Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

Articles written by Phyllis Belcher


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  • Support Tehachapi Heritage League's raffle

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Dec 7, 2024

    Tehachapi Heritage League maintains both the Tehachapi Museum and the Errea House. Many people join THL because of their interest in the community. Membership fees are important to maintaining these two important assets in our community, but they do not always cover the expenses involved. Fundraisers are held to augment income, and this month there is a raffle of four items: A commemorative plate, recognizing the Tehachapi Loop's celebration of 120 years from 1876-1996, is a collector's item....

  • Sing-along with TPOPS, Dec. 15

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Dec 7, 2024

    TPOPS Orchestra was pleased with the community's positive response to their recent Halloween Concert and is now in rehearsal for a Christmas Sing-Along. This Tehachapi group has a long tradition of performing during holidays. This year the concert will be Dec. 15, 4 p.m. at the ADHC Building, 123 W. F St. Suggested donation is adults $10, teens $5 and young children are free. TPOPS is a community orchestra that plays pop tunes as well as light classical music. It is a teaching and learning...

  • Life is good in Tehachapi

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Dec 7, 2024

    Tehachapi is a place where people are kind, generous and reach out to those who may need help. The Salvation Army is one of the organizations that does a lot to make life in Tehachapi more enjoyable for people. Tehachapi Community Church appreciates these efforts because they have similar goals of caring and sharing with others. Laurie Betts encouraged members of TCC to support the effort of The Salvation Army to provide Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. The small congregation was able to raise $400 for this project. Laurie asked...

  • Democrats encouraged to look forward

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Nov 23, 2024

    "Charter Schools are targeting Kern County." Those were the first words Democrats heard from Greg Ardoin when he spoke at the November meeting of Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club. Ardoin is one of the co-founders of the Kern County Board of Education Improvement Coalition. He is passionate about ensuring that schools are safe, public and accountable. Ardoin went on to explain there are two types of charter schools. The dependent charters, like Valley Oaks in Tehachapi, are authorized by a...

  • Errea House welcomes holiday visitors

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Nov 23, 2024

    Hometown Christmas has become an anticipated event in Tehachapi, and the Errea House has become an important part of that holiday celebration. Tehachapi Heritage League (THL) operates the 125-year-old house at 311 S. Green St. It will be open on Dec. 7 from noon until 5 p.m. to welcome visitors with a warm place to enjoy spiced cider and gingerbread cookies. It will be a time to also gather around the player piano and sing holiday songs. The Museum, at 310 S. Green St., will be open from noon...

  • New antique in the Errea House

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Oct 26, 2024

    The Errea House is the historic house on Green Street that is maintained by Tehachapi Heritage League. Just across the street from the Museum, it brings back memories to many visitors. If you haven't been there lately, you must come see a fairly recent addition: a bassinet in one of the bedrooms, which was donated by Donna Dieterle. Donna's parents, Grant and Connie Sullivan, purchased the bassinet from an antique store in Tujunga, California in 1947 when they were expecting their first child....

  • Halloween fun, music, Oct. 27

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Oct 12, 2024

    A Halloween Concert performed by TPops is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27. It will be just as entertaining and spooky as the community has enjoyed by this group in previous years. Robbie Martinez, the conductor, has planned a program that features the sights, sounds and drama of Halloween. The community is invited to attend the concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, at ADHC Building, 123 W. F St. There is no charge to attend, although donations are always welcome. This concert will appeal to all...

  • Democrat Club meets

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Oct 12, 2024

    Social Security and Medicare are important to most Americans. To learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of these benefits, Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club invited Jon Bauman to speak on this topic at their October meeting. Bauman leads the Social Security Works Political Action Committee, which was created in 2017 to elect leaders who will work to expand Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, as well as lower prescription drug prices for all Americans. Bauman praised action by President...

