridge and a pump back system in the Tehachapi Mountains built by a Utahbased company that would store water at altitude and release it when needed to create hydroelectric power.
Page 20
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Jennifer’s Thoughts...
Nov. 22 ~ Dec, 6 2011
Holiday Pie Contest Winner
Marital Trust
(Also Called an A Trust) A marital trust (also known as an A amount at death of first spouse before setting trust) is a type of trust that is used by a up a marital trust. married couple, usually in conjunction with Ownership of assets should be divided a bypass trust, to both minimize equally between husband and estate taxes and provide for wife. the surviving spouse and their Marital trusts aren’t children. Enough assets from necessary to minimize federal the estate of the first spouse estate taxes and can be to die will be transferred to a structured in three different bypass trust so that his or her ways. applicable exclusion amount (the Key Strengths amount that can be sheltered A Marital trust is important from federal gift and estate tax if you want assets to pass to by the unified credit) can be specific individuals upon the completely utilized to shelter death of the surviving spouse. the bypass trust from estate Use of marital and bypass by Jennifer Williams tax. The remaining assets of the trusts allows surviving spouse first spouse to die will then be to benefit from family wealth transferred to a marital trust. The assets in during his or her continuing life, while the marital trust will be included in the gross minimizing estate taxes assessed against estate of the surviving spouse for estate tax couple’s combined estate. purposes, but he or she can then use his or Marital trust may be used to maximize her applicable exclusion amount to protect use of the generation-skipping transfer tax some or all of these assets from estate tax. exemptions available to both spouses. Tip: In 2011 and 2012, the unused basic Key Trade-offs exclusion of a deceased spouse is portable An attorney should be hired to draft and may allow you and your spouse to take marital trust document. full advantage of the estate tax applicable A trustee will be needed. exclusion amount without using a bypass Surviving spouse may not have full trust. control over assets in marital trust. Caution: Unless extended by Congress, Grantor cannot require trustee of a portability of the unused basic exclusion QTIP trust to hold non-income-producing amount between spouses expires in 2013. assets. The marital trust will often be set up as Grantor loses power over disposition of a qualified terminable interest property trust assets with power of appointment trust and (QTIP). With a QTIP the surviving spouse estate trust. must receive all income from the trust for Variations from State to State life. However the first spouse to die can then In community property states, onedesignate in the trust instrument to whom half of property accumulated in marriage the assets should pass when the surviving automatically belongs to surviving spouse. spouse dies. A QTIP trust can be useful if Marital deduction rules apply in one spouse is concerned that the surviving community property states. spouse will remarry and transfer assets to the Drafting marital trust may be more new spouse rather than preserving them for complicated in community property state the children of the marriage or where one or than in separate property state both spouses has children from a previous How Is It Implemented? marriage to whom they would like to leave An attorney should be hired to their assets. draft trust documents, an individual or Prerequisites institutional trustee must be selected and a Married couple should expect to have beneficiary and remainder beneficiaries must assets in excess of applicable exclusion be selected. 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.
And the winner of Kelcy’s Restaurant’s holiday pie drawing is..... (drumroll please) LaVena Barnett! Congratulations! See page 3 of this issue to find out how to enter Kelcy’s next pie drawing.
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. 22 ~ Dec, 6 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
“Happenings Happenings round town” town
Friday, November 25 Holiday Bazaar. Bear Valley Springs. Whiting Center, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 8213534. TCT presents “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” at the BeeKay Theatre. 110 South Green Street Fridays, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Sundays Nov. 27 and Sat. Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. 661-822-4037. Friday, Saturday, November 25 & 26 Holiday Bazaar. Bear Valley Springs. Whiting Center, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 8213534. Friday, Saturday, December 2 & 3 Cummings Valley School Holiday Boutique 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday. 822-2190. Friday, December 2 Art Around Town/First Friday Artists Reception & Live Music. Crossroads Gallery, Gallery N Gifts, Back Street Gallery, Oak Tree Art & Antiques, Tehachapi Museum, Petra Deli, Picture Perfect. 5 to 8 p.m. Fiddlers Crossing will be open “after the artwalk” for coffee, visiting and generally putting a great cap on the evening. Saturday, December 3 Christmas Concert. Summit Singers.
First Baptist Church, 1049 S. Curry St. 7:30 p.m. 822-3836. Native American Drum group, Eagles Heart. Red House BBQ. 426 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-0772. Sunday, December 4 Tehachapi Pops Orchestra. Whiting Center at BVS. 2 to 4 p.m. 821-2079. Thursday, December 8 Holiday Senior Luncheon by The Rotary Club of Tehachapi. McMullan Hall, St. Malachy Church beginning at Noon. 8212846. Friday, December 9 The Meatballs of Comedy, the best of Italian humor 8:30 p.m. at Pacino’s Spagetti Facotry, 1100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-9400. Sunday, December 11 Christmas and Holiday Sing. Fiddlers Crossing 206 “F” St. 822-9994.
Tehachapi Karaoke Schedule
City Slickers – Every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 to 10 p.m. DJ Emma. 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-4939. Moose Lodge – Every Monday 5 - 8 family nite and Thursday 7 - 10 Eric’s Karaoke. 123 West “F” St. 822-3889. VFW – Dec. 23. 7 to 12 a.m. Eric’s Karaoke DJ. 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 8227500. 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 - Movin’ 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 - Movin’ 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- Movin’ On - Multiple Genres 1st Saturday - Ron Kelbaugh - Mix 2nd Friday - Alicia Hansen - Violin 2nd Saturday - Geezers - Folk Music 3rd Friday - Movin’ 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 - Movin’ 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 - call to find out who is playing.
