Forde Shorts

Vortex of fun – As a resident of downtown Tehachapi, Forde Files has observed that many families and children who use the new Kern County Library Tehachapi Branch on Green Street eveery day. It's a joy to see the eager faces skipping along to get into the building, to find new books and to sprawl on the comfortable sofas in the children's section. Since its grand opening Dec. 4, thefacility has had its start-up bumps, as the head librarian left, and staff has been working hard to learn the ropes and keep everything moving smoothly. The Teen Club continues to be a successful program, and, at a fundraising event that promises to bring out costumed fans, the Friends of the Library and T-TAB will present "May The Force Be With You Star Wars Extravaganza." The event, on Friday, May 4, is "to celebrate everything Star Wars... Cosplay [costumed as favorite characters] and themed clothing are encouraged." The fundraiser will support the summer reading program. There will be a silent auction and activities for all ages from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Tehachapi Branch Library is in the freshly (and smartly) remodeled former Masonic Lodge at 212 South Green St. The library number is 661-822-4938. Donations for the silent auction are welcome.

Generations gap – Teenagers who Forde Files encounters often have no clue that the evil Storm Troopers in Star Wars are intended to evoke images of the real Nazi Storm Troopers and their officers.

Scary project – If anyone can bring a parks facility bond over the finish line, it's Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District (TVRPD) Manager Michelle Vance. The recreation department, she said at the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council April 4 meeting, "is taking on the biggest project. It's unreal, unheard of, scary." The district, she said, is all about quality of life. "We sell fun. We keep people from getting into trouble. We keep them out of prison." The district has hired a consultant to survey the temperature of the community. Old facilities are in dire need of repair, she said. "You should see the decay. We have not been able to keep up." In 1959 the district was formed to build a pool [Dye Natatorium]. The only revenue-maker for the district is Brite Lake [fishing and camping], which subsidizes the pool. "Our pool lost $25,000 last year.That takes away from other programs. With minimum wage, we are going to be paying high school kids $15 an hour to blow a whistle." She also said that girls are not participating in sports as much as in the past.