  • Democrats consider issues

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Sep 28, 2024

    Jon Bauman will be the guest speaker at the Oct. 3 meeting of Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club. He is the President of the Social Security Works Political Action Committee, which was created in 2017. They help elect leaders who will work to expand Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and lower prescription drug prices for all Americans. Bernita Jenkins, who is seeking to be elected District 2 County Supervisor, will also be speaking. There are six candidates on the ballot, and she is the...

  • History book, paintings donated to museum

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Sep 14, 2024

    Helen McAllister, a local folk artist, moved to Tehachapi in 1990 when she retired from a career in behavior management. As soon as she arrived, she became interested in the history of the area and began painting familiar places around town. Helen is now relocating to San Pedro to live with her daughter. She can't take 30 years of paintings and collections to her new home, so she has been donating items to local thrift shops and museums. Many of her paintings have already been given away during...

  • Musicians are happy in Tehachapi

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Aug 31, 2024

    People in Tehachapi love music, as evidenced by the musical performances by groups and soloists during the Tehachapi Mountain Festival. Every weekend it seems there is somewhere folks go to hear all kinds of music from country and hip-hop to jazz and more. There are also opportunities for individuals who would like to participate in some type of musical group. Some require more skill than others, but all welcome and courage new members. It is a chance to improve and enjoy one’s musical ability. Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra is beginning their 2...

  • Democrats celebrate

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Aug 31, 2024

    An enthusiastic crowd of nearly 100 Democrats attended the Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club's annual picnic in Philip Marx Central Park. There were lots of signs, posters, shirts and hats supporting Kamala Harris for President. Club President Yvette Benton greeted the crowd and introduced American folk singer James Lee Stanley who sang the national anthem. Everyone paused from serving themselves at the food table and stood quietly with hands on heart as the song rang out across the park. A...

  • Tehachapi Heritage League seeks volunteers for Kids Day at the Museum

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Aug 17, 2024

    Kids Day at the Museum is an annual event for children and youth in our community. It is sponsored by the Tehachapi Heritage League, supported by local businesses and made possible by a small cadre of volunteers. There are a few activity spaces available so any organization or individual interested in presenting a display or project should contact Kids Day Coordinator Dixie Coutant, (661) 599-1889 for further information. Individual volunteers are needed to help the day of the event. Kids Day...

  • Top bridge players recognized

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Aug 17, 2024

    There was cause for celebration at the latest Oak Tree Duplicate Bridge session when two of the players received certificates of achievement from American Contract Bridge League. Bob Nixon, leader of the local club, presented the awards to Jan Combs and John Harris in recognition for earning a record number of Master Points. That achievement indicates both have not only played for many years, but they have played well and consistently scored high. The local club consists of about 20 people who...

  • Plan ahead for Kids Day at the Tehachapi Museum, Sept. 15

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Jul 20, 2024

    Kids Day at the Museum will be held Sunday, Sept. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. on the 300 block of South Green St. Plans are being made for the best Kids Day ever! We are looking for additional activities and displays that will interest kids of all ages. Any organization or individual interested in presenting an activity or volunteering to assist should contact Kids Day Coordinator Dixie Coutant at (661) 599-1889 for further information. Past activities have included making bracelets, bird feeders, b...

  • Heritage League thanks community

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Jun 8, 2024

    The community responded enthusiastically to the yard sale at the Errea House. Many people donated items to sell, and even more people came to buy. The Tehachapi Heritage League, which operates the Tehachapi Museum and the Errea House, is dependent on fundraisers and donations to maintain these facilities. Dixie Coutant, who spearheaded the yard sale, expressed appreciation to the many docents who worked to make the sale a success and for those who donated and bought items. Tehachapi Heritage...

  • There are bargains galore at Museum Rummage Sale, June 1

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|May 28, 2024

    Volunteers have been busy gathering, sorting and pricing items for Tehachapi Museum’s annual Rummage Sale, which takes place Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the porch and in the patio of the Errea House. The house, located at 311 S. Green St., is named after family members who lived there for over 60 years. The Rummage Sale is a major fundraiser to support the many projects and events offered by the museum. There is a wide array of items donated for sale. Come browse and you may find just the thing you need for yourself or your h...

