Tehachapi Visitor Guide
2017 Tehachapi News Tehachapinews.com/Visitor-Guide A ME M BE R O F T H E
TB C M E D I A FA M I LY
TEHACHAPI VISITOR GUIDE
Table of Contents About Tehachapi
Things to Do
Introducing Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Getting to Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 A guide to our communities. . . . . . . 6 Getting around Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . 7 Visitor Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Where to get information . . . . . . . . . 9 Emergency services and health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 What does “Tehachapi” mean? . . . . 11 Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Banking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Our publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Gran Fondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Bicycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Skate park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Swimming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Golfing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Horseback riding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Hunting and shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Apple picking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Tehachapi map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Hiking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Downtown walking tour. . . . . . . . . . 44 Mountain Peaks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
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History and Culture Tehachapi’s history tied to railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The famed Tehachapi Loop . . . . . . Cesar E. Chavez National Monument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tomo-Khani State Historic Park. . . Tehachapi’s wineries. . . . . . . . . . . . . Tehachapi’s wine industry. . . . . . . . Kohnen’s Country Bakery. . . . . . . . . Wind development. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Spiritual Life Worship directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Mountain Spirit Center . . . . . . . . . . 51 Norbertine Sisters Monastery . . . . 52
Critters Abundant animal life. . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
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The Guides
Arts and Entertainment Tehachapi offers year-round fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tehachapi’s rich arts and entertainment scene . . . . . . . . . . . . Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tehachapi farmers markets . . . . . .
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Dining and imbibing. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event venues and services . . . . . . .
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Doing Business in Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Living in Tehachapi . . . . . . . . . 70 About this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Introducing Tehachapi By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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icknamed “The Land of Four Seasons” for its scenic beauty found year-round, Tehachapi is a hidden oasis tucked inside the Tehachapi Mountains of Kern County. At an elevation of 4,000 feet, Tehachapi lies sheltered outside its surroundings — the arid Mojave Desert as well as mainstream suburban life found in the valleys. Tehachapi’s mild temperatures range from 85 degrees in July to 37 degrees in January. For thousands of years, the Tehachapi Valley was home to the Kawaiisu Native American tribe. The name Tehachapi comes from the Kawaiisu language meaning “hard climb,” or tihachipia. Established in the 1860s, Tehachapi was previously known as “Old Town,” and is registered as a California Historical Landmark for being the oldest settlement in the Tehachapi Valley. With a population of more than 36,880, Tehachapi is considered a gateway to the San Joaquin Valley and central coast to the west and to the Mojave Desert, Jawbone Canyon, Red Rock Canyon and the eastern Sierra to the east. California Highway 58 carries travelers through the pass and is a major east-west corridor that sits alongside the mountain community. The city of Tehachapi is located near the summit of the pass, alongside Highway 58. It is the commercial hub of the Greater Tehachapi area, which comprises some 275 square miles of ecological diversity. The mountains, canyons and valleys range from altitudes of 2,500 to 8,000 feet. The Tehachapis are considered an important wildlife corridor and plant habitat “bridge” linking Southern California with the Sierra Nevadas. When heading out of Bakersfield toward Tehachapi, there is an elevation gain of 3,600 feet over a 40-mile drive. Traveling from the east, one rises quickly from the Mojave Desert floor — with its trademark Joshua trees — reaching the windmill-covered hills on the eastern edge of the Tehachapi Valley. Tehachapi is among the few places where one can be surrounded by desert and cacti and travel to towering pines within 20 minutes. The traveler must leave Highway 58 to discover the mountains and the other “valleys of the Tehachapis,” including Brite Valley, Cummings Valley and Bear Valley, as well as other noteworthy areas such as Sand Canyon. We hope you will find this guide useful in planning your visit to Tehachapi or — if you’re a local resident — helping acquaint your guests with everything our area has to offer.
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Getting to Tehachapi Tehachapi News
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ost people travel to Tehachapi via private vehicle, but there are other ways to get to and from town:
Amtrak — offers bus service to connect with northbound trains from Bakersfield and southbound and eastbound buses from Tehachapi. Curbside only, with no local ticketing agent. Call 800872-7245 or visit amtrak.com.
Kern Transit — connects Bakersfield and Lancaster to Tehachapi with scheduled daily bus service. Call 800-323-2396 or visit kerntransit.org. Orange Belt Stages — (connects with Greyhound), offers limited service to and from Tehachapi, no terminal. Call 800-266-7433 or visit orangebelt.com. Tehachapi Municipal Airport — 314 N. Hayes St., Tehachapi, north end of city, near Highway 58 at Mill Street. Operated by the city of Tehachapi, offers fuel, pilot’s lounge and computerized weather system for current weather conditions. AWOS frequency: 120.025. Call 661-822-2220. Meadows Field (Bakersfield) — is about 40 miles from Tehachapi and is the closest airport offering commercial airline service (American, United). Several car rental companies operate in Bakersfield. Visit meadowsfield.com. Walking — every year people find their way to Tehachapi by way of the Pacific Coast Trail, pcta.org. The trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states and traverses the eastern side of the Tehachapi Valley.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi Municipal Airport 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
A guide to our communities Tehachapi News
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ncompassing more than 275 square miles with a population of more than 36,880, the Greater Tehachapi area includes the city of Tehachapi as well as a number of unincorporated communities and areas within the ZIP code 93561. The modern development of Tehachapi began in 1876, when the railroad was completed. An earlier settlement, once called Williamsburg and now known as Old Town, was founded in the 1860s and was an important station on the road between the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Old Town declined when residents gradually relocated to nearby Greenwich, the first name for the community now known as Tehachapi. The city of Tehachapi incorporated in 1909 and for many years was surrounded by ranchland. Development of ranches in the mid-20th century has continued and a number of unincorporated communities — all part of Tehachapi — have developed. These communities offer a variety of amenities with just about as much diversity as the natural surroundings. Communities and developed areas (in addition to the city of Tehachapi) include: Golden Hills/Old Town/ Oak Knolls – residential and commercial development to the west of the city of Tehachapi within the Tehachapi Valley. Alpine Forest Park/Mountain Meadows/Old West Ranch – residential developments in higher elevation areas south of the city of Tehachapi including forested land with many homes “off the grid.” Brite Valley – area including small farms and residential
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
There are lots of natural areas around the Tehachapi Valley.
lots of various sizes located between the Tehachapi and Cummings valleys. Brite Lake — a reservoir that serves the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District and is open to the public for fishing — is in this area. Cummings Valley/ Fairview Ranches/Stallion Springs – the westernmost area of Tehachapi, some parts overlook the San Joaquin Valley. The historic Cummings Ranch and California Correctional Institution are located here. Cummings Valley is a mix of residential development and intensive agriculture, including commercial production of organic vegetables and producing vineyards, as well as alpaca ranches. Fairview Ranches and Stallion Springs are residential subdivisions in the valley. Woodward West, a nationally noted youth action sports camp, is here.
Bear Valley Springs – a gated community in Bear Valley, which is accessed from Cummings Valley. Residents have use of facilities including the Oak Tree Country Club golf course, shooting range, swimming pool, lakes and horseback riding trails. These facilities are generally not covered in this guide because they are not open to the public. Sand Canyon/Cameron Canyon – unique and interesting areas on the eastern edge of Tehachapi with topography and plant life that bridges the mountain valley and desert areas. Sand Canyon, located to the north of Highway 58, has a considerable amount of residential development and is the home of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, as well as the Mountain Spirit Center, a Buddhist monastery and spiritual retreat. Cameron Canyon is to the south of Highway 58 and,
in recent years, has become an important part of Tehachapi’s wind energy development. A trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail is in this area. Keene – the community of Keene is located about 10 miles west of the city of Tehachapi and considered part of the Tehachapi area. The famed Tehachapi Loop is in this area as well as the National Chavez Center. Monolith – no longer occupied, Monolith was once a company town for Monolith Portland Cement Company just to the east of the city of Tehachapi along Highway 58. The cement plant is now owned by Lehigh Southwest. Other than the city of Tehachapi, all other areas are part of unincorporated Kern County. Some are organized into community services districts, which provide various services ranging from water to police protection.
Getting around Tehachapi Tehachapi News
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hile private vehicles are the most common mode of transportation in Tehachapi, two public transportation systems are at anyone’s disposal. Taxis and rental cars are also available.
Public transit
East Kern Express provides intercity service Monday through Saturday between the communities of Bakersfield, Keene, Tehachapi, Mojave, Rosamond and Lancaster. Passengers may transfer to other regional carriers in Bakersfield, Mojave and Lancaster. For information, call 800-323-2396 or 800-560-1733 or
online at kerntransit.org. Tehachapi Dial-A-Ride provides service Monday through Saturday in the Tehachapi, Old Town and Golden Hills communities. The service is available from 5:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. Passengers may transfer to the East Kern Express in Old Town and Tehachapi. For information, call 800323-2396 or online at kerntransit.org.
Taxi
Tehachapi Taxicab, 661-600-2771
Rental cars
Enterprise, 410 W. J St., Suite E, Tehachapi, 661-823-0500
TEHACHAPI NEWS
Kern Transit provides regional transportation to Tehachapi from Bakersfield and Lancaster.
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
New Visitor Center has something for everyone By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
ground. Said Wilson: “We have had folks come through here just for the day, and we tell them about our camping and other overnight hat can you expect when you arrive at the Tehachapi activities. The next thing you know, they show back up with their camper and their dog and stay for a few days.” Visitor Center? According to Vance, the Visitor Center receives on average 200 “Gleeful, happy, joyous greetings and an opporpeople a month who come in and sign the guest book. tunity for volunteers to embrace anyone who comes Said Vance: “We are a year-round community, because we are in, whether they are local and looking to plan something, or if you located on the (Highway) 58, and we have attractions that people are from out of town and have a couple of hours or a couple of want to get off of the freeway and come see. days to spend,” said Cheryl Wilson, a Visitor There are about 20,000 cars that travel that Center committee member. freeway a day, and a lot of them will get off After five years in the making, the all-volunand experience Tehachapi. This is the core of teer-run Visitor Center opened in 2016, and is downtown, and this is a very inviting plaza, located in the heart of downtown Tehachapi, at and that’s how they discover us.” 200 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Just ask the locals. Tehachapi has someThe number of visitors coming to Tehachathing for everyone. pi has increased dramatically in the past few “Everybody I meet says that Tehachapi is years. According to Michelle Vance, economic unique and that it’s not like anywhere else,” development coordinator for the city and a Vissaid Pat Doody, a committee member. “There itor Center committee member, visitors spent is a lot to do here, and a lot of people stop for approximately $104 million in the city in 2014. food. They love the bakeries.” Those staffing the Visitor Center will help “We have a lot of historic things, too,” direct tourists to both special annual events Wilson added. “We have things for kids, and and local attractions. The Visitor Center people come by here to shop for antiques.” includes all types of maps and brochures that Tehachapi has so much to offer, and the volunteers distribute to visitors. JILL BARNES NELSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS Visitor Center is the place to go to plan your “We also have such a wonderful collection One of the statues featured at the next trip or even a day of sightseeing. from the brochure rack,” Wilson said. “We find new Visitor Center. Create a custom itinerary with the free out what the guest is interested in, and we go Visit Tehachapi App. Log on to VisitTehachapi. through and take a map and scribble up points com, download the app and explore. Select your favorite places to of interest. We encourage them to download the free app, and they eat, play, stay and shop to create a “My Trip” itinerary. can plan their time here.” The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday, from The Visitor Center also features plaques representing the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. branches of the military, an outside seating area and a small play-
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COURTESY OF MICHELLE VANCE
The Tehachapi Visitor Center is located at 200 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 8
2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
Where to get information Tehachapi News
411 N. Mill St. 661-822-6828 tehachapinews.com; Tehachapi News Facebook page; @tehachapinews on Twitter Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to noon
Tehachapi Visitor Center
200 W. Tehachapi Blvd. (at the corner of Tehachapi Boulevard and Curry Street) 661-829-3333 Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce
209 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-4180 tehachapi.com Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed from 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch
City of Tehachapi 115 S. Robinson St. 661-822-2200
liveuptehachapi.com Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Kern County / Office of Supervisor Zack Scrivner
(Second District, includes Tehachapi) 1115 Truxtun Ave., 5th floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-868-3140 co.kern.ca.us
Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District
490 W. D St. 661-822-3228 tvrpd.org Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed Friday - Sunday
Bear Valley Springs Community Services District
28999 S. Lower Valley Road 661-821-4428
bvcsd.com
Golden Hills Community Services District
Thursday – Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
21415 Reeves St. 661-822-3064 ghcsd.com Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Friday – Sunday
Main Street Tehachapi
Stallion Springs Community Services District
Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council
27800 Stallion Springs Drive 661-822-3268 stallionspringscsd.com
Tehachapi Museum
310 S. Green St. 661-822-8152 tehachapimuseum.org Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Tehachapi Depot Museum 101 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-823-1100 tehachapidepot.com
P.O. Box 830, Tehachapi, CA 93581 105 E. E St. 661-822-6519 mainstreettehachapi.org
P.O. Box 2386, Tehachapi, CA 93581 email: info@tehachapiedc.com tehachapiedc.com
Kern County Library, Tehachapi Branch
1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd., #A400 661-822-4938 Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday kerncountylibrary.org/tehachapi-branch
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
Emergency services and health care For emergencies, call 911 California Highway Patrol The Tehachapi area is served by the Mojave office of the California Highway Patrol.
1313 Highway 58 Mojave, CA 93501 661-823-5500 – nonemergency number chp.ca.gov
Kern County Sheriff Provides protection throughout unincorporated areas of Greater Tehachapi; frequently coordinates efforts with other law enforcement agencies.
Tehachapi Golden Hills Substation 22209 Old Town Road Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-823-6060 kernsheriff.com
JILL BARNES NELSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Work on the future Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley hospital continues.
Health care After many years of planning, Tehachapi will soon have a new hospital. Through the efforts of bond measures and the partnership of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District and Adventist Health, the region will have a state-of-the-art hospital located in the Capital Hills area of the city, near Challenger Drive. Until then, the current Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley hospital is at 115 W. E St., 661-822-3425.
Tehachapi Police Department 220 W. C St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-2222 liveuptehachapi.com
Nixle is an emergency notification system offered by the city of Tehachapi. Residents and owners of businesses within city limits can sign up for free emergency notifications delivered by telephone, text message or email. More information is available online at liveuptehachapi.com
Bear Valley Springs Police Department Under the jurisdiction of the Bear Valley Community Services District, the department provides law enforcement services for more than 50 square miles of mountains and valleys within the district.
25101 Bear Valley Road, Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-821-3239 bvcsd.com
Stallion Springs Police Department Under the jurisdiction of the Stallion Springs Community Services District, provides law enforcement for the Stallion 10
2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
Hall Ambulance TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Tehachapi Police Department.
Springs area.
27800 Stallion Springs Drive, Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-3268
Kern County Fire Department Provides service throughout the county including within the city of Tehachapi. kerncountyfire.org Fire Station 12 – Tehachapi 800 S. Curry St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-5533 Fire Station 13 — Tehachapi
21415 Reeves St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-823-4881 Fire Station 16 – Bear Valley 28946 Bear Valley Road, Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-821-1110 Fire Station 18 – StallionSprings 28381 Braeburn Place, #22, Stallion Springs, CA 93561 661-822-3980 Fire Station 11 – Keene 30070 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, Keene, CA 93268 661-822-5555
Hall Ambulance has several stations in Tehachapi. Call 911 for medical emergencies or 800-422-0656.
