Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
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The National Test Pilot School (NTPS) recently concluded its Summer Flight Test Academy for high school students, offering a unique glimpse into the world of aerospace engineering and flight testing. Four students from Tehachapi were selected by their teachers to participate in this program, along with 14 other students within the Antelope Valley. Commencing on June 17, the week long academy provided a hands-on education in aviation, covering a spectrum of subjects from aerodynamics to...
On June 27, at the home of Don and Marian Stephens, the Rotary Club of Tehachapi held its annual Step Down event to honor outgoing President Paul Kaminski. Rotary also formally welcomed incoming President, Jennifer Palakiko, who will serve for the 2024-25 year. The Rotarians and their guests enjoyed a delicious meal provided by Red House BBQ, with lovely desserts made by Linda Pettitt. Kaminski presented Paul Harris Fellows recognitions to five Rotarians for their contributions in the past...
Annmarie Huppert moved to Tehachapi in May from Gig Harbor, Washington, to join her son Stephen Sturm and her three grandchildren. Annmarie was born in Washington and had lived there off-and-on for most of her life, but had also spent time in Tehachapi and on the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. Annmarie graduated from Evergreen State College in Washington with a degree in Liberal Arts, emphasis on Public Policy and Psychology. She was a Washington State Legislative Intern, worked in the...
The journey to this point of this little column has been interesting, and the focus from just coverage to coverage and advocacy, has been a key point to take a few moments to explore. Even the fact that this column is now on these pages and no longer in other publications stemmed from my advocacy for athletic participation during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Those words were considered "too controversial" for the sports page, when in fact those statements ring truer today than ever as increasingly...
On June 13, the Rotary Club of Tehachapi welcomed guest speaker Michael Puffer from Have a Heart Humane Society. Michael oversees the adoption room with a quiet determination and a heartfelt commitment to animal welfare. As a retired air traffic control supervisor, Michael said he was surprised how a career in air traffic control actually prepared him to run an adoption room because he utilizes his decision-making skills every day. He is continually looking at the needs of animals, as well as...
A favorite project of the Rotary Club of Tehachapi is the annual Kindergarten Book Giveaway. At the end of the school year, Rotarians visit kindergarten classrooms throughout the community and present the students with a personalized book to take home and keep. This project has been sponsored by Rotary for many years, and the students often look forward to receiving their special book, just like their older brother or sister. A project like this takes a lot of people helping to make it happen....
Amidst Tehachapi's daily happenings, a man with a passion for diesel engines has been quietly transforming lives since 2001. Meet Raul Tapia, a seasoned diesel mechanic turned facilitator, whose mobile training courses have offered opportunities for aspiring mechanics from all walks of life. Operating out of his custom-equipped trailer turned mobile classroom, Raul travels equipped with all the necessary gear and tools to train new mechanics. His training goes beyond technical know-how,...
The featured speaker at the June 22 meeting of the Rotary Club of Tehachapi was Scarlett Sabin, house director at the Ronald McDonald House in Bakersfield. Scarlett has worked at the Ronald McDonald House since it was established in December 2008. The Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House is located on the property of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital; however, they accommodate families who have children in any hospital in Bakersfield. It provides a comfortable alternative to sleeping in a chair or...
Over 60 seniors from the Tehachapi area gathered on June 6 to attend the annual Tea Party, hosted by the Rotary Club of Tehachapi. It was a day of style and elegance, as the participants donned fancy attire and fabulous hats for high tea served in the lovely shaded garden of The Woods Pavilion. The venue was elegantly staged with linens and china table settings. Members of the Rotary Club of Tehachapi prepared and served all the food and beverages. As is the tradition, the high tea began with a...
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Barrett Charles Hoyle of Tehachapi, California. He died peacefully at home on June 26, at the age of 77. Barry was born in San Jose, California on November 20, 1946, to parents Benjamin and Loretta (Weltz) Hoyle. He graduated from Palmdale High School's class of 1965. A proud veteran, Barry served three years in the Army shortly after high school. Barry was a maintenance mechanic for McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, retiring after 25 years. His...
The City of Tehachapi is proud to host the All-American 4th of July Festival, presented by Kaiser Permanente and WM on Thursday, July 4. Community members are invited to attend this family-friendly festival with vendors, food, games, live music and more. The main festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Philip Marx Central Park, as well as related activities happening all throughout the day and all around town. The day kicks off with the Ed Grimes Memorial Pancake Breakfast at 8 a.m....
Tehachapi tends to enchant visitors and inspire them to call this mountain town home. For Jessica Jones and her family, Tehachapi ignited a passion that has burned for more than three decades. Jessica's grandparents, Don and Carrol Jones, built a ranch in 1989 on Jack Springs Road and lovingly dubbed it "Old Fart Ranch." Don stayed busy constructing buildings in Tehachapi, such as Mountain Bible Church. Jessica spent her childhood tending to horses, chasing hogs and picking apples. Some of her...
The Rotary Club of Tehachapi awarded $2,000 scholarships to four deserving high school seniors during ceremonies held at the conclusion of the school year. Scholarships were awarded to three seniors from Tehachapi High School and one student from Valley Oaks Charter School. Rotary President Paul Kaminski presented awards to Olivia Loyd, Davery Pogon-Cord and Priscilla Sturz at the scholarship awards night at Tehachapi High School. For Valley Oaks Charter School, Elliott Gonzales, Interact Club P...
