Tehachapi Visitor Guide 2018

2018

TEHACHAPI VISITOR

Tehachapi News Tehachapinews.com/Visitor-Guide

GUIDE

www.dignifi www w.dignifi fie edhomeloans.com edhomeloans.com

TEHACHAPI VISITOR GUIDE

Table of Contents About Tehachapi Introducing Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 City manager welcomes you. . . . . . .5 A guide to our communities. . . . . . . 6

Tehachapi's arts and entertainment scene . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Tehachapi offers year-round fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Getting to Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Visitor Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Emergency services and health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Where to get information . . . . . . . . . 11 Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 What does “Tehachapi� mean? . . . 13 Getting around Tehachapi. . . . . . . . 13 Banking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Our Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Things to Do Gran Fondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Bicycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Golfing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Horseback riding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hunting and shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Skate park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

History and Culture

Swimming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Tehachapi Railroad Museum. . . . . . 16

Downtown walking tour. . . . . . . . . . 52

Tehachapi's history tied to railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Hiking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

The famed Tehachapi Loop . . . . . . 17

Spiritual Life

Kohnen's Country Bakery . . . . . . . . 18

Mountain Spirit Center . . . . . . . . . . 58

Wind development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Worship directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Rio Tinto/US Borax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Norbertine Sisters Monastery . . . . 60

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Tehachapi's wine industry. . . . . . . . 22 Tehachapi apples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Tomo-Khani State Historic Park. . . 28

Critters Abundant animal life. . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

The Guides Dining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Shopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Event venues and services . . . . . . . 72 Lodging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Living in Tehachapi Tehachapi Warrior sports . . . . . . . . 74

Arts and Entertainment Tehachapi farmers market . . . . . . . 29 Tehachapi Mountain Festival . . . . . 32 Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Doing business in Tehachapi. . . . . . 78 Relocating to Tehachapi. . . . . . . . . . 80 About ths guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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ABOUT TEHACHAPI

Introducing Tehachapi

By CARA JACKSON cjackson@tehachapinews.com

P

eople from all over California are moving to Tehachapi in search of a small-town feel, a high standard of living and the opportunity to live in “The Land of Four Seasons.” The community welcomes visitors to stop and take a tour around downtown, enjoy the varied restaurants, stay for the famous festivals or take a glider ride at Mountain Valley Airport.

Many activities and events — including mountain bike riding, rodeos, mountain festivals, car shows, wine tasting and antique shopping — bring visitors to the city.

In September NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS 2017, for examThere’s lots of natural beauty ple, more than a throughout the Tehachapi Valley. thousand people participated in the Gran Fondo, which is an endurance bike ride. The number of riders grows each year.

City residents number more than 8,000, with additional residents in the greater Tehachapi area. This includes Golden Hills, Bear Valley, Stallion Springs, Alpine Forest, Sand Canyon, Cummings Valley and Mountain Meadows.

Tehachapi, known by many as “The Land of Four Seasons,” is at an altitude of more than 4,000 feet and is located between the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert near Highway 58.

The land in and around Tehachapi is very diverse. As travelers approach Tehachapi from the east or west they can see oak tree-covered mountains, Joshua trees in the dry Mojave Desert and thousands of acres of crops that feed residents of California and the world.

The Kawaiisu Native American tribe lived in the area long before any immigrants settled here and a collection of resident-made Indian baskets can be found at the Tehachapi Museum. There is also a protected area called the Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, where the tribes’ winter village location was, along with a few petroglyphs that can be seen on guided tours.

In the 1800s, discovery of minerals such as gold and the expansion of the railroad helped Tehachapi grow into the city it is today. The famous Tehachapi Loop can entertain visitors with its more than half a mile spiral that can be seen from lookout points on Woodford-Tehachapi Road.

For more information on all that awaits visitors, go to visittehachapi.com or stop by the visitor center on 200 W. Tehachapi Blvd. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Monday.

We hope you find this guide useful in planning your visit to Tehachapi. Residents will be happy to help answer your questions and make your visit enjoyable.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

ABOUT TEHACHAPI

City manager welcomes you to Tehachapi

By GREG GARRETT

W

elcome to Tehachapi. We are honored that you have decided to explore our community further and experience what we have to offer visitors like yourself.

Tehachapi has long prided itself on quality of life and we have plenty of that to share. Whether you have come to our community to experience the downtown tourism assets of the city, or are embarking on an adventure in the surrounding areas, we hope you enjoy your stay.

As I mentioned, there are several areas of interest in Tehachapi. Every journey should start at our Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce on Tehachapi Boulevard or the Visitor Center located on the corner of Tehachapi Boulevard and Curry Street.

It’s a part of award-winning Freedom Plaza, a project that honors our military with a monument for every branch of service. This project has earned several awards for its design and engineering and we are proud of what it represents.

The Visitor Center is manned by volunteers through the Tehachapi Tourism Commission and you’ll find they are passionate about Tehachapi and are a wealth of knowledge in just about every aspect of our community.

The historic Rail Depot Museum is another must-see for those interested in our train history and of course we have the Errea House and Tehachapi Museum, operated by our fabulous Heritage League. Learning about this community and our diverse history will give you more of an appreciation as you explore the surrounding natural beauty.

We’ve taken the quality of life initiative to the next level and attracted a robust cycling interest thanks to a network of bike paths around the area and the Lehigh Trails for those looking to enjoy mountain biking. Of course our special events, wineries, downtown shopping and restaurants are also a favorite for those just looking to soak up a little piece of small town America.

There is so much to offer here in both the City of Tehachapi and the Greater Tehachapi area that I hope you will find something that sparks your interest in these pages. We are very proud of our little town and are happy to share what makes Tehachapi great with all of you.

Welcome to Tehachapi; enjoy your stay.

— Greg Garrett is Tehachapi’s city manager.

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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ABOUT TEHACHAPI

Tehachapi: A guide to our communities Tehachapi News

E

ncompassing more than 275 square miles with a population of more than 36,880 people according to the 2010 census, the Greater Tehachapi area includes the City of Tehachapi as well as a number of unincorporated communities and areas within the 93561 ZIP code.

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 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 6

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

TEHACHAPI NEWS

A landmark for the Tehachapi area, a wooden covered bridge in Stallion Springs.

TEHACHAPI NEWS//

Jacobsen Reservoir (also known as Brite Lake) from Alpine Forest on a clear Feb. 18 day.

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, a newly remodeled 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.

ABOUT TEHACHAPI

Getting to Tehachapi Tehachapi News

M

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 (no bus shelter), with no local ticketing agent. Call 800-872-7245 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, it 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

TEHACHAPI NEWS

Amtrak connects to Tehachapi, making one stop in the heart of town. in Bakersfield. Visit meadowsfield.com.

Walking — every year people find their way to Tehachapi by way of the Pacific Crest 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. Permits are required for some but not all areas of the trail.

Property Management!

Professional Property M Management anagement Premier Landlord and Tenant Service

Homes • Apartments Office • Retail Industrial

661 822 2 5553 661-822-5553 765 Tucker Road www.renttehachapi.com RentTehachapi.com

www.tehachapidepot.com 2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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ABOUT TEHACHAPI

Make the Visitor Center your first stop

By KASEY MEREDITH Tehachapi News

T

he Tehachapi Visitor Center made its downtown debut two years ago, but the enthusiasm of its volunteers parallels the first day it opened.

“You never know when a guest is going to come in so I stay ready,” volunteer Cheryl Wilson said.

Pat Doody, a volunteer since that first day, said the Tehachapi Visitor Center is a vital resource and serves a wide demographic — including Tehachapi’s own residents.

“Foreigners and Pacific Crest Trail hikers come through here,” Doody said. “But sometimes people from Tehachapi come by just to say ‘hi.’”

Wilson has also been volunteering at the Visitor Center since the start. To her the Visitor Center is a vital source of information for the community, with its slew of brochures and program guides and sharp, intelligent volunteers.

“We’ve been meeting every Monday at 1 p.m. since it’s opened and even before that,” Wilson said. “These meetings ensure quality and valuable information is given at the Visitor Center.”

The Tehachapi Visitor Center is a great resource for those hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Doody said the center can get hikers in

touch with trail angels in the area. Trail angels may provide accommodations for through hikers at no cost.

But the Visitor Center is for everyone.

“We serve the greater Tehachapi area, too, including California City, Rosamond and the Cesar Chavez Memorial,” Doody said. But Doody’s favorite recommendations are animals and wine.

“I’m a wine aficionado. I’ve done a lot of research on it, so I love telling people about the different wineries here,” she said.

Souza, Triassic and Dorner wineries are all close by.

Doody also said animal-lovers will be pleased with Tehachapi.

From the feline compound in Rosamond, to Windswept Ranch with its camels, zebra, white buffalo and reindeer, to the California Living Museum, or CALM, in Bakersfield, the greater Tehachapi area has a lot to offer.

According to Wilson, Tehachapi is worth stopping for. At first glance, the city may seem sleepy, but Wilson ensures she can offer advice for a jam-packed schedule to experience Tehachapi highlights from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“It’s more than strolling down the boulevard and window shopping,” Wilson said about Tehachapi.

“Whether it’s a young family, elders, millennials, young retirees, Tehachapi fulfills many factors of desires,” Wilson said. “We have hiking, biking, equestrian and horseback riding.”

Wilson and Doody are only two of the team that is dedicated to showing you the hidden gems Tehachapi has to offer.

While you’re chatting with the docents of the Tehachapi Visitor Center, kids can acquaint themselves with the center’s playground.

The volunteers can aid you in creating a custom itinerary with the free Visit Tehachapi App. Download the app on visittehachapi.com.

Create a custom itinerary with the free Visit Tehachapi App. Log on to VisitTehachapi.com, download the app and explore. Select your favorite places to eat, play, stay and shop to create a “My Trip” itinerary.

The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COURTESY OF MICHELLE VANCE TEHACHAPI NEWS

One of the statues featured at the new Visitor Center.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

The Tehachapi Visitor Center is located at 200 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

ABOUT TEHACHAPI

CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS

The new Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Hospital.

Emergency services and health care EMERGENCY SERVICES For emergencies, call 911

27800 Stallion Springs Drive, Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-3268

California Highway Patrol

Kern County Fire Department

The Tehachapi area is served by the Mojave office of the California Highway Patrol.

1313 Highway 58 Mojave, CA 93501 661-823-5500 – non-emergency 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.org

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 Springs area.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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 – Stallion Springs 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

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.

Hall Ambulance Hall Ambulance has several stations in Tehachapi.

Call 911 for medical emergencies, or 800-422-0656. hallamb.com.

Pharmacies Tehachapi-area pharmacies include: Kmart, 710 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-3594 Rite Aid, 811 S. Tucker Road, 661-822-9232 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., Suite A. 661-823-4111

ABOUT TEHACHAPI

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 125 E. F St., Tehachapi 1115 Truxtun Ave, 5th Floor, Bakersfield 661-868-3660 kerncounty.com/bos/dist2 Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District 490 W. D St. 661-822-3228 tvrpd.com Monday — Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Friday — Sunday Bear Valley Springs Community Services District 28999 South Lower Valley Road 661-821-4428 bvcsd.com

Golden Hills Community Service District 21415 Reeves St. 661-822-3064 ghcsd.com Monday — Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Closed Friday — Sunday Stallion Springs Community Services District 27800 Stallion Springs Drive 661-822-3268 stallionspringscsd.com Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Closed Saturday and Sunday Tehachapi Museum 310 S. Green St. 661-822-8152 tehachapimuseum.org Friday — Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Tehachapi Depot Museum 101 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-823-1100 tehachapidepot.com Thursday — Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Main Street Tehachapi 105 E. E St. 661-822-6519 mainstreettehachapi.org Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council Monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at Slice of Life Enrichment School, 48771 W. Valley Blvd.

For more information: P.O. Box 2386 Tehachapi, CA 93581 Email: info@tehachapiedc.com tehachapiedc.com Kern County Library, Tehachapi Branch 212 S. Green St. 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 and Sunday kerncountylibrary.org

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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ABOUT TEHACHAPI

CASEY CHRISTIE / TBC MEDIA

Snow-covered mountains are not an uncommon sight in Tehachapi.

Weather in the Land of Four Seasons

BY CARA JACKSON Tehachapi News

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here’s a reason Tehachapi is known as the Land of Four Seasons.

Tehachapi’s weather often changes in the mountain community, no matter what season of the year. Residents can enjoy cool temperatures, with moderate amounts of snow and rain in the winter, and beautiful sunshine at other times of the year.

At an elevation of some 4,000 feet (depending on exactly where you are), the city is located between the Mojave Desert and San Joaquin Valley, giving both visitors and residents the opportunity to enjoy diverse weather and grand views.

The unique location provides fresh, clean air away from the big city and wind is always flowing and being captured by wind turbines.

According to the National Weather Service in Handford, the rainfall for 2017 was 14.05 inches and the average temperature ranges from 42 degrees and 65 degrees.

NICK SMIRNOFF/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

California poppies carpet the hillsides around Tehachapi in spring.

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 2.47 53.2 31.8 42.5 Feb Mar Apr May Jun

2.85 2.02 0.78 0.34 0.08

53.6 56.5 62.3 71.9 80.1

32.6 35.5 37.6 45.6 53.0

43.1 46.0 49.9 58.8 66.6

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

0.23 0.14 0.20 0.53 1.44

87.3 86.5 80.5 70.3 58.4

58.4 56.0 50.8 44.6 37.0

72.9 71.3 65.7 57.5 47.7

Dec

2.35

51.2

31.5

41.4

Source: National Weather Service

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

TBC MEDIA

ABOUT TEHACHAPI

What does ‘Tehachapi’ mean?