Page 21
Meet Your New Neighbors
Klaudia Kovacs has made her second Consultant or go to her website at www. home in Tehachapi, hoping to get away MySuccessConsultant.com. Welcome from the excessive physical and mental Klaudia, we hope you are able to help all noise of Hollywood, Calif. She of our fine business people now splits her time between in Tehachapi to develop Hollywood and Tehachapi. even greater success in their Hum… that is a familiar story businesses. to my ears. A lot of people move here to find peace and Karen Preston Reeves quiet in our friendly little town, comes to us from Venice Beach, and that, she says, is what she California. She ran a successful has found here. She had a friend child care home in Mar Vista who lived here who helped her for 37 years. Although she find this tranquil place. Klaudia never had children of her own, actually ended up in the United she was able to share a lot of States by accident. She was by Evie Campbell-Best love, nurturing, and guidance Welcome Hostess offered a house-sitting job in to hundreds of children Venice, California, decided to throughout the years. She made take it, and that led to helping her to move an effort to enhance each child’s life with on to follow her dream. loving attention, including birthday parties Klaudia was born in Hungary. She for each child. She made each child feel attended college majoring in Pedagogy special. What a gift to the children who known as the science of education. attended her child care home. She is still This includes things like scientific in contact with many of her now grown ways of teaching actions, strategies and “children” who adore her to this day. This methodologies and interactions with brings to my mind a dear aunt of mine, who students that promote learning and although was not able to give birth to a child achievement. Along with this she also because of a bad liver, was a foster parent to studied Psychology. These studies have over 100 children during her life. She also been key factors in helping Klaudia to adopted three of them. It seems God has a become a successful business consultant. special plan for each of us, and these two She is able to share strategic information ladies really fulfilled his plan for them by with business people to inspire different gifting each child with very special love and kinds of thinking, with a fresh eye, a a good start in life. grand vision and empowerment, creating Karen recently inherited a home in great financial success, bringing their Tehachapi and is already becoming involved business to a completely new level. While in many activities here. She loves her new in Hollywood she has been successful as community and is grateful to be here to a business consultant. She has also been enjoy living a simpler life in a town that involved in acting and directing, along offers her many opportunities on a new with public speaking, and working with and quaint level. Karen is interested in the press. This is a creative lady of diverse continuing her care giving business here talents. She has directed and starred in and is ready, willing and open to caring for one of the ten minute plays recently shown children, pets, or older people in their own at The Bee Kay Theater. She steps right homes. If you need references, she can also up to the plate and makes things happen. provide them for you. You can reach Karen Klaudia is now offering her services to at 310-721-9708 if you have a need for care business people in the Tehachapi area. You in any of these areas. Welcome Karen, we’re can get more information by following happy to add you to our family here in her column in The Loop, “My” Success Tehachapi.
Welcome! 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
Page 22
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Daydreams
The Black List:
How to Turn a Negative Into a Positive Sometimes people have a better sense of Which are you? Would you like to come to the ranch for what they don’t like, than what they do like. a family play day? We will be holding a four When you think of what you hate or don’t hour program during the Thanks want, turn it around to what you Giving Holiday, on Saturday, want instead. Nov. 26. You can connect with On a black piece of paper your family members like never write down the things you do not before, and walk away with a want or like. Write the things new understanding of those you you are not good at or things love. that do not come naturally. Cost is $50 per person or Write them in pencil so they are $160 for a family of four. Call hard to see. for reservations at 661-821-0482 For instance if you write or see out website at www. down, “I don’t like homework,” risingmoonranch.org. turn to your discovery exercise What is Charisse up to and write down the opposite, Charisse Rudolph these days? “I love getting good grades.” “I ~The Leadership~ I did the Sunrise show on don’t like doing bills,” “I love channel 17 NBC knowing how much I have to I was called out of my pajamas to do a spend.” If you hate being late in the morning, news interview on Bullying for channel 58 the opposite might be getting to work or KTLA school early, so you have time to visit. Even The books were at the ACLU 48th something like “I hate creamed corn,” might Garden Party and USC’s Models of Pride. become, “I love fresh vegetables.” Instead I did an interview with Toginet Radio of “I hate my coach,” you could write, “I in October and just wrote an article that was like coaches who explain things well and accepted to Parent Magazine and Family don’t lose their temper.” Cross out the black Circle. list with pencil as you add the positive Also Radius Magazine and Trailer Park discoveries to your discovery exercise. Blog have accepted articles. Now you can take this a step further. The books were at the Pasadena Look at what makes you uncomfortable Convention Center mid-October with Hay and say, “I don’t feel comfortable when...” House. All were sold! Instead discover what would make you The Queens Ledger newspaper, in New feel comfortable about this situation, then York City, gave “Words Hit Hard as a Fist” a practice – The Way of the World. Ask great write up! your higher power, the universe, or God, The books are in Tampa, Flor. this Visualize, Believe, and take Action. weekend at another Hay House event. Until the next time, “To Thy own self Nov. 15 I am going to be networking at a be true.” Today’s Quote: ~Some people go cocktail party for Women of Hollywood. through life and others grow through life.~ I am doing a tele-seminar on Nov. 16 for Hopa Mountain, a non profit working with the Native American people, in Bozeman, Mont. Nov. 22 will be my first thirty-minute interview on Television. Channel 39 Bakersfield. Call The Loop Dec. 10, at 11 a.m., I will be signing at 661-822-8188 or books at U-Neek Findz. The building behind the parking lot of K-Mart. Go online for our More is yet to come! Have a fantastic Thanks Giving! Rates and
Promote your Business!
Publication Dates
TheLoopNewspaper.com
The next column, The Conclusion, Knowledge is not King, implementation is. www.theleadershiplady.tv
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Music for the Holidays By Deborah Hand
It’s been a long time coming for our building at 206 E. F St., but finally the signs are up and the painting is finished. The lighting is actually too bright now (but will be toned down). We have heat, new insulation, new roof, new ceiling lights and tiles, and the electrical systems are sorted out. We even have new chairs and curtains. Both Fiddlers Crossing and Mountain Music are up, running and ready to make music – just in time for the holidays. We would first like to give a hearty “thank you” to everyone who helped with this project, and especially to Bob Welch for stepping in as contractor and making it happen in the short period between rainstorms. Thanks to Keith Ferguson of BVS for the new lesson rooms built out of modular panels. We’re also glad that the city finished the work on the intersection of East F and Robinson streets at the same time. Once we landscape in the Spring, “Fiddlers Crossing” corner will officially be complete. If you have been one of those who has wondered just where the Fiddlers Crossing Open Mic was held, because of the former lack of signage, now we hope you know. Open Mic will continue every Wednesday at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Our Christmas activities include participation in First Friday, Dec. 2, with live music and casual conversation starting at 7 p.m. Our gift to the community will take place on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. We’ll have an old-fashion holiday sing, with members of the Tehachapi Pops Orchestra playing, and everyone singing. Along with Christmas carols, Santa songs and seasonal favorites, Rabbi Hershey Worch will add a sampling of Hasidic songs to the ecumenical mix. Everyone is welcome, and there is no cover charge, although donations, as well as a plate of cookies, will be gratefully accepted. As always, coffee, tea and goodies
are free. With the renovations completed at Mountain Music and the space actually opened up, the store is restocked with new guitars, practice amps, cellos, ukuleles, musical ornaments and other surprises. After many years of mainly acoustic instruments, some electrics have been added this year. So, before you head down the hill to buy something just because it says “Fender” on it, come by and check out our beautiful new electric guitars and basses. The prices are competitive, and the gift will be unique. Along with instruments and music books, Mountain Music is offering the entire stock of CDs for $10 each. Those on your gift list who like Celtic music will love finding one of these in their stocking. Instructional DVDs are also on sale for half price. CNN recently ran a report about a program using music therapy to help veterans with PTSD. Several members of the “Guitars for Veterans” class in Richmond, VA, spoke of how much learning to play the guitar has meant to them. (For more on the story go to www.cnn.com/2011/11/11/ us/ireport-veterans-day/index.) Washburn Guitars has generously donated a guitar for each veteran who “graduates” from the program. Mountain Music now has a new stock of Oscar Schmidt guitars, the entry-level line of Washburn. While we can’t quite give a guitar to our veterans, we would like to at least offer a 10 percent discount on all our guitars in the store, including the Oscar Schmidts, to our veterans. This includes guitars given to vets as gifts. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to all, from all of us at 206 E. F St. – now dubbed “Fiddlers Crossing” corner!