Pharmacies Tehachapi area pharmacies include: Kmart, 710 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-3594 Rite-Aid, 811 S. Tucker Road, 661822-9232 Sav-On (inside Albertsons), 775 S. Tucker Road, 661-823-7094 Walgreens, 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-823-0163 Agia Pharmacy, 276 S. Mill St., 661-823-4111
What does ‘Tehachapi’ mean? word derives from the Kawaiisu word “Tihachipia,” meaning a hard climb. Williamson, by the way, recorded a lovely description of the here is no place like Tehachapi — and no other place Tehachapi Valley from his visit nearly 150 years ago. He entered the named Tehachapi. So just what does the name mean? valley from the east, having been traveling along the eastern Sierra The name entails the higher elevation of the city. In Nevada from Walker Pass south through Cache Creek and wrote: fact, the higher elevation of the city is the competitive “A steep continuous descent for eight or nine miles, when we differentiator because it produces clean air, four seasons, alterfound ourselves in a beautiful prairie, apparnative energy, outdoor adventures and great ently completely surrounded by high mounagritourism. tains, and as far as the eye could tell, it was a But how did the city actually get the name? horizontal plain. Well, this is what is believed to be the origin: “We came to an Indian rancheria, where While searching the west for the U.S. we learned there was a stream of water and government to find a railroad route to Caligood grass two or three miles further on. We fornia in August 1853, Lt. R.S. Williamson and proceeded to the place, and here found an his scout, Alexis Godey, made their way to the excellent camping ground... Tehachapi Valley and Indians told them their “There was another rancheria close to the name for the creek running there was “Tahplace selected for our camp, and from the Inee-chay-pay.” Williamson did not record the dians we learned that their name for the creek meaning of the name, however. was Tah-ee-chay-pah. It is the one called Pass PHOTO COURTESY OF RICH TURCO Speculation abounds, and through the Creek by Colonel Fremont, and is the same Nüwa elder Luther Girado gave a years, various meanings have been attributprayer both in his native language one he ascended when he crossed the mouned to the word. Multiple spellings have been and in English at the dedication of tains in 1844.” used, as well. the Historical Kawaiisu Preserve. How beautiful! The most common belief today is that the
Tehachapi News
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2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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ABOUT TEHACHAPI
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
An ice storm in Bear Valley Springs makes for magical viewing. Looking north across the Bear Valley Springs Golf Course, the nearby trees and mountaintop homes look magical from a Feb. 22 ice storm. With daytime temperatures in the low 30s, these trees remained covered the entire day.
Tehachapi weather By CARA JACKSON Tehacapi News
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s travelers head toward Tehachapi, a “Welcome to Tehachapi, the Land of Four Seasons” sign invites visitors to explore this mountain community. Current and new residents of Tehachapi come to know the truth of those words. The region is known throughout the area as a place with changing temperatures. It is a place where you can experience fresh air, snow, rain and occasional low clouds at different times of the year, which can make the mountains look like another world. At an elevation of some 3,970 feet (depending on exactly where you are) between the Mojave Desert and San Joaquin Valley, residents and visitors can spend a day away from the big city and away from much of the pollution that goes along with it. The wind is always present and provides renewable energy captured by the wind turbines. According to Western Regional Climate Center, the average temperature throughout the seasons is anywhere between 42 degrees to 65 degrees. The rainfall for 2016 was 17.26 inches. Tehachapi is indeed a mountain community.
JILL BARNES NELSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Anglers spent a nice day of spring break 2017 enjoying Brite Lake, with temperatures in the high 60s.
Tehachapi climate and precipitation Total precipitation Mean maximum Mean minimum Mean average Month normal (inches) temperature normal (°F) temperature normal (°F) temperature normal (°F) Jan Feb Mar Apr
2.47 2.85 2.02 0.78
53.2 53.6 56.5 62.3
31.8 32.6 35.5 37.6
42.5 43.1 46.0 49.9
May Jun Jul
0.34 0.08 0.23
71.9 80.1 87.3
45.6 53.0 58.4
58.8 66.6 72.9
Aug Sep Oct
0.14 0.20 0.53
86.5 80.5 70.3
56.0 50.8 44.6
71.3 65.7 57.5
Nov Dec
1.44 2.35
58.4 51.2
37.0 31.5
47.7 41.4
Source: National Weather Service
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TBC MEDIA
Our publications In addition to the Tehachapi Visitor Guide, we publish the following:
Banking in Tehachapi Alta One Federal Credit Union
Tehachapi News
775 Tucker Road, 661-823-9942
Tehachapi’s hometown newspaper since 1899. Published every Wednesday 411 N. Mill St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6828
Bank of the Sierra
The Bakersfield Californian
758 Tucker Road, 661-822-4491
Daily newspaper serving Kern County including home delivery and newsstand availability in the Tehachapi area. 1707 Eye St., Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-395-7500 Best websites to get news and information about the Greater Tehachapi area:
TehachapiNews.com and Bakersfield.com Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/tehachapinews Follow us on Twitter @tehachapinews
2100 Mission St., 661-822-9191 224 W. F St., 661-822-6801
Bank of the West Kern Schools Federal Credit Union 821 Tucker Road, 661-833-7900
Safe One Credit Union 20141 W. Valley Blvd., 661-822-8000
Union Bank 665 Tucker Road, 661-822-2500
Stand alone ATMs Bank of America Inside SaveMart, 841 Tucker Road
Rabobank 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd.
Wells Fargo 1100 W. Tehachapi Blvd.
Others 1050 Capital Hills 206 S. Green St. 107 S. Mill St. 128 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 302 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 706 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd.
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HISTORY AND CULTURE
Tehachapi’s history tied to railroad Tehachapi News
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he town of Tehachapi has shared its history with the old Southern Pacific Railroad, since the construction of the railroad line through the region connected Los Angeles and the Bay Area in 1876. Before the railroad was established, a stage line operated from the railhead at Caliente, east of Bakersfield, to San Fernando. But the Tehachapis — an east-west mountain range bridging the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range forming the southern flank of the San Joaquin Valley — proved a natural barrier to transportation. The rail line was built on a 2.2 percent gradient route to the summit at Tehachapi on a path surveyed by William Hood, who later became the chief engineer. The Southern Pacific Railroad was extended to Mojave and across the Antelope Valley, reaching Los Angeles through Soledad Canyon and the San Fernando tunnel — the fourth-longest railway tunnel in the world at the time. The Southern Pacific’s historic transportation monopoly in the Central Valley caused the emergence of a rival railroad company in the region, which reached Bakersfield from Stockton in 1898 and became part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The Santa Fe was already serving Mojave from points east and had surveyed a line of its own to cross the Tehachapis from Bakersfield through Arvin, up Tejon and Chanac Creeks, through what is now Stallion Springs, Cummings Valley and Brite’s Summit (Highway 202) to Tehachapi and Mojave. But in 1899, an agree-
FELIX ADAMO / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Hoping to catch a glimpse of a train passing through a snowy Tehachapi Loop, people watch for any trains that may be heading toward the famous Kern County landmark.
ment between the Southern Pacific and the Santa Fe allowed Santa Fe trains to use the Tehachapi grade, so the second line was never built. The joint operation continues to this day between successors Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe, resulting in about 50 trains a day making the grade up the world-famous Tehachapi Loop.
CASEY CHRISTIE / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
A long freight train heading east winds around the famous Tehachapi Loop. The loop was built in the 1800s by Chinese immigrants. This photo was taken from a trail off of Woodford-Tehachapi Road, 3 miles off of Highway 58 near Keene. 14
2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
Famed Tehachapi Loop is an engineering marvel Tehachapi News
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bservers from around the world come to Tehachapi specifically to witness the most heavily trafficked single-track main line in the country and the engineering marvel that is the Tehachapi Loop. Along its winding path up the northwestern slope of the mountains, the track makes horseshoe curves at Caliente, Allard and Keene and passes through 18 tunnels. At the Loop, the line climbs in a spiral over itself gaining 77 feet of elevation. This engineering feat has been named one of the railroad wonders of the world. In 1955, a monument celebrated the Loop’s designation as a California Historical Landmark, and in 1998, it was honored by the American Society
COURTESY OF THE DAVE BURTON COLLECTION
The famous Tehachapi Loop that draws so many people from around the world is unique for its ease of viewing from the roadside. On Dec. 3, 2000, a monument was dedicated to commemorate the loop.
of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The 68 miles of track between Bakersfield (elevation 400 feet) and Mojave (elevation 2,700 feet) crests the
summit at 4,025 feet. The 2.2 percent gradient is maintained downhill to Mojave. Over the intervening years, miles of the line have been double-tracked.
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HISTORY AND CULTURE
The National Cesar E. Chavez Center By JILL BARNES NELSON Tehachapi News
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he National Cesar E. Chavez Center is located in the hills of Keene, about 10 miles west of Tehachapi along Highway 58. It was donated by the Cesar Chavez Foundation to the federal government. It is one of the 398 national parks. Chavez was a civil rights and Latino farm labor leader, as well as a spiritual figure, community organizer and a champion of militant, nonviolent social change. He was a crusader for the environment and consumer rights. His dream was to organize a union that would protect and serve farmworkers. He did so in 1962. The center is set on 187 acres among the oaks and rock outcroppings of the Tehachapi Mountains. It is where Chavez lived and worked during his last quarter century. The center includes 26 historic buildings and structures with a visitor center, Chavez’s office and library, as well as the Cesar Chavez Memorial Garden and burial site. Chavez and his wife, Helen, are buried in the memorial garden. A 3-acre national monument area at Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace) is the 398th site included in the U.S. National Park System. It was the first to recognize the work of a contemporary Latino American. The monument, which is managed by the National Park Service in consultation with the National Chavez Center and the Cesar Chavez Foundation, serves as a historical reminder of the struggles Chavez endured. The area includes: The Visitor Center — Built around the renovated wood16
2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
JILL BARNES NELSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS
The National Cesar Chavez Center is located in the hills of Keene.
frame building where Chavez worked from 1971 to 1993, the center consists of exhibit gallery and museum space, a fully equipped audio-visual center and Cesar Chavez’s carefully preserved office and library. Memorial Garden — Cesar Chavez passed away on April 23, 1993, and was buried at La Paz. His wife died in April 2016 and is also buried here. The landscaped Memorial Garden includes the two gravesites as well as facilities for religious services, baptisms and weddings, and a platform for musical and dance performances and for public gatherings for important observances. Villa La Paz — This is a 17,000-square-foot education and conference center in a restored mission-style structure that can accommodate both large and small groups. The facility includes two large banquet halls, an executive board room, breakout meeting rooms, cafe lounge, theater room, multipurpose room, outdoor plaza
HENRY A. BARRIOS / TEHACHAPI NEWS
In this October 2012 photo, President Barack Obama helps Helen Chavez as they walk up the stairs to Helen’s late husband and UFW co-founder Cesar Chavez’s gravesite to place a rose. Obama was at La Paz in Keene to announce the establishment of the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument. At left is Paul Chavez, Cesar’s son; third from left is Arturo Rodriguez, UFW president; and at right is Dolores Huerta, UFW co-founder.
and spacious lawns, and food service facilities. The National Chavez Center is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except major holidays.
Admission is $3 per person. For more information, call 661-8236134, or visit chavezfoundation. org.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
COURTESY OF JEAN RHYNE
Tours are offered at Tomo-Kahni State Park.
Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park preserves native sites Tehachapi News
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here are 270 state parks in the California State Park system, and one of the most protected and exclusive is located here in Tehachapi. Known as Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, it was established in December 1993 to preserve ancient village and ceremonial sites of the Kawaiisu (Nüwa) Indian people of the Tehachapi region. The Kawaiisu or Nüwa people are part of the large Paiute tribal group but have their own language, culture, basketry traditions and creation myths. The Kawaiisu made Tehachapi their home for about 2,000 to 3,000 years after migrating from the Great Basin. Located in Sand Canyon, about 10 18
2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
miles east of Tehachapi, the site of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park was long used as a winter gathering area for small family groups of tribal members, who would congregate in the more sheltered area near a permanent spring to spend the winter together. The name Tomo-Kahni means “winter village” in the Nüwa language, and is pronounced to-mo con-hee. Traditionally, tribal members would construct their domed willow shelters on a slope above a water source known as Nettle Springs. These houses were made from willow poles lashed and woven together, and when completed, they resembled upside-down baskets. The outside was thatched with tules, cane, rabbitbrush, or other available material.
JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Luther Girado plays the flute at a ceremony dedicating a state historical marker at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park.
JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Wildflowers carpet both sides of the path at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park.
Nüwa people placed stones around the base of these circular structures to provide support and to help keep the willow poles in place, and these rock circles remain hundreds or even thousands of years since they were put there by Kawaiisu hands. Lower down on the slope, just above the springs, Indian women would use smooth river rocks to pound acorns and other seeds in stone mortars located in an extensive outcropping of largely flat bedrock. The grinding holes, called “pa-haz” by the Nüwa women who made them, grew deeper with usage. After many years of use, these pa-haz would get too deep to be practical and new ones would be started. Centuries of occupation have resulted in more than 300 grinding holes at Tomo-Kahni, the largest accumulation of bedrock mortars ever discovered in the Greater Tehachapi area. In addition to the house rings and bedrock mortar sites, Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park also includes the famed pictograph cave, where designs of spiritual significance were painted on the surfaces inside a natural rock shelter. Visiting Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park is strictly limited to guided tours only, so the area retains its respectful tranquility and the sites remain in pristine condition. Trained docents lead small groups of visitors and photography is permitted. Tours begin with an orientation at the Tehachapi Museum and are generally three to four hours long and involve a moderately strenuous hike of 1.5 miles. Tours are given in the spring and fall, usually April through June and September through November. More information is online at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling 661-946-6092. 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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HISTORY AND CULTURE
Come for the wine, stay for the views By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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ehachapi’s wine industry continues to thrive, with vines producing award-winning wines and venues being developed to serve visitors and local residents alike. Most of the grape-growing activity is in the Cummings Valley, once the home of large cattle ranches and now a mix of rural homes and agriculture, much of it organic. Comparatively, the vineyards are small operations, but the growers are persistent and optimistic as Tehachapi is becoming recognized as a wine-growing region.
COURTESY OF DANIELA PEREGRINA
Jim and Sally Arnold of Triassic Vineyards.
Triassic Vineyards Over the course of the last nine years, the landscape of the Cummings Valley in Tehachapi has been transformed from a cattle-ranch setting to rows of vineyards across the land. Triassic Vineyards & Tasting Room is in the eastern part of the valley at the junction of Highway 202 and Cummings Valley Road. The roots of 3 acres of zinfandel, 3 acres of viognier and 1 acre of syrah grapevines run deep in the Triassic soil that began in 2008, when the first vines were carefully planted by volunteers under the guidance of Triassic Vineyards’ founder, geologist Chuck McCullough. The vineyard’s soil surface dates to the Triassic geologic period, the true “Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” from about 220 million years ago. Triassic rocks were altered over time and most have been removed by erosion; however, the sunny south slope of the mountain on which the vineyard lies is still rich with this rocky soil and rewards the vineyard with grapes that have exceptional character. 20
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A jolt of grape-fueled energy has been added to the Tehachapi foothills as Triassic wines have brought home 11 awards from prestigious wine competitions. Current owners Jim and Sally Arnold are looking to the future with excitement, as new varietals are grafted to some of the existing vines. Visitors drive through the vineyard and arrive at the tasting room with its enclosed wraparound patio. Estate-grown award-winning wines are poured by the Arnolds and their friendly staff of tasting room associates from behind the oak and granite wine bar, which is situated beneath a hand-painted mural depicting the Triassic story. Triassic’s tasting room is the perfect place to share a glass or bottle of fine wine with friends. Triassic Vineyards has also been host to many memorable milestones in the lives of its guests — wedding proposals, baby showers, birthday parties and anniversaries. Triassic also has wine and painting classes, “Piano and Wine Sundays,” and “Food NiTe Fridays” which are just some of the many events. Triassic has a growing array of outstanding wines increasing in popularity. Many of its local and out-of-town guests have joined the Wine Club and have supported efforts to sustain and maintain this family owned boutique vineyard. In appreciation, Triassic hosts Wine Club Pick-Up Parties at strategic times of the year, where its members savor newly released wines and pick up their wine shipments. “This vineyard is a spiritual place for us. We believe this is where the Good Lord wants us to be on this part of our life journey,” said Jim Arnold. Triassic Vineyards’ Tasting Room is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by special appointment. Visit the website at triassicvineyards.com and Facebook page for details on upcoming events.
Souza Family Vineyard Before they planted the first seeds of a thriving wine-growing industry, Bob and Patty Souza spent 15 years painstakingly restoring the historic Elijah Stowell Estate, an 1888 Victorian home and barns on 60 acres overlooking the picturesque valley. The estate is now home to Souza Family Vineyard and Tasting Room. Starting with their first crush released in
August 2006, Tehachapi’s pioneer viticulturists have won unprecedented bronze, silver and gold medals in the world’s largest American wine competition. “No one told us you just don’t do that!” Souza said, acknowledging just how much he didn’t know about the wine industry when he first started. Their expertise in their field has grown exponentially since then, and so has their business. “Our goal from the beginning was to try to develop a vanguard for agritourism in Tehachapi,” Bob Souza said. “One of the elements about growing vines, (is) it’s so eco-friendly. It takes one-tenth of the water to grow an acre of grapes as it does to grow sod.” Each year, Souza Family Vineyard hosts the following special events: February — Souza’s Valentine Dinner and Show; May — Mother’s Day Dinner; June — Father’s
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Bob and Patty Souza.