Tehachapi News

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here is no place like Tehachapi — and no other place named Tehachapi. So just what does the name mean?

The name entails the higher elevation of the city. In fact, the higher elevation of the city is the competitive differentiator because it produces clean air, four seasons, alternative energy, outdoor adventures and great agritourism.

But how did the city actually get the name? Well, this is what is believed to be the origin: While searching the west for the U.S. government to find a railroad route to California in August 1853, Lt. R.S. Williamson and his scout, Alexis Godey, made their way to the Tehachapi Valley and Indians told them their name for the creek running there was “Tah-ee-chay-pay.” Williamson did not record the meaning of the name, however.

Speculation abounds, and through the years, various meanings have been attributed to the word. Multiple spellings have been used, as well.

The most common belief today is that the word derives from the Kawaiisu word “Tihachipia,” meaning a hard climb.

Williamson, by the way, recorded a lovely description of the Tehachapi Valley from his visit nearly 150 years ago. He entered the valley from the east, having been traveling along the eastern Sierra Nevada from Walker Pass south through Cache Creek and wrote: “... a steep continuous descent for eight or nine miles, when we found ourselves in a beautiful prairie, apparently completely surrounded by high mountains, and as far as the eye could tell, it was a horizontal plain.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS ESTEN

Brandi Greene Kendrick, Luther Girado and Julie Girado Turner at the Historical Kawaiisu Preserve.

“We came to an Indian rancheria, where we learned there was a stream of water and good grass two or three miles further on.

We proceeded to the place, and here found an excellent camping ground ...

“There was another rancheria close to the place selected for our camp, and from the Indians we learned that their name for the creek was Tah-ee-chay-pah. It is the one called Pass Creek by Colonel Fremont, and is the same one he ascended when he crossed the mountains in 1844.”

How beautiful!

Getting around Tehachapi Tehachapi News

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rivate vehicles remain the most common method of transportation in Tehachapi. However, the area provides two forms of public transportation, a taxi service, two rental car locations, and access to ridesharing services Uber and Lyft for those without a private ride.

PUBLIC TRANSIT East Kern Express — Route 100, which travels from Bakersfield to Lancaster and back every day, makes a stop throughout the day in Tehachapi at Kmart on Mulberry Street and can make a requested stop on Cameron Canyon Road at Highway 58. The route, which makes stops in Keene, Mojave and Rosamond, gives residents the option to travel throughout the county out of the Bakersfield and Mojave hubs.

The intercommunity route is $3 for a general ticket, and $1.50 for a reduced fare for youth (5-15), seniors (62+) and disabled passengers with a “Reduced Fare Card.” For more information, call 800-323-2396 or 800-560-1733 or go online to kerntransit.org.

Tehachapi Dial-A-Ride — This localized public transit service

is provided Monday through Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The fare is $2 for a general pass and $1 for a reduced fare pass; qualifications for this are the same as the East Kern Express.

The service, which goes throughout Tehachapi, Old Town and Golden Hills, is suggested to be reserved at least a day in advance but same-day travels are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers can also transfer to the East Kern Express in Old Town and Tehachapi. For more information, call 800-323-2396 or go online to kerntransit.org/dial-a-ride/dial-tehachapi.

Taxi Tehachapi Taxicab, 661-600-2771

Rental cars Enterprise, 410 W. J St., Suite E, Tehachapi, 661-823-0500 Hertz, 440B N. Green St., Tehachapi, 661-396-9721

Ridesharing Uber: Download the Uber app on your smartphone to use.

Lyft: Download the Lyft app on your smartphone to use.

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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ABOUT TEHACHAPI

Banking in Tehachapi Alta One Federal Credit Union 775 Tucker Road, 823-9942

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union

Stand-alone ATMs

821 Tucker Road, 833-7900

Bank of the Sierra

2100 Mission St., 822-9191 224 W. F St., 822-6801

Safe One Credit Union

Bank of the West

Union Bank

20141 W. Valley Blvd., 822-8000

758 Tucker Road, 822-4491

665 Tucker Road, 822-2500

Navy Federal 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

Wells Fargo 1100 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

Others 1050 Capital Hills 107 S. Mill St. 128 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

302 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

Our publications Tehachapi News Tehachapi’s hometown newspaper since 1899.

Published every Wednesday 411 N. Mill St., Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6828

The Bakersfield Californian Daily newspaper serving Kern County including home delivery and newsstand availability in the Tehachapi area.

Jose Chavez License #01969070

661-972-4334 jchavezsells@gmail.com

Katie Blatt License #01929352

661-557-0754 bvskatie@gmail.com

George Dome License #01429266

Cell: 661-301-8495 bvsgeorge@gmail.com

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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

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www.WeCanBeatCancer.org WeCanBeatCancer.org

HISTORY AND CULTURE

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Friendly volunteers welcome visitors to the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum in Downtown Tehachapi.

Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum

By KELLY ARDIS Tehachapi News

W

hen curator Doug Pickard calls the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum “the centerpiece of the town,” he means physically, given its location in the heart of Tehachapi. But with the railroad running deep in the town’s history, it’s a fitting description of the museum metaphorically as well.

Though the museum only opened in 2010, its presence in the community predates its official opening. It was a long time coming when the museum was finally ready and able to show off its collection of train artifacts from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The museum, now in a replica of the original Southern Pacific depot used by the railroad, was initially going to be inside the original itself, but in 2008 the building was destroyed in a fire, just before it was set to open following years of planning and hard work.

But with a collection just waiting to be seen by history buffs and railfans, the Friends of the Tehachapi Depot lost no time getting to work on the new building. Pickard, who has been involved from the beginning, found a set of drawings of the original depot and encouraged the group to keep it as close to the real thing as possible. (Adding air conditioning, though, was a necessary deviation.)

“By that time, everyone in town was very pleased (with our work),” Pickard said. “There was a huge movement in town that we were going to rebuild it.”

The museum, which is run by volunteers, gets more than 10,000 visitors a year. Its collection includes old railroad tools, photos and newspaper articles, signals, lanterns, dining cart china and more. A lot of the collection came from Bill Stokoe, a retired railroad worker who died in 1999. Over the years, more artifacts have been donat16

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

A train passes by the Tehachapi Depot. ed by various people.

“People seem to be very pleasantly surprised with how much we have and how well displayed it is,” Pickard said.

The museum, now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is open Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 101 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Admission is the unbeatable cost of free. Call 661-823-1100 for more information.

“If you’re interested in the area, we have a really comprehensive display of our history and particularly the railroad,” Pickard said.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

CASEY CHRISTIE / TBC MEDIA

A long freight train heading east winds around the famous Tehachapi Loop.

Tehachapi’s history tied to railroad Tehachapi News

O

ne can take for granted how easy it is to travel the length of California, but before 1876, the way to and from Los Angeles and the Bay Area had a mighty obstacle: the Tehachapis mountain range running east-west in the southern San Joaquin Valley, between the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range.

The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad line through Tehachapi opened up travel between two major California cities in the north and south. It would become vital to the growth of Los Angeles and remain an important part of Tehachapi’s history.

Before its construction, a stage line operated from the railhead at Caliente to San Fernando, but the Tehachapis blocked the way for further southern travel.

Work on the rail line started in 1874 by civil engineers William Hood and J.B. Harris. It was built by Chinese immigrants, on a 2.2 percent gradient route to Tehachapi’s summit. To get the railroad over the mountains, Hood and Harris

plotted a route across the Tehachapi Pass, the lowest and easiest pass.

The Southern Pacific Railroad later was extended to Mojave and across the Antelope Valley, reaching Los Angeles through Soledad Canyon and the San Fernando tunnel.

The Southern Pacific Railroad, which monopolized California’s railroads at this time, eventually found a rival in the Santa Fe Railway. Eyeing a line that would cross the Tehachapis from Bakersfield up to Tejon and Chanac Creeks, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific would come to an agreement in 1899 that let Santa Fe trains use the Tehachapi grade. The Santa Fe line no longer needed to be built.

More recently, in 1996, Union Pacific absorbed Southern Pacific, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe succeeded the Santa Fe. Today, the two continue to operate the Tehachapi line.

The track hasn’t changed much since it was built more than 140 years ago. It’s still one of the busiest runs of single-track railroads in the continent, with about 50 trains a day on the famous Tehachapi Loop.

Famed Tehachapi Loop is an engineering marvel Tehachapi News At the time it was constructed, the Tehachapi Loop was considered an engineering marvel. Even now, it still draws visitors from around the world who want to see that famous landmark many simply call The Loop.

On the Tehachapi Loop, the track climbs up over itself in a spiral, starting from a tunnel at the base before working up to an elevation of 77 feet at a 2 percent grade over the loop’s .73 miles. A train longer than 4,000 feet will pass over itself as it goes up the loop and over that tunnel.

The Loop is not only a favorite feature of Tehachapi locals and tourists, it’s also a California Historical Landmark, designated as such in 1955. It was also named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1998 by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Because of the many trains that use the track and the beautiful scenery surrounding it, the Tehachapi Loop is a must-see spot for train enthusiasts.

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Kohnen’s Country Bakery offers customers all types of sweet desserts and homemade bread in their local shop located at 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

Authentic German bakery continues traditions Contributed by Kohnen’s Country Bakery

I

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

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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 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.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Wind turbines line Tehachapi Pass.

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.

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

Rio Tinto/US Borax is pioneering progress

By MARY BETH GARRISON Rio Tinto / US Borax

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Mule Team Borax, part of the Rio Tinto Group, operates the largest open pit mine in California — just down the road in Boron. In operation for more than 145 years (55 years in Death Valley and 90 in Boron), the mine holds one of the richest borate deposits in the world and supplies more than 30 percent of the world’s demands for refined borates.

While boron is present everywhere in the environment, large deposits of borates are relatively rare. These minerals are essential to life and modern living. In fact, boron is an essential ingredient in an array of everyday products: • Insulation, wood preservatives and ceramics to make homes safer and more energy efficient; • Heat-resistant glass used in flat screen TVs, laptop computers and smart phones; • Fiberglass used in sporting equipment and wind energy systems; • Fertilizers to help farmers increase crop quality and yield; • California wine, California almonds, California citrus!

Our history Our roots date to 1872 when company founders began mining borates in Nevada. Later, in 1881, they discovered borates in Death Valley. Using teams of 20 mules, hooked to giant wagons, they hauled the mineral, 165 miles, to the nearest railroad hub in Mojave, Calif.

The current Boron location opened, as an underground mine, in 1927. The mine was converted to an open-pit operation in 1957.

• Company founders donated original Death Valley land holdings to the federal government and lobbied to have it protected as a national park; • 29 Mule Teams hauled borates for only five years, but 20 Mule Team® Borax, a natural laundry and cleaning product, lives on as one of the most recognized brands in the United States; • 20 Mule Team® Borax has been sold as a consumer product for more than 100 years and was once proclaimed as a miracle crystal to aid digestion, keep milk sweet and even cure leprosy and cancer.

Our operations Today, we have 1,000 employees — serving 500 customers with

CONTRIBUTED BY RIO TINTO/U.S. BORAX

The largest open pit mine in California: US Borax. more than 1,700 global delivery locations. With a strong culture of safety, the 20 Mule Team Borax mine continues to be recognized as one of the safest mining operations in the United States.

The mine itself measures 2 miles long, 1.75 miles wide and 900 feet deep. We excavate about 22 million tons of ore per year, and produce about 3 million tons of refined products — shipped to customers via truck, rail, barge and other ocean-going vessels. Onsite haul trucks are the size of a house, cost in excess of $3 million each, and can carry 240 tons of material per load.

Our future The future is exciting as the industry continues to uncover new minerals and more efficient ways to process raw materials. The culture of safety remains strong — with best practices shared throughout the industry. Most operational processes, that set the standard for borate production, were developed or first adopted at Boron operations. The company’s success spans three centuries — an achievement that rests on its ability to meet or exceed expectations.

Rio Tinto/US Borax offers visitors a glimpse into the world of mining at the US Borax Visitor Center. Located off of Highway 58 on Borax Road. The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. We welcome visitors to come and catch a glimpse of the largest open pit mine in California. Admission is free.

CONTRIBUTED BY RIO TINTO/U.S. BORAX

A vintage photo of the original 20 Mule Team.

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

National Monument in Keene honors Cesar Chavez

By DIANNE HARDISTY For Tehachapi News

M

en, women and children once lived in despair in a tuberculous sanitarium Kern County built in 1929 in a mountain clearing in Keene, west of Tehachapi. The same sanitarium, in the 1970s, was transformed into a center of hope for the nation’s struggling farm workers. Today, it stands as an inspiration for all Americans.

Nestled at the foot of Three Peaks, a rock outcropping on the northern border of 116 acres along Woodford-Tehachapi Road, northeast of Highway 58, the former sanitarium is now the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument — managed collaboratively by the National Park Service and the National Chavez Center.

The complex, where union icon Cesar Chavez is buried, was established as a national monument in 2012 by President Barack Obama. The property, which is known as Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz (La Paz) also is designated a National Historic Landmark.

With his farm workers union headquarters located in Delano in the 1960s, Chavez wanted to move his family, union officials and volunteers out of the increasing volatile crossfire of his organization’s struggle with powerful growers.

His search for a more secure location led him to Keene and the then-shuttered sanitarium. With county officials unlikely to agree to sell the property to Chavez, movie producer Edward Lewis, a wealthy union supporter, bought the complex in 1971 and quickly turned it over to the nonprofit National Farm Workers Service Center, which has since merged with the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation.

The compound became Chavez’s refuge, as well as the hub of union organizing and training for decades. Chavez, who died in his sleep in 1993 while in Arizona organizing farm workers, was brought back to La Paz for burial.