Ho Ho Ho
Santa brings you the GSLC December Student of the Month! Hello there! My name is Brooke (you know, like the bubbling brook except with an “e” added at the end) Parten. I’m three years old, going on 27, but that’s just because I like to be teacher’s helper and organize things. (Really, I’d like to run the class but I guess I have to let the real teacher do that — at least for now!) My mommy, brothers – Ashton and Blake – and I live with our Grandpa David and Grandma Cheryl, so we get lots and lots of special attention. I have another grandma (Linda) and she lives out of town, but I get to see her a lot too. I have lots of cousins (Chris, Bubba and Gavin) that I get to spend a lot of time with as well. In case you can’t tell from my picture, I have a smile that lights up a room and my green eyes are always twinkling! My favorite color is pink and I love chicken McNuggets (but not pink ones). When I grow up I wanna be a princess ’cause just about everyone knows that a princess gets to go shopping all the time. And that’s a good thing, because my favorite thing to do besides singing and dancing is to shop. I’m a really good shopper — just ask my Grandma Linda! She’ll tell you. My favorite toy is my backpack and I love to fill it with lots of other toys. I have a favorite song... you know the one.. “If there’s somethin’ strange in your neighborhood,
Brooke Student of the Month Who ya gonna call... Ghostbusters! If it’s somethin’ weird an it won’t look good, Who ya gonna call... Ghostbusters!” It’s okay if you want to sing along. Thanks for letting me visit with you, but guess I’d better get back to my class now — I’ve got things to organize, ya know!
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Yoga 101 - Stumbling Towards Enlightenment
Grappling with Gratitude*
In the spirit of the Season, I am pondering irritant to my peace of mind so that I may the quality of gratitude. How each of us has learn patience and compassion. How kind my so much to be deeply thankful for. How the Irritator is! How thankful I am for my generous consistent and conscious practice of teacher! I reflect on another gratitude is innately life-affirming good slogan: no irritation, no and joyous. Just how darn lucky we pearl. Without the irritation of all are to be here. a grain of sand in the oyster’s Praise be to all saints of all flesh, there can be no pearl. The religions. I bow at your lotus feet pearl requires friction to make and am eternally grateful for it it smooth. So I can be grateful all. Well, most of it all. Some of it to my ex-husband for his kind all. The nice parts anyway. Wait. service on my behalf and hold My gratitude practice feels a bit deep gratitude for his assistance unbalanced. in my spiritual evolution. Bless I have come to realize that I his heart. excel at being thankful for all the I’m thinking that to truly, beauty in life. The no-brainer stuff fully live gratitude in its pure by Yogashanon like sunshine and sex. However essence, I gotta be thankful for can I give thanks for the crappy stuff in the cool and the crummy, the happy life? It’s easy to be thankful for good food, and the sad, the sweet and the bitter. (Really, loving friends and kittens. What about the stuff what defines cool and crummy?) Be thankful that’s not so gratitude-inducing? Can I find for it all. Eventually let even the notion of stuff thankfulness for my aching right hip? How drop away and be just purely and fully thankful about the fly that has been slowly circling in without any specific motivation whatsoever. my kitchen for the past two days, stalking me? Just grateful for the pure delight of being Big Ticket items like war and injustice? grateful. Period. Embodying the quality of There’s an intriguing Buddhist teaching gratitude. In my travels to Cambodia, I visited that says: When I come down stairs in the the native nomadic river people. They live morning, may I see my worst enemy sitting in cardboard shacks floating along the water at the breakfast table. Crazy, I know. Those and have nothing. I mean, nothing. Seriously goofy Buddhists. The idea is that if my enemy nothing. My companions and I felt tears well is waiting for me with a bowl of Frosted Mini up at the imaginings of their deep poverty until Fruity Coco Pebbles, then I’ll have a strong one of my wise friends noted that all the kids opportunity for mindfulness practice (possibly were running around happy and smiling and accompanied by diabetic coma). Can I offer looked all loved up. Grateful just to be alive. loving-kindness to someone I don’t particularly So I welcome my enemy at the breakfast like? Can I be grateful for someone who table and am grateful to run into my ex with his pushes my buttons with fervor? Wouldn’t it be hot new girlfriend at Kmart. After all, the more beautiful to be able to behave that skillfully? I practice, the stronger I become, the happier I I know that when I can somehow keep an become, the freer I become. In the spirit of the open-heart, even in the face of something Season, I say: Bring on the crap and let’s get that makes me want to run screaming from grateful! the room, I feel better. I’m a shinier, happier, Get your very own copy of Yogashanan‘s more peaceful girl. One beneficial technique book of collected essays - and copies for is to see my perceived enemy as my teacher. I all your friends as holiday gifts at www. can contemplate how this benevolent person tehachapiyoga.com. Or Nooks ‘n Crannies. Or has taken it upon themselves to be a sacred the Yoga House. *reprinted from the endearingly hilarious book of wit and wisdom, “Stumbling Towards Enlightenment: A Yoga 101 Collection.”
Big Sky Productions Art Show
Triassic Legacy Vineyards will host a Big Sky Productions Art Show, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anita Jesse and Charlene LaClaire have put together a new exhibit with Corky and Doreen Lunsford joining them, once again. Each of the artists will show new work created for the Winter Art Show, and you will find original art at surprisingly modest prices. Charlene LaClaire will show new watercolors, including both flower and animal studies. Anita Jesse has new pieces from her Photo Impressions collection including new equine pieces as well as landscapes from our area. Corky Lunceford will have new wood turnings and his popular wooden hat. Doreen Lunceford has completed new pencil sketches for the December show. The timing is ideal for gift shopping, or unique home décor, and Triassic’s cozy tasting room is a delightful place to spend a weekend afternoon. Tasting the finest wines, enjoying the artwork, and taking in the beautiful Cummings Valley scenery will surely put you in the Christmas spirit. For more information about the winery, call 661-822-5341. If you have questions about
the Art Show, call Anita Jesse at 661-821-1787.