On June 6, the Rotary Club of Tehachapi welcomed students from the local Interact Clubs to share their experiences attending RYLA, a Rotary-sponsored leadership retreat for high school students. RYLA was held from April 12-15 in Ojai, California. Over 230 students from Rotary District 5240 were in attendance. Rotarian Judy Trujillo works with advisors from both Tehachapi High School and Valley Oaks Charter School to support the local Interact Club at each school, as well as attending the RYLA...
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Oscar Schnaidt of Tehachapi and Taft, California, who left us on May 18 at the age of 93. Oscar was born in Zap, North Dakota on July 24, 1930, to Jacob and Doris Schnaidt. Oscar was a Korean War Veteran, serving as an airborne ranger in the Army 187th Airborne RTC. He was also a member of the Army Camp Wood exhibition basketball team in Japan. He was a well-known athlete at Beulah High School in North Dakota where he excelled in...
From a child bringing home a pocket full of rocks to the adult on a quest for the illusive rare find, rockhounding is a popular hobby for many, and Tehachapi is no exception. Started in 1985 by a group of local rock hounds, the Tehachapi Valley Rock and Mineral Society is an active 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to educating members and the local community about geology and lapidary arts. The club meets every fourth Thursday at the Senior Center in Downtown Tehachapi and often features guest speakers on how to find meteorites, the l...
Serena Thornburg was presented with a special award for winning the Rotary District 5240 Essay Contest during the Rotary Club of Tehachapi's meeting on June 6. Club President Paul Kaminski introduced Jacque Jans, executive assistant governor for Rotary District 5240 and member of the Rotary Club of Bakersfield West, who made the presentation. After winning the essay contest at the local level, Serena went on to win the Middle School Division of the contest, competing against winners from 70...
On May 30, the Rotary Club of Tehachapi welcomed Dr. Mike McCoy, the executive director of the Kern County Museum, who gave an engaging and informative presentation about the museum and their plans for the future. The Kern County Museum has been in existence for 80 years, which makes it one of the oldest and largest museums in the state. Mike has been the director for seven years, and it is impressive to see the way the museum has grown and changed under his leadership. Although born in Texas,...
With the help of P-Dubs restaurant, the American Association of University Women celebrated our 2024 award recipients at the scholarship dinner on June 2. This incredible sampling from our community included Ella Jacobs and Tristan Marks, who were chosen by faculty at Jacobsen Middle School for their scholarship, attitude and high ideals. Six high school seniors were also recognized: Layla Mullins received the Edith Mae Hinkle Memorial Scholarship presented by Kathi Hinkle; Olivia Loyd and Priss...
The mission of American Association of University Women (AAUW) is "to advance gender equality for women and girls through research, education and advocacy." One of the ways in which the Tehachapi Mountain Branch does this is by sponsoring local girls to attend Tech Trek, a residential science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) camp. The camps are designed to develop interest, excitement and self-confidence in young women who will enter eighth grade in the fall. They are run entirely by...
Many of you are aware of my history within NCAA athletics, specifically at Cal State Bakersfield having served as their radio announcer from 2003-2017. Mostly with basketball before the creation of the baseball program in 2009, when I added that sport into the broadcast mix. A few seasons later I was an employee of the university and very connected with the baseball program as they built everything from the ground up. Recently it was announced that Jeremy Beard, the Roadrunners head coach from 2...
We recently had a big meeting! Elections for 2024-25 officers were held. Jeanette Crounse performed a memorable installation. Jane Hanley-Custer will continue as our fearless leader and president, Nettie Farrar will move to VP Programs, Lauren Hollen will continue as VP Membership, Joan Pogon-Cord will continue as VP Scholarship and Joanne Beckett will continue as Treasurer. The board welcomes Jackie Estes as Secretary. Jane was awarded her presidential pin from the branch. We are grateful to...
Claire Louise Hammons of Tehachapi, passed away peacefully on April 23. Claire was born on Nov. 25, 1944 to Dr. Gerald and Jane Hodgson, in San Francisco, California. Claire graduated from Palos Verdes High School in 1962 and later, while living and working in Tehachapi, she received her AA degree in Bakersfield. Claire worked for 24 years at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, in Accounting, and then later as a manager in Industries. In retirement, Claire volunteered with Teha...
"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by." – Douglas Adams. This was Kyler Sparling's answer when asked for his favorite quote, one that touches on one the most important lessons Kyler has learned in high school ... to not waste time worrying about the little things. "Progress is doing better than you were doing, not better than others are doing," said Kyler. Kyler has attended Valley Oaks Charter School for 7 years. A young man who has developed his mind, body, a...
On April 17, students across Kern county remotely logged onto Zoom for a virtual opening ceremony welcoming them to the 4th annual Kern Codes Student Competition. After reviewing the contest rules and participation instructions, students logged onto HackerRank, a coding website where they had previously been given the opportunity to practice sample coding challenges in preparation for the event. Kern Codes offers a unique opportunity for Kern County students to demonstrate their ability solving...