The future of La Paz, as well as the movement Chavez created, became the focus of intense discussion by members of Chavez’s extended family and supporters. The result was the creation of a master plan for La Paz,

HENRY A. BARRIOS / TBC MEDIA

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. which included the creation of a retreat and conference center that opened in 2010.

In an interview preceding the center’s grand opening, Paul Chavez recalled that his father’s goal was to provide a place for individuals and groups to gather to work for social justice and civil rights, to learn the skills to organize and do “extraordinary things.”

Funding for the retreat and conference center was partially provided by a $2.5 million grant from the California Cultural and Heritage Endowment of the California Library. An earlier state grant and contributions helped pay for the 2004 construction of a visitors’ center at the entrance to what is now the Cesar E. Chavez National Memorial. The visitors’ center features Chavez’s office, library and courtyard, as well as the memorial gardens, where Chavez is buried.

Visit the National Memorial Features – Memorial gardens, gravesite and fountain honoring Cesar Chavez and the memory of martyrs of the farm worker movement. In the visitor center, films about Chavez’s life are shown, and displays and artwork are on display. Visitors can browse items and books for sale in a gift shop.

Operating hours – Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on the following holidays: Easter Sunday; Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Pets – Leashed pets are allowed on the trails and ground, but not in the visitors’ center and memorial gardens.

For more information: Go to www.nps. gov/cech/index.htm 2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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CONTRIBUTED BY SOUZA FAMILY VINEYARD

The Souza Family Vineyard’s success has resulted in other wineries sprouting up in the Tehachapi Valley.

Here’s to Tehachapi’s awarded wines

By DIANNE HARDISTY For Tehachapi News

S

tarting a vineyard from scratch — doing what hadn’t been done before — wasn’t the hardest thing, Bob Souza recalls. It was doing it all alone.

But over the nearly 30 years that followed, the Souza Family Vineyard’s success — which includes winning awards at international wine competitions and earning the loyalty of customers — has resulted in other wineries sprouting up in the Tehachapi Valley.

“The best thing that can happen to you is to have another winery open up across the street,” said Souza, who with his wife, Patty, has been making and selling wine from their vineyard on Cummings Valley Road in Tehachapi. “Look at Paso Robles. The more wineries, the more people visit.”

The Souzas recently sold their operation to Mike Van Atta and his wife, Beth Hamilton, who will continue with the Souza name.

While the other wineries haven’t exactly opened up “across the street” from the pioneering Souza Family Vineyard, they are clustered in an easy drive that makes enjoying the rich Tehachapi wines an easy, enjoyable experience.

Tehachapi grape grower Julie Bell and Jim Arnold, the owner of Triassic Vineyards, are spearheading the effort to have Tehachapi recognized as an American Viticulture Area — a designated U.S. wine-grape growing region, with distinctive geographic features and boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade 22

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

Bureau of the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Arnold explained that Tehachapi will be the highest-elevation AVA in the United States at 4,000 feet. The AVA labeling defines a region and helps buyers and wine enthusiasts understand such things as growing conditions and their influences on the quality and character of wines.

Noting that wines produced from grapes grown in Tehachapi already are proving to be award-winners, Arnold said, “When we officially get our AVA, and it becomes public, I think that it’s going to generate a lot of interest. It’s a really big deal. It will create a lot of value.”

“Normally, at 4,000 feet, you can’t grow wine grapes because of the frost,” he said. But Tehachapi is blessed with a flow of warm air from both the Antelope Valley and the San Joaquin Valley, which extends the region’s growing season. The higher elevation also exposes the grapes to higher ultraviolet rays, thickening the fruit’s skin and providing in the crushing process deeper colors and flavors for such varieties as the region’s distinctive red wines. With an AVA designation, wines produced from the region will be labeled “Tehachapi.”

Souza Family Vineyard 26877 Cummings Valley Road Souzafamilyvineyard.com Wine tasting, sales and gift shop Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

661-822-9233

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Souza Family Vineyard offers 12 wine varieties — six reds and six whites, which are bottled under the Souza label. In addition to grapes grown in Tehachapi, growers in Northern California are producing grapes for the vineyard’s use.

Before planting their vineyard in 2003, Bob and Patty Souza spent more than a decade restoring the turn-of-the-century Elijah Stowell Estate — a 1888 Victorian home and barns that sits on 60 acres overlooking the Cummings Valley. The property now is home to the Souza Family Vineyard and wine tasting.

Bob Souza likens the Tehachapi Valley to the Tuscany growing area. Both regions sit at a 4,000-foot to 5,000-foot elevation, and produce rich wines, including a unique Zinfandel. Beginning about three years ago, Souza opened his winery to mid-week tours organized by a company catering to visitors from France. The winery schedules other exclusive tastings for groups on request.

NICK SMIRNOFF/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Dorner Family Vineyards poured a tasting of their local “Riesling” wine during Main Street Tehachapi’s annual wine walk.

Dorner Family Vineyard CONTRIBUTED BY TRIASSIC VINEYARDS

Triassic Vineyards has more than seven acres planted in Zinfandel, Syrah and Viognier grapes.

Triassic Vineyards 24627 Cummings Valley Road Triassicvineyards.com Wine tasting, event venue Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays noon to 6 p.m.

661-822-5341

With its first harvest in 2012, Triassic Vineyards was founded by retired geologist Chuck McCollough. The vineyard has more than seven acres planted in Zinfandel, Syrah and Viognier grapes. Triassic features a 1,380-square-foot tasting room that commands an impressive view of the Cummings Valley and surrounding mountains.

Triassic and its estate-grown, award-winning wines was purchased in 2013 by Jim and Sally Arnold, who added Tempranillo to the vineyard. Under the Arnolds’ ownership, Triassic has enclosed an outdoor patio to accommodate year-round tasting and dining.

Friday nights, Triassic features “Wine and Dines,” a combination of wine tasting and catered dinners. On the fourth Saturday of the month, check out the Zin of Painting — an afternoon of wine tasting and art lesson. Special events also are announced on Triassic’s website and Facebook.

18274 Old River Road Dornerfamilyvineyard.com Wedding and event venue Tasting room under construction 661-823-7814

Voted “Tehachapi’s Best Place to get Married,” Dorner Family Vineyard was established by Mike and Michele Dorner on 20 acres of oak and pine covered land. The location features an exquisitely landscaped garden and event amenities. The vineyard is planted in 500 Zinfandel and Riesling grapevines. To show off their award-winning wines, the Dorner family is constructing a wine tasting room, which is expected to be completed in late 2018.

Stray Leaves 21300 Highline Road Downtown Tehachapi tasting room planned 661-332-6633

Clifford Meridth, a retired Los Angeles County fire battalion chief and long-time Tehachapi property owner, planted Stray Leaves Vineyards at 2130 Highline Road in 2009. Five acres are planted in Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Primitivo vines.

Already, Stray Leaves grapes have produced award-winning wines.

Although the vineyard does not have a tasting room, work is expected to begin on Meridth’s renovation of a former bank building at 123 S. Green St. in downtown Tehachapi, which will serve as a tasting room. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2018. For more information, email cmeridth@yahoo.com.

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

NICK SMIRNOFF/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS COURTESY OF DE LOS VIAJEROS

The vineyards at de los Viajeros in Tehachapi.

Stray Leaves Vineyards’ future tasting room was the starting point of a Valentine’s Day wine walk.

ose eGa ate edd ngs s.c RoseGardenEstateWeddings.com Ro G rd rden e Es Esta ta teWe Wedd ddin .com om

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

de los Viajeros Ranchodelosviajeros.com 22701 Highway 202 Tasting room expected to open summer 2018 info@ranchodelosviajeros.com 661-822-7735

Partners Ilda Vaja and Mary Sigler have started a small winery along Highway 202. Nephew Rolando Calfa explained Cabernet,

Reisling and Merlot grapes have been planted. In a nod to the partners’ Argentina heritage, Malbec grapes also have been planted. The new enterprise now is purchasing grapes from Tehachapi-area growers to produce de los Viajeros wines that are bottled in Santa Clarita. de los Viajeros wines are being featured during area community festivals and can be purchased at the Highway 202 vineyard. Calfa said plans are underway to open a tasting room sometime in 2018.

Master Certified ASE Technician

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

The apple of Tehachapi Valley

By DIANNE HARDISTY For Tehachapi News

C

alifornia produces more apple varieties than does any region west of the Rocky Mountains, according to the Apple Journal, a trade publication. But as the state is consumed by residential, commercial and industrial development, the number of acres planted in orchards and the production of apples has declined.

Pockets of growers catering to retail and commercial production of apples are now centered around such towns as Tehachapi, where growing apples has for decades been a robust industry. The small businesses that grow and sell the region’s apples are run by families.

Their customers are families that make picking and eating Tehachapi apples an annual entertainment event.

On plots of land that range from a couple of acres to 10 acres or more, orchards sprout thousands of apple trees. A fall harvest, which spans an average of six weeks, beginning in September, yields boxes of apple varieties that bear names such as Jonathan, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Gala.

Alice Knaus has lived in Tehachapi since 1966 and has sold her apples from her 8-acre Knaus Ranch at 19042 Cherry Lane since 1970. She has watched generations of families flock to her mountain community in the fall to breathe the fresh air and spend the day picking apples.

Many customers come from Bakersfield, Lancaster, Ridgecrest and Southern California, but John Pulford, another long-time Tehachapi grower, also reports selling to many out-of-state visitors.

He claims the attraction is the quality and diversity of the apples found in the Tehachapi Valley, as well as the desire of people to “reconnect” with the growing experience.

“At first, the people who came here did a lot of canning,” said Knaus, reflecting on her nearly half century of apple growing. “Now we see more families that come just to pick some fruit and have some family fun doing it.”

Knaus, who operates her seasonal ranch with the help of her children and friends, makes more than 900 trees available for her U-pick customers, many of whom return year after year for the traditional harvest.

While the annual Tehachapi Apple Festival, which will be held

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NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Apples grow at Kolesar’s U Pick Orchard. this year on Oct. 13 and 14 in downtown Tehachapi, helps promote the local industry, most customers are attracted by word-of-mouth recommendations or by the many roadside signs that sprout up in advance of the fall harvest.

The operating hours and selling season of most of Tehachapi’s family apple businesses are dictated by growing conditions, including weather and rain.

Pulford, whose orchard is located at 19440 Highland Road, noted that cold weather this winter may slightly delay the harvest. “We will have to wait and see.”

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Most growers have been sufficiently quick-thinking and innovative to have survived California’s years-long drought by installing water conservation systems to protect their trees and fruit, Pulford said, noting that he expects 2018 to be a good season for his 10-acre orchard, which produces 19 varieties of apples.

One of the few apple businesses that operates year-round in Tehachapi is Moessner Farm Café & Store at 25000 Bear Valley Road.

Mike Moessner sells apples grown on a few trees on his property, but also sells handcrafted sandwiches and food items prepared in his café that is open Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The café and store, which features indoor and outdoor seating, sells more than 29 varieties of jams, as well as pastries, cookies and even sauerkraut.

Moessner, whose family business has been a valley “tradition” for more than three decades, notes that most Tehachapi apple growers sell a variety of goods and vegetables from their fruit stands and stores during the harvest season.

The approximately dozen apple growers in Tehachapi define what it means to “add value” to agriculture. Their apples leave the community in a variety of forms — boxed as whole fruit, as well as in cider, butters, crisps, strudels and mouth-watering pies.

And when the last fruit is picked from their trees and visitors wave goodbye to Tehachapi, most of the growers hang “gone fishing” signs on their gates; turn off their lights; and leave their orchards to grow apples for the next season.

First-time apple season visitors can find an orchard to visit by simply driving around the Tehachapi Valley and stopping at the

DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Audrey Highfill, left, and Rebecca Woodward filled their bags with Golden Delicious apples they picked at Knaus Apple Ranch at the beginning of the harvest season. many roadside stands. In addition to the Pulford and Knaus orchards, Tehachapi retail orchards include: Dries Farms, 22710 Highline Road; Freitag Orchard, 1412 Robin Lane; Hartnett Farms, 21850 Highway 202; Kolesars’ Apples, Highland Road and Casey Drive; RB Family Orchard, 1437 Casey Drive; HA’S Apple Ranch, 20916 Stueber Road; Tangleweed Farm, 21192 Old Town Road; Foothill Farms, 21916 State Highway 202; Apple of the Earth Farm, 221850 State Highway 202; and Ruhman Orchard, 1431 Robin Lane.

www.tehachapiprorodeo.com

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park preserves native sites Tehachapi News

T

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 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 to-

gether, and when completed they resembled upside-down baskets.

The outside was thatched with tules, cane, rabbitbrush, or other available material.

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 one and a half 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.

COURTESY OF JEAN RHYNE

Tours are offered at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park.

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

Farmers markets feature bounty of the Tehachapi Valley Tehachapi News

W

hen it comes to fresh produce, Tehachapi does it right with the town’s annual farmers markets.

Gimmway Farm’s Cal Organic has been offering fresh produce in Tehachapi for 11 years.

Cal Organic has a stand full of goodies open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday beginning Memorial Day weekend and running through Labor Day weekend. The stand is located at 23968 Bear Valley Road.

At the stand, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh, organic produce, including arugula, beets, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, cilantro, collard greens, daikon, dandelion, fennel, green onions, kale, leeks, lettuce (butter, leaf, iceberg, romaine), mustard greens, parsley and radishes.

Many of these items are freshly harvested in Tehachapi and Cummings Valley, but Grimmway also sends a delivery of the organics harvested in Bakersfield, Lamont and Arvin.

The markets don’t stop at Bear Valley Road. You will find more locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables and handmade crafts at the Tehachapi Farmers Market on Green Street.