Chris Cerna Will Play in Concert Outstanding pianist, Chris Cerna will perform a variety of music in a concert at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Apple Shed and at the door. What makes this event unusual is that Chris became blind at the age of 18 months due to eye cancer. However, at the age of six, he began playing the piano and developed an amazing talent. Now, many years later, he has recorded 10 solo albums, does solo performances, and plays with several musical groups. Chris Cerna had a twin brother, Chuck, who was afflicted with the same eye disease. The brother, who died at age five, was musically gifted. Chris had not shown an interest in music until after his brother’s death, and Chris feels it was some sort of miracle that Chuck’s talent came to him. In addition to playing the grand piano, Chris may perform with the mandolin, upright bass, or ukulele. He also plays the Okinawan Sanshin, Electric Guitar, and Bandurea. His wife, Celeste, often performs with him. For further information 661-823-7923.
Senior Center Pancake Breakfast
The Senior Center is having their Annual Pancake Breakfast Christmas Bazar Fundraiser on Dec. 3. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Breakfast Christmas Bazaar is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also we will be giving away a handmade quilt by Dee Smith, a shadow box and $75. Bring your tickets to the breakfast and see if you are a winner. The Senior Center serves lunch Monday through Friday at a cost of $2 per senior. You must call 661-822-6255 for reservations at least one day prior.
Tehachapi Dust n’ Diamonds:
Picture with Santa on Horseback Submitted By Marilyn Morphis On both Saturday, Dec. 3, and Dec. 10, 2011, Tehachapi Dust n’ Diamonds Equestrian Drill Team will have their horses at Albertsons and providing the opportunity to have your picture or your child’s picture on horseback with Santa Clause. How much fun could this be for the 2011 Holiday Season? This will be a fund-raiser to help get the local equestrians to Reno in 2012 to compete at the Western States Equestrian Drill Team Competition. So everyone come on out and support the Diamonds in their efforts and get your picture taken on horseback with Santa Clause.
Holiday Bazaar in Bear Valley Springs The Bear Valley Springs Cultural Arts Association will hold a holiday bazaar on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26. To be held in the Whiting Center at Bear Valley Springs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, the event will showcase the work of talented artists and crafters. More vendors than ever will be organized into three areas - Santa’s Attic (the game room), Santa’s Workshop (the gym) and Santa’s Café (the Green Room). Admission is free. Prizes worth more than $3,000 will be offered as part of fundraising drawings. Highlights of the event include: Book signing by local authors. Custom made western tack including bridles, half-chaps, and decorative horse signs. Custom designed birdhouses. A woodworker specializing in bears and forms of nature. Custom designed wrought-iron signs, yard-art, and more. A wrought-iron pet bed will be donated for the raffle. Several jewelers displaying high-end handcrafted items will be located throughout the Bazaar areas. Santa’s Café will sell culinary delights from Kathleen’s Victorian Rose Tea Room, including her renowned delicious quiches, an array of luncheon items, a selection of desserts, and more! The Bear Valley Springs Cultural Arts Association is a non-profit organization that provides visual and performing arts programs. Bear Valley’s annual Art Show, Children’s Art Workshop and The Evening at the Cabaret are notable programs that were partially funded by proceeds of the 2010
Page 23
Bazaar. For Bear Valley Springs gate passes call 661-821-3534 by Nov. 23.
Brite Lake Stocked
Brite Lake was stocked with fish last week and will be stocked again this week and winter passes are now on sale. A six-month season pass is $20 and entitles members of the bearer’s household to fish and picnic at the lake. A six-month boat launching pass is $40. Passes are good from Nov. 1 through March 31. You can purchase passes at Brite Lake Kiosk or at the TVRPD office at 490 W. D St. Tehachapi,CA. Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area is 90 acres located on Banducci Road, off the intersection of Highline Road and Highway 202. The campground has hookups and tent sites. Restrooms and showers are located near the camping grounds. All overnight camping is first-come first-serve, reservations are not accepted. Brite Valley Aquatic Recreation Area is owned by the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District and operated by the recreation district. Water from Brite Valley Lake is used for agriculture and as a domestic water supply. Therefore swimming, wading or activity involving bodily contact with the water in the lake is not permitted. Continued use of the recreation area by the public is dependent upon the protection of the purity of the water for use as a domestic supply.
Benifit For Nicholas Sierra Vista Resort is hosting a Bake Sale with free refreshments. All proceeds to benefit the Nicholas Sharp Family. The Bake Sale is to be held Dec. 3, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. at 22980 San Juan Drive Bear Valley. Say “Bake Sale” to enter at the Bear Valley gate. Kawaiisu Project has been selected to receive a Governor’s Historic Preservation Award for 2011 The Kawaiisu Project was selected to receive a Governor’s Historic Preservation Award for 2011. This award is the only official preservation award presented by the State of California to worthy recipients in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of historic preservation. Recipients and nominators of the 2011 awards were invited to a presentation ceremony that took place Nov. 17, 2011, in Sacramento, CA at Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, in Sacramento.
December Programs at the Library
The Tehachapi Branch of the Kern County Library is offering to two nice programs in December. On Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m., the Robotic Reading Hour will be presented by the Tehachapi High School Cyber Penguins Robotic Team. The team members will read stories and give participants hands experience with robots. Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m., the branch staff and volunteers will put on a Holiday program. Enjoy stories music and treats. Please come and get into the holiday spirit. The Tehachapi Branch of the Kern County Library is in the Tehachapi Crossing Shopping Center. Call 661-822-4938 for more information about this program and any other services with the Kern County Library.