Day Barbecue; July — Red, White & Blues, Concert and Barbecue. In addition, Souza hosts the Dog Days of Summers presented by Canine Creek during the months of June, July, August and September. Check the Dogs Days of Summer Facebook page for dates and charities. The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Souza Family Vineyard is located at 26877 Cummings Valley Road. Call 661-822-9233 or click on: souzafamilyvineyard.com for hours and information.
Dorner Family Vineyard Across the valley from Triassic and Souza, Dorner Family Vineyard has been established. Mike and Michele Dorner have cultivated their premier vineyard located
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Dorner Family Vineyards poured a tasting of its local riesling wine during Main Street Tehachapi’s annual wine walk.
on 20 oak-and pine-covered acres. Dorner Family Vineyard is a gorgeous landscaped garden and premier vineyard venue located in beautiful Cummings Valley. The vineyard is comprised of 500 zinfandel and riesling grapevines. The Dorners have won numer-
“We are called los velars, which means ‘the traveler,’” said Vaja. “When we bought the ranch, the name was on the ranch. We are from Argentina originally and came to the United States in 1964.” Vaja said she and her family started coming to Tehachapi in the early 1970s. Originally, she owned a house in Stallion Springs, then later bought the ranch in 2007. It was then she started thinking about the vineyard. Said Vaja: “My friend, Mary, always wanted to have a vineyard, so we decided to do it.” Vaja’s family owns vineyards in Argentina, so she decided to introduce Mall Beck in Tehachapi. Said Vaja: “We have about 1,000 plants and 1.5 acres. It’s a small vineyard. We had our first commercial wine in 2014. It is made in Santa Clarita. We also have a 2015 cabernet with grapes from Tehachapi, but not from our vineyard.” Go to ranchodelosviajeros.com, via email at info@ranchosdelosviajeros.com or by calling 661-8227735.
Stray Leaves Vineyards
COURTESY OF RANCHO DE LOS VIAJEROS
Rancho de los Viajeros is a new vineyard in Tehachapi.
ous awards for their stock, and plan to open a tasting room in the near future. For more information, call 661823-7814 or visit dornerfamilyvineyard.com.
Rancho de los Viajeros The Rancho de los Viajeros is a newer vineyard in Cummings Val-
ley. Planted in 2011, owner Ilda Vaja has two partners, Rolando Calfa and Mary E. Sigler.
Clifford and Lisa Meridth planted Stray Leaves Vineyards in 2009 at 21300 High Line Road. The couple plans to open the Stray Leaves Tasting Room, located at 123 S. Green St., in the late summer of 2017. The tasting room will feature seven wines. For more information, call 661-332-6633 or email cmeridth@yahoo. com.
Wine country nestled in the foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains By DANIELA PEREGRINA Contributing writer
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ighway 58 serves as a path between the Tehachapi Mountains and the southern Sierras with a meandering scenic road through a picturesque mountain pass. It is the location of one of the most breathtaking areas of California. As drivers ascend to the 4,000-foot crest of the 58, framed by mountaintops that reach close to 8,000 feet, they will encounter the Tehachapi Valley, which is a perfect stop for travelers looking for rest or a weekend getaway. The warm days and cool evenings in the high elevations of the Tehachapi area create the perfect environment for growing grapes that are optimal for wine production. Vineyards planted on rocky terrain produce fruits with concentrated and complex flavors. With approximately 30 acres dedicated to growing wine grapes, and growing, this area, which is delineated by its picturesque mountains, has quickly become a destination for travelers seeking to experience the enjoyment of wine tasting. As the wine industry in Tehachapi continues to grow and thrive, vines that have produced award-winning wines welcome out-of-town guests. These smaller vineyards owned by optimistic growers are witnesses to the Tehachapi Valley becoming recognized as a popular wine-growing region that serves visitors and local residents alike. Most of the grape-growing activity is in the Cummings Valley area, home to several commercial and amateur winemakers with more acres being planted each year. Tehachapi could possibly become the next Napa, as an application for an AVA (American Vinicultural Area) designating the Tehachapi Valley as a unique wine-growing region is pending before the United States Treasury Department. The Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council recognizes the importance and value of Tehachapi’s vineyards and tasting rooms and has created a “Wine Growers Commission” to aid in the promotion of the growing Tehachapi wine industry. “We are very excited about the area as a primary tourism destination,” said Teresa Hitchcock, executive director of the Kern County Board of Trade. “With wine tasting, people will travel hundreds of miles. It has the potential to bring thousands of people to Kern County”. Daniela Peregrina is the event and marketing manager for Triassic Vineyards. 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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HISTORY AND CULTURE
Authentic German bakery continues traditions Contributed by Kohnen’s Country Bakery
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f you drive through downtown Tehachapi, you’re likely to come across many buildings and businesses of historical significance. More than 12,000 visitors pass through the Tehachapi Railroad Depot Museum each year without realizing that an equally interesting story is located just next door at Kohnen’s Country Bakery. Opened in 2004, the authentic German bakery continues traditions that date all the way back to 1683. It was during that year that a baker in Vienna earned the European guild mark of lions defending and upholding the crown that most bakeries still use today. Unbeknownst to the sleeping citizens of the great city, the Turks had come up with a strategy to invade Vienna by tunneling under its walls during the night. But what they had not planned on was a baker at work in the basement of his shop preparing pretzels and bread for the coming day. It was the baker who heard the faint sounds of tunneling, warned the city and saved Vienna. After the triumph, Vienna bakers were rewarded with extra rations of flour to bake what has since become one of the most popular pastries in the world — the croissant. It was this same baker who started to form the popular layered pastry into the crescent shape depicted even today on the Turkish flag. It is said the city celebrated its victory by devouring its enemy. Thomas Kohnen, owner and baker of Kohnen’s Bakery, carries on the same traditions, recipes and practices today. Up well before dawn, it is Thomas and his staff who work through the night to prepare hundreds of baked goods from scratch each day. They
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2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN BURT
Kohnen’s Country Bakery offers a variety of baked goods.
knead, roll, toss and twist each pretzel, loaf and pastry into their iconic shapes while standing guard over Tehachapi. He first learned these trades at the age of 15 when he took an apprenticeship as a Konditor (confectionist) at the Franz Bergendahl Bacherrei in his homeland of West Germany. After three years as an apprentice, he became a tested and proven journeyman. At the age of 22, Thomas was offered the opportunity to go on a training program in the United States and found himself in Ventura County where he met and married Colleen. Shortly after, they bought the famed Bill Baker Bakery in Ojai and operated it for 15 years before moving to Tehachapi. If you get up early enough, just before dawn as the early trains are rumbling through Tehachapi, you’ll likely see Thomas taking his last break on the side deck of Kohnen’s. With a watchful eye, he and his crew welcome each day as they roll their baked goods out of the kitchen for staff to stock and prepare for the busy day ahead. Notice their logo next time you’re in and imagine all that has gone in to your flaky croissant and how different life might be if bakers weren’t standing guard all these years.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
You can see wind turbines in the Tehachapi Valley.
Wind development: Why Tehachapi Pass? Tehachapi News Close to energy users The proximity of Tehachapi Pass to the Los Angeles Basin makes it an attractive location for wind power development, as it reduces the length, cost and environmental impact of required transmission lines. Power from numerous wind farms in the East Kern Wind Resource Area is conditioned at Southern California Edison’s Windhub substation and sent south on the 500,000-volt transmission lines of Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project to the receiving substation in Mira Loma.
A landscape for wind In California, summertime heating of the ground inland causes the air to rise, creating a thermal low — a low-pressure region. Cooler, higher-pressure air masses over the ocean move inland to fill the thermal low, flowing through mountain passes like Tehachapi Pass. The venturi effect of the mountain pass accelerates the wind to a high velocity, providing an attractive concentration of wind power resource. 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Tehachapi offers year-round fun
COURTESY OF STEVE SHAW
Anglers sit around the campfire following the Fishing Derby, probably sharing stories about the ones that got away.
Tehachapi News
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ach year, Tehachapi is host to many popular events and festivities, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a local resident or tourist looking for exciting attractions to visit, Tehachapi takes entertainment seriously all year long. Below is a listing of these events by month. Check TehachapiNews.com or the newspaper for details as each event approaches and for more that come up throughout the year.
January • Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce’s annual Installation & Recognition Gala • Rotary Club’s Wine Pairing Dinner
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Easter egg collection gets underway at Meadowbrook Park.
February • Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate Tasting by Main Street Tehachapi
March/April • Chilly Dip in Stallion Springs • Easter Egg Hunt by Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • Brite Lake Fishing Derby • Model Train Show, Tehachapi Depot Museum
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
There’s always lots to do for young and old alike at the annual Mountain Festival in August. • Spring Art Show, Bear Valley Springs • Bark For Life
May • Memorial Day Ceremony, Philip Marx Central Park
Marx Central Park • Thunder on the Mountain Car & Truck Show, Downtown Tehachapi • Tehachapi’s PRCA Rodeo, Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds • Handcraft Festival by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association • Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s Chalk on the Walk, Downtown Tehachapi • Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society Show, St. Malachy Catholic Church • Mountain Gallop 5k/10k, Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • T-Town Car Show, Downtown Tehachapi NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Members of the Tehachapi High football team shower parade walkers with color spray at the 4th of July Children’s Parade.
• Quilt Show, Monroe High School • National Night Out, Philip Marx Central Park
September • Gran Fondo • Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s Fall Harvest Fair, Railroad & Depot Park • Evening For Life, Family Life Pregnancy Center • California State Old Time Fiddlers Association Contest • Warbirds Fly-in, Tehachapi Airport
October • Tehachapi Apple Festival, Downtown Tehachapi • Gone to the Dogs 5k Run/Walk, Have a Heart Humane Society DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Kara Hartley sits patiently as artist Judith Campanaro paints her face during the Apple Festival. NICK SMIRNOFF/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Boxer-mix Dasha was dressed and walked by his owner, Mark Oskay, during a Tehachapi Bark for Life.
July
• Star Party, Brite Lake
• Tehachapi’s 4th of July Hot Dog Festival & Wiener Run, Philip Marx Central Park
• Tehachapi Mountain Beer & Wine Festival, Benz Visco Youth Sports & Cultural Park
• Run & Ride with the Wind 5K and Duathlon, Centennial Plaza
• Bad Bulls Rodeo, Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds
• Canvas & Cabernet, Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar
June
• TPOPs concert and fireworks display, Coy Burnett Football Stadium
• Playwright Festival, BeeKay Theatre
• Tehachapi’s Relay For Life
August
• Flag Retirement Ceremony, Coy Burnett Football Stadium • Springtyme Faire, Downtown Tehachapi
• Camp Kiya, Family Traditional Music Camp
• Train Show, Tehachapi Depot Museum
• 4th of July Warrior 5k Run, Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District
• Kickin’ Cancer in the Butt Run
• Old-Timers Picnic, Philip Marx Central Park
• AST Fall Festival, Monroe High School • Trunk or Treat by Main Street Tehachapi • Zombie Run, Golden Hills • Oktoberfest, Stallion Springs • Links For Life “Lace’n It Up”
November • Hot Chocolate Turkey Trot 5k, Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • Ugly Christmas Sweater Wine Walk, Main Street Tehachapi
December
• Cheers to Charity
• Tehachapi Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
• Tehachapi Mountain Festival (third weekend in August), Philip
• Santa at the Depot, Tehachapi Depot Museum
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Tehachapi is rich in arts and entertainment By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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ehachapi bustles with activity year-round as the higher elevation and mountain surroundings offer ideal settings for community events. Spring, summer, fall, and yes, even winter, residents and visitors alike come together to celebrate, entertain, exercise or raise money for charity. As the temperature transforms with the arrival of each new season, Tehachapi sheds the sleep of the hibernation season, and draws folks outdoors to celebrate the magnificent colors and characteristics found in the changing temperatures. During the summer months, Tehachapi comes alive with something going on almost every weekend. Tehachapi is host to numerous annual events, many of which have become popular tourist attractions, such as the Mountain Festival and Gran Fondo. However, Tehachapi is home to many more hidden “gems” of entertainment found throughout the community. Although the population steadily increases, downtown Tehachapi remains picture-postcard perfect of days gone by and offers a nostalgic setting for concerts, art shows, wine walks and more. The surrounding mountainsides lend scenic beauty to the many outdoor events held each year, whether annually or sporadically given our whims. Somehow the fresh mountain air combined with the mild temperatures, starry skies and vibrant network of talented artists enhances the experience of each event and makes for wonderful, lasting memories.
Concerts Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit symphony that performs free concerts throughout the year at Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road. Director David Newby has conducted the award-winning orchestra since the 19992000 season. The orchestra is fully supported through private donations. For more information, visit tehachapiorchestra.com. The Summit Singers holds concerts throughout the year. For concert information, consult Tehachapi News. Fiddlers Crossing, located at 206 E. F St., is an intimate acoustic music “listening 26
2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
NICK SMIRNOFF/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
A conductor in love with his art, David Newby directs the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra at the Spring Concert.
room” and presents live entertainment of traditional and contemporary folk music, Bluegrass, singer-songwriters, Americana, country, western, blues, Celtic, world and other style bands. It has a distinctly “coffee house” feel, but without all the noise and other distractions. Based on the house concert model, freshly ground and brewed coffees, teas and a variety of “goodies” are included in the ticket price. The vibe is cozy, friendly and warm. For more information, visit fiddlerscrossing.com.
First Friday On the first Friday of every month, visitors to Tehachapi can experience the popular First Friday artist receptions and art walk. This program offers displays of a wide variety of local Tehachapi art. Attendees can check out the historic downtown and meet many of the area’s talented artists whose work is on display. The efforts of local artists have painted Tehachapi as an emerging art town with several galleries and working studios providing classes and exhibits. The First Friday events take place at var-
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The BeeKay Theatre is a popular venue for plays and performances.
ious businesses in downtown Tehachapi. Consult Tehachapi News for details during your visit. Don’t worry if your visit doesn’t include a Friday stopover; the fine arts and the performing arts are a constant part of Tehachapi’s local flavor. You’re sure to find something colorful and creative happening that will entertain the whole family.
display of “uncommonly eclectic and unusually unique stuff,” including locally made jewelry and gifts, fine arts and photography, music, books, souvenirs and more. Ongoing art classes are offered to the community every month, with new classes added regularly. Everything from drawing to jewelry making to fused glass workshops are available featuring different instructors. The store also carries an extensive line of art and craft supplies. On the first Friday of each month, Tehachapi Treasure Trove hosts a First Friday FunFest in the spirit of the long-standing tradition in the art world. Call 661-822-6794 or visit the website at tehachapitreasuretrove.com.
Hitching Post Theaters NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Gallery ‘N’ Gifts photo contest chairwoman Gale Caldwell, foreground, greets people there to see a wide variety of photo contest entries.
BeeKay Theatre Located at 110 S. Green St., the BeeKay Theatre is operated by the nonprofit Tehachapi Community Theatre organization. Restored in 2008, the BeeKay Theatre is home to the annual Playwright’s Festival in which playwrights from all over the world are invited to submit their unproduced work in April for a chance to win the title of Playwright of the Year at the festival, which spans two weeks in July. TCT also produces numerous live shows each year that are enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
lery features unique, high-quality gifts and decor on display and available for purchase. See original paintings, prints, pottery, photography, woodwork, hand-painted gifts, luxurious bath and body items, wearable art, hand-sewn quilts, beaded and precious metal jewelry, hand-poured scented candles and much more. Themed contests display local artists’ creative works. Gallery ‘N’ Gifts is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Call 661-822-6062 or view the website at galleryngifts.org.