Put on by Main Street Tehachapi, the farmers market is held from 4-8 p.m. every Thursday, rain or shine, from May 4 through Aug. 17 on Green Street in downtown Tehachapi.

www.skylarknorth.com

CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Susan Lehmann buys items and visits with the vendor of Higgs Family Farms at the Farmers Market.

The market features a fantastic assortment of food, handcrafted and unique items for sale, musical performances and friendly people.

For more information, including vendor sign-up forms, visit mainstreettehachapi.org/.

www.rankinranch.com 2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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TEHACHAPI LOOP

WIND FARM

Tehachapi area

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Kern County

58

Bakersfield

PELLISER RD

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A ARO S

BANDUCCI RD

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Tehachapi Tehachapi Municipal Airport

202

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API BLV

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TEHACHAPI WILLOW RD

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CUMMINGS VALLEY RD

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DENNISON RD

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Bear Valley Springs

1 MILE

Source: Google Maps

BEAR VALLEY SPRINGS

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

KENT KUEHL / TBC MEDIA

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

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Mayor pro-tem Susan Wiggins rode on top of this vintage fire engine in the 54th annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival Parade.

Tehachapi Mountain Festival offers 55th year of fun

By ELIZABETH SANCHEZ Tehachapi News

T

his year marks the 55th year the Tehachapi Mountain Festival will provide quality family entertainment for the community. And this year’s event is going to be great, with a new “Music, Mountains & Memories” theme.

The event, which draws 30,000 to 40,000 people each year, is the largest family festival within the community, according to the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce, the organization that puts on the annual extravaganza.

The festival includes an arts and crafts show, food, live entertainment, carnival, the Mountain Gallop 5K/10K, the Mountain Festival Parade, Thunder on the Mountain Car Show, PRCA Rodeo, VFW Dinner and Dance, Pancake Breakfast and much more.

There will be more than 100 vendors at the arts and crafts show.

Attendees can find artwork such as paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, glass, textile arts, wood, jewelry, ceramics and more. There are also booths selling clothing, cutlery, hats, toys, candles, sunglasses, knives, fairy gardens and kitchen tools, just to name a few.

There is also a pet parade, bounce houses, and an obstacle course — that way all members of your family can partake.

Trust us, you won’t leave this festival hungry, considering vendors will be out selling barbecue tri-tip sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, beef and chicken teriyaki sticks, hotdogs, kettle corn, ice cream, fruit smoothies, funnel cakes, sausage and chicken breast sandwiches and pizza, to name a few. And to quench your thirst, a 32

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

There is always plenty of rodeo action at Milano Arena during the annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival.

Beer Garden is located in the park.

So grab your blanket or lawn chair and spend the weekend making memories with family and friends in beautiful Tehachapi. This year’s event runs Aug. 17-19 at Philip Marx Central Park in downtown Tehachapi, 311 E. D St. Admission is free.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Fore more information on this event, head to tehachapimountainfestival.com.

Schedule of Events Friday, Aug. 17 6-11 p.m.: Festival Carnival — Corner of D & Robinson streets across from Well School Playground 6 p.m.: V.F.W. Live Music & Dancing, 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

7 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo — Rodeo Grounds, Dennison Road (gates open at 5 p.m.)

Saturday, Aug. 18 6:30 a.m.: Mountain Gallop 5K/10K — Registration 7 a.m.: Mountain Gallop 5K/10K 7-9:30 a.m.: Royal Rangers Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by the American Legion Post 221 Veterans Hall, 125 W. F St. 8 a.m.: Parade line-ups, Kmart parking lot 10 a.m.: Mountain Festival Parade, F Street from Mulberry Street to Hayes Street 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Arts & Crafts Fair & Park Festival, Central Park Noon-11 p.m.: Carnival, corner of D and Robinson streets across from Well School Playground 6 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo, Rodeo Grounds, Dennison Road (gates open at 4 p.m.)

6 p.m.: V.F.W. Dinner & Dance, 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

Sunday, Aug. 19 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: 20th Annual Thunder on the Mountain Car & Truck Show, downtown Tehachapi, Green and F streets 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Arts & Crafts Fair & Park Festival, Central Park Noon-9 p.m.: Carnival, corner of D and Robinson streets across from Well School Playground

www.pulfordappletreeorchard.com

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Tehachapi’s museums bring history and culture to life

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

The Tehachapi Museum safeguards the treasures of the city’s history.

Tehachapi News

COURTESY OF CHARLES WHITE

T

The Errea House is decorated for Christmas and features silent auction items in the German tradition.

ehachapi is full of rich history, and that history is displayed in the town’s museums, which are full of art, exhibits and many more treasures. Through these museums, visitors learn how Tehachapi has become the town it is today.

Tehachapi Museum At the Tehachapi Museum, visitors will see a rare example of art history that gives them a glimpse into the many generations who have passed through and settled in the region.

Tehachapi’s roots began with the Kawaiisu, who arrived in the region about 1,500 years ago, says the Tehachapi Heritage League.

The first permanent settlers were ranchers and farmers. But the Tehachapi we know today didn’t come about until 1876 with the progress of the railroad.

The Tehachapi Museum structure was built in 1931 in the popular art deco architecture of that era, according to the League. It served as a branch of the Kern County Library system until 1982 when the Tehachapi Heritage League moved its museum operation to this location.

Tehachapi Museum, located at 310 S. Green St., is open from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 822-8152 for more information.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Errea House is the oldest house in the area, dating to the 1870s.

Around 1900, the house, which is named after a Spanish Basque family who lived in the home for more than 70 years, was moved on log rollers to its present location.

The house features a refurbished parlor, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and covered porch, and it gives visitors a view of life in rural Tehachapi.

The Errea House Museum, located at 311 S. Green St., is open from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 822-8152 for more information.

Errea House Museum

Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum

Directly across the street from the Tehachapi Museum is another museum that dives into Tehachapi’s early life.

There’s something for everyone at the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum. The museum features four great rooms, hundreds of train

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Railroad memorabilia is displayed at the Tehachapi Museum. items on exhibit, a working train signal garden, a play lot for kids, a gift shop and more.

The museum is a replica of one of the few buildings that remained standing following the 1952 earthquake. The building was completely destroyed in 2008 by a fire just as the project to restore it to its original condition was nearly finished.

The museum offers free tours to visitors; however, donations are welcomed. It is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Take note that Mondays are Maintenance Day for the trains, so they may not run until late afternoon.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

COURTESY OF GALE CALDWELL

The Tehachapi Valley Arts Association offers photo contests for youth and adults, and their photography is displayed at Gallery ‘N’ Gifts at contest time.

Check out Tehachapi’s fun arts and entertainment scene

By KASEY MEREDITH Tehachapi News

T

ehachapi is wired for excitement, despite its sleepy mountain town exterior. All year round you can find community events sprinkled throughout the town. Catch a movie at one of Tehachapi’s beautiful parks — Brite Lake, Philip Marx Central Park or Meadowbrook Park — or stroll around Tehachapi’s quaint downtown district on First Fridays.

Downtown is chock-full of local artists’ work and artisan goods and places like the BeeKay Theatre keep the spirit of performance art alive in Tehachapi. While the Gran Fondo and the Tehachapi Mountain Festival might draw a larger crowd, there’s enough arts and culture fun year-round that’s just as enticing.

First Friday Downtown Tehachapi is the spot for visitors on the first Friday of every month. Attendees can get their fill of art during the First Friday Art Walk and artist receptions at historic downtown locales.

Other events and local businesses participate interchangeably, so check out the Tehachapi News for details during your visit.

Concerts If it’s the classics you’re craving, the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra is sure to satisfy. An award-winning orchestra, it performs 38

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

a variety of concerts throughout the year at Country Oaks Baptist Church, 20915 Schout Road. The nonprofit symphony has been conducted by director David Newby since the 1999-2000 season. It’s fully funded through private donations. For more information, visit tehachapiorchestra.com.

The Summit Singers also hold concerts throughout the year. For more information, consult the Tehachapi News.

Fiddlers Crossing will satisfy your craving for acoustic, coffee shop music. Fresh-brewed coffee, teas and other goodies are included in the ticket price. Tehachapi News publishes previews of their concerts, so check out the paper or TehachapiNews.com for the latest offerings.

New to Tehachapi is the Tehachapi Concerts in the Park at Philip Marx Central Park. Acts range from country to indie to rhythm and blues. Wind down on Sundays during the summer to free music while enjoying Tehachapi’s fresh mountain breeze. 2018’s Concert in the Park dates are: June 17, July 15 and Aug. 12. Bands and artists are to be announced. For more information, visit www.tvrpd.org/ events/music-in-the-park.html

Tehachapi Treasure Trove The Tehachapi Treasure Trove is your source for tchotchkes, knickknacks and art supplies in Tehachapi. Its treasures include yarn, sewing materials, beads, etc. You can put those supplies to use by attending one of the Tehachapi Treasure Trove’s many classes at

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

AMMIE FISHER

The Mill Street Marketplace business owners join together for First Friday events. Vendors include Alligator Rose, Taylor’s Provisions, The Coffee Mill and Mill Street Kitchen.

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

The BeeKay Theatre is a popular venue for plays and performances.

116 E. Tehachapi Blvd. To find a schedule of these classes visit its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pg/TehachapiTreasureTrove/.

Tehachapi Treasure Trove hosts a First Friday Fun Fest on the first Friday of the month. For more information, call 661-822-6794 or visit tejacja[otreasiretrove.com.

BeeKay Theatre The BeeKay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., is Tehachapi’s first neon-lighted building. It was built in 1932 and restored in 2008. The theater hosts the Playwright’s Festival every July, where playwrights, both nationally and internationally, can submit unproduced work, in April, for a chance to win the title of Playwright of the Year. The theater is run by the Tehachapi Community Theatre organization, a nonprofit, which puts on a variety of live shows throughout the year.

Fiddlers Crossing The stomping ground for all things acoustic, Fiddlers Crossing, 206 E. F St., is your Tehachapi source for unplugged-style music in a coffee shop atmosphere. It hosts a plethora of events year round, but is always open on Wednesdays for open mic night, 7 to 10 p.m.

It’s also open on First Friday for an open house of entertainment, coffee and tea. Fiddlers Crossing hosts a variety of music styles: traditional and contemporary folk, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, Americana, country, western, blues, Celtic, world and others. Call 661-823-9994 or visit fiddlerscrossing.org for more information.

Gallery ‘N’ Gifts Gallery ‘N’ Gifts is the Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s co-op, which sells a multitude of fine decor in the front of the store and hosts eclectic artwork, available for purchase, in its gallery in the back of the store. Gallery ‘N’ Gifts sells a variety of products like: hand-poured scented candles, hand-sewn quilts, pottery, luxurious bath and body products, beaded and precious metal jewelry and woodwork to name a few. It’s on 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., at Green

Street and Tehachapi Boulevard, and open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 661-822-6062 or visit galleryngifts.org for more information.

Lee’s House of Music For those interested in picking up the guitar again or trying out the drums, Lee’s House of Music is your one-stop shop. Lee’s also offers tune-ups, string replacement and lessons. The music store is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and is closed on Monday and Sunday. Visit Lee’s House of Music at 20407 Brian Way, Suite 3, and you can call 661-822-0459 for more information.

Music Lessons with Bri Music Have you wanted to learn how to play guitar but just didn’t know where to start? Bri Brubaker has teamed up with the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District to supply Tehachapi with music lessons. Private lessons are open to all ages and are $30 per class.

Brubaker teaches guitar and ukulele and even has group lessons at her studio, 20725 South St. Suite 7. For more information, call her at 661-557-7341, email her at bribrubakermusic@gmail.com or visit www.musicbri.com.

Hitching Post Theatres To catch the latest movies on the big screen, the Hitching Post Theatres is the spot. The multiscreen complex is on the corner of Green and F streets. While you’re watching your movie, snack on some frozen cheesecake on a stick, a Hitching Post Theatre classic.

For more information, call 661-823-7469 or visit hitchingposttheatres.com.

Movies in the Park If concerts aren’t your thing, Movies in the Park will allow you to spread a blanket on the grass of Philip Marx Central, Brite Lake and Meadowbrook parks and enjoy the summer weather. Every Thursday evening, during the summer, enjoy movies played on an 26-foot inflatable screen with theatrical sound. If you’re feeling hungry, the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District supplies a concessions stand for the viewings. For more information or an entertainment schedule, call 661-822-3228.

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Tehachapi offers year-round fun

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

A modeler works on this N-gauge layout for the Model Train Show.

Tehachapi News

May

T

• Memorial Day Ceremony, Philip Marx Central Park • Western Swing Out Weekender 2018 • Run & Ride with the Wind 5K and Duathlon, Centennial Plaza

ehachapi is home to myriad events and festivities that encompass multiple interests. Both tourists and residents will be greeted with consistent entertainment and attractions all year long.

Below is a listing of these events by month.

Check TehachapiNews.com or Tehachapi News 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

June • Flag Retirement Ceremony, Coy Burnett Football Stadium • Tehachapi Art Association’s Artisan Festival • Train Show, Tehachapi Depot Museum

July • Tehachapi’s 4th of July Hot Dog Festival & Wiener Run, Philip Marx Central Park

NICK SMIRNOFF / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Known in cowboy lingo as “wrecks,” these bull riders at the Bad Bulls Rodeo in Tehachapi show us what that word means.