Page 24
Part IX
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Tilting at Windmills Windfall
The ninth in a series of articles examining the many aspects of the growing wind energy business in the Greater Tehachapi Area The big question regarding all of the wind development in the Greater Tehachapi Area – a question I have been trying to get a definite answer to and have teased about for the past two installments of TAW – seems to be whether or not these projects actually bring jobs and money to the local community. The short answer is yes, but details as to exactly how much money and how many jobs are proving very difficult to obtain. Regarding jobs we’re all aware that many of the employees on the various wind projects are skilled workers who are being brought in from out of state; however I was recently made aware of a new mandate which states that 25 percent of employees on new wind projects must be locals. The details are sketchy and I’m trying to get more solid information on the wording, scope and exact application of this mandate, but it was confirmed by a Kern Planning Commission employee that “pretty much all of our wind projects now have that condition.” There are two companies in Tehachapi that are dedicated to putting locals to work in the wind industry, World Wind Services and Airstreams Renewables, Inc. According to their website, World Wind Services (WWS) is a labor based service provider to the Wind Energy Industry. Owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Buddy and Nikki Cummings, WWS was initially conceived “with the intention of securing contracts to service and maintain wind farms for site owners”, but what the couple didn’t plan on was “scratching the surface of an industry whose demand for qualified wind technicians was growing faster than what was being produced.” In order to provide both their clients and local workers with what they need, the new focus of WWS will be to provide their customers with a list of resumes of technicians with varying experience based on the customer’s need for the specific job at hand. Customers will be able to hand select the team that will be working on their site. “Our primary aim is to meet the demand of the industry and provide quality service to our customers,” says Buddy Cummings. “I’m not one to try to reinvent the wheel, but I felt this need staring me in the face and thought, why not. The need is there, it’s not being met, and what can I do to change that?” Airstreams Renewables Inc. (ARI) is a renewable energy training company committed to offering educational programs that are designed to transfer their knowledge gained from years of experience in the wind and renewable energy industry to their students through safety-focused and skill-based programs. Founded in 2003 by Dave Schulgen – one of several pioneers of the wind industry boom of the 1980s – Airstreams’ website states that “during the 1980s wind energy was a new, unknown industry and yet it transformed the sleepy community of Tehachapi into one of the largest concentrations of wind energy in the US. Not since the boom of the railroad had Tehachapi seen such a transformation and no one knew at the time that many of today’s Airstreams staff would have been involved in helping to develop, construct, manufacture, train, operate and service wind turbines on such a large commercial scale.” The company site goes on to explain that “our long-standing motto is that ‘Safety and Training are not an event, they are a culture’, and our goal is to give our students the safety and technical skills necessary to get a good job. In order to complete the job placement cycle and get our graduates careers on track, we
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
have also launched our own Greenjobs Placement Services (GPS) company.” Clearly there are efforts being made to ensure local employment by the wind developers, but how about the dollars they bring to the community by way of taxes? Property taxes for all business enterprises amount to 1 percent per year of the assessed value of all property and assets. Assessments being done on Jan. 1 of each year. According to information obtained from the Kern County Tax Assessors (KCTA) office, assessments done on Jan. 1, 2011 of all property and assets relating to wind energy projects developed in Kern County during 2010 amounted to $1.2 billion. One percent of that is $12 million...but only about 45 percent – or $5.5 million – of that goes to Kern County with most of the balance going to schools. According to Tony Ansolabahere of the KCTA, “we estimate that number will most likely double come the Jan. 1, 2012 assessment due to the many new projects put in place during 2011.” So Kern County will most likely reap in excess of $10 million in property taxes from wind developers next year, but how much of that will trickle down to Tehachapi is anyone’s guess. Will the wind energy jobs and the tax income continue to grow? The future is uncertain, especially considering the fact that many green businesses have joined the exodus of California companies leaving the state or expanding only outside state borders. Thus far in 2011, 172 companies have moved out or are moving out of California, five times higher than the rate of companies that moved out of California in 2009. The reason being is that California is perceived by business owners as causing them “death by a thousand cuts”, and what makes green businesses more vulnerable economically in California is the need for manufacturing. Of all green jobs, 26 percent are in manufacturing. Business owners feel that California’s complex environmental codes and the high cost of energy make the state a risky bet for green business. Besides the cost of doing business in California being expensive for developers, a potentially devastating blow (no pun intended) to the wind industry in the Greater Tehachapi Area is last week’s shut down of the $2.1 billion Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) which is being built to connect projects such as the upcoming 3GW Alta Wind Energy Center. As mentioned in the previous installment of TAW, the city of Chino Hills has thus far spent $2.4 million in a legal battle with TRTP developer Southern California Edison (SCE), arguing that easements in the city are too narrow for the massive power corridor. As of Monday, Nov. 15, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has ordered SCE to stop construction work on segments 4 through 11 of the TRTP through Chino Hills. The CPUC initially approved SCE’s application to build these segments in December 2009, and the city of Chino Hills subsequently filed an application for rehearing of that decision in January 2010, saying that the selection of the route adversely affected the city and is inconsistent with the California Environmental Quality Act. The filing of the application did not stay the decision, so SCE went ahead with construction. As of October, transmission poles and towers have been erected, but the CPUC has now determined that it is appropriate to “preserve the status quo” pending resolution of Chino Hills’ application for rehearing. The stop-work order is in effect until the CPUC’s resolution of the application for rehearing, unless the
CPUC subsequently chooses to modify the stay. The CPUC separately ordered SCE to prepare alternatives to replace the approved design and route through Chino Hills, including details about the feasibility, cost and timing for each alternative. CPUC president Michael Peevey said: “The CPUC has heard from many Chino Hills residents who are unhappy with the transmission towers and lines running through their city and in extremely close proximity to homes. I want to make sure we do all we can to address the concerns of the residents while balancing environmental impacts and cost needs of the state and SCE’s ratepayers, and achieving the state’s statutory requirement of 33 precent renewables by 2020.” SCE will need to look at alternative routes for the line, which will be able to carry 4.5GW upon completion. It is set to become fully operational in 2013, but it is unknown how the CPUC’s stop order will affect the project’s timeline. All is not doom and gloom for the wind industry. While Congress has yet to decide whether or not to extend tax credits for wind development projects, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that they will fund a study into offshore wind and grid interconnection along all US coastal regions. The study will seek to outline any technical and economic questions regarding the development of offshore wind in the US and provide data to help the DOE to achieve its plans to derive 20% of its electricity from wind by 2030. In Elkins, West Virginia, the world’s largest wind power storage system charges ahead as AES Wind Generation LLC unveiled its new grid-scale power storage system. The energy storage system is part of AES Laurel Mountain, a 13-mile stretch of 61 wind turbines which feed into the PJM Interconnection, the largest power market in the world, spanning the American Northeast and Midwest and serve 51 million people. The new system’s lithium-ion battery technology is similar to what powers laptops and cell phones, rather than the more common form of grid-level energy storage which involves pumping water uphill in times of surplus energy and channeling it down through a turbine in times of excess demand. Such a process, unlike battery storage, requires a specific type of terrain and substantial up front costs. Energy storage is an emerging industry and consists of many technologies with a broad range of potential uses. Batteries and other energy storage solutions can potentially support grid operations in many ways, one of which
by Robert Lugibihl
is to mitigate the impact of unpredictable wind patterns on energy production, enabling wind-powered generation to grow even more. Here in Tehachapi, SCE announced that it has finalized an agreement with the DOE for a $25 million stimulus grant to develop and conduct a comprehensive demonstration of lithium-ion battery storage for energy generated by wind projects. SCE will use the funds to finance the Tehachapi Wind Energy Storage Project which is intended to facilitate the integration of wind-powered generation from the Tehachapi region into the grid and improve the ability to dynamically manage the grid through large scale advanced lithium-ion batteries. The $25 million DOE grant matches funds totaling $29.9 million provided by SCE and its partners, including a $1 million grant from the California Energy Commission, resulting in a total project cost of $54.9 million. “We are pleased to receive this significant financial assistance to study ways to make windgenerated energy more effective for electricity customers,” said Jim Kelly, SCE senior vice president of Transmission and Distribution. “SCE has been a leader in supporting electricity generation from renewable resources. This grant will help SCE, our partners and the electric utility industry better understand the optimal use of large-scale batteries in grid operations. We look forward to sharing this project’s important results with energy stakeholders and advancing the promising but still nascent field of grid-scale energy storage,” said Kelly. The Tehachapi Wind Energy Storage Project is expected to spur broader demand for the technology, bringing production to a scale that will make this form of energy storage more affordable. Cost-effective energy storage will allow for a smarter grid, facilitate integration of intermittent renewable resources and encourage job growth in the energy sector. The project is an integral part of SCE’s effort to research and demonstrate storage technology and its various applications. The project will be deployed at an SCE substation that serves the Tehachapi area which is an ideal location for testing due to the site’s challenges integrating nearby intermittent wind generation. The battery system will be installed in early 2012 with testing taking place through the end of 2014. The project results will be made available in early 2015. In two weeks, Part 10: Hot Air – Is wind energy really a viable and affordable source of renewable energy?