Gallery ‘N’ Gifts
Tehachapi Treasure Trove
In a boutique-like atmosphere, Tehachapi Valley Arts Association operates a co-op named Gallery ‘N’ Gifts, located at Green Street and Tehachapi Boulevard. The gal-
Located at 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi Treasure Trove always has something creative going on. In the four large showrooms can be found an ever-changing
The Hitching Post Theaters is a multiscreen complex located in downtown Tehachapi on the corner of Green and F streets, and offers the latest movies. For more information, call 661-823-7469 or visithitchingposttheaters.com.
Movies and Music in the Park Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District offers free musical concerts and movies in the parks it maintains during summer months. Grab your blankets, chairs, friends and family for a summer night under the stars on select Friday evenings for concerts or Saturday evenings for movies. TVRPD also hosts other entertainment events, including its Easter Egg Hunt, Fishing Derby, Run & Ride with the Wind 5k and Duathlon, Memorial Day Ceremony, 4th of July Warrior 5K, Oldtimers Reunion, Mountain Gallop 5k/10k, and Hot Chocolate Turkey Trot. For more information or an entertainment schedule, call 661-822-3228 or visit tvrpd.org.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Tehachapi Museum safeguards the treasures of the city’s history.
Tehachapi’s museums are rich in history and culture By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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mong the many unique attractions Tehachapi has to offer are several museums that stand as testimonies to the commitment and dedication of the many volunteer docents who have, throughout the years, put their blood, sweat and tears into the careful preservation of the town’s history and artifacts. As the world continues its search to uncover valuable historical resources, inside Tehachapi’s museums await a bevy of untapped and little-known treasures, which local historians refer to as “the breadbasket of the nation.” Let’s take a closer look at these museums, as each is 28
2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Railroad memorabilia is displayed at the Tehachapi Museum.
unique and offers different portals back in time.
Tehachapi Heritage League’s Museum The Tehachapi Museum is housed in a 1931 art deco
building, which was the original site of the local branch of the Kern County Library. Located at 310 S. Green St., in downtown Tehachapi, the museum is filled with wonderful exhibits and displays, which visibly trans-
port visitors back in time. Some of the museum’s oldest records include some of the earliest local history known today, beginning with the Native Americans indigenous to the area known as the Kawaiisu. Inside the museum’s Milano Gallery are artifacts left by the Kawaiisu, who were friendly people and welcomed such notables as Padre Francisco Garces in 1776 as well as mountain man Jedediah Strong Smith, and, in the early 1800s, explorers John C. Fremont, Kit Carson and Edward Kern. In the mid-1800s, the Kawaiisu welcomed miners and farmers who homesteaded land and raised cattle. Inside the Tehachapi Museum, one will find information on the events relating to the railroad’s efforts to construct and circumvent the altitude of the Tehachapi Mountains, which led to the construction of the Walong Loop and allow access over the Tehachapi Mountains. The museum also features replicas of a blacksmith shop and collections from local family, mining and farming history. Vintage photographs reveal locations of early businesses, with extensive footage of the 1952 earthquake that show what a 7.5 temblor can do to a small town’s turn-of-thecentury brick buildings. Other interesting gems found inside the museum include the femur of a mammoth from the Ice Age, fossilized shark teeth and a one-horse drawn buggy. The museum regularly changes its artifacts and photos, so there is always something new to see and something for everyone. The museum offers walking tours of historic buildings and homes that winds its way around charming downtown businesses. Organizations and tour groups are also available upon request. Hours of operation are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and by special appointment. Admission is free,
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES WHITE
Each year, volunteers decorate the Errea House for Christmas in a Victorian theme, befitting the circa 1870s house.
and donations are kindly accepted. For more information, visit the website at tehachapimuseum.org.
Errea House Museum The Errea House Museum is the oldest house in town. It was constructed around 1870 in the original town site of Williamsburg, or Tehichipa, which today is referred to as Old Town. A Spanish Basque family with the last name Errea lived in the house for more than
70 years, and around 1900, the Errea House was placed on log rollers and moved to its present location across the street from the Tehachapi Museum. In 1999, the Errea House was purchased by the Tehachapi Heritage League Museum, and has since undergone renovations to restore its original beauty. The house is famous for its Victorian decor and gardens, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The museum continues its efforts to
TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
The first Tehachapi Museum opened on July 4, 1973, in the Chamber of Commerce building in Railroad Park and later, in 1981, moved to the old Kern County Branch Library at 310 S. Green St. raise funds for ongoing renovaand furnishings from this time tions so that visitors can have period. a window into the past of what The Errea House is open Tehachapi family life was like in during the same hours as the the 1900 to 1930 era. Monetary Tehachapi Heritage League Mudonations are always welcome seum and for special occasions. as well as donations of clothing Admission is also free.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
A train passes by the Tehachapi Depot.
Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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ach year, the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum draws visitors from around the world to enjoy the building filled with railroad artifacts and exhibits. The depot is a replica of one of the few buildings that remained standing following the devastating earthquake in 1952. A second tragedy struck in 2008 when the building was completely destroyed by fire just as the project to restore it to its original condition was nearly finished. “The board of directors are dedicated to keeping the doors open,” said Nick Smirnoff, curator and adviser. “The all-volunteer directors work hard to ensure the museum is an interesting and attractive venue.” A great attention to detail was involved in creating the ambiance of the museum, right down to the tongue and groove wood flooring. Visitors are transported back in time with the whistling railroad music piped throughout the stereo system as they relive the memories of the Southern Pacific as seen through the passengers’ eyes aboard the San Joaquin Daylight Streamliners that once traveled the long-ago tracks. Memorabilia includes trunks and dinnerware from the dining car and an original menu. The hub of Tehachapi is preserved deep inside the depot’s walls at the railroad agent’s desk, where the comings and goings of all passengers, as well as freight, were handled with efficiency. A Western Union Telegraph hangs above the authentic workings of the desk, with telegrams dating from 1932 posted on a clipboard. Volunteer docents have been carefully collecting and preserving documents, books, photographs and stories of the men and women who built the railroad and whose lives were affected by it. Many items are found nowhere else in the world. Now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the depot
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Friendly volunteers welcome visitors to the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum in Downtown Tehachapi.
also features an expansive collection of lanterns, which railroad workers used to signal engineers. On display and on adjacent grounds is the renowned collection of William Stokoe, a former Tehachapi resident and longtime railroad man. The Stokoe collection consists of more than 300 railroad artifacts. If you haven’t been in the depot lately, stop by and check out the latest updates and displays. The place just keeps getting classier! Your visit won’t cost much — it’s free — ’cause the gents and ladies who operate the place — the Friends of the Tehachapi Depot — keep their nonprofit group in the black by all of their hard work and dedication. They’ll give you a fine guided tour if you’d like one. Hours of operation are Thursday through Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The depot is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day and Eve. For more information, call 661-823-1100.
Farmers markets feature fresh produce, baked goods, live entertainment Tehachapi News
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he Tehachapi Farmers Market, a production of Main Street Tehachapi, takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, from May to August each year. Vendors fill downtown’s Centennial Plaza and adjacent Green Street with their organic produce, arts and crafts, refreshing beverages and delicious food. Live music is also provided for visitors’ entertainment. Central Valley-grown fruits and vegetables are for sale by the farmers themselves. For more information, including a map and vendor sign-up forms, contact Main Street Tehachapi by calling 661-822-6519 or visit the website: mainstreettehachapi.org Cal Organic Farms, Farmers Market is offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It features locally grown organic fruits and vegetables from farm to table. Cal Organic Farms is located at the corner of Bear Valley Springs and Cummings Valley roads in Cummings Valley.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Farmers Market goers are offered a wide selection of Central Valley-grown produce.
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Get ready, set, pedal — here comes the Gran Fondo By CARA JACKSON Tehachapi news
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et ready, set, pedal and here comes the Gran Fondo! This event will unite cyclists from around the community, California and the world. Tehachapi’s Gran Fondo will be Sept. 17, 2017. More than 140 Gran Fondos are held annually in California, but Tehachapi is a mountain community that strives to be at the top at providing hospitality, attracting vendors, and partnering with public safety and volunteer organizations. “We focus on quality versus quantity, and it’s the cyclists’ day,” said Michelle Vance, the economic development coordinator for the city of Tehachapi. “We cater to their needs providing VIP treatment, and our goal is to really make it a special experience where people feel good to ride and connect with all the little communities in one day, and it’s all about relaxing afterward, having a good time and listening to music at the end of the ride.” The event has seen steady growth, Vance said, with 600 participants in 2013 to more than 1,200 expected at the 2017 Gran Fondo. In 2016 alone there were 1,001 participants from 163 cities and six states; more than 268 were residents of Tehachapi. The cycling courses vary in length (18, 38, 60, 86 and 104 miles) and are open to all skill levels, with the Gran Fondo being the most difficult. Cyclists experience the fresh air and views through the desert, mountains and canyons and then enjoy a hearty meal and hospitality at the end of the event. This experience starts in downtown Tehachapi, goes by the famous Tehachapi Loop, Bear Valley and Stallion Springs, the renewable energy wind turbines and Alpine Forest. The challenging routes give cyclists the opportunity to reach their individual goals with encouragement from spectators ringing more than 300 cowbells. According to tehachapigranfondo.com, the race is timed by spectators wearing “a timing chip that records how long it takes them to complete the course.” It will also feature a “course timed for King of the Mountain,” which gives the winner a $500 reward. Cory Lockwoood, 2016 winner of the King of the Mountain award, said, “The
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Fifteen miles into the ride the cyclists are on Cameron Road going through the heart of the wind turbines.
King of the Mountain course is the fastest time on a segment of a hill … and it’s nice to participate in a race from my hometown where I started riding my bike and to share it with the people where I grew up … the city is doing a fantastic thing hosting the event and this inspires people to get out, enjoy fabulous scenery, inspire upcoming athletes and anybody can do it, set a goal and have a great time.” Hosting the Gran Fondo in Tehachapi has put the city on the map as the top 13th Gran Fondo in California and the winner of the Best Century award three years in a row. Proceeds from the race support the community’s nonprofits and public safety. For more information, visit tehachapigranfondo.com.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi’s Cory Lockwood in action during the 104-mile Gran Fondo in 2016.
THINGS TO DO
Bicycling and camping Tehachapi News
Bicycling
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he Tehachapi area is a bicyclist’s paradise with numerous trails as well as scenic byways and terrain ranging from flat to grueling. A number of efforts exist to expand the trail system to eventually connect most of the region. The website of the Tehachapi Mountain Trails Association (tehachapitrails.org) provides extensive information about local trails.
Camping Whether bringing along your home on wheels, or roughing it, Tehachapi offers a variety of facilities for campers including:
Brite Lake Brite Lake is open year-round for day use, camping and fishing. Passes are now available at the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Parks District office, located at 490 W. D St. Season passes are available, as are dayuse boat launching passes. A dump station is available for RVs. Overnight camping is also available with 12 sites providing water and electric hookups. Dry camping is also available. TVRPD does not take reservations for camping; first-come, first-served. There are also three picnic pavilions available for group picnicking. Reservations and payment of rental fees must be made one week in advance for group pavilions. For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit tvrpd.org.
COURTESY OF STEVE SHAW
The early morning hours found anglers dotted all along the shoreline of Brite Lake, all eager and ready to cast their lines in hopes of the big money fish at the annual Fishing Derby.
Twenty-seven sites with hookups (water and electricity), dump station. Raven’s Nest Sandwich Shop, Skylark North Glider Port, rides and lessons available. For more information, call 661-822-1213 or visit skylarknorth.com.
Tehachapi Mountain Park
Indian Hill Ranch RV Park & Campground Indian Hill offers 37 full hookup RV sites, 50- and 30-amp electric service, paved access and pull-through parking. Propane, laundry and mail service available as well. For more information, call 661-822-6613 or visit indianhillranch.com.
Rankin Ranch This 31,000-acre ranch has been family owned and operated since 1863. They opened their picturesque property to the public in 1965 and have been warmly welcoming guests ever since. Ranch activities such as hiking, fishing and horseback riding are available. 34
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi offers cycling routes for cyclists of all levels.
It offers amenities that include cabins, home-cooked meals and swimming pool access. Kid programs, hay-wagon rides and barbecues make it a favorite for all ages. For more information, call 661-867-2511 or visit RankinRanch.com.
Mountain Valley RV Park Located adjacent to Mount Valley Airport, this park is open year-round.
The park is 8 miles southwest of Tehachapi, located on the southern side of Highway 58 between Mojave and Bakersfield. Woody’s Peak (elevation, 7986 feet) overlooks the park from its dominion in the Tehachapi Mountains, the dividing line between the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. Activities include: Hiking: nature awareness on the Nuooah Nature Trail Camping: 61 family campsites and two group facilities — Tehachapi Mountain Camp and Sierra Flats Equestrian trail riding: A 10-horse corral lies adjacent to the Horseshoe Campground For more information, call Kern County Parks and Recreation at 661-868-7000 or visit www.co.kern.us/parks.
Fishing and flight Tehachapi News
Fishing
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tocked for fishing and open year-round for day use. Boat launching passes for the day or the season are available at the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District office, located at 490 W. D St. For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit tvrpd.org.
Flight
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi Municipal Airport.
Tehachapi Municipal Airport TMA is located south of the Sierra Nevadas. At an elevation of 4,001 feet, TMA is known as the corridor to Northern and Southern California. It’s an ideal spot not only to fuel, but also to enjoy an old-fashioned mountain town. A friendly place to rest your wings! Tehachapi’s beautiful blue sky is favored by pilots and can be enjoyed by visitors, as well. For information, call 661-822-2200 or visit liveuptehachapi.com.
Gliderport Skylark North is a full-service glider flight school, located in the beautiful Tehachapi Valley. Phenomenal lift conditions generated by the Sierra Nevadas to the north and the east make Skylark North a perfect location for gliders and sailplanes. Soaring over the scenic Tehachapi Valley and exploring the tree-covered ridges of the Tehachapi Mountains offers a thrilling way to see the local sights. For
information, call 661-822-5267 or visit skylarknorth.com
Spaceport The Mojave Airport first opened in 1935 as a small, rural airfield serving the local gold- and silver-mining industry. In 2004, Mojave Air and Space Port became the only private airport in the U.S. with a commercial spaceflight license. When it comes to global “firsts” in flight, flight test and aerospace, the Mojave Air and Space Port has been a consistent breaker of records and aerospace barriers. Learn about its rich history with a visit to Voyager Restaurant and Legacy Park, home to SpaceShipOne, The Voyager and The Rotary Rocket Roton. For more information, call 661-824-2433 or visit mojaveairport.com.
Skate park and swimming Skate park Ollie Mountain Skate Park The 11,000-square-foot skateboard park is comprised of vertical ramps, a half pipe and various rails. By far one of the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District’s most popular facilities, Ollie Mountain is frequented by Tehachapi’s large population of skaters and hosts skate competitions and Music in the Park. For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit tvrpd.org.
Swimming Dye Natatorium Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District operates a heated, indoor six-lane pool (25 yards) located at 400B S. Snyder, next to the Jacobsen Middle School parking lot. For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit tvrpd.org.
JOHN NELSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi’s Dye Natatorium serves as the home venue for the Tehachapi High School Warriors’ swim team. 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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Golf, horseback riding, hunting and shooting Oak Tree Country Club: Oak Tree Country Club is located in the Bear Valley area of Tehachapi. Although the club is private, locals who are current members may bring visitors with them. The nine-hold golf course features more than 3,000 yards of play area. For more information, call 66-821-5144.
Tehachapi News
Golf
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he game of golf is a popular way to pass the time in Tehachapi, thanks to scenic mountain vistas and the ideal climate. Tehachapi has two golf courses within its borders: the Horse Thief Golf & Country Club in Stallion Springs and the Oak Tree Country Club in Bear Valley. Horse Thief Golf & Country Club: Horse Thief Golf course is open to the public and offers an 18-hole, par 71.9 track (USGA rating) with more than 6,500 yards of playable area set amid giant oak trees and granite boulders. Located 12 miles
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The scenic beauty of Horse Thief Golf & Country Club
from Tehachapi, this course is an undiscovered treasure of Southern California. Only 130 miles from Los Angeles, golfers who play here enjoy a clean, fresh environment with the best summer weather Southern California has to offer. For more information, call 661-823-8571.
Horseback riding Tehachapi is definitely horse country, but facilities and available areas to ride are mostly private. Exceptions are trails in Mountain Park, operated by Kern County. Both Bear Valley Springs and Stallion Springs have extensive equestrian trails available for residents. Spit Creek Ranch Offering “Tehachapi Trail Rides,� Tuesday through Sun-
day with a 24-hour notice for $50 per person/per hour. For more information, call 661-9723537.