• Bad Bulls Rodeo, Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds • TPOPs concert and fireworks display, Coy Burnett Football Stadium • Camp Kiya, Family Traditional Music Camp • 4th of July Warrior 5k Run, Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • All American 5K, Phillip Marx Central Park

August • Old-Timers Picnic, Philip Marx Central Park

February • Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate Tasting by Main Street Tehachapi

DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS

March/April • Easter Egg Hunt by Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • Brite Lake Fishing Derby • Model Train Show, Tehachapi Depot Museum • Spring Art Show, Bear Valley Springs • Bark For Life

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS

The Tehachapi Mountain Beer & Wine Festival.

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Children gather eggs during Tehachapi’s Easter egg hunt.

• Tehachapi Mountain Beer & Wine Festival, Benz Visco Youth Sports & Cultural Park • Canvas & Cabernet, Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar

The Folklorico dancers march in the Tehachapi Mountain Festival parade.

• Cheers to Charity • Tehachapi Mountain Festival (third weekend in August), Philip Marx Central Park • Thunder on the Mountain Car & Truck Show, Downtown Tehachapi

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Tehachapi’s PRCA Rodeo, Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds • Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s Artisan Festival • 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

The Kern County Fire Department’s Helicopter 408 was on display at the National Night Out event.

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

The reward for this team after the Gran Fondo ride is a hearty recovery meal.

• Tehachapi Gran Fondo Pasta Fest • Gran Fondo • Tehachapi Valley Arts Association’s Artisan Festival, Railroad & Depot Park • Evening For Life presented by the Family Life Pregnancy Center, Dorner Family Vineyard • California State Old Time Fiddlers Association Contest • Warbirds Fly-in, Tehachapi Airport

October • Tehachapi Apple Festival, Downtown Tehachapi • AST Fall Festival, Monroe High School NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Late in the night, the crowd is gone and the tree sparkles in the night at the Tehachapi Depot.

• National Night Out, Philip Marx Central Park

September • Playwright Festival, BeeKay Theatre

DARLA BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Purple wings were added to some four-legged walkers. Purple is the recognized color of the Relay for Life event.

• Tehachapi’s Relay For Life • Gone to the Dogs 5k Run/Walk, Have a Heart Humane Society

Trunk or Treat attracts families dressed in coordinating costumes, including Jaime and Ned Maino and their pirate children Gigi and Rylan.

• Trunk or Treat by Main Street Tehachapi • Zombie Run, Golden Hills • TPOPS Halloween Concert, Beekay Theatre • Oktoberfest, Stallion Springs • Links For Life “Lace’n It Up • Warrior Country Triathlon, Dye Natatorium

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Girl Scouts are in a festive mood during the 2017 Christmas Parade.

November

December

• Hot Chocolate Turkey Trot 5K, Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District • Ugly Christmas Sweater Wine Walk, Main Street Tehachapi

• Tehachapi Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting • Santa at the Depot, Tehachapi Depot Museum

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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THINGS TO DO

A tour of Tehachapi — get ready for cycling in the GranFondo

By JOSEPH LUIZ Tehachapi News

A

vid cyclists should mark their calendars for this September as more than a thousand riders — locally and from around the world — come together in Tehachapi for the GranFondo.

This year’s ride is set for Sept.

15, with courses ranging from 18 to 100 miles to serve all skill levels. Participants will wear a timing chip that will record how long it takes them to complete a course, although the GranFondo is not considered a race.

Courses will go through downtown Tehachapi into Bear Valley, Stallion Springs, Keene and the other surrounding communities, bringing views of the desert and mountains.

“The ride is almost like a tour of Tehachapi and goes into every community,” said Michelle Vance, district manager of the

Tehachapi Recreation & Park District and one of the organizers of the event. “It’s a great way to show off the community and provide great hospitality.”

For those who don’t want to participate in the ride but want to spectate, Vance said there will be various vantage areas where people can watch the cyclists.

All courses start at 7 a.m.

Check-in for the event is 5-6:30 a.m. Sept. 15 at 125 E. F St. Following the ride itself is the GranFondo Festival at Centennial Plaza, 115 S. Robinson St. The festival will include live music, food, info booths and more.

Vance said around 1,200 people are expected to participate in this year’s GranFondo, about 300 of which will be local riders.

Participation in the event has doubled since it was first held in 2014 with around 600 participants.

The King and Queen of the

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Cyclists take on Cameron Road during the GranFondo.

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Cyclists pass through Stallion Springs during the GranFondo.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

Mountain awards are given to one man and one woman rider who finish with the fastest time on a segment of a hill during the 100-mile ride.

“The location of the hill changes every year so (the riders) won’t train far in advance for it,” she said. “The hill will be announced the week before the ride.”

The winners receive $500 and a special jersey. Those awards

are the only ones given out at the GranFondo. There is no award for fastest completion of a course, as Vance said it’s not meant to be a race.

One of the regular participants is Tehachapi resident Cory Lockwood, who has won the King of the Mountain award nearly every year. Lockwood said he’s loved participating in the GranFondo.

“It’s one of our greatest events,” he said. “It gets people outdoors and brings people together, having a good time and enjoying nature and people’s company.”

Lockwood said cycling has become a big recreational activity in Tehachapi. He enjoys being able to share his passion for cycling with others.

“Cycling brings a good culture to the town,” he said. “It’s a very healthy and positive thing to do.”

Tehachapi’s GranFondo, one of more than a hundred held across California, has been ranked 13th in the state for several years now, Vance said.

Tehachapi has also won the Best Century award from Cycle California! Magazine three times.

The cost to participate in the ride varies depending on the course. The price ranges from $65 for the 18-mile course to $130 for the 100-mile one.

Money raised from the event

“It’s one of our greatest events. It gets people outdoors and brings people together, having a good time and enjoying nature and people’s company.”

– Cory Lockwood, GranFondo participant

supports community nonprofit organizations and public safety efforts. Vance said the GranFondo usually brings in about $22,000 a year.

Cyclists must register by July 7. To register or for more information, visit tehachapigranfondo.com.

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661-331-3618 We Provide Everything But Your Destination! www.dcsrvcenter.com 2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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THINGS TO DO

Bicycling and camping Tehachapi News

BICYCLING The 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 on 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 & Park District office, located at 490 W. D St. Season passes are available, as are day-use boat launching passes. A dump station is available for RVs. Overnight camping is also available with 12 sites providing water and electric hook-ups. Dry camping is also available. TVRPD does not take reservations for camping; firstJON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS come, first-serve.

An Acorn Woodpecker (Tatarage’eb) in There are also three picnic pavil- Tehachapi Mountain Park prepares to ions available for stash an acorn it has gathered. 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 www.tvrpd.org.

Indian Hill Ranch RV Park & Campground Indian Hill offers 37 full hook-up RV sites, 50- and 30-amp electric service, paved access and pull-through parking. Propane, laundry and mail service are available as well. For more information, call 661-822-6613 or visit www.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. With 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 www.RankinRanch.com.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Great Valley Buttercups form a little stream of flowers beside the old duck pond at Tehachapi Mountain Park.

Mountain Valley RV Park Located adjacent to Mount Valley Airport, this park is open yearround. Twenty-seven sites with hook-ups (water and electricity), dump station. Raven’s Nest Sandwich Shop, Skylark North Glider Port, rides and lessons available. For more information, call 661822-1213 or visit www.skylarknorth.com.

Tehachapi Mountain Park The park is 8 miles southwest of Tehachapi, located on the southern side of Highway 58 between Mojave and Bakersfield.

Woody’s Peak (elevation, 7,986 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 2 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.

THINGS TO DO

Golf, horseback riding, hunting and shooting rides are in the morning only). This activity is available to guests age 6 and older (maximum weight 250 pounds). Many guests have never ridden before and some who own their own horses are experienced riders; however, all levels of riders enjoy the beautiful scenery and serenity one can experience while on the back of a horse.

Tehachapi News

GOLF The game of golf is a popular way to pass the time in Tehachapi, thanks to scenic mountain vistas and ideal climate.

Oak Tree Country Club The 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 9-hole golf course features more than 3,000 yards of play area.

For more information, call 661-821-5144

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

HUNTING AND SHOOTING Tehachapi Sportsman Club COURTESY OF OTCCWGC

Participants in the annual Play for PINK tournament at Oak Tree Country Club in Bear Valley Springs. available for residents.

Rankin Ranch Horseback Riding is a favorite activity at the ranch (approximately one-hour trail rides, twice each day, except Sundays, the

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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 visit www.tehachapisportsmanclub.com

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www.maturango.org www ww w..ma w ma atu tura tu rang ngo. go. o.org org or 2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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THINGS TO DO

Fishing and flight Tehachapi News

FISHING Brite Lake Stocked for fishing and open year-round for day use. Boat launching passes for the day or the season are now available, at the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District office, located at 490 W. D St. For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit www.tvrpd. org.

FLIGHT Tehachapi’s beautiful blue sky is favored by pilots and can be enjoyed by visitors, as well.

Airport Tehachapi Municipal Airport is located south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 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 to enjoy an old-fashioned mountain town. A friendly place to rest your wings!

For information, call 661-822-2200 or visit www.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 Nevada mountains to the north, the Tehachapi Mountains to the south, and the Mojave Desert to 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

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The Stratolaunch aircraft, the largest airplane on Earth, taxied for the first time in December 2017 on a runway at Mojave Air and Space Port in eastern Kern County. way to see the local sights. For information, call 661-822-5267 or visit www.skylarknorth.com

Spaceport The Mojave Airport was 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 www.mojave airport.com

Skate park and swimming Tehachapi News

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 utilized facilities, Ollie Mountain is frequented by Tehachapi’s large population of skaters and hosts skate competitions and Music in the Park. All skaters welcome!

For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit www.tvrpd.org.

SWIMMING Dye Natatorium Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District operates a heated, indoor six-lane pool (25 yards) located at 400B South Snyder, next to the Jacobsen Middle School parking lot. For more information, call 661-822-3228 or visit www.tvrpd.org 48

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

TEHACHAPI NEWS FILE

Dye Natatorium is available for recreational and lap swimming.

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THINGS TO DO

Downtown Walking Tour used as a public building. In 1982, the city leased it to the Tehachapi Heritage League to be used as a museum.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES WHITE

The Errea House “T-hacha- P Brand” panels, from photographs by Art Mortimer.

PHOTO BY NICK SMIRNOFF

Tehachapi along with helpful markers identifying points of interest.

Tehachapi News

T

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.

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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 1870-75.

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 Register of Historic Places on July 29, 1997.

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

KENT KUEHL / TBC MEDIA

THINGS TO DO

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 location, stone by stone. At its original site, the arrastra was in danger of being eroded and destroyed by runoff in Water Canyon Creek.

PHOTO BY NICK SMIRNOFF

The Tehachapi Depot Musuem attracts scores of visitors from around the globe every year.

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 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.

8. The Tehachapi Depot 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. 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.

11. Former Richfield Service Station 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.

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 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.

Continued on Page 54

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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THINGS TO DO

PHOTO BY NICK SMIRNOFF

“BeeKay Mural,” created by Colleen Mitchell-Veyna.

Continued from Page 53

15. 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 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 fire fighting equip54

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

ment, 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.

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.

THINGS TO DO

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.

“USPS Air Mail,” mural by Mark Pestana.

(NOT ON MAP, BUT LOCATED IN OR NEAR DOWNTOWN)

“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

“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.

PHOTO BY NICK SMIRNOFF

“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.

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THINGS TO DO

COURTESY OF NANCY NIES

Beavertail Cactus is found on the Cameron Ridge part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hiking the PCT and other Tehachapi trails Tehachapi News

T

ehachapi often marks the first touchstone for Pacific Crest Trail hikers, a hike that spans from the Mexico border to the Canadian border by Mount Whitney. The trail covers 2,652 miles total and passes through six out of seven of North America’s eco-zones. A major achievement for thru-hikers, the Pacific Crest Trail in Tehachapi has many nice day hikes for those visiting Tehachapi.

Hiking alone can be treacherous and if you’re feeling queasy about solo hiking, meetup.com, the PCT Facebook page and trailangellist.org can be helpful, not only 56

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

with travel partnerships but also with lodging and transportation.

Some hikes must be done with a guide, like those at Tomo-Kahni State Park. Hikers might encounter large predators: black bears, mountain lions and coyotes. Smaller, but dangerous predators you might encounter on the Pacific Crest Trail are rattlesnakes, scorpions and spiders. Be prepared and be cautious.

WILLOW SPRINGS ROAD TRAILHEAD The trailhead is at the intersection of the Tehachapi-Willow Springs and Cameron Canyon roads. From here, there are two options:

Hike Cottonwood Creek in the Antelope Valley, 22 miles.

Hike among the wind turbines toward Highway 58, 5.9 miles The Cottonwood Creek hike is steep when it approaches the ridge toward Bean Canyon, but levels out at the top. It may be hard to discern where the trail is at times because the trail is used for off-road vehicles. Bring your own water because the trail provides no water sources.

If you’re seeking a leisurely, informative hike, the route among the wind turbines is your hike. The hike can be windy and has no water sources either, so pack accordingly. At the end of the hike learn about wind

turbines and their presence along the Pacific Crest Trail in Tehachapi.

Highway 58 at Cameron Canyon Road Trailhead This trail isn’t for the light-hearted as it quickly ascends to the top of Waterfall Canyon in about 8 miles. Those with bad knees might want to bring a walking stick as the elevation is steep, about 2,000 feet.

This trail is craggy and for those with resilience.

One route is to the head of Waterfall Canyon, 8.3 miles, to view some fantastic geological formations. If you’re up for the challenge, you can hike another 8 miles to Golden Oak Springs, a year-round spring nestled inside a serene and secluded glade. This is bear country so be prepared by keeping food items sealed, concealed and not in your tent.