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
The History of Tehachapi Healthcare
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Page 25
Part I in a series
By Robert Lugibihl and Alan Burgess, CEO Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District
With the new Tehachapi Hospital scheduled to break ground on Dec. 19, 2011 in Capital Hills, we’re taking a look back at the history of the hospital and the creation of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District. As many residents know, the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District has been serving the area for over 50 years and is comprised of the 24bed Tehachapi Hospital and three rural health clinics located in California City, Mojave, and Tehachapi. But to explore the history of the hospital and the TVHD, we need to examine the history of Tehachapi itself. The California Gold Rush began on Jan. 24, 1848, when gold was found by James W. Marshall at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California. By the beginning of 1849, word of the Gold Rush had spread around the world, and an overwhelming number of gold-seekers and merchants began to arrive from virtually every continent. It is estimated that approximately 90,000 people arrived in California in 1849 (the nickname “fortyniner” was derived from the year 1849), thus the Gold Rush had officially put California “on the map” for many fortune seekers and settlers. Until this time the Tehachapi Valley had been inhabited exclusively by Native American peoples such as the Kitanemuk, the Serrano and the Kawaiisu (in fact, the origin of the name Tehachapi may come from the Kawaiisu language, derived from the word “tihachipia”, translated as “hard climb”), but the first permanent white settlers – John Moore and Amanda Brite – came to the Tehachapi Valley in the fall of 1854 from Texas. In 1865, a group of businessmen led by Timothy Phelps in San Francisco founded the Southern Pacific Railroad to build a rail hconnection between San Francisco and San Diego, California. Phelps was the first president of the Southern Pacific Railroad from 1865 until 1868 when the railroad was purchased by members of The Big Four; Leland Stanford, Collis P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins and Charles Crocker. On Nov. 8, 1874 when the first Southern Pacific rail car reached Bakersfield, construction on the Tehachapi Loop began, and on September 5th 1876 the first train to use the newly completed structure arrived at Los Angeles en route from San Francisco. This led to the establishment of the community of Tehachapi as the original
Southern Pacific railroad depot was the beginning of the downtown core, and the city itself was incorporated in 1909. With a growing population came the need for healthcare, and Tehachapi’s first physician was Dr. N.N. Brown who arrived in the 1920s. In 1924, Dr. Clara Rinehart spent several years as Tehachapi’s only medical doctor and was often accompanied on her rounds by local resident Mary Rodriguez. Later, Dr. R.G. Doupe made his home here and maintained a practice until 1934. On July 1, 1934, Tehachapi became the site of a “well-equipped, modern hospital” on West E Street. A site which continues to this day as the location of the Tehachapi Hospital. The original building, built by Jean Capdeville, was used as a rooming house, but was sold to husband and wife physicians Dr. Harold Schlotthauer and Dr. Madge Schlotthauer who staffed the new hospital. “Dr. Madge” and “Dr. Harold” would treat generations of Tehachapi residents until the sale of the hospital in 1969. The large trees planted by the Capdevilles remain just outside the hospital doors to this day. The Tehachapi Valley Hospital District (later renamed the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District) was formed in 1949, covering the area from Cache Creek to Keene. On July 21, 1952 one of California’s worst earthquakes (7.7 on the Richter scale) hit Tehachapi at 4:52 a.m. The earthquake killed 13 people, injured 35 and destroyed 19 residences, 31 business establishments, three public buildings, one church, a LodgeTemple and the original Tehachapi Hospital. Less than a year later, on March 1, 1953, the hospital was moved to Mojave, a 25-bed facility. On June 1, 1953, construction commenced on the first section of a new Tehachapi Hospital. Completion in September of that year afforded full outpatient care but no inpatient hospitalization. Three years later, on May 16, 1956, ground was broken for the present Tehachapi Hospital. This structure was built of reinforced concrete and designed to be “earthquake proof.” The first patients were admitted less than a year later on April 8, 1957. In two weeks: The Growth of TVHD and its Services
Rebuilt hospital facility circa 1956.
Memories of the Mayor My Favorite Hobbies in the ‘50s My last memory was all about the road to Tehachapi Blvd. (which was Highway butchering we did usually during the winter 58 then). So we came down about to where months. This time I want to talk about the High School is today. The race was on. one of my favorite hobbies I didn’t realize how fast that in the mid 1950s, which was little scooter was and I was only horseback riding. Yes, I was able to stay even with him. We small enough and young got down to where the corrals enough to do a lot of riding were and all of a sudden Cinder my horse. She was a buckskin wanted to go to the corral. The and had just average size. Let only problem was we were on me tell you she was very fast. the outside of the scooter and She also had a temper and at the only way we could get in times would try to buck you there was to run over my brother off. She also had a tender side because he was on the inside. by Ed Grimes Well I managed to have Cinder jump to her and almost always was very good with me. Her name was Cinder. over the scooter but her hind hoofs My best friends, Rusty and Bubber Snider, caught the scooter and sent it airborne with rode her quite a bit and always enjoyed the my brother in seat. Needless to say it was a ride. Sometimes I would take her up into bloody mess and the handle bars bruised his the south mountains behind Lehigh Cement kidney. Of course I was the one who got in plant and just get lost in the ride. Climbing trouble because my brother wouldn’t stop that mountain was very hard on her but crying and all of a sudden it was my fault. I always took my time so that she would Boy did I really get it that time. You have always be as fresh she could be. to know that my racing career was not over. Like I said earlier, I thought she was In my next memory I want to tell you about very fast. Soooo I felt I needed to race her another race I had and how it was my last. once in a while. You’ve got to know that Until then God Bless everyone and please be my foster father laid down the law and Thankful for everything you have. Happy said I was not to race her. Yeah right, it Thanksgiving. — Ed went in one ear and out the other. We had a Also see TCT’s Variety show at the little Cushman motor scooter and one day BeeKay this Dec. 3. They will show a one my brother challenged me to a race. We act play “Christmas in ‘hachapi.” It is a went all the way up Dennison Road to the true story about a foster child – in fact, it is Poleline (Highline now) Road. I thought my last visit with my dying mother the day that it was a little too far to race down the before Christmas in 1953.