Hunting and shooting
Tehachapi Sportsman Club The club operates a shooting range just off Sand Canyon Road, a half-mile north of Highway 58. The range has two trap houses with automatic machines and voice release microphones. Facilities include outdoor rifle range (50, 100, 200 and 300 yards), outdoor pistol range (7 to 50 yards), simulated cowboy shoots and tactical timed events. Archery targets available as well. For more information, call 661-771-6410 or visit tehachapisportsmanclub.com
THINGS TO DO
The fruit of our labor By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
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ehachapi has long been known for some of the best tree-ripened apples in the country. Here, local growers have spent most of their lives perfecting their fruit by tending to their orchards year-round. Come fall, some growers open their orchards to the public for apple picking, with harvesting typically beginning in late August and continuing as late as November. Some years, however, bring an early harvest due to drought conditions, but growers report a sweeter fruit is produced as a result. Over the years, thousands of visitors have traveled to Tehachapi to take advantage of U-pick harvesting. With more than a dozen varieties found throughout local orchards, growers are happy to suggest which variety is best to suit your individual preferences. In addition, some local growers offer a variety of in-season fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. For those who seek the fresh fruit but prefer not to pick, growers offer to pick for you. Delicious home-baked items are also available at some orchards, featuring everything from mouthwatering apple crisp to apple butter, apple rings and dried apples. Apple cider is perhaps the most sought-after apple product and tends to sell out quickly. Tehachapi orchards include:
Pulford’s Appletree Orchard 19440 Highline Road: 15 varieties available, including Red Delicious, Winesap, Rome Beauty, Melrose, Empire, Jonagold, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Granny Smith, Jonathan, Spur Gold Blush, Braeburn and Lady Apple. Fresh ciders and jams from Chadmark Farms in Paso Robles are also available. Depending on availability of fruit, hours of operation are September through mid-November, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Orchard tours are available by appointment only during weekdays. Call 661-822-5021 for more information or for directions or visit pulfordappletreeorchard. com.
Kolesar’s U Pick Orchard 13500 Highline Road: Five varieties available. Cherries are available seasonally. 40
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DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Golden Delicious apples are one of two varieties offered at Knaus Apple Ranch.
Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during picking season.
RB Family Orchard 1437 Casey Drive: Apples are picked for you, with varieties including Golden Delicious, Red Delicous, Rome and Empire. Other products sold include dried apple rings, fresh-baked apple crisp, applecake, pumpkin bread, apple butter, apple syrup, apple chipotle sauce and fresh apple cider pressed daily on premises. For more information, call 661-822-5969 or visit rborchard.com.
Dries Farms 22710 Highline Road: U-pick available. In-season, apples, raspberries, pumpkins, lavender, lavender products and herbs will be available for purchase. For more information or directions, call 661-444-0835 or visit driesfarms.blogspot.com.
Knaus Apple Ranch 19042 Cherry Lane: U-pick available. Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples
are grown. Gift shop on premises with various products available, including gifts and crafts, jams and jellies, butters, apple chips and more. Reservations are required for field trips. Call 661-822-4142 for more information or for directions or visit knausappleranch.com. Other popular Tehachapi farms include:
Moessner Farms Jams, pickles and more now available and sold at The Shed, located at 333 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Call 661-821-6272 or visit moessnerfarms.com for more information.
Tangleweed Farm 21192 Old Town Road: Crops include lettuce, greens, berries and cut bouquets, in addition to in-season vegetables and melons. Also olive oils, vinegars and Fair Trade Coffee is sold. Hours are Fridays from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round. For more information, call 661-822-8806 or visit tangleweedfarm. com.
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KENT KUEHL / TBC MEDIA
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TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
The wind turbines along the Pacific Crest Trail are featured during the annual Windmill-Wildflower Hike.
Hiking the PCT and other Tehachapi trails Tehachapi News
Beauty of the Pacific Crest Trail
he Tehachapi area provides exciting opportunities for both casual and avid hikers with the worldfamous Pacific Crest Trail and Mountain Park trailheads nearby. Would-be hikers, however, need to use caution when striking out on their own, since much of the land in and around Tehachapi is privately owned. Also, some of the hikes available must be done with a guide, such as the nature tours of Tomo-Kahni State Park. In addition, visitors should be aware that there are large predators — such as black bears, mountain lions and coyotes — prowling our backwoods, as well as several species of rattlesnakes, scorpions and spiders. So, be prepared, be careful and enjoy the gorgeous views.
The Pacific Crest Trail is a National Scenic Trail that traverses the upper elevations of the West from Mexico to Canada. Covering 2,652 miles, the trail passes through six of seven of North America’s eco zones including high and low desert, old-growth forest and arctic-Alpine country. About 300 hikers attempt to complete the entire trek each year, but thousands more enjoy exploring sections of the trail. Tehachapi is a popular stop for hikers to resupply and pick up mail since there are two major PCT trailheads in the area. If hikers need a ride into town — 10 to 15 miles away — they can check online at TrailAngelList.org to find local volunteers to provide transportation and sometimes even lodging. “We’re glad to do it,” said one local volunteer, Mike Mosher. “We’ll pick them up, take them
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into town to find lodging or restock. We get quite a few calls.”
Willow Springs Road Trailhead Hikers can access the trail near the intersection of Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road and Cameron Canyon Road. There are two options here: Hikers can head southwest toward Cottonwood Creek in the Antelope Valley (roughly 22 miles), or they can head northeast for a more leisurely hike among the wind turbines toward Highway 58 (5.9 miles). The hike to Cottonwood Creek is long, but hikers can always hike to the top of the ridge and back. The trail is steep as it climbs the ridge toward Bean Canyon, and levels out at the top. The area also is used by many off-highway vehicles, which can sometimes make the trail confusing or
hard to find. Also, there is no water on this section for hikers, so bring your own. Those hikers taking the easier route toward Highway 58 will get a closeup view of some of the area’s many famous wind turbines — and find out why they are there. It’s an easy, short route, but it does get windy. Also, no water on this section, either.
Highway 58 at Cameron Canyon Road Trailhead This section of trail is for the heartiest of hikers because it ascends to the top of the ridge overlooking Waterfall Canyon, climbing about 2,000 feet in 8 miles. It’s rugged country, so be prepared. Hikers can hike 8.3 miles to the head of Waterfall Canyon, which has excellent geologic formations. Hikers who are in a little better shape can hike to Golden Oak Springs, 8 miles farther. Golden Oak Springs is a year-round spring and lies in a secluded glade. This is a great overnight camping area, but beware of bears. Keep food items out of harm’s way, and absolutely no food in tents unless you’d like a 400-pound nocturnal visitor.
Tehachapi Mountain Park Located about 8 miles southwest of
Tehachapi, this Kern County park offers both hiking and nature trails for all levels of ability, as well as limited camping. The Nuooah Nature Trail loops one-quarter mile within the park at an elevation of 5,920 feet and bears 20 markers that correspond to 20 different points of interest. The interpretative nature trail was built and is maintained by Boy Scout Troop 104 with the help of the CDF Fenner Canyon Crews. The park also is a jumping-off point for longer hikes to the 7,986-foot crest of Woody’s Peak. Parking is limited, especially in the winter, and visitors should be careful to stay off private property adjacent to the park. For more information, go to co.kern.ca.us/ parks/tehachapi.asp or call the Kern County Parks Department at 661-868-7000.
Tomo-Kahni State Park Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park was created as a unit of California State Parks in 1993 to protect and preserve the integrity of this unique archaelogical site. Nestled atop a ridge in the Tehachapi Mountains, overlooking Sand Canyon to the east and the Tehachapi valley to the west, Tomo-Kahni, or “winter village,” was the site of an early Kawaiisu village.
Because of the archeological and environmental sensitivity of the site, Tomo-Kahni nature hikes are available to the public by tour only. These tours are led by trained state park volunteers on weekends during the spring and fall months and begin with orientation at the Tehachapi Museum. For more information, go toparks. ca.gov or call the state Parks Department at 916-653-6995.
Golden Hills Nature Park The Golden Hills Community Services District oversees the Golden Hills Nature Park along Woodford-Tehachapi Road. Visitors can see birds in flight, along with other local wildlife. The district has put up some signage and is pursuing grants for barriers to keep off-highway vehicles and other motor vehicles out of the park. There are almost 5 miles of fire access roads and nonmotorized multiuse recreational trails in the Nature Park for walkers, hikers, equestrians and cyclists. The new trail system has a few loops, so visitors have options for their time spent in the outdoors. The trails have names including Woodford Trails and Brite Creek, along with Clover Springs and White Pine on the back nine of what used to be a golf course.
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Downtown Walking Tour Tehachapi News
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he historic Downtown Tehachapi Walking Tour is in the heart of the community. It’s easily walked with numerous restaurants, shops of all kinds and museums along the way. There also are a large number of murals depicting historical and cultural facets of Tehachapi along with helpful markers identifying points of interest.
1. Tehachapi Museum This structure was built in 1932 as the Kern County Branch Library. When a new library was constructed in 1981, the county gave the old building to the city of Tehachapi, with the stipulation that it be used as a public building. In 1982 the city leased it to the Tehachapi Heritage League to be used as a museum.
NICK SMIRNOFF /FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi Museum is a popular spot.
2. Errea House The Errea family occupied this dwelling for 75 years. The structure was built by a doctor in “Old Town” (or “Tehichipa”) 4 miles west of Tehachapi, between 187075. It was moved to this location on log rollers in about 1900. It is the only surviving structure from the Tehichipa settlement. The Errea house was listed on the National 44
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Register of Historic Places on July 29, 1997.
3. Old Tehachapi Hospital The original building, built by Jean Capdeville, was used as a rooming house. It was sold to Drs. Madge and Harold Schlotthauer in 1934 and was used as the hospital
until the 1952 earthquake. Although badly damaged, no lives were lost in the hospital. The large trees planted by the Capdevilles remain.
4. Two 1890s Houses These two houses were constructed in
TEHACHAPI NEWS
People wave at a train at Tehachapi Depot. NICK SMIRNOFF /FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Local businesses line Tehachapi Boulevard.
the 1890s. One structure was built by R.D. Williamson, the other by Fred Boden.
5. Gallinger House Built by Joe Gallinger in 1880, it was purchased in 1924 by Jim and Lucinda Wiggins Brite. In 1944, the Davis family purchased the house. It was customary in those days to drive sheep and cattle along Curry Street to the railroad stockyard.
6. Original site of the First Catholic Church in 1887 The present building was constructed in 1936, as the second St. Malachy’s Church. In the early 1980s, the structure was sold to the newly formed Sierra National Bank, which in turn was acquired by the Bank of the Sierra in May 2000.
7. Odd Fellows Hall Built as the Odd Fellows Hall in the early 1930s, it was later used as a movie theater, dance hall and labor union hall. It was once owned by St. Malachy’s Church and was used as a church hall (1949-53). The structure survived the 1952 earthquake intact, and then housed the Red Cross, telephone company and a department store, among other temporarily displaced businesses. It was then sold to become the Santa Fe Hotel, and later became a private
residence (known as the Talmarc Building). It is currently known as the Door of Hope Building, operated by the Family Life Pregnancy Center.
location, stone by stone. At its original site, the arrastra was in danger of being eroded and destroyed by runoff in Water Canyon Creek.
8. The Tehachapi Depot
11. Former Richfield Service Station
The Tehachapi Depot building was originally constructed in 1876 and replaced in 1904 after a fire. The depot is a rare Southern Pacific Combination Type 23 building. Through the auspices of the Tehachapi Heritage League, the depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. In 2008, the depot burned once again and was totally reconstructed in 2009, now serving as the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum. Although no longer a railroad stop, it was one of the most active rural and agricultural stations in the state during World War II.
The Richfield Service Station was built here in 1921 by Jack and Ted Leiva, who operated the station and adjoining cabins for travelers for more than 50 years. It was named the Bartlett Richfield Station due to the many Bartlett Pear trees being planted in the area at that time. Earlier, this was the site of the first town dump.
9. Site of the Kessing Building On this site, the first frame building in Tehachapi was built by Mary and Bernard Kessing. The original wooden building was replaced in 1914 by a brick building named The Kessing Building, which was destroyed in the 1952 earthquake.
10. Arrastra at Railroad Park The arrastra was a very primitive way of milling or crushing gold ore, using a mule and drag stones, a method brought to the area by the Spaniards. The Tehachapi Heritage League moved the arrastra to this
12. The Muro House This was the first house constructed in Tehachapi, built in 1877 by Fred Boden. It was occupied from 1895 to 1940 by Mr. and Mrs. T.P. Sullivan. Sullivan was the Southern Pacific Roadmaster and was elected to Tehachapi’s first Board of Trustees in 1909. It was designated a local landmark by the Tehachapi City Council. The house takes its name from the Jose Muro family, which lived in the house for many years from before World War II.
13. Site of the Old Fire Station In 1930, the old City Hall was constructed just south of here at the corner of F Street and Robinson. Almost identical to the current Tehachapi Museum building, the old Please see Tour | 46 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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City Hall has been extensively modified. These reinforced concrete-walled buildings withstood the 1952 earthquake, without damage.
14. Bandhauer Market The St. Vincent De Paul thrift shop now occupies the Bandhauer Market building, which was later the Town and Country Market. Just to the north, between this building and the BeeKay Theatre, was the Tehachapi Food Lockers and the Lottie Lee Shop. These two shops were later torn down to make space for a parking lot for the Bandhauer Market.
15. Former BeeKay Movie Theatre This building was built as a motion picture theater. It was constructed of thick, reinforced concrete, and survived the 1952 earthquake. It was remodeled as an indoor mall and later sold to the Moose Lodge. A fire in 1994 destroyed all but the shell. This building is now owned by the city of Tehachapi and has been lovingly restored. The mural on the south side of the building is Tehachapi’s latest mural and depicts people waiting for the theater to open.
16. Hitching Post Theater This building was constructed after the 1952 earthquake. The two-story frame hotel (formerly the Old Summit School, which was moved to this site from North Curry Street in the early 1900s) had survived the earthquake, and was moved from this site to make way for the new construction. The current building was originally used as a post office, a department store, an electric shop, a variety store and a drug store (all at the same time).
Other Points of interest (Not shown on map) Site of Early Historic Buildings: The current building, which was built for the post office, replaced two older houses. Across the alley, there was once a small, tin building that housed firefighting equipment, including a hand-drawn cart with hoses. That building can now be seen at the northeast corner of the Errea House garden (Walking Tour stop No. 2). August Weferling House: Located on the northeast corner of D and Green streets, this house was built in 1880 by August Weferling. The redwood tree in the front was planted the day he married his second wife in 1905. 46
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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
People stop to enjoy one of Tehachapi’s many murals.
McFarland House & Late 1880s House: McFarland House, located on the northwest corner of D and Green streets, this house was built in the late 1880s by the McFarland family, which operated a sawmill and box factory in Tehachapi, circa 1890. Across the street, a late 1880s house was located on the southwest corner of D and Green streets. B.M. Denison House & 1880s House: Located on the northeast corner of D and Curry streets, this house was built in 1898 by B.M. Dennison. The house was constructed entirely from cedar wood. Denison planted the first commercial Bartlett Pear orchard along Curry Street. Across the street was the 1880s House, located on the southeast corner of D and Curry streets, this house was built in the late 1880s.