TEHACHAPI MOUNTAIN PARK You don’t have to travel too far outside of Tehachapi for this trail. Eight miles outside Tehachapi, this trail is great for hikers, nature-walkers and campers of all levels. If you’re seeking some education on the area, the Nuooah Nature Trail, complete with 20 markers of points-of-interest loops one-quarter mile of the park.

If you’re up for the challenge, hike to Woody’s Peak. Take time to plan where to park, as space is limited and close to private property parking. For more information, visit co.kern.ca.us/ parks/tehachapi.asp or call the Kern County Parks Department at 661-868-7000.

TOMO-KAHNI STATE PARK This historical park is a unique archaeological site that has been protected since 1993. Home of the remnants of an early Kawaiisu village, Tomo-Kahni is between an overlook of Sand Canyon and

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Wild Mustard can be found on the Pacific Crest Trail.

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Tomo-Kahni, or “winter village,” is only accessible by tour due to the archaeological and environmental sensitivity of the site. The tours are weekend only, presented by volunteers, during the fall and spring months. It begins with an orientation at the Tehachapi Museum. For more information, visit parks.ca.gov or call the state parks department at 916-653-6995.

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GOLDEN HILLS NATURE PARK Golden Hills Nature Park is a great trail for amateur and leisure hikers alike as it winds alongside Woodford-Tehachapi Road. Visitors can expect great views, birds in flight and other local wildlife. There’s about 5 miles of recreational use trails for walkers, hikers, equestrians and cyclists alike. The names of the trails are Woodford Trails, Brite Creek, Clover Spring and White Pine. White Pine is on the back nine of a former golf course. The Golden Hills Community Services District is pursuing grants for barriers to keep off-highway vehicles and other motor vehicles out of the park.

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SPIRITUAL LIFE

JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

The larger building at the Mountain Spirit Center is used for gatherings and services.

JON HAMMOND / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

The Buddhist temple at Mountain Spirit Center.

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.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

“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.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

Worship directory Abundant Life Pentecostal Church of God 19434 Valley Blvd.

661-822-7715

Mountain Bible Church 630 Maple St. 661-822-7541 mountainbiblechurch.org

A City on a Hill Church 48771 W. Valley Blvd.

Roots Christian Fellowship (Inside Seventh-day Adventist) 20335 Woodford-Tehachapi Road 661-972-3071 rootscf.com

Apostolic Faith Church (Inside Slice of Life) 423 S. Curry St. 661-822-6622 Bear Valley Springs Community Church 26180 Plateau Way 661-821-0183 bearvalleychurch.org Calvary Chapel of Tehachapi 15719 Highline Road 661-823-9814 calvarychapeltehachapi.com Christian Life Assembly 920 W. Valley Blvd.

661-822-3813 clatehachapi.com Christian Science Society & Reading Room 206 E. F St., Suite 4 661-823-1417 sites.google.com/site/christiansciencetehachapi

Tehachapi Community Church.

Saint Jude’s In-The-Mountains Anglican Church 630 Maple St. 661-822-3607 stjudesinthemountains.org

Country Oaks Baptist Church 20915 Schout Road 661-822-1379 countryoaks.org

Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church 407 W. E St. 661-822-3060 saintmalachy.church

First Baptist Church 1049 S. Curry St. 661-822-3138 fbctehachapi.com

Shepherd of the Hills 24300 Bear Valley Road 661-822-1400 sothchurch.org

Four Seasons Community Church 20400 Backes Lane, Building 2 661-300-1169

Stallion Springs Community Church 18151 Saint Andrews Drive 661-823-0799 stallionspringscommunitychurch. com

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Church of Christ 401 S. Mill St. 661-822-3991 tehachapicofc.org

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 329 S. Mill St. 661-822-6817 goodshepherdtehachapi.org

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 600 Anita Drive 661-822-6490

Grace Fellowship of Tehachapi 326 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-9760 gfteh.org

Summit Christian Fellowship (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 Church 100 E. E St. 661-822-4443 tcccucc.org Tehachapi Mountain Vineyard 502 E. Pinon St. 661-822-9313 tehachapimountainvineyard.com Tehachapi Seventh-day Adventist Church 20335 Woodford-Tehachapi Road 661-822-1174 tehachapi22.adventistchurchconnect.org/ Tehachapi Sovereign Grace Church 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 tehachapiumc.org Tehachapi Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church 20708 Tucker Road 661-822-4564

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE: 661-917-4202

20577 South Street Tehachapi, CA 93561 AfterHoursDiesel@yahoo.com www.MurphysAfterHours.com ARI, DONLEN, WHEELS APPROVED VENDOR

SPIRITUAL LIFE

COURTESY OF NORBERTINE CANONESSES

The sisters joyfully lead a simple life of prayer and work.

Norbertine Monastery and Bethany House offer silence, solitude

By DARLA A. BAKER dbaker@tehachapinews.com

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 43 sisters (with several more young women discerning entrance) is led by Mother Mary Augustine, Prioress. Seventeen sisters have made their Solemn Profession, that is, 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 joy60

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

fully lead a simple life of 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, serving as the “heart” of Christ’s Mystical Body, pumping the sap of grace to all of His members through their hidden life of prayer and sacrifice.

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, 150-plus 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 Norbertine Canonesses nun doll — as well as the sisters’ chant CD, religious books and other religious items, including icons, statues, medals and more.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

COURTESY OF NORBERTINE CANONESSES

Prayer is an integral part of the lives of the Norbertine canonesses.

The sisters also sell a number of their items through their online monastery gift shop (click on “Gift Shop” at the sisters’ website: www.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’ growth and the nature of their canonical and ecclesial vocation, this project is of the highest importance. Putting all of their faith in God, the sisters trust 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.

To date, they have received about $1.8 million, with many new and long-standing friends contributing toward the project, as well as desiring to help in various ways, including through hosting local, Orange and Los Angeles fundraisers organized and carried out by Friends of the Norbertine Canonesses. When they receive about $8 million toward the goal, they will be able to begin with the bid process and construction. For more information, contact the sisters or to make donations, one may go to their website. An interesting recent blog post provides added insights: http://www. marcusallensteele.com/the-hiddenwarrior-nuns-of-tehachapi/ 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, away from the hustle and bustle of the world, and an opportunity to share in the sisters’ rich mo-

nastic and liturgical prayer life, including daily midnight Matins. For more information, to inquire about availability, or to make reservations, please contact our guest mistress at nsguestmistress@gmail.com or call us at the number below.

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 661-8231066 or email MotherMaryA@aol.com or norbertinecanonesses@gmail.com.

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

61

CRITTERS

Meet the animals!

They’re abundant in Tehachapi

By ELIZABETH SANCHEZ Tehachapi News

W

hen it comes to wildlife, Tehachapi has it all, from horses to alpacas to cats. There are a number of rescue organizations, ranches and horse trails for all visitors to explore.

WINDSWEPT RANCH PETTING ZOO If you’re into animals, you have to visit Windswept Ranch Petting Zoo, an exotic animal ranch featuring more than 126 animals, including reindeer, camels, zebra, buffalo, yak, emu, guanaco, horses and lots of sheep and goats.

The zoo, which was featured as a bucket list item in Westways Magazine last year, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays from April to October.

Visitors can go on pony rides or camel rides, which are offered on the last Saturday of the month, and can visit the petting zoo. The zoo also offers pony painting on the third Saturday of the month, followed by a parade of the colorful ponies.

Guests can also walk animals through an obstacle course, and if they pass the test, guests will receive a “driver’s license.”

The zoo offers sunset camel treks, followed by a dinner, by reservation only, and for the first time, Windswept is hosting a Running of the Reindeer event in January, where guests can run alongside the animals, just like the Spaniards do with the bulls.

For more information, visit the zoo’s Facebook page or call 809-3965. Admission is $5. The ranch is located at 11101 Robert Ranch Road, Willow Springs, CA 93560.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

CONTRIBUTED BY CAROL RUSH

An American Robin carries a Toyon berry in its mouth.

CONTRIBUTED BY MARY DUFRAIN

The Kern Audubon Society’s Tehachapi Chapter on its Stallion Springs trip in November 2016.

KERN AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRD WATCHING When it comes to bird watching, there is no better place than Tehachapi. The Kern

Audubon Society’s Tehachapi sub-chapter has plenty to offer those who take an interest in the activity.

The society holds monthly bird watching field trips, open to the public, on the fourth Saturday of the month. (Things could change due to weather.) The group meets at Burger King, 620 W. Tehachapi Blvd., at 8 a.m., then heads out to explore the great outdoors.

The group has gone to Tehachapi Mountain Park, the lagoons and lakes, Nature Park in Golden Hills and sometimes Bear Valley Springs.

The group also holds quarterly meetings, which are also open to the public.

Each meeting features a guest speaker. The group meets once in January, April, August and September at 7 p.m. at Golden Hill Elementary School, 20215 Park Road.

You can find more information on these events in Tehachapi New or by emailing audubontehachapi@yahoo.com.

FELINE CONSERVATION CENTER The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound’s Feline Conservation Center, also known as the Cat House, is where cat lovers can explore a museum full of wild cat species. It is home to more than 70 of the world’s most endangered felines, including leopards and jaguars, according to its website.

The breeding and research facility, located in Rosamond, is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the world’s endangered felines.

The compound is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with the exception of Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Feline Follies Day, which is Aug. 11 this year.

If you visit, general admission is $10, $8 for seniors and active duty military with ID, $5 for ages 3 to 12 and free for children under age 3.

The museum is located at 3718 60th St. W. in Rosamond. The website says to be careful when using GPS or online maps because 60th Street West does not go through from Rosamond Boulevard.

For more information, call 256-3332.

EQUESTRIAN PHOTO COURTESY OF FELINE CONSERVATION CENTER

A baby Jaguar shares kitten curiosity with visitors at the Feline Conservation Center in Rosamond.

Bear Valley Equestrian Center: Near the Continued on Page 64

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

63

CRITTERS

Continued from Page 63

Equestrian Center, you’ll find the 50-mile trail system which has trails varying in difficulty from flat meadows to high mountain terrain. The Equestrian Center also offers full-service boarding for its members, a Mare Motel for temporary boarding for members and their guests and a campground with restroom and shower facilities and corrals, says the facility’s website.

There are six arenas available covering many riding disciplines such as dressage, driving, cattle events and jumping. There are also plenty of events held at the Equestrian Center throughout the year. Head to bvsa. org for more information and a schedule.

RESCUE OPERATIONS

Have a Heart Humane Society:

Have a Heart Humane Society believes each cat and dog deserves a caring home and a safe, healthy environment to live. Its mission is to rescue abandoned, abused and injured animals, provide low-cost vaccinations and spay/neuter programs,

educate the greater Tehachapi community about responsible pet ownership, and partner with local organizations to develop and share resources for animal welfare, according to its website. For more information on adopting, volunteering and donating, head to haveahearthumanesociety.org.

Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue: Marley’s Mutts rescues, rehabilitates, trains and re-homes death row dogs from Kern County’s high-kill animal shelters. If you would like to learn more about the nonprofit’s foster program and adoption opportunities, head to marleysmutts.org.

S.T.O.P.: STOP has created a network of foster homes for abandoned pets, has funded and staffed a foster home for adoption animals, cooperates with current government groups, other humane rescue organizations and private rescues, provides educational programs to schools and the community to help reduce pet overpopulation, and rescues stray, abandoned or relinquished animals from the surrounding communities and to rescue animals from Kern County shelters. Call 823-4100 for more information.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Windswept Ranch brought Mack the camel to South Street Days.

Tehachapi Humane Society: This organization reduces pet overpopulation by providing assistance with the cost of the spay or neuter surgery; prevents cruelty to all animals; ensures the humane treatment of all animals; and provides humane educational material on these important issues. For more information, head to tehachapihumanesociety.com.

United Pegasus Foundation: The mission of United Pegasus Foundation is to identify abused and/or neglected horses and help rehabilitate them. Head to unitedpegasus.com for more information.

COURTESY OF DIXIE COUTANT

Local falconer Steve Shaw has spoken about raptors to the Audubon Society.

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Providing

9am -2pm

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quality loans

Tues, Thurs & Fri 11am-2pm

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Let our experience in the Tehachapi area work for you.

STREET TACO THURSDAY 3pm-Close

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri 2-7pm

10 Viewing Screens Mon., Thurs., Sun. Football and UFC

Direct Lender/Mortgage Banker

GayleMcCarthy McCarthy Gayle Branch Manager NMLS#225960/1850

Branch Manager

(661) 822-5523 (661) 822-5523 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd, Ste A 100

1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd, Ste A 100

Tehachapi, Tehachapi,CA CA93561 93561 BRE # 01063368/01215943 BRE#01063368/01215943 NMLS # 225960/1850 Licensed by the Department of

Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

65

THE GUIDES

Dining and imbibing Tehachapi News

T

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.

Baskin-Robbins 785 Tucker Road, Suite E 661-822-3496

Bean Me Up 20001 W. Valley Blvd.

661-670-9050

Bear Valley Country Market & Grill 26900 Bear Valley Road 661-821-3124

NICK SMIRNOFF/ FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Red House BBQ on East Tehachapi Boulevard.

Bobby Salazar’s

Carlos’ Donuts

Big Papa’s Steakhouse and Saloon

400 Steuber Road 661-823-4922

20011 Valley Blvd.

661-809-8936

1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-7272

Burger King

Chester’s Chicken

Blue Ginger Pho Vietnamese Cuisine 1121 W. Valley Blvd.

661-823-1199

620 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-1897

Burger Spot 208 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-3145

400 Steuber Road 661-823-4922

Cinnabon 1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Flying J Travel Center 661-823-1049

Del Taco 645 Tucker Road 661-823-9442

Denny’s 9000 Magellan Drive 661-823-7380

Dog House Saloon 777 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-4200

Domingo’s Bar & Grill 20416 Highway 202 661-822-7611 DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Jesse Nevarez is the co-owner of Big Papa’s Restaurant along with brother Gabriel Nevarez.