  • Museum plans for annual rummage sale, June 1

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|May 11, 2024

    It’s time for spring cleaning and that is a perfect time to discover items that you no longer need. You can donate them to Tehachapi Heritage League for their annual rummage sale which takes place June 1. They are accepting donations Tuesday through Thursday, May 28 to May 30. Please bring items someone else may find useful such as gently used clothing, household items, tools, decorative items or small furniture. Place items on the porch of the Errea House, which is located at 311 S. Green St. Volunteers will sort and price items on those d...

  • Democrats hear from veterans

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Apr 27, 2024

    Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club will recognize veterans at their May 2 meeting. Travis Tazelaar and Rick Hegdahl, directors for VoteVets will speak to the club via Zoom. This format has enabled the club to hear from highly knowledgeable leaders from diverse locations. VoteVets is an organization established in 2006 to support progressive veterans, military families and their civilian supporters. It is the first organization of its kind and the largest. There are over one and a half million supporters in the United States. VoteVets uses...

  • Successful women is AAUW topic

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Apr 27, 2024

    Four members of American Association of University Women described their paths to success at the recent AAUW meeting. Each one described the twists and turns her life had taken and how often they had to change course. When Cindy Marble, program vice president, introduced Nancy Williamson, she declared before her speech that all the women in the room were successful. This led to instant applause. Other speakers in the program were Jackie Fickel, Catherine Carr and Catherine Sjostedt. The women al...

  • Church celebrates 104 years

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Apr 27, 2024

    The oldest protestant church in Tehachapi celebrated two anniversaries during the month of April. The Tehachapi Community Congregational Church began 104 years ago when the Methodist Church disbanded. At first, the new congregation met in the school auditorium, but in 1928 the current sanctuary was built on the corner of Green and E streets. The 96-year-old building survived the 1952 earthquake and in 2024 is continually in use for worship, weddings and funerals. The anniversaries were...

  • Democrats learn about nature conservancy

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Apr 13, 2024

    The Frank and Joan Randall Preserve was the topic presented by Zachary Principe when he spoke to Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club. He has been an ecologist for 26 years and is project manager for the Preserve, which will enable greater movement and habitat connectivity for animals and plants. Democrats chose this topic for the April meeting in recognition of Earth Month. The Tehachapi foothills have been a lifeline for nature and people for hundreds of years, but land development and highway...

  • Don Kordes carvings on display at the Tehachapi Museum

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Apr 13, 2024

    Don Kordes was fondly remembered by Tehachapi Heritage League on April 3, which would have been his 99th birthday. Unfortunately, he passed away Oct. 23, 2023. He had contributed so much to THL from building shelves at the museum, to donating original carvings for fundraising prizes, to enhancing the Errea Garden with a perfect bird-house-size replica of the historic Errea House. A family of finches now occupies that little house. Many friends gathered in the museum for a memorial service led...

  • Democrats celebrate Earth Month

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Mar 30, 2024

    Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club will focus on the environment at its April 4 meeting, which will be held at Kelcy’s Restaurant at 5 p.m. All members and interested Democrats are invited to attend. Earth Month was established in 1970 as environmental dangers became increasingly apparent. Zachary Principe, Stewardship Manager of the Joan and Frank Randall Conservancy (TNC), as well as Andrew Clare, Stewardship Coordinator of The Nature Conservancy, will be the speakers. They will explain how TNC creates a Tehachapi wildlife corridor to c...

  • AAUW Tehachapi celebrates 40 years

    Phyllis Belcher, contributing writer|Mar 16, 2024

    Tehachapi Mountain Branch of American Association of University Women was chartered in March 1984 as the 93rd branch in California. This milestone 40th anniversary will be celebrated with a special program at the March 20 general meeting, which will be held at 4 p.m. in Friendship Hall of Tehachapi Community Church, 100 E. Green St. Anyone who has ever belonged to the Tehachapi Mountain Branch, or is interested in joining, is invited to attend. Come early to enjoy some birthday cake, coffee and...

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