Murals “People of the Mountains: The Nüwa Tribe” Painted by Colleen Mitchell-Veyna in 2004. In this village scene from before contact with Europeans, women weave baskets and grind foodstuffs in bedrock mortars. Children play games, as the men
make tools and weave rabbit pelt blankets. The border shows more recent members and elders of the tribe, and baskets for which the local Indians were known. The background includes local pictographs, a natural lake and the natural vegetation still visible in the area, such as cattails and rushes. The domed huts are called kahni, which means “house” in the Kawaiisu or Nüwa language. “Red Front Blacksmith Shop” Painted by Lynn Bennett in 2006. The original Red Front Blacksmith Shop was located directly across the street from this mural. The workers pictured represent many local ranching families. The images in the ovals next to the buildings show scenes from Tehachapi’s ranching history. The outside ovals show working blacksmiths in their shops. All images were taken from old photographs. A few of the well-known local cattle brands and the names of the ranchers are shown in the box. “1915 Street Dance” Painted by Phil Slagter in 2004. A street dance held in 1915 commemorated the first electric streetlights installed in Tehachapi. The site of
the dance was the corner of Green and F streets. The building there housed the Masonic Lodge and the Post Office in 1915, and you see the type of streetlight actually installed in 1915. Faces of current local residents, and those from the history of Tehachapi, were chosen to incorporate into the scene. The faces represent five former mayors, other old-time residents, as well as current residents, one child and a dog. The fire hydrant with a straw hat tossed casually on top is from the original photo. “The Legend of Avelino Martinez” Painted by Patti Doolittle in 2007. It depicts a cowboy who worked for a famous outlaw. Martinez came from Mexico with a group of drovers as a 13-year-old. Of Mexican, Native American and Chinese descent, he stood 4 feet, 4 inches tall. He worked as a horse groomer for legendary outlaw Joaquin Murrieta until 1853 when Murrieta was captured. He then worked at Ranch El Tejon until 1920 before moving to Cummings Ranch in Tehachapi until his death in 1936, reportedly at the age of 112. “USPS Air Mail” Painted by Mark Pestana, noted test pilot and Tehachapi resident, and completed in 2007. It is located on the front of the Hitching Post Theater and commemorates the building as the site of the original Tehachapi Post Office, constructed after the 1952 earthquake. An original architectural feature of the wall is the inset relief of an eagle, a sculptural element that is incorporated into the envelope. “Cement Plant at Monolith” The Monolith Mural was designed and painted to display the importance of the cement plant and the township of Monolith to the history of Tehachapi. It was created based on vintage photographs by Art Mortimer and celebrated the 100th anniversary of the plant, where production began in 1908 by the City of Los Angeles for cement that was used in building the Los Angeles Aqueduct. “T-hacha-P Brand” Logo originally designed by Art Mortimer, painted by Tehachapi artists in 2005. The “T-hacha-P” logo was taken from an early fruit crate label. The steam powered combine shown is followed by a horse-drawn water wagon, with Tehachapi Peak in the background. Jake Jacobsen, a former mayor and civic leader, along with his brother Rolf, built this seed-packing shed. The funnel still seen on the roof of the building directed seeds into a hopper, which you can see inside the building. In the past, Tehachapi has seen the production of seeds for many diverse crops. “Centennial Panels” To celebrate the city of Tehachapi’s centennial, the panels were created in 2009 by artist Colleen Mitchell Veyna and volunteer assistants. Over the course of just a few days, the group transformed three large panels in a concrete block wall on the north side of Tehachapi Boulevard into a gallery of Tehachapi’s past and present. “BeeKay Mural” The latest of Tehachapi’s murals, it was completed in 2011 and is on the side of the BeeKay Theater adjacent to the newly developed Centennial Plaza. The mural was more than eight years in the planning and celebrates the history of the theater originally built by Frank Baumgart and Lou Kanstein, the name coming from their initials. The artist was Colleen Mitchell Veyna. The people waiting in line to buy tickets are all locals whose families chose to honor them by including them in the mural. Those in line come from different eras but, for the sake of uniformity, are all depicted in 1940s-style clothing. 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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THINGS TO DO
Elevation of mountain peaks By JON HAMMOND For Tehachapi News
T
he Tehachapi area is defined and delineated by its mountains. Valleys in in the Tehachapi Mountains tend to be bowl valleys, ringed by mountain ridges on all sides, rather than open-ended V-shaped notch valleys. Our mountains surround us, they help determine our weather, and they are a perpetual and comforting backdrop to our lives. It can be confusing to visitors or newer arrivals to know the names of the larger, more distinctive peaks in our area, so I’ve profiled a few of the more notable ones. This is only an introduction — chapters could be written about each of these sturdy, familiar mountains. Interestingly, I can’t give you summit elevations that are guaranteed to be universally accepted as accurate. Why? Because the U.S. Geological Survey, the sole science department and measuring service of the Department of the Interior, doesn’t have official summit elevations for most mountains — even for world-famous peaks. Mt. Rainier in Washington, for example, is listed by the Land Surveyors’ Association of Washington as having an elevation of 14,411 feet, by the USGS at 14,410 and by the Smithsonian Institution at 14,409 feet. It turns out that the USGS isn’t particularly concerned with determining the exact elevation for mountains — this figure doesn’t have much impact on surveying. Most USGS elevation measurements have a margin of error that’s plus or minus 4 feet, so there’s a potential 10-foot swing right there. Topographical maps issued by the USGS have contours at 4-foot intervals, so unless peaks happen to be exactly on a line, the topo map will only indicate that the summit is within a 40-foot band. And small hand-held GPS units aren’t much use — they tend to have accuracy only within 30 meters or about 100 feet, which is even less precise. Highly accurate GPS units have receivers the size of a suitcase and aren’t going to be found in anyone’s pocket. Typical altimeters aren’t very reliable either, because they are based on barometric pressure and area also affected by humidity and temperature, so they can give a different reading each day at the exact same spot. And even the baseline from which elevation is calculated — sea level — is a subjective, moving target, because the ocean’s surface rises and falls depending upon gravitational pull. When you couple these ocean variations with seasonal temperatures, which can cause the mountains themselves to expand or contract, adding or subtracting a foot or two to the elevation, you can see that establishing a precise elevation for the summit of a mountain is a difficult and sometimes controversial task. No wonder the USGS isn’t particularly interested in establishing official heights for mountains. At some distant future date there will no doubt be small but accurate sensors embedded at the top of most mountains, providing a continuous elevation reading wirelessly. But that day is still far off at this point. I would love to be able to say that there is a public access hiking trail leading to the top of each of our local mountains, but that isn’t the case. I hope that public access can one day be negotiated or purchased from landowners, but for now most of these summits are largely on private land with limited access. Remember, the elevations given are subject to debate and you 48
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JON HAMMOND/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Tehachapi Peak looms tallest in the mountains south of town in this winter image with Union Pacific locomotives in the foreground.
may encounter substantially different totals when researching these comely mountains. If someone attempts to correct you and insists on a different elevation than one you’ve heard, just smile and nod knowingly.
Tehachapi Peak — 7,988 feet The top of this peak is considered by most people to be the tallest point in the range, and it is sometimes confusingly referred to by nonresidents as “Tehachapi Mountain.” Others consider Double Mountain to be the highest point in the Tehachapis. On topographical maps, Tehachapi Peak is within the 40-foot contour band just below 8,000 feet, meaning it is between 7,960 feet and 7,999 feet. Viewed from many places in the Tehachapi Valley, it does have a nicely pointed, symmetrical peak. How to see it: Tehachapi Peak rises up above town to the south. If you are driving south on Tucker Road approaching the intersection with Valley Boulevard (Highway 202), look up — the shapely mountaintop in the distance is Tehachapi Peak.
Double Mountain — 7,981 feet This twin peak is only about a mile south of Tehachapi Peak and
isn’t very prominent from the Tehachapi Valley — it is one of the least visible of the major mountains in our area. It is approximately 7 air miles south of the city of Tehachapi. The USGS first “monumented” the peak in 1926, cementing a USGS bronze disk in a drill hole in bedrock on the most westerly of the two knobs on the summit. There are several communications towers on the easterly summit. The reported elevation of this mountain, like many others, varies: some records list it as 7,993 feet, which would make it the tallest point in the Tehachapis. Double Mountain, Tehachapi Peak and a third peak slightly farther south called Covington Mountain are the three high points of a crest along the backbone of the Tehachapi Mountains. How to see it: Double Mountain is actually more visible as you approach Tehachapi from the desert on Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road than it is from within the Tehachapi Valley. It is slightly south of Tehachapi Peak, with just a forested saddle separating them.
Cummings Mountain — 7,760 feet This big round-shouldered mountain is the main peak overlooking Cummings Valley, and it looms southeast of Stallion Springs. Snow often remains for weeks on its largely bare summit. It was named for area pioneer George Cummings, and like most of the taller mountains in the area, it was logged in the 1860s and 1870s and occasionally since then. It is tallest on its eastern side, and then slopes evenly down to the west in a long steady incline. The mountain and surrounding slopes have been used for cattle ranching and hunting and are home to California Mule Deer and wild pigs.
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The bloomings suggest it’s spring — which it was indeed on March 21, the second day of the season — but the mountains of Bear Valley Springs retain the winter’s snow.
How to see it: From the city of Tehachapi, look southwest and you can’t miss the big ramp-shaped mountain with a mostly bare, rounded top. From Cummings Valley and Stallion Springs, look southeast — it is the dominant geographical feature. It is these peaks that drew some of us to make the Tehachapi Mountains our home, and they are an important reason that many of us stay. Have a good week. Jon Hammond has written for Tehachapi News for more than 30 years. You can find his weekly Pen in Hand and Natural Sightings columns in Tehachapi News. Send email to tehachapimtnlover@ gmail.com.
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SPIRITUAL LIFE
Worship directory Tehachapi News
Abundant Life Pentecostal Church of God 19434 Valley Blvd. 661-822-7715
Country Oaks Baptist Church 20915 Schout Road 661-822-1379
First Baptist Church
Apostolic Faith Church
1049 S. Curry St. 661-822-3138
423 S. Curry St. 661-822-6622
Four Seasons Community Church
Bear Valley Springs Community Church 26180 Plateau Way 661-821-0183 bearvalleychurch.com
Calvary Chapel of Tehachapi 15719 Highline Road 661-823-9814 cctehachapi.com
Christian Life Assembly 920 W. Valley Blvd. 661-822-3813 clatehachapi.com
Christian Science Society & Reading Room 203 E. F St., Suite 4 661-823-1417 sites.google.com/site/christiansciencetehachapi
Church of Christ 401 S. Mill St. 661-822-3991
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 600 Anita Drive 661-822-6490
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20400 Backes Lane, Building 2 661-300-1169
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 329 S. Mill St. 661-822-6817
Grace Fellowship of Tehachapi 326 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-9760 gfteh.org
Mountain Bible Church 630 Maple St. 661-822-7541 mountainbiblechurch.org
Saint Jude’s In-TheMountains Anglican Church 1200 S. Curry St. 661-822-3607 stjudesinthemountains.org
Saint Malachy’s Catholic Church 407 W. E St. 661-822-3060
Shepherd of the Hills 24300 Bear Valley Road 661-822-1400 sothchurch.org
COURTESY OF LINDA BRUNNER
The Tehachapi Crèche Festival is held annually at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 600 Anita Drive.
Stallion Springs Community Church
Tehachapi Seventh-day Adventist Church
18151 Saint Andrews Drive 661-823-0799 stallionspringscommunitychurch. com
20335 Woodford-Tehachapi Road 661-822-1174 tehachapi22.adventistchurchconnect.org/
Summit Christian Fellowship
Tehachapi Sovereign Grace Church
(Tehachapi Foursquare Church) 414 S. Curry St. 661-822-7400
Tehachapi Church of the Nazarene 19016 Highline Road 661-822-4426 tnaz.org
Tehachapi Community Congregational Church 100 E. E St. 661-822-4443 tccucc.org
Tehachapi Mountain Vineyard 502 E. Pinon 661-822-9313 tehachapimountainvineyard.com
20413 Brian Way 661-805-8020 sgct.org
Tehachapi Torah Discovery Center 20681 W. Valley Blvd. 661-221-8588 torahdiscovery.org
Tehachapi Valley United Methodist 20400 Backes Lane 661-822-1440
Tehachapi Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church 20708 Tucker Road 661-822-4564
JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Peace Bell Pavilion provides shelter for an enormous brass bell that bears the word “peace” in many languages.
JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
The Buddhist temple at Mountain Spirit Center is a work of art in itself, like a highly decorated jewelry box.
Mountain Spirit Center: An unforgettably beautiful place By JON HAMMOND For Tehachapi News
O
ne of the most remarkable and unforgettable places in the Tehachapi area is a Buddhist retreat nestled up against two rocky canyons in Sand Canyon. The Mountain Spirit Center is an exotic and gorgeous place that welcomes anyone who will respect its peaceful atmosphere. This calm and serene place is the site of a remarkable transformation that has taken place over the past 18 years. Visitors today see three ornate structures built using Asian architectural styles, with curved, swooping roof lines, detailed carvings and amazing painted ornamentation that was created by temple artisans who were imported from Korea expressly for these projects. There is a large assembly hall, a smaller but more ornate temple building that sits on a hill like an intricate jewelry box, and an open-sided, roofed pavilion housing an enormous bronze Peace Bell. When I first visited this site many years ago, however, it was the picture of neglect
and degradation. Then in 1994, along came a Zen Buddhist monk who was looking for a place to meditate. The monk, an American named Mu Ryang Sunim, was born Erik Berall and grew up in Connecticut. After graduating from Yale in 1981, he pursued his interest in Buddhism and became an ordained monk, spending five years wandering Asia and visiting monasteries, and was inspired to build a Korean-style monastery in the mountains of California. He fell in love with the Sand Canyon property despite its neglected state, and in 1994 he raised about $100,000 through donations and personal loans from family and friends and purchased 318 acres. He then pitched a tent on the property, which became his new home, and he began years of hard work restoring the land and creating a sanctuary. He and I became good friends and I often visited him over the years. “The purpose was to create a place where people can come to leave behind their problems,” Mu Ryang Sunim explained. “I want to create a place where people could come to forget about whatever miserable
situation is troubling in their life. It is a space where people can see more clearly what’s going on in their life. Zen poses questions. It deals with: What are you? Why am I alive? What is the truth? I see this project as a straight course to finding myself while helping others, too.” With the help of volunteers and Tehachapi stone mason Carl Carlson, who worked there for nine years, an unparalleled center arose, an inviting place that embodied Mu Ryang’s goal of promoting peace and harmony among all people from all cultures. The handcrafted structures are off the grid, with electricity generated on-site by wind and solar power. Water is reused for the irrigation of native trees and shrubs, so gray water is captured and the center does not use toxic chemicals, soaps or detergents. The center has a stated goal to “Develop the temple in a sustainable and environmentally beneficial manner.” The unprecedented transformation of a degraded property into one of the most intriguingly beautiful places in the Tehachapi Mountains must be seen to be believed. To reach the Mountain Spirit Center, take Highway 58 east and exit at Sand Canyon Road. Go up Sand Canyon Road about 2 1/2 miles and turn right onto the unpaved Pine Canyon Road and follow the signs to Mountain Spirit Center (Tae Go Sa temple). Visitors are welcome any day, and Sunday services are held weekly at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions about various retreats, events or volunteer opportunities may be addressed to the Abbot at 661-822-7776. 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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SPIRITUAL LIFE
COURTESY OF THE NORBERTINE CANONESSES
The Sisters and Self-Sufficiency: Working in their garden/greenhouse.
Norbertine Monastery and Bethany House offer silence, solitude By DARLA A. BAKER Tehachapi News
J
ust a few minutes southwest of the city of Tehachapi sits a secluded patch of heaven hidden in the clouds. A peaceful atmosphere pervades the beautiful 470-plus-acre property of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph, a convent of cloistered, contemplative Norbertine nuns. The sisters are members of a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church, which dates back to the 1100s when St. Norbert founded the Norbertine Order in the Prémontré Valley of France. This young and growing community of 42 sisters (with several more young women discerning entrance) is led by Mother Mary Augustine, Prioress. Thirteen sisters have made their Solemn profession, with four more sisters doing so on Sept. 9, 2017, that is, making final and perpetual vows of poverty, charity and obedience, becoming totally consecrated to God for His honor and glory, and the salvation of souls. Within their enclosure, the sisters joyfully lead a simple life of
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prayer and work, striving through their daily activities toward ever greater self-sustenance. As cloistered Norbertine canonesses, their principal duty and mission is prayer, and especially liturgical prayer, interceding throughout the day and night for the needs of the church and the world. They welcome visitors and guests to join them from their small lay chapel for Holy Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours and their daily rosary. The Mass is always sung by the sisters in Latin Gregorian chant, and is celebrated daily by a Norbertine priest from St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, the sisters’ “Mother Abbey.” In their efforts toward self-sufficiency, a requirement of all Norbertines, the sisters engage in a number of activities within the monastery. They sew and sell priests’ vestments, raise honey bees, have an annual Christmas wreath and gift box fundraiser, and run their monastery gift shop and bookstore, and Bethany Guest House, as part of the Norbertine tradition of hospitality. They also have their own greenhouse and organic gardens, 100plus chickens from which they daily gather eggs, and their own cows and goats, from which they daily use the fresh milk to make their homemade artisan cheese and dairy products, which they hope one day soon to sell to the public, after the necessary licenses/permits are received. Visitors are welcome to browse the sisters’ small monastery gift shop, open 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. daily, where you will find items for sale made by the sisters — such as five-decade and single-decade rosaries and other religious items, homemade jams and marmalades, specialty anise-almond biscotti, granola and macaroons, raw honey from their bees (in season), body care items, aprons, baby blankets, specialty greeting cards, their
COURTESY OF NORBERTINE CANONESSES
The Norbertine canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph.