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

Domino’s Pizza 1121 Valley Blvd.

661-822-3444

Don Perico’s Mexican Restaurant 840 Tucker Road 661-822-5366

Downtown Yogurt Junction 117 E. F St. (no phone)

Dunkin’ Donuts 540 Tucker Road 661-822-1418

Frosty King 20651 Highway 202 661-822-4016

Gold Mountain Sports Tavern 20601 Highway 202 661-823-4615

Gracian’s Grill 860 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-4016

Henry’s Cafe 550 Tucker Road 661-822-0732

Hungry Howie’s Pizza 675 Tucker Road 661-822-1000

THE GUIDES

COURTESY OF P-DUBS

Don Perico Mexican Food & Bar offers wedding receptions and other large events.

Tasty food is ready to be served to customers at P-Dubs Grille & Bar in Stallion Springs.

Ichiban

Kohnen’s Country Bakery

P-Dubs Grille & Bar

675 Tucker Road 661-822-1000

125 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-3350

Jack in the Box

Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant

CONTRIBUTED BY DON PERICO’S

801 Tucker Road 661-822-1316

Jake’s Steakhouse 213 S. Curry St. 661-822-6015

Johnny’s Take & Bake 807 Tucker Road 661-822-9596

Kasagiri Japanese Restaurant 128 E. F St. 661-822-7533

Keene Cafe Highway 58 – Exit #139, Keene 661-823-7010

Kelley’s Cafe 20424 Brian Way 661-822-1608

108 S. Green St. 661-822-5506

Linda’s Cakes ’N Things (phone only) 661-972-4361

Little Caesar’s Pizza 815 Tucker Road, Suite A 661-822-6666

Local Craft Beer

Moessner Farm Cafe & Store 25000 Bear Valley Road 661-821-0924

Mulligan Room 29541 Rolling Oak Drive Bear Valley Springs 661-821-4107

Noble Roman’s Pizza 401 Steuber Road 661-823-4922

365 Enterprise Way, Suite G 661-822-2337

McDonald’s

Old Towne Pizza

Midori Sushi 414 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-1216

King of Siam (Thai)

Mill Street Kitchen (catering)

760 Tucker Road 661-823-9977

208 S. Mill St. 661-827-7558

Petra Mediterranean Deli & Restaurant 200 S. Green St. 661-822-1900

Perfetto Italian Restaurant 209 S. Green St. 661-822-1711

Pizza Hut Oak Branch Saloon 29500 N. Lower Valley Road Bear Valley Springs 661-821-5521

795 Tucker Road, 661-822-0948 2900 E. Tehachapi Blvd, Love’s Travel Center 661-823-8300

27725 Stallion Springs Drive, Stallion Springs 661-823-7777

20430 Brian Way, #5 661-822-3558

Papa’s Restaurant 27821 Stallion Springs Drive, Stallion Springs 661-823-9326

P-Dubs Brew Pub 20700 South St. 661-823-4766

785 Tucker Road 661-822-0500

PJ Fresh 1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Flying J Pilot Center 661-823-1049

Primo Burger 118 E. F St. 661-823-7202

Raven’s Nest Sandwich & Coffee Shop 16334 Harris Road, Mountain Valley Airport 661-822-5267 Continued on Page 68

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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THE GUIDES

Continued from Page 67

Taco Samich 211 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-823-8947

Taylor’s Provisions 208 S. Mill St. 661-750-0390

Tea Donuts 807 Tucker Road 661-822-4094

Tehachapi Natural Market 20221 Valley Blvd.

661-823-4087

TehachaPie 208 S. Mill St. 661-827-7558

Thai Hachapi 119 E. F St. 661-823-4891 CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Scott Taylor from Taylor’s Superior Provisions invites the public to taste the different types of vinegars and spices to add to new dishes.

Red House BBQ

Souza Family Vineyard

Subway

426 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-0772

26877 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-9233

655-A Tucker Road, 661-823-7075

Starbucks Coffee

2000 E. Tehachapi Blvd., in Love’s Travel Center

Savannah’s Old Town Saloon 20717 South St. 661-823-1550

Shell Station

300 Tucker Road, 661-822-0573 785 Tucker Road, inside Albertsons

1050 Capital Hills Pkwy.

SteamPunk Cafe & Grill

Sonic Drive-In

20324 W. Valley Blvd.

661-823-4469

1040 W. Valley Blvd.

661-822-9099

1050 Capital Hills Pkwy., in Shell Station

Taco Bell 1098 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-823-7033

The Coffee Mill 120 S. Mill St. 661-822-6455

The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant 807 Tucker Road 661-822-9137

The Oaks Restaurant 29500 N. Lower Valley Road, Bear Valley Springs 661-821-5521

TK’s Pizza & Pasta 604 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-8366

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2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

DARLA A. BAKER / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Carlos Castellanoa at Carlos’ Donuts.

Triassic Vineyards

Village Grill

24627 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-5341

410 E. Tehachapi Blvd.

661-822-1128

Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar

Wendy’s

695 Tucker Road 661-822-8220

1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd., in Flying J Pilot Center 661-823-1049

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

A sampling of what you can order at Petra Mediterranean Delicatessen & Restaurant in Tehachapi.

aler tdisaster.com alertdisaster.com Sunday Brunch

EXICAN M

ILL

DOMINGOS BAR & GR

Cuisine

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Happy Hour

Monday through Friday 3 to 7p.m.

Lunch & Dinner Old Towne - 20416 Valley Blvd.

661-822-7611 2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

69

THE GUIDES

Shopping: Tehachapi’s main districts are Central Tehachapi, West Tehachapi and Old Towne CENTRAL TEHACHAPI

C

entral Tehachapi includes downtown. A full range of goods and services are available in this area, which spans from Highway 58 to Mill Street.

Alligator Rose 117 S. Mill St. Suite H, 562-235-1069 Auntie Em’s Antiques 225 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-3420 B & B Liquors 220 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-3521 Bliss Antiques 106 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-5477 Cycle & Go Cyclery 121 E. F St., 661-972-1206

Moses-Master Carpet 110 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-6959 Mountain Music 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-6794 Nannette Keller Boutique 102 S. Robinson St., 825-5306 Oak Tree Antiques 102 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-0162 Pilot Flying J Travel Center 1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 823-1049 R-Soto Tires & Repair 817-5881 Sheridan Boutique 114 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4252 Southern Shooters Supply 120 E. F St., 823-1223 Spirited Bead & Klews Gallery 435 W. J St., 823-1930

Dahlia A Boutique 101 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-6195

Stop Staring Boutique 108 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 750-4408

Darlene’s Real Swell Toys 103 W. H St., 823-1920

Taylor’s Provisions 208 S. Mill St. 750-0390

Debbie’s Fabrics 112 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-7114

Tehachapi Bible Book/DirecTv Store 212 Curry St., 823-6823

Expert Estate Sales 823-1635 5 Hearts Quilts 104 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-8709 Foundling Reclamation 112 E. F St., 823-4463 Gallery ‘N’ Gifts 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-6062 Get Dressed 125 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4880 Go2Girlz Estate Sales 211 Curry St., 238-5355 The Humble Collector 101 E. H St., 823-1760 Loves 2000 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-1484 70

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

Tehachapi Christian Store 108 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-0626 Tehachapi Flower Shop 117 E. F St., 822-3117 Tehachapi Tack Shack 117 S. Mill St., 823-1115 Tehachapi Treasure Trove 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-6794 The Dressing Room 112 E. Tehachapi Blvd. 823-1687

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Get Dressed Boutique during a downtown wine walk.

WEST TEHACHAPI West Tehachapi is west of Mill Street to the area around Tucker Road (Highway 202).

Albertsons 775 Tucker Road, 823-7090 All American Automotive & Tires 787 W. Tehachapi Blvd. 822-4950 Applegate Garden Florists 1121 W. Valley Blvd., Suite H, 823-0100 Auto Zone 842 Tucker Road, 823-1294 Big 5 685 Tucker Road, 822-4197 Canine Creek Pet Wash & Boutique 798 Tucker Road, 822-0307 ChainGang Outlaw Apparel 777 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-2800

Dollar Tree 844 Tucker Road, 823-9041 Family Dollar 655 Tucker Road, 822-1105 Home Depot 507 N. Mill St., 823-5434 Kmart 710 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-7496 M&M’s Sports 760 Tucker Road, Suite A, 823-1668 O’Reilly Auto Parts 700 Tucker Road, 823-1490 Postal ASAP! 785 Tucker Road, 822-7508 Radio Shack 1121 W. Valley Blvd., 822-4512 RiteAid 811 Tucker Road, 822-9292

Tractor Supply 480 N Mill St., 823-1687

Delgado’s Jewelry 1121 W. Valley Blvd. Suite J, 822-6657

SaveMart 841 Tucker Road, 822-3098

Ultimate Ink 151 N. Mill St., 300-1808

Dollar General 846 Tucker Road, 750-0121

Savon Drugs 775 Tucker Road, 823-7094

THE GUIDES

The Children’s Cottage 20424 Brian Way, 238-6775 Handcrafted HoneyBee 20609 Santa Lucia St., Unit C, 844-434-9548 Hemme Hay & Feed 20616 South St., 822-7442 Napa Auto 20633 South St., 822-3015 99 Cent Shop 20350 W. Valley Blvd., 823-8620 Norm Hanson Firearms 20358 W. Valley Blvd., 823-4977 COURTESY OF ALIGATOR ROSE

Ma Belle Ammie Fisher, owner of Alligator Rose, welcomes patrons of Mill Town Marketplace.

Sears Hometown Center 835 Tucker Road, 822-4914

UPS Store 1121 W. Valley Blvd., 823-4940

Tehachapi Liquor 840 Tucker Road, Suite J, 823-1118

Walgreens 1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-0163

The Lucky Truck, LLC Follow on Facebook for location 972-1961

OLD TOWNE

Tractor Supply Co. 480 N. Mill St., 823-1687

The Old Towne shopping area is in the unincorporated area along Valley Boulevard (Highway 202) and adjacent streets including South Street.

Pioneer True Value 20901 South St., 822-6806 Prime Signs 20412 Brian Way, #3, 822-4497 Ranch Service & Supply 20700 South St., 822-9101 Tehachapi Furniture 20302 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-7000 Tehachapi Pet Lodge 20693 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, 822-6471 The Tire Store 21011 Santa Barbara Drive, 823-9037

V.I.P. Computers 21019 Santa Barbara Drive, #B, 823-1387

THRIFT STORES Guild of Tehachapi Hospital 115 W. E St., 822-3425 Help & Hope 20328 W. Valley Blvd., 822-7805 New-2-You 432 W. J St., 238-8942 Rescued Treasures 1121 W. Valley Blvd., Suite B, 750-2261 Salvation Army 538 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-9508 Sharing & Caring 203 S. Pauley St., 822-3001 The Mix Thrift Shop 20407 Brian Way, 822-0459

CELL PHONE STORES AT&T Authorized Retailer 695 Tucker Road, 823-8229 Metro PCS 807 Tucker Road, Suite A, 823-4032

Sessions eConsignment 20360 W. Valley Blvd., 822-5022

T-Mobile 1054 W. Valley Blvd. Suite C., 750-0300

Tehachapi Floor Covering 20571 Santa Lucia St., 822-5025

Twisted Sisters Revival 20300 W. Valley Blvd., Suite F, 970-231-2558

Verizon 785 Tucker Road, 823-0437

All Access Computers 20418 Brian Way, 822-0999

Witt’s Office Supplies 20437 Brian Way, 822-6760

To Your Health 785 Tucker Road, 333-5651

Tehachapi Natural Market 20221 Valley Blvd., 823-4087

Ultimate Ink 151 N. Mill St., 823-1635 U-neek Findz 450 W. F St., 822-7311

CARA JACKSON / TEHACHAPI NEWS

Stop Staring dresses are displayed here at Sheridan’s Boutique Consignment.

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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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.

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

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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

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

CONTRIBUTED BY ROSE GARDEN ESTATE

Rose Garden Estate

TEHACHAPI NEWS

Jennifer’s Terrace Located in the city of Tehachapi, Jenifer’s Terrace offers a 1920 vintage home and custom-designed garden landscaped as a traditional 72

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

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

CONTRIBUTED BY WOODS PAVILION

The Woods Pavilion is an artistically landscaped venue, providing a woodsy atmosphere for your event. rosegardenestate@gmail.com rosegardenestateweddings.com

Slice of Life Enrichment School Slice of Life Enrichment School offers a 4,000-squarefoot building, complete with an open auditorium, large gathering room, catering kitchen, lots of parking, a large stage and auditorium that can seat up to 150 people. It’s complete with sophisticated sound and visual systems and an optional grand piano. It’s perfect for concerts, wedding receptions, parties, presentations and more.

48771 W. Valley Blvd.

661-733-7409 sminor@sliceoflifeschool.com www.sliceoflifeschool.com/ rentals

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, barbecues and weddings.