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
Dr. N.N. Brown circa 1923 at the Momolith Cement Company infirmary with a pacient.
Page 26
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 22 ~ Dec 6, 2011
Nov. 22 ~ Dec 6, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
Introducing the new ‘Tehachapi Symphony’
The Tehachapi Community Orchestra was introduced to the public as the new “Tehachapi Symphony” at its Oct. 30, 2011 concert. After thirteen years of performing in Tehachapi, the Orchestra has improved to the point where it was going to be either the “Granddaddy of all Community Orchestras” or it needed a name change. Hence the name “Tehachapi Symphony” was chosen by the Board of Directors to reflect the achievements of the past decade. “This is not the same orchestra that it was five years ago. Community members step forward, go to rehearsals weekly, practice their parts, improve, and are now performing much more difficult pieces,” commented Ron Applegate, professional horn player. As we go forward, however, the Orchestra’s philosophy will not change. We will continue to be the People’s Orchestra, offering all of our concerts for
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Page 27
free, so that everyone in the community will be able to enjoy our concerts. Presently we are one of the few American Symphonies that never charges admission to attend concerts. We will continue to play five to six concerts per season; while we sponsor the Tehachapi Strings Orchestra, our intermediate-level teaching orchestra, conducted by our Concertmaster. And we will continue with our teaching mission of turning Tehachapi into a centre of excellence for string playing. Presently, there are over 200 people studying strings in Tehachapi, and we would like to add to that number. The Tehachapi Symphony’s next concert will be Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Country Oaks Baptist Church. The symphony, under the baton of Dr. David Newby, will be joined by the Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus and soloists, under the direction of Kathy Kelly, to perform Handel’s Messiah. For more information call 661-821-7511 or go to www. tehachapiorchestra. com. Tehachapi Community Symphony plays their first concert as Tehahcapi Symphony at Country Oak Baptist Church.
Holiday Estate Jewelry Sale For the 2011 Holiday Estate Jewelry Sale, Merrily Flanagan has assembled another unique collection of pieces in all price ranges and for all tastes, each with its own bit of history. Another sparkling collection of vintage, estate and costume jewelry, along with vintage charm bracelets will be shown during the Dec. 2 through Dec. 4 event. Held each year at the Errea House Museum at 311 S. Green St., proceeds will benefit further renovation of the Errea House. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. For this special preview, the Tehachapi Museum, across the street at 310 Green St., will also be open for the regular First Friday event. A new display in the Textile Gallery will show a collection of vintage formal and ball
gowns. There is also a special Christmas exhibit of 32 Nativities in the Community Collections Case. Champagne, appetizers and other refreshments will be served at both museums. The three-day sale at the Errea House continues on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get there early to claim a piece of history. There is something in the holiday jewelry collection for everyone. It is the perfect time to find one of a kind Christmas gifts. You will also get a chance to tour the historic Errea House and see the progress on the ongoing renovation. The house will be decorated for Christmas with old-fashioned holiday greens. For more information call Charles White at 661-972-0958.
Income Tax Service Bookkeeping • Tax Preparation • Notary Public E-file Available
California Tax Education Council Registered Tax Preparer
Shelia A Rosales
112 East F St., #D Tehachapi
(661) 823-7597
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Share
the
Good News! 21.08
Auto Body & Paint
Don’t keep us a secret!
Due to the holidays the next issue of
Take a minute to tell your friends how much you enjoy reading The Loop newspaper find and share us on facebook:
The Loop will be
Auto Glass
Remodelers
21.11 21.11c
On Stands Tuesday, Dec. 6th
22.01s
facebook.com/ theLoopnewspaper
Cell (661) 972-6411 • Shop (661) 822-4500
Co me to:
Make Your Car a Happy Car!
Don’s Pro Technology Automotive Repair
Your Full Service Automotive Center Pass or Don’t Pay Smog Test Center 230 East Tehachapi Bld • Tehachapi
661-822-1600
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
Where Quality & Service are Number 1
Construction
Water Well Service
21.13 21.8s 21.02
Automotive Repair
21.12s 21.09c
151 N. Mill Street, Suite E • Tehachapi
Batteries
21.13c
Don’t Miss Out
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Business Directory 21.11
Tell them you saw it in
21.10s 21.12
Page 28
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
Attention Readers:
Want the LOOP delivered directly to your door? We ask a nominal $35 a year to cover the cost of mailing.
If you would like to receive Tehachapi’s main source for community & entertainment news, please send a check or money order; or look on line for more information www.theloopnewspaper.com or call The Loop office at 661.822.8188 with your credit card information.
Please fill out the form below and include a $35 check or money order payable to “The Loop”.
I Don’t Want To Miss an Issue Of ! in 2012 Mail to: P.O. Box 964, Tehachapi, Ca 93581 If you wish to pay with a credit card call our office at 661.822.8188
I want to get my subscription mailed directly to my home each issue in 2012! Your Name _____________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ City ____________________________ State ____ Zip __________ Email ____________________________________________________
Home & Office Cleaning
Alterations
Beading
Page 29
21.12
22.02hj
Remodelers
21.12c
Barber Shop
2201 22.01
22.03
R.V.RV Repair Mobile Repair
2113
Chinese Massage
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Business Directory
21.10
Manicurist
Tell them you saw it in
2113
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
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
22.01ch
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
22.01
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 30
Tell them you saw it in
Classic Cars
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
“We Do It All!”