Norbertine canonesses nun doll — as well as the sisters’ chant CD, religious books and other religious items, including icons, statues, medals and more. The sisters also sell a number of their items through their online monastery gift shop (click on “Gift Shop” at the sisters’ website: norbertinesisters.org). The sisters’ most pressing project at this time is Phase II of their monastery expansion project: the construction of their future chapel and wing/accessory areas, estimated at about $12 million. Given the sisters’ rapid growth and expected increase in numbers, this project is of the highest importance. Putting all of their trust in God, the sisters know that the funds needed will come in His time, as they continue to cooperate with His grace in bringing this need to friends and benefactors in a manner consistent with their rule and cloistered way of life. Bethany House: Located right next to the monastery, the sisters’ guest house is available for private retreats, day visits and overnight stays, for those desiring some time of silence and solitude, and an opportunity to share in the sisters’ rich monastic and liturgical prayer life, including daily midnight Matins. Directions: From Highway 58, take exit 148, Tehachapi 202 — Tucker Road. Go south on Tucker Road to Highline Road. Turn right; go 1.3 miles to Water Canyon Road. Turn left; go 2.3 miles to the big brown Norbertine Monastery sign on your right. Turn right onto the property, and then right at the white gate, going past the first buildings and the priests’ log cabin. Continue up the road to the chapel, gift shop and Bethany House at the top of the hill. Prayer requests and information: All are welcome to email prayer intentions to the sisters at their email prayer request line: pray_req@cybersurfers.net. To learn more about the Norbertine Canonesses of Tehachapi, visit the sisters’ new website at www.norbertinesisters.org For more information, call 661-823-1066 or email MotherMaryA@aol.com or norbertinecanonesses@gmail.com.
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CRITTERS
COURTESY OF DIXIE COUTANT
Two Audubon members spot a raft of cinnamon teal as fog rolls over the snowcapped Tehachapi Mountains.
Animal life abundant in, around Tehachapi Tehachapi News
C
attle ranching has long been a part of the local economy; sheep are regularly brought to areas of our valleys for grazing. Wildlife is abundant in the area with sightings of deer and small mammals fairly common. A herd of American elk are commonly seen in the Cummings Valley, Bear Valley Springs and Stallion Springs areas. The local elk are descended from animals that were released on a couple of large local ranches in the 1970s. Tehachapi is also home to alpaca ranches.
Adorable Alpacas Alpacas originally were bred 5,000 years ago by the Incas for their fleece, which was reserved strictly for royalty. Today, alpacas are also raised in Tehachapi for their extraordinary coats. Fortunately 54
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you don’t need to be royalty to enjoy alpaca fleece, which has many advantages over fibers produced by other animals. It is softer to the touch than cashmere and creates seven times the warmth. Alpaca fleece is lighter than sheep’s wool, does not have the scratchiness and is three times stronger. Even if you’re not interested in modern textiles, a visit to a local alpaca farm will leave any visitor feeling warm and fuzzy. Located in Cummings Valley, Adorable Alpacas is a boutique, eco-conscious ranch specializing in building elite alpaca herds and exquisite fiber for spinning and knitting. The public is welcome to take a tour and shop the ranch store. For hours of operation, call 661-805-3895, visit the website at adorablealpacas.com, or email AdorableAlpacas@aol.com.
Birding and wildlife viewing Tehachapi is rich territory for
TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
An alpaca during a winter storm.
TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
Batari is a tiger at the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound in Rosamond.
birdwatchers with a wide variety of habitat and more than 250 species to see. The Kern Audubon Society has a Tehachapi sub-chapter that sponsors events and has a helpful website at kernaudubonsociety. org. Information about Tehachapi Audubon activities can be obtained by calling 661599-1889 or emailing audubontehachapi@ yahoo.com. Tehachapi Audubon offers local birding field trips on the fourth Saturday of every month and general meetings four times a year. All activities are free and open to the public.
Equestrians love Tehachapi Places to bring horses in Tehachapi include: • Alpine Forest: 661-822-6525 (Alpine Forest Property Owners Association). Call the association to get a map. Alpine Forest is a great starting point for miles of rugged back country trails. • Bear Valley Equestrian Center: 26800 Bear Valley Road; 661-821-3690. The Equestrian Center has several arenas, camping, and is surrounded by miles and miles of well-maintained trails. Open to members and guests only. • Pacific Crest Trail: Cameron Road, near Tehachapi Willow Springs.
Feline Conservation Center Exotic Feline Breeding Compound’s Feline Conservation Center, also known Please see Animals | 56 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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CRITTERS
Animals Continued from Page 55
as the Cat House, is located in Rosamond, about 28 miles from Tehachapi (allow about an hour for the drive because of road conditions). Cat lovers of all ages who discover this desert zoo/wildlife museum are surprised and amazed at the variety of wild cat species found here. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and the day of a special event, Feline Follies, held each August. Admission: $7 general, $6 seniors 60+, $5 age 3-12, free under 3. Located at 3718 60th St. West in Rosamond, the center can be reached by calling 661-256-3793 during operating hours or 661-256-3332 for recorded directions and information, 24 hours a day. Visit the website at cathouse-fcc.org.
Windswept Ranch Windswept Ranch, located just east of the Tehachapi wind farms, also owns alpacas, along with a variety of other exotic animals, including camels and reindeer. They offer petting zoos and other activities that are geared toward allowing children to experience the wonder of these gentle and friendly four-legged friends. The ranch is open Saturdays from March to October (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a $5 admission. For more information, call 661809-3965.
Rescue operations Tehachapi has numerous pet and animal rescue operations, including: • Have a Heart Humane Society, located at 1121 W. Valley Blvd. Founder Chelley Kitzmiller once said that she believed that dogs and cats deserve a caring home and a safe, healthy
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2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
Diane Frieling of Windswept Ranch and her camel Mac.
environment in which to live. Have a Heart Humane Society’s mission is to rescue abandoned, abused and injured animals, provide low-cost vaccinations and spay/neuter programs, educate the Greater Tehachapi community about pet responsibility and ownership, and partner with local organizations to develop and share resources for animal welfare. It also runs Rescued Treasures, a resale shop, to support its efforts. Call 661-750-2261, email haveaheart@bak.rr.com or visit the website at haveahearthumanesociety.org. • Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue, located at 785 Tucker Road, Suite G #411
Marley’s Mutts is a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, trains and rehomes death row dogs from Kern County’s animal shelters. Assistance in training, rehoming and networking services is offered, in addition to low-cost spay/neuter programs and pet adoption. Call 661-5567178, email inquiries@marleysmutts.com or visit the website at marleysmutts.org. • S.T.O.P. (Save Tehachapi’s Orphaned Pets) S.T.O.P. has created a network of foster homes for abandoned pets by funding and staffing a foster home for adoption animals in cooperation with current government
groups, other humane rescue organizations and private rescues. S.T.O.P. rescues stray, abandoned or relinquished animals from the surrounding communities and rescues animals from Kern County shelters. In addition, S.T.O.P. provides educational programs to schools and the community to help reduce pet overpopulation. Call 661-823-4100, email contact@stoprescue. org or visit the website at stoprescue.org. • Tehachapi Humane Society, located at 21600 Golden Hills Blvd., #3 The Tehachapi Humane Society is an all-volunteer organization that has served the area for more than 22 years. It offers three spay/neuter programs, including one for feral cats, at a cost ranging from no fee to $20. The society loans humane traps. The Humane Society helps low-income families with pet food and offers a vaccine clinic once a month. The group answers the community’s animal-related questions and posts information about spayed and neutered pets seeking adoption on its Petfinder website. • Second Chance Ranch, located at 23028 Cummings Valley Road. Call 661-972-8395 or visit the website at 2nd-chanceranch.org. Call ahead for a tour. • United Pegasus Foundation, located at 20411 Pegasus Road, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and retiring of horses. It offers guided tours. Visitors are welcome, and a gift shop is available. Call 661-823-9672 or visit the website at unitedpegasus.com.
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THE GUIDES
Dining and imbibing Tehachapi News
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ehachapi has the unique distinction of offering a wide variety of locally owned dining establishments ranging from casual to fine dining, in addition to a number of nationally known restaurants. Tehachapi also offers award-winning wineries that feature tasting rooms and a handcrafted brewery with a selection of unique brews. 19th Hole Restaurant at Horse Thief Country Club 28950 Horsethief Drive 661-823-8571
Baskin-Robbins 785 Tucker Road, Suite E 661-822-3496
Bean Me Up 20001 W. Valley Blvd. 661-670-9050
DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS
Jesse Nevarez is the co-owner of Big Papa’s Restaurant along with brother Gabriel Nevarez.
Blue Ginger Pho Vietnamese Cuisine
Burger Spot
Del Taco
208 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-3145
645 Tucker Road 661-823-9442
Cali-Fresh
Denny’s
401 Steuber Road 661-823-4922
Inside the Shell Station 107 S. Mill St. 661-221-2771
9000 Magellan Drive 661-823-7380
Burger King
Carlos’ Donuts
777 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-4200
Bear Valley Country Market & Grill
1121 W. Valley Blvd. 661-823-1199
26900 Bear Valley Road 661-821-3124
Bobby Salazar’s
Big Papa’s Steakhouse and Saloon 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-7272
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620 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-1897
20011 Valley Blvd. 661-809-8936
Dog House Saloon
Java Loop Express
Kohnen’s Country Bakery
Red Caboose 787 Tehachapi Blvd., Suite C 661-822-9987
125 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-3350
Johnny’s Take & Bake 807 Tucker Road 661-822-9596
Kasagiri Japanese Restaurant
NICK SMIRNOFF/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Red House BBQ on East Tehachapi Boulevard.
(phone only) 661-972-4361
Keene Cafe
815 Tucker Road, Suite A 661-822-6666
Highway 58 – Exit #139, Keene 661-823-7010
Local Craft Beer
Kelcy’s Cafe
365 Enterprise Way, Suite G 661-822-2337
110 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-4207
McDonald’s
Kelley’s Cafe
20416 Highway 202 661-822-7611
860 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-4016
20424 Brian Way 661-822-1608
Domino’s Pizza
Henry’s Cafe
King of Siam (Thai)
1121 Valley Blvd. 661-822-3444
550 Tucker Road 661-822-0732
Don Perico’s Mexican Restaurant
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
Ichiban
Linda’s Cakes & Things Little Caesar’s Pizza
Gracian’s Grill
675 Tucker Road 661-822-1000
108 S. Green St. 661-822-5506
128 E. F St. 661-822-7533
Domingo’s Bar & Grill
840 Tucker Road 661-822-5366
Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant
760 Tucker Road 661-823-9977
795 Tucker Road, 661-822-0948 2900 E. Tehachapi Blvd, Love’s Travel Center
Midori Sushi 414 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-1216
Please see Dining | 60
SUNDAY BRUNCH 9am -2pm
675 Tucker Road 661-822-1000
LUNCH BUFFET
117 E. F St. (no phone)
Jack in the Box
TUESDAY TACO BAR
Dunkin’ Donuts
801 Tucker Road 661-822-1316
540 Tucker Road 661-822-1418
Jake’s Steakhouse
Frosty King
213 S. Curry St. 661-822-6015
Downtown Yogurt Junction
20651 Highway 202 661-822-4016
Tues, Thurs & Fri 11am-2pm 3pm-Close
STREET TACO THURSDAY 3pm-Close
HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri 2-7pm
10 Viewing Screens Mon., Thurs., Sun. Football and UFC
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THE GUIDES
Dining Continued from Page 59
Primo Burger
Mill Street Kitchen
118 E. F St. 661-823-7202
(catering) 208 S. Mill St. 661-827-7558
Raven’s Nest Sandwich & Coffee Shop at Mountain Valley Airport 16334 Harris Road 661-822-5267
Moessner Farm Cafe & Store 25000 Bear Valley Road 661-821-0924
Red House BBQ
Mulligan Room
DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS
426 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-0772
Bear Valley Springs 29541 Rolling Oak Dive 661-821-4107
A group of gentlemen who show up at Kelcy’s Restaurant every morning for breakfast.
Savannah’s Old Town Saloon
Noble Roman’s Pizza
Papa’s Restaurant
401 Steuber Road 661-823-4922
Stallion Springs 27821 Stallion Springs Drive 661-823-9326
20717 South St. 661-823-1550
Oak Branch Saloon
P-Dubs Brew Pub
Bear Valley Springs 29500 N. Lower Valley Road 661-821-5521
Old Towne Pizza 20430 Brian Way, #5 661-822-3558
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20700 South St. 661-823-4766
P-Dubs Grille & Bar Stallion Springs 27725 Stallion Springs Drive 661-823-7777
Petra Mediterranean Deli & Restaurant 200 S. Green St. 661-822-1900
Perfetto Italian Restaurant 209 S. Green St. 661-822-1711
Pizza Hut 785 Tucker Road 661-822-0500
Sonic Drive-In 1040 W. Valley Blvd. 661-822-9099
Souza Family Vineyard 26877 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-9233
Starbucks Coffee 300 Tucker Road, 661-822-0573 785 Tucker Road, inside Albertsons
SteamPunk Cafe & Grill 20324 W. Valley Blvd. 661-823-4469
Subway 655-A Tucker Road, 661-823-7075 2000 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Love’s Travel Center
The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant 807 Tucker Road 661-822-9137
The Oaks Restaurant
Taco Bell
Bear Valley Springs 29500 N. Lower Valley Road 661-821-5521
1098 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-823-7033
The Shed’s Soul Kitchen
Taco Samich
333 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-823-8333
211 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-823-8947
TK’s Pizza & Pasta
Tea Donuts
604 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-8366
807 Tucker Road 661-822-4094
TehachaPie 208 S. Mill St. 661-827-7558
Thai Hachapi 119 E. F St. 661-823-4891
The Coffee Mill 120 S. Mill St. 661-822-6455
Triassic Vineyards 24627 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-5341
Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar 695 Tucker Road 661-822-8220
Village Grill 410 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 661-822-1128
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THE GUIDES
COURTESY OF LORI WEINROTH
The Rose Garden Estate Bed & Breakfast and Event Center offers a stunning nighttime venue for special occasions.
Hotels and motels Golden Hills Hotel
Santa Fe Motel
22561 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, 661-822-4488
120 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-3184
Central Tehachapi
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Stallion Springs Resort
Best Western Country Park Hotel
901 Capital Hills Parkway, 661-822-9837
28681 Stallion Springs Drive, 661-822-5400
La Quinta Inn Tehachapi
The Lodge at Woodward West
500 Steuber Road, 661-823-8000
18100 Lucaya Way, 661-822-5581
Tehachapi News
420 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-823-1800
Best Western Mountain Inn 418 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-5591
Ranch Motel
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tehachapi
507 W. Curry St. 661-822-4283
Bed and Breakfast
Ranch House Motel
Rose Garden Estate
422 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-4800
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500 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-4561
24492 Bear Valley Road, 661-477-6140
Shopping Tehachapi News Tehachapi’s main shopping districts are Central Tehachapi, West Tehachapi and Old Towne.
Central Tehachapi Central Tehachapi, including downtown. A full range of goods and services are available in this area, which is from Highway 58 to Mill Street.
Auntie Em’s Antiques 225 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-3420
B & B Liquors 220 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-3521
Bliss Antiques 106 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-5477
Cycle & Go Cyclery 121 E. F St., 661-972-1206
Dahlia a Boutique
NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS
Rescued Treasures has a wide array of items for sale to help Have a Heart.