26689 Cummings Valley Road 661-822-9233 souzafamilyvineyard.com

The Woods Pavilion 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

THE GUIDES

Hotels, motels and lodging Baymont Inn & Suites Tehachapi 500 Steuber Road, 823-8000

Ranch House Motel 500 E. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4561

Best Western Plus Country Park Hotel 420 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 823-1800

Ranch Motel 507 W. Curry St., 822-4283

SureStay Hotel by Best Western 418 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-5591 Fairfield Inn & Suites Tehachapi 422 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-4800

Santa Fe Motel 120 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 822-3184 Stallion Springs Resort 28681 Stallion Springs Drive, 822-5400

Golden Hills Hotel 22561 Woodford-Tehachapi Road, 822-4488

The Lodge at Woodward West 18100 Lucaya Way, 822-5581

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 901 Capital Hills Parkway, 822-9837

BED AND BREAKFAST

Tesa Noonan

661-717-3394

Anne Mulkins

661-340-2349

Rose Garden Estate 24492 Bear Valley Road, 477-6140

Shelly Maurer 661-972-5442

CalBRE#01873759 CalBRE#01035324 CalBRE#02048001

Sue Chandler

661-599-2378

CalBRE#00791174

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LIVING IN TEHACHAPI

Community rallies around Warrior sports, a centerpiece of Tehachapi life

CONTRIBUTED BY THS FOOTBALL

Patriotic Warriors take the field just prior to kick-off in the homecoming game against Golden Valley in 2017.

Tehachapi defeated the Bulldogs, 37-0.

By JOSH BENNETT Tehachapi News

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f one were to venture through Tehachapi on a weekday evening, especially on Friday nights in the fall, it wouldn’t quite be a ghost town, but it wouldn’t be a busy scene either. Most of the Tehachapi community won’t be at work, out and about, or even at home.

Where they will be is at Tehachapi High School, supporting generations of students who have had the honor to don the green, black, and white and call themselves a Warrior.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily overly fanatical, but it’s definitely an exciting time for the community, a one high school town,” said Doug DeGeer, the head coach of the Tehachapi High football team and a Tehachapi native. “There’s usually a lot of connections there with the kids that are playing on Friday nights. For everyone else it’s something to do for everyone to come together.”

A big reason why the Tehachapi community supports Warrior athletics as much as they do is because it is a one-public high school town. A lot of alumni, like DeGeer, now work at the school and within the town.

One of DeGeer’s former coaches is Mike Heckahorn, who is now retired but still coaches the Warriors’ track team. Heckahorn previously coached the cross country team for 23 years and also coached middle school basketball, soccer, softball and junior varsity baseball along with AYSO and Little League teams for 32 years.

“Strong, strong community when it comes to athletic support.

Very strong athletic town. We all know each other, we all support 74

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Warrior spirit is evident during the 2017 homecoming football game. each other,” Heckahorn said. “One of the things you tend to find is that not only athletically, but a lot of us coaches go to the fine arts productions. You go to the plays, you hear the band play, you go to the concerts because some of the athletes do that too, so you find yourself well-rounded that way.”

Heckahorn isn’t originally from Tehachapi, but after a brief stay during his senior year in high school, ended up returning with his

LIVING IN TEHACHAPI

CONTRIBUTED BY THS FOOTBALL

It was a victorious homecoming for the Warriors in 2017, recording a decisive 37-0 shutout over Golden Valley. Tehachapi was led on offense by Hayden Palmer (6) and Garrett Curry (42), who both combined for 185 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

wife, who’s lived in Tehachapi her entire life.

“I ended up coming back to Tehachapi because it’s a great town to live in and raise children in. It’s a small community feeling,” Heckahorn said. “I was just amazed with the school spirit they had and emotion and commitment and passion they brought. It just stunned me, I was awestruck.”

DeGeer agrees with this sentiment and feels that the homegrown feeling of the community helps with the continuous support the Warriors receive throughout the year.

“There’s definitely a pride factor there.

There’s a lot of alumni that work at the school and are still in our community so it’s a way to rekindle that youthful spirit,” DeGeer said. “We try to be ambassadors to our town and we help our kids become leaders in the community and they recognize the role our kids and teams play in the community and how important they are from the youth sports to our high school sports.”

Continued on Page 76

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LIVING IN TEHACHAPI

Continued from Page 75

While DeGeer and his football team garner the loudest support from the community, there is just as much support for the other teams, including growing support for the girls’ teams.

“One of the biggest things I’ve noticed in my tenure has been the girls side and how strong it has gotten with parental support and following the teams and letting people know who they are,” Heckahorn said.

It also helps that the Warriors’ athletic teams are successful on the field and court. Tehachapi took home four South Yosemite League titles in 2017 (football, volleyball, baseball, softball) and have plenty of league and section championships on their mantle, including 30 league titles and 11 section titles from the football team alone, many of which came under the watch of former coach Steve Denman, who retired in 2016 with 301 wins over his 35-year career.

“At the same time as football season we have volleyball going on and they have been top-notch, they’ve had so much success,” DeGeer said. “They get a lot of support throughout the season. We have other sports that do well as well. I know our baseball program is very popular and we have a lot of people come out to their games. We pack the stands for the basketball games as well. There’s a lot of the same mentality for all the sports as there is for football.”

The cycle will continue up on the mountain as this generation of coaches and instructors will teach Warrior Pride to the current students, who will pass it on to the next generations.

“It’s something that we emphasize. Our big thing is that we want

795 Tucker Rd. 661-822-0948 2000 E. Tehachapi Blvd. (inside Love’s) 661-823- 8300 76

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

ROD THORNBURG/TEHACHAPI NEWS

Tehachapi players jump the fence of the dugout to celebrate a win over Mt Whitney. our kids to be proud of where they come from and the town and having school pride. We tell them they are representing our town and that’s something to be proud of within itself and the fact that we get so much support from the community is great,” DeGeer said. “We want our kids to be the ambassadors and role models to the kids growing up in town and represent the community in a positive way.”

LIVING IN TEHACHAPI

TEHACHAPI NEWS

Tehachapi’s City Hall is located at 115 S. Robinson St.

Doing business in Tehachapi Tehachapi News

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usiness continues to grow in various industries in Tehachapi. The city’s location makes it a prime place due to its close proximity to aviation- and space related industries in Antelope Valley, the ever-growing local agribusiness which produces wines, grass-fed beef, and produce, the Tehachapi Mountain Range, which is one of the world’s largest producers of wind-generated electricity, and the California Correctional Institution, a state prison that continues to provide economic stability.

If you are interested in throwing your hat into the booming Tehachapi business ring, contact one of the following resources.

115 S. Robinson St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-2200 liveuptehachapi.com

GREATER TEHACHAPI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce is to advance the prosperity of its members through community leadership, opportunities and advocacy.

The office hours are MondayFriday, 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

CITY OF TEHACHAPI

GREATER TEHACHAPI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Tehachapi City Hall can help assist you with any information you need or any questions you may have about starting a business in the city. City Hall is open Monday — Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The council enhances the quality of life in the Greater Tehachapi area by attracting, retaining and supporting business. They meet the first Wednesday of each month at Slice Of Life Enrichment

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School, 48771 W. Valley Blvd. info@tehachapiedc.com tehachapiedc.com

KERN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION They provide information about assistance available to all businesses in Kern County.

2700 M St., Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-862-5150 kedc.com

EAST KERN ECONOMIC ALLIANCE The alliance was formed by a group of local officials, community leaders and business-minded individuals with a desire to promote economic development in eastern Kern County, which includes Tehachapi.

Information can be obtained through the Kern Economic Development Corporation.

KERN COUNTY BOARD OF TRADE The board is responsible for

promoting and marketing Kern County. It is the county’s official tourism bureau and promotes Kern County as one of California’s premier retirement destinations. It also serves as the Kern County Film Commission, which provides permits and services for film, television and commercial production and markets the county as a location for filming.

1115 Truxtun Ave. (5th Floor) Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-868-5376 info@visitkern.com visitkern.com

GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE Tehachapi is recognized by the Alliance as an important part of the economy of northern Los Angeles County, eastern Kern County and GAVEA. 3041 West Ave. K — SCT Room 125 Lancaster, CA 93536 661-722-2201 info@socalleadingedge.org socalleadingedge.org

LIVING IN TEHACHAPI

Relocating to the Land of Four Seasons

NICK SMIRNOFF / FOR TEHACHAPI NEWS

Class of 2017 Tehachapi High graduates Mark Henderson, Kyle Lawson and Tristan Crane said “we’re ready!”

Tehachapi News he city of Tehachapi is an ideal destination for people and families of all ages, offering affordable housing, low crime rates, clean air,

T

favorable weather, and a closeknit community to lean on.

If you are interested in relocating to Tehachapi, the following resources may be helpful in your move.

www.accesstehachapirealestate.com www.accesstehachapirealestate.com 80

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

REAL ESTATE Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors This is the group to go to if you are looking for housing or land in the Tehachapi area, whether it be buying or selling with help from a local Realtor or looking for a service provider who can help with your ownership needs. They are open Monday — Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

803 Tucker Road 661-822-7652 tehachapiaor.com

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Tehachapi Unified School District 300 S. Robinson St. 661-822-2100 teh.k12.ca.us

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS FIELD Farmworkers

Institute of Education and Literary Development Main office and EPIC de Cesar Chavez Charter High School 122 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Suite C 661-822-4381 Tehachapi Learning Center 100 E. E St.

Mojave River Academy: Tehachapi Resource Center 20948 Sage Lane 661-510-9198

Valley Oaks Charter School Tehachapi 20705 South St. 661-822-6900 valleyoakstehachapi.org

PRIVATE SCHOOL Heritage Oak School 20915 Schout Road 661-823-0885 heritageoakschool.info

• Tehachapi also has an active home-schooling community.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Tehachapi Visitor Guide

Published by Tehachapi News 411 N. Mill St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6828 TehachapiNews.com

Associate Publisher: Virginia Cowenhoven President, CEO and CFO: Michelle Chantry Vice President and Executive Editor: Jim Lawitz Managing Editor: Christine Peterson Business Manager: Stephanie Garcia Visitor Guide Reporters: Darla A. Baker, Cara Jackson, Kelly Ardis, Josh Bennett, Dianne Hardisty, Joseph Luiz, Kasey Meredith, Pete Menting, Elizabeth Sanchez

Specialty Publications Art Director: Glenn Hammett Art & Marketing Manager: Holly Bikakis Graphics: Kent Kuehl Advertising sales: Lisa Ohls, Nikole Neufield, 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 2018 by Tehachapi News, a member of the TBC Media Family. 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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TEHACHAPI VISITOR GUIDE

Advertiser index Access Real Estate......................80

Kieffe & Sons Ford....................... 75

Adventist Health...........................15

King Of Siam................................. 25

Agape Mortgage ......................... 24

Maturango Museum................... 47

Airstreams Renewables............. 76

McDonald’s of Tehachapi........... 76

Alert Disaster Restoration......... 69

Midori Sushi...................................71

American Pacific Mortgage...... 65

Milltown Marketplace.......... 36-37

Ashmore Motors..........................64

Mountain Music........................... 35

Associated Real Estate...............49

Mountain Valley Airport............. 29

Bank Of The Sierra...................... 35 Best Realty................................ 7, 77

Murphy's Diesel & Auto Repair............................... 59

Big Papa’s Steakhouse................81

Nanette Keller Boutique............. 83

BVS Properties............................. 55

Pulford's Appletree Orchard...... 33

Canine Creek.................................81

Race Communications......... 50-51

City of Tehachapi.........................84

De Los Viajeros Vineyard............71

Connie Peacon & Associates...... 5

Rankin Ranch ............................... 29

Country Oaks Baptist Church... 35

Raven’s Nest ................................68

Country Real Estate.................... 57

Remax Tehachapi..................42-43

Darlene’s Real Swell Toys.......... 26

Rio Tinto Minerals......................... 4

DC’s Rv Center............................. 45

Rose Garden Estate..................... 24

Dignified Home Loans...................2 Domingos Bar & Grill.................. 69

Slice Of Life Enrichment School........................................ 59

Don Perico Restaurant................ 65

Stop Staring Designs.................... 9

Don’s Pro Tech Auto Repair....... 25

Tehachapi Community Theatre......................................64

Farmers Insurance Group/Marty Pay.............................................. 26 Friends of the Tehachapi Depot............................................7 Gallery ’N’ Gifts............................68 Gold Mountain Tavern.................14 Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce........................... 45

Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association.................. 27 Tehachapi Pet Lodge & Outfitters...................................19 Tehachapi Treasure Trove.......... 73 Tehachapi Unified School District..........................31

Heritage Oak School....................61

Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District.......................... 79

Jennifer’s Terrace......................... 35 Kaiser Permanente...................... 33

2018 Tehachapi Visitor Guide

Tehachapi Mountain Group....... 73

Have A Heart Humane Society...................................... 55 Hungry Howie’s Pizza................. 63

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Tehachapi Liquor......................... 45

The Woods Pavillion......................3 Triassic Vineyards.........................11

Kari Munoz / Coldwell Banker Best Realty............................... 69

Williams & Patton Financial Planning .................. 27

Katie Blatt/Bear Valley Springs Realty...........................14

Wood Family Funeral Service........................ 82

Fashion Designer Opens Showroom in Downtown Tehachapi Don’t miss out on a visit to the showroom of Nannette Keller. Unlike any other store, you’ll find a boutique full of genuine one-of-a-kind originals: Innovative Jackets, Chic Tops, Sexy Skirts and Funky Accessories, all priced below retail and available in a variety of sizes.

Keller designs and personally manages all aspects of production; making the pattern, grading, cutting, sewing, dyeing fabrics, and embellishing. Famous for her distinctive buttons and unexpected combination of materials, Nannette aims to make every woman feel stylish, look slimmer, and dress comfortably for any occasion. Stop by and try on an original! Nannette would love to incorporate your feedback into her future designs.

Nannette Keller is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Her line has been sold in finer retailers across the country and featured in Nordstrom’s, J. Jill, Soft Surroundings, and QVC. 102 South Robinson Street 661-825-5306 (On the corner of Tehachapi Blvd. and Robinson Street)

www.nannettekeller.com

N A N N E T T E