1966 Barris Batmobile
State of California
LICENSED SMOG CHECK
Column by Randy Horne, Thanks to Protech Auto Service and Scott’s Suto Body for sponsoring this column
In the low-budget 1943 “Batman” by Columbia Pictures, an unmodified 1939 Cadillac convertible was used as the vehicle of choice for both Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne. For the 1949 sequel, the filmmakers used a 1949 Mercury Convertible for Batman and Bruce. In 1955 the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company designed and built a futuristic concept car called the Lincoln Futura, its rakish lines are said to have been inspired by the mako shark and the manta ray. It was built entirely by hand in Turin, Italy at a cost of $250,000 and. like most concept cars, was never put in production. Fast forward to August 1965, the Batman TV show producers approached George to have him build a new Batmobile for their upcoming show. The catch was the car had to be ready for action in a mere three weeks. Seeing the bat-like qualities his Futura already had, George felt it was the perfect answer to the quandary 20th Century Fox had created. In October of 1965, the Batmobile was born and television history was made... The 1960s Batman TV series featured the first on-screen appearance of a “true” Batmobile, based on the abandoned Lincoln Futura concept car which already shared many features with the comic book Batmobiles like the bubble canopy and fins. This two-seat Batmobile contained numerous gadgets, every one used in these films was fully functional, including the gas turbine powering the vehicle, which consumed fuel so fast there was only enough fuel capacity to run it for the approximately 15 seconds. The Batmobile’s gadgets include a nosemounted aluminum Cable Cutter Blade, Bat Ray Projector, Anti-Theft Device, Detect-ascope, Batscope, Bat Eye Switch, Antenna Activator, Police Band Cut-In Switch, Automatic Tire Inflation Device, Remote Batcomputer — radio linked to the main Batcomputer in the Batcave, the Batphone, Emergency Bat Turn Lever, Anti-Fire Activator, Bat Smoke, Bat Photoscope, and more. Other devices included: Emergency Bat-turn Lever (releases the Batmobile’s parachute that enables quick turns), Bat-ray (capable of many tasks, such as remotely opening quarry’s vehicle doors), Automatic fire extinguisher, Mobile Batcomputer (in trunk), Bat Beam, Emergency tire inflator, Bat Smoke Screen Bat-tering Ram (also known as the Bat-ram, used for knocking down reinforced doors), Voice Control Batmobile Relay Unit, Bat-photoscope (works in conjunction with the Microfilm Crime File in the Batcave. Through this device a photo from the crime file can be reproduced remotely in the Batmobile.), Batphone, Police band cut-in switch, and Mobile tracking scope. If needed, the Batmobile is capable of a quick 180° “bat-
1966 Barris Batmobile in all it’s glory.
turn” thanks to two rear-mounted ten-foot Deist parachutes. In late 1965 20th Century Fox Television and William Dozier’s Greenway Productions contracted renowned Hollywood car customizer Dean Jeffries to design and build a “Batmobile” for their upcoming Batman TV series. He started customizing a 1959 Cadillac, but when the studio wanted the program on the air in January 1966, sooner than he could provide the car, he was paid off and the project went to George Barris. Barris was trying to get Hollywood’s attention with the Futura, but aside from “It Started With a Kiss” in 1959, the Futura had been stored in his Hollywood shop for several years. With only three weeks to finish the Batmobile, Barris decided rather than building a car from scratch it would be relatively easy to transform the distinctive Futura into the famous crime-fighting vehicle. Design work was conducted by Herb Grasse working as an associate designer for Barris. Barris hired Bill Cushenbery to do the metal modifications to the car and its conversion into the Batmobile was completed in just three weeks, at a reported cost of $30,000. They used the primer-painted, whitestriped car in October, 1965, for a network presentation reel. Shortly afterward, the car was painted gloss black with “fluorescent cerise” stripes. The estimated 1966 value of the Barris Batmobile was about $125,000, but today it is estimated to be worth at least $2 million. When filming for the series began, several problems arose due to the age of the car: it overheated, the battery went dead, and the expensive Mickey Thompson tires kept blowing. By mid season, the engine and transmission were replaced with those of a Ford Galaxie. The most frequent visual influence of this car is that later Batmobiles usually have a rear rocket thruster that fires as the car makes a fast start. Barris built two fiberglass copies of the original Batmobile for exhibition on the car show circuit and a third for exhibition drag racing. Eventually the three copies (and the TV show metal Futura Batmobile) were covered with a black velvet “fuzz” paint to hide stress cracks in the fiberglass bodies. Later, all were restored to their gloss black paint job. Barris retained ownership of the original television series car which is currently on display at Barris Customs in North Hollywood, Calif. The three Barris copies all reside in private collections, including the exhibition drag racing version driven by wheelstanding driver Wild Bill Shrewsberry. This car was built with a dual-quad Holman Moody Ford 427 V8 engine, Art Carr-prepared Ford C6 automatic transmission and a 5.14 rear end. Quarter-mile times were mid-12 second range, primarily because Shrewsberry would launch the car in second gear and smoke the overinflated rear tires for show down most of the strip. The “rocket exhaust” was made functional via a tank filled with either gasoline or kerosene which was pumped out the exhaust port and ignited electrically.
661-822-1100 410 West “J” St. - Tehachapi Mon-Fri 8-6pm, Sat. 9-4pm
INSPECTION and REPAIR STATION
Bob All Major Credit Cards & ATM accepted
your Complete Auto Care Facility
Bring a non-perishable food item to our shop for the Salvation Army and we’ll give you $10 OFF a smog inspection, including the certificate.
10.oo
$
OFF!
No Hidden Costs!
Must present coupon before invoicing
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Mortgage Matters
Begin at Beginning So many callers tell me they least your homeowner’s insurance and were playing with an online mortgage your property taxes will be included in the calculator and the number they expected monthly payment. Beyond even that, lowdoesn’t match the actual down-payment programs often payment for the house they require monthly payments for want to buy. Let’s fix that mortgage insurance. The amount by talking about how to can vary significantly depending approach your home buying on your loan program. To top it decision. off, there might be homeowners Wouldn’t it be great to association dues for the area you are have a house payment you considering. don’t have to stress about? Your mortgage advisor can Before you even think about start with your target monthly buying a home, it seems payment, combine that with the loan prudent for you to figure program best suited for you, and by Tammy Engel, out what that number is for back in to the target price for your Mortgage Advisor your family. Maybe the new new home. house payment should be the This approach is so much same or less than the rent you’re currently more responsible than our telling you “what paying, because there’s more month left you qualify for”. Are you aware that in at the end of your money. Maybe you’re qualifying, we’re using your gross income, combining incomes due to your upcoming before taxes? It’s nowhere near the actual wedding so you can afford to pay more “net” amount you take home every pay than you’ve been used to. Take the time period, the amount you actually have to to know what you can comfortably afford spend. Doing loan pre-approvals this way just to spend each month. We can use your sets you up for failure down the road when number to work backwards into the price the payment burden finally gets to you. range you should be shopping for. Spend some thoughtful time doing a The reason the online calculators budget before you pick up the phone to prehardly ever match real life is because qualify for your home loan, and the answer they don’t consider the entire monthly you get in return will be the best match for expense of owning a home. At the very your family’s income. 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 31
Page 32
Tell them you saw it in
~ Your Community News & Entertainment Guide, Since 2001
Nov. 22 ~ Dec. 6, 2011
Tehachapi’s Holiday Dining Options