Meet Your New Nighbors

Larry and Mari LaCom lived in Chatsworth in the San Fernando Valley for 23 years. They raised their kids there. Larry is now retired from his position of Graphic Designer and Photographer for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. When considering a place to retire, Tehachapi seemed a natural choice since their oldest son Zack is the music director at Bear Valley Church. In addition, in May he will become a father to Larry and Mari’s first grandchild.

Larry was born in Glendale, Calif. but moved to Encino Hills when he was still young. He has one sister and a brother who is a contractor. His 94 year old father and 88 year old mother still live in Encino Hills. Larry said that he is a self-taught graphic designer and learned photography the same way.

Mari told me that while she was born in Berkeley, Calif., she was raised in New Jersey. She attended the University of Kansas and majored in Music Therapy. When I asked her how she and Larry met, she told me very frankly that they had met in a cult run by an East Indian guru. However, they found their faith together and have been very active in the Christian community ever since.

They have three grown children. Mari home schooled all of them. Zack, of course, lives in Bear Valley and is a graduate of the Master’s University in Santa Clarita. Daughter, Rachael is pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching degree also at the Master’s University. Their youngest son, Peter, is also attending college there.

Mari told me that for ten years while living in the LA area, she had been very active with the faith-based Good News Clubs for kids. She said that she is currently sponsoring one at the Whiting Center in Bear Valley on Thursday afternoons at 3:50 p.m. which is when the school bus arrives. She has hopes that someday the program can be expanded outside of Bear Valley.

Larry, with his certification as a Biblical Counselor almost completed, hopes to be able to work in the prison system. He said that he had a prison ministry in Los Angeles. In the meantime, he is pursuing his photography as well as cycling and hiking. Mari said that her current “hobby” is unpacking.

We are delighted that Mari and Larry chose to become part of our community. Welcome!

Karen Capone and her sister Lisa Sudbrink had always loved visiting friends in Tehachapi since they were kids living in Orange County. Last year, when they no longer had family ties to Anaheim, they finally had the opportunity to move here. It was the perfect location with longtime friends, a country environment and four seasons; a big difference from the crowded OC.

Their mother was raised in Chicago and moved to California where she settled in Inglewood before moving on to Orange County. The girls were born and raised there. They said that they lived in various parts of Orange County growing up before they finally settled in Anaheim.

Their mother’s best friend and her family moved to Lancaster when the girls were young and their mom would take the girls to visit often. At first they went to visit for the day but as they got older, they would spend the night and got to know the area. When their friends moved to Tehachapi, they would then come here to visit. It was their favorite getaway place.

Growing up in a church based household, Karen spent much of her adulthood working as a volunteer with her church. She taught art there and started a bell choir. She was also a tutor and a substitute teacher. She loves all crafts as well as photography, reading and games. Karen brought her 11 year old horse, Hazel, with her to Tehachapi. Hazel is staying with their family friends in Bear Valley Springs as is their 19 year old cat, Rio. Their other kitty, Tess, stays with Karen and Lisa at their home in town.

Lisa is also an animal lover and had a pet sitting business in Orange County. She said that she would like to revive that business here in Tehachapi. She is an avid bowler and, amazingly, still drives to Orange County once a week to bowl on a league. Like her sister, she loves games including Pokemon Go.

Welcome to Tehachapi, Karen and Lisa.

If you have moved to the Greater Tehachapi Area within the last six months and would like to know more about your new community, call (661) 822-8188. We will be happy to make an appointment for a hostess to come by and give you lots of helpful information, some valuable coupons, gifts and much more. Many families and individuals who come to the area are pleasantly surprised with the amount of knowledge they gather about their new home. Publishing your welcome article is completely voluntary and is not a requirement of being welcomed.