101 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-6195
Darlene’s Real Swell Toys 103 W. H St., 661-823-1920
Debbie’s Fabrics 112 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-823-7114
Expert Estate Sales 661-823-1635
5 Hearts Quilts 104 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-8709
Gallery ‘N’ Gifts 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-6062
Get Dressed 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-4880
Go2Girlz Estate Sales
Sheridan Boutique
Canine Creek Pet Store
108 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-4252
798 Tucker Road, 822-0307
Southern Shooters Supply
ChainGang Outlaw Apparel
120 E. F St., 661-823-1223
Spirited Bead & Klews Gallery 435 W. J St., 661-823-1930
Tehachapi Christian Store 108 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-0626
Tehachapi Bible Book/DirecTv store 212 Curry St., 661-823-6823
Tehachapi Tack Shack 117 S. Mill St., 661-823-1115
Tehachapi Treasure Trove
211 Curry St., 661-238-5355
116 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-6794
Grandma’s Candy House
Tractor Supply
333 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-972-5470
The Humble Collector 101 E. H St., 661-823-1760
Loves
480 N Mill St., 661-823-1687
Ultimate Ink 151 N. Mill St., 661-300-1808
777 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-2800
Delgado’s Jewelry 1121 W. Valley Blvd. Suite J, 822-6657
Dollar General 846 Tucker Road, 750-0121
Dollar Tree 844 Tucker Road, 823-9041
Family Dollar 655 Tucker Road, 822-1105
Henry’s Home 4-Less 430 W. J St., 823-1143
Home Depot 507 N. Mill St., 823-5434
In The Loop Sports Nutrition 675 Tucker Road, Suite C, 825-5300
2000 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-823-1484
West Tehachapi
Kmart
Moses-Master Carpet
West Tehachapi is west of Mill Street to the area around Tucker Road (Highway 202).
M&M’s Sports
Albertsons
O’Reilly Auto Parts
110 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-6959
Mountain Music 206 E. F St., 661-823-9994
Nannette Keller Boutique 102 S. Robinson St., 661-825-5306
Oak Tree Antiques 102 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-23-0162
R-Soto Tires & Repair 661-817-5881
775 Tucker Road, 661-823-7090
Applegate Garden Florists 1121 W. Valley Blvd., Suite H, 661-823-0100
Auto Zone 842 Tucker Road, 661-823-1294
Big 5 685 Tucker Road, 822-4197
710 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-7496 760 Tucker Road, Suite A, 823-1668 700 Tucker Road, 823-1490
Postat ASAP! 785 Tucker Road, 822-7508
Radio Shack 1121 W. Valley Blvd., 661-822-4512
Please see Shopping | 64 2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
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THE GUIDES
corporated area along Valley Boulevard (Highway 202) and adjacent streets including South Street.
Prime Signs
811 Tucker Road, 661-822-9292
Tehachapi Floor Covering
20700 South St., 822-9101
SaveMart
20571 Santa Lucia St., 661-822-5025
Tehachapi Furniture
841 Tucker Road, 661-822-3098
All Access Computers
20346 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-823-7000
Savon Drugs
20418 Brian Way, 661-822-0999
Tehachapi Pet Lodge
775 Tucker Road, 661-823-7094
The Children’s Cottage
Sears Hometown Center
20424 Brian Way, 661-809-6619
20693 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, 661-8226471
835 Tucker Road, 661-822-4914
The Country Collection
Shopping Continued from Page 63
RiteAid
Tehachapi Liquor 840 Tucker Road, Suite J, 661-823-1118
21069 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, 661-8224654
To Your Health
The Dressing Room
785 Tucker Road, 661-333-5651
20406 Brian Way, 661-557-0790
U-neek Findz
Hemme Hay & Feed
450 W. F St., 661-822-7311
20616 South St., 822-7442
UPS Store
Napa Auto
1121 W. Valley Blvd., 661-823-4940
Walgreens 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-823-0163
Zombie Games 675 Tucker Road, 661-822-1885
Old Towne Old Towne shopping area, in the unin-
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20633 South St., 661-822-3015
99 Cent Shop
20412 Brian Way, #3, 661-822-4497
Ranch Service & Supply
The Tire Store 21011 Santa Barbara Drive, 661-823-9037
Sessions eConsignment 20360 W. Valley Blvd., 661-822-5022
Twisted Sisters Revival 20300 Valley Blvd. Suite F, 970-231-2558
VIP Computers 21019 Santa Barbara Suite B, 661-823-1387
Witt’s Office Supplies 20437 Brian Way, 661-822-6760
20350 W. Valley Blvd., 661-823-8620
Thrift stores
Norm Hanson Firearms 20358 W. Valley Blvd., 661-823-4977
Guild of Tehachapi Hospital
Pioneer True Value
115 W. E St., 661-822-3425
20901 South St., 661-822-6806
Help & Hope 20328 W. Valley Blvd., 661-822-7805
Rebecca’s Thrift Shop
The Mixed Thrift Shop
432 W. J St., 661-557-3550
20407 Brian Way, 661-822-0459
Rescued Treasures 1121 W. Valley Blvd., Suite B, 661750-2261
St. Vincent de Paul Society 122 S. Green St., 661-822-7083
Salvation Army 538 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-8239508
Sharing & Caring 203 S. Pauley St., 661-822-3001
Cell phone stores AT&T Authorized Retailer 695 Tucker Road, 661-823-8229
Metro PCS 807 Tucker Road, Suite A, 661-823-4032
Verizon 785 Tucker Road, 661-823-0437
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THE GUIDES
Event venues and services Tehachapi News
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ehachapi is a great place to have a wedding, family reunion, special event or a business retreat. Some hotels, restaurants and churches have small meeting rooms and many local restaurants offer catering.
Dorner Family Vineyard Located in Cummings Valley, Dorner Family Vineyard is a gorgeous landscaped garden and premier vineyard venue located on 20 oak-and-pine-covered acres. Dorner Family Vineyard can host upwards of 250 people with ease in its 6,000-squarefoot outdoor venue. 18274 Old Ranch Road 661-823-7814 dornerfamilyvineyard.com
Jennifer’s Terrace
TEHACHAPI NEWS
Jennifer’s Terrace transforms into a magical event venue during evening hours.
Located in the city of Tehachapi, Jenifer’s Terrace offers a 1920 vintage home and custom-designed garden landscaped as a traditional English garden. Jennifer’s Terrace includes both paved surfaces and lush green grass, all surrounding a raised fountain and lavender garden. The 3,500-square-foot facility can accommodate up to 180 guests. 413 S Curry St. 661-822-5808 Jennifer’sTerrace@yahoo.com jennifersterrace.com
National Chavez Center Located in Keene just 15 minutes from Tehachapi, the National Chavez Center is set on 187 acres amid oaks and spectacular rock outcroppings. The 17,000-square-foot Villa La Paz can accommodate 20 to 400 people. Monica Parra, National Chavez Center director of operations 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Road 661-823-6271 mparra@chavezfoundation.org chavezfoundation.org
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barbecues and weddings. 26689 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-9233 souzafamilyvineyard.com
The Woods Pavilion
CONTRIBUTED BY ROSE GARDEN
It’s a beautiful wedding day at the Rose Garden Estate Weddings & Event Center.
Rose Garden Estate Located in Cummings Valley, Rose Garden Estate offers a 20-acre venue with an amazing courtyard and stunning mountain views. It has an amazing array of English roses and a display light over the fountain that can match the color of your event. Rose Garden Estate also offers a 5,000-square-foot barn with bathrooms and a kitchen area. It offers a bed-and-breakfast for the night. 24492 Bear Valley Road
661-477-6140 rosegardenestate@gmail.com rosegardenestateweddings.com
Souza Family Vineyard Located in Cummings Valley, Souza Family Vineyard has an 1888 Victorian home and barns on 60 acres overlooking the valley. The restored lovely historic property is also known as Souza Ranch. The ranch and gardens have hosted many charitable events, including “Cowboy Poetry” gatherings, barn dances,
Located in the city of Tehachapi, The Woods Pavilion is an outdoor facility with a large shaded patio area providing a comfortable venue with a woodsy ambiance for your event. The Woods Pavilion can house small or large groups. 323 W. F St. 661-822-0762 pavilion@woodtehachapi.com thewoodspavilion.com
Triassic Vineyards Located in Cummings Valley, Triassic Vineyards is on a sunny slope below an isolated ridge of 220-million-year-old rocks from the Triassic Period. It is surrounded by natural beauty. Triassic Vineyards offers a heated patio. 24627 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-5341 info@triassiclegacy.com triassicvineyards.com
DOING BUSINESS
Doing business in Tehachapi Tehachapi News
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usiness is thriving in Tehachapi, compared to many other areas, with growth in many industries. Tehachapi’s proximity to aviation- and space-related industries in the nearby Antelope Valley creates opportunity. Greater Tehachapi’s thriving agribusiness yields impressive wines, quality grass-fed beef and farm-fresh produce. Tehachapi Mountain Range is home to one of the world’s largest producers of wind-generated electricity. The California Correctional Institution, a state prison, has long provided economic stability, with staff members buying many goods and services in the community. If you are interested in locating your business in Tehachapi, or looking for a location for filming, we invite you to contact the following resources:
City of Tehachapi If you are thinking of starting a business, the City of Tehachapi office can help with any information you may need or any questions you have. The city office is open Monday — Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 115 S. Robinson St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-2200 liveuptehachapi.com
Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce The mission of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce is to advance the prosperity of its member, through community leadership, members opportunities and advocacy. Its office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed 1 to 2 p.m.) 209 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-4180 chamber@tehachapi.com tehachapi.com
Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council The purpose of the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council is to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Tehachapi area by attracting, retaining and supporting business. GTEDC meets 68
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TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE PHOTO
Tehachapi’s City Hall is located at 115 S. Robinson St.
the first Wednesday of each month at the Tehachapi Police Department. info@tehachapiedc.com tehachapiedc.com
Kern Economic Development Corporation Provides information about assistance available to businesses in Kern County including unincorporated areas of Tehachapi. 2700 M St., Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-862-5150 kedc.com
East Kern Economic Alliance The East Kern Economic Alliance was formed by a group of local officials, community leaders and business-minded individuals with a shared desire to promote economic development in eastern Kern County. Communities in east Kern include Boron, California City, Inyokern, Lake Isabella, Mojave, North Edwards, Ridgecrest, Rosamond and Tehachapi. Information can be obtained through Kern Economic Development Corporation. 661-862-5150 kedc.com
Kern County Board of Trade The Kern County Board of Trade is responsible for promoting and marketing Kern County. It acts as the county’s official tourism bureau, as well as promoting Kern County as one of California’s premier retirement destinations. Its Kern County Film Commission provides permits and services for film, television and commercial production, as well as marketing Kern County as a location for filming. 2101 Oak St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-868-5376 info@visitkern.com visitkern.com
Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance Tehachapi is recognized by the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance as an important part of the economy of northern Los Angeles County, eastern Kern County and GAVEA. 3041 W. Ave. K — SCT Room 125 Lancaster, CA 93536 661-722-2201 info@socalleadingedge.org socalleadingedge.org
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE • • • • • • • • •
Award Winning Robotics and Science Olympiad Teams Career Technical Education Opportunities Summer Internships with Local Aerospace Industries Computer Coding Classes at ALL Elementary Schools Winning Sports and Cheer Teams Visual and Performing Arts K-12 Wide Range of Extra Curricular Activities Community Service Learning Tehachapi Independent Learning Academy for Home Schooling Families • Early College Credit Classes for High School Students Through Cerro Coso Community College
Growing America’s Future One Student at a Time
www.teh.k12.ca.us (661) 822-2100
LIVING IN TEHACHAPI
Relocating to the Land of Four Seasons Tehachapi News
T
ehachapi is an ideal place for families of all ages. Tehachapi offers plenty of affordable housing, low crime rate, clean air and fantastic weather. If you are interested in relocating to Tehachapi, the following may be helpful resources:
Real estate Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors
If you are looking for available houses or land in the Tehachapi area, or you are ready to buy or sell and looking for a Realtor, or you are looking for a service provider who can meet your home ownership needs, TAAR can help you find more information. 803 Tucker Road 661-822-7652 tehachapiaor.com
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DARLA A. BAKER/ TEHACHAPI NEWS
Manning Sutter’s Bank during Old West days at Golden Hills Elementary School were, from left, Thomas Wagner, Liam Alsbury and Samantha Denny.
Public schools
Private schools
Tehachapi Unified School District
Carden School of Tehachapi
300 S. Robinson St. 661-822-2100 teh.k12.ca.us
20419 Brian Way 661-822-9565 cardenschooloftehachapi.org
Public charter schools
Heritage Oak School
FIELD Farmworkers Institute Main Office and Tehachapi Learning Center 410 W. J St., Suite A 661-822-4381
Mojave River Academy 20948 Sage Lane 661-510-9198
Valley Oaks Charter School Tehachapi 20705 South St. 661-822-6900 vocs@valleyoakstehachapi.org valleyoakstehachapi.org
20915 Schout Road 661-823-0885 contact@heritageoakschool.com heritageoakschool.info
New Life Christian School 920 W. Valley Blvd. 661-823-0607
Tehachapi Christian Academy 1019 S. Curry St. 661-822-6651 Tehachapi also has an active home-schooling community.
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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Tehachapi Visitor Guide Published by
Tehachapi News 411 N. Mill St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6828 TehachapiNews.com
Managing Editor: Christine Peterson Business Manager: Stephanie Ursua Reporters: Darla A. Baker, Cara Jackson, Jill Barnes Nelson, John Nelson Specialty Publications Art Director: Glenn Hammett Graphics: Kent Kuehl Advertising sales: Lisa Ohls, Carol Duetsch, Sandra Honea The information in the Tehachapi Visitor Guide was believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Due to changes in ownership, management and market conditions, we advise visitors to contact businesses directly to confirm information important to your plans. Copyright 2017 by Tehachapi News, all rights reserved. No portion of this publication my be reproduced or used in any way without permission of the editor, in advance and in writing. Address requests for use to: editorial@tehachapinews.com.
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Advertiser Index Access Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Kieffe & Sons Ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Adventist Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
King Of Siam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Agape Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Kohnen's Country Bakery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Agia Pharmacy & Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Maturango Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Airstreams Renewables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
McDonald's of Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Alta Estates / Alta Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Midori Sushi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
American Pacific Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . 73
Mill Street Cottages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Applegate Garden Florist. . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Mill Street Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Ashmore Motors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Mountain Valley Airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Associated Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Nannette Keller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Auntie Em’s Antiques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
National Chavez Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Bank of the Sierra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Omni Family Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Big Papa's Steakhouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Postal ASAP!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
BVS Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Pulford's Appletree Orchard. . . . . . . . . . . 31
Canine Creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Rancho De Los Viajeros Vineyard. . . . . 55
Cerro Coso Community College. . . . . . . 7 City Of Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Coldwell Banker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 70 Country Oaks Baptist Church. . . . . . . . . 50 Country Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Darlene's Real Swell Toys. . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Dave's Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Dignified Home Loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Domingo's Bar & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Don Perico Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Don's Pro Tech Auto Repair . . . . . . . . . . 50 Dorner Family Vineyard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Farmers Insurance - Marty Pay. . . . . . . 73 Fiddlers Crossing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Foundling Reclamation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Friends of the Tehachapi Depot. . . . . . . . 5 Gallery ‘N’ Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Go 2 Girlz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Golden West Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Greater Tehachapi Chamber Of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
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2017 Tehachapi Visitor Guide
Rankin Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Raven’s Nest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Rio Tinto Minerals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Rose Garden Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Safe 1 Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Santa Fe Motel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 South Street Digital Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Souza Family Vineyard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Steampunk Cafe & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Tehachapi Community Theatre. . . . . . . . 15 Tehachapi Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Tehachapi Liquor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Tehachapi Mountain Group . . . . . . . . . . 65 Tehachapi Pet Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Tehachapi Tack Shack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Tehachapi Tattoo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tehachapi Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Tehachapi Treasure Trove. . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Tehachapi Unified School District. . . . . 69 The Spirited Bead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Have A Heart Humane Society . . . . . . . 29
Trailhead Insurance Services. . . . . . . . . . 31
Heritage Oak School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Triassic Vineyards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
In The Loop Sports Nutrition, Inc.. . . . . 55
Twisted Sisters Revival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
International Party Chef. . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Woods Pavilion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Jennifer's Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Wood Family Funeral Service. . . . . . . . . 74