Meet Your New Neighbors

Palmdale residents Darek and Dena Galloway have had a dream to move to Tehachapi since 2007. They loved the natural setting of the mountains and the easy-living lifestyle. It took until 2019 to make that dream come true; they had lived in Palmdale for 17 years by the time they finally made the move. Dena still works as a social worker in Palmdale for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, where she works with the homeless.

Derek was born in Los Angeles as was his father. He is an only child. He said that his grandfather was on the Hollywood High School track team and later owned a club on Fairfax Ave. where he got to know such notables as Mickey Katz, Joel Gray and Eddie Cantor. His father was a member of a rock band. Derek said that he attended both Hollywood High School and Fairfax High School at one time. He sold tickets and worked concessions at the world famous Pantages Theater for 12 years. He also has worked with disabled adults and driven an Access Bus for the disabled.

Dena said she met Derek at a dance. She had gone to the dance with a friend, who was looking for a boyfriend, just to keep her friend company. Derek asked her friend to dance and the friend said no, so he asked Dena and that was that.

Tagging along with Derek and Dena is their cat Teddy and a catfish. Dena said she enjoys going to rock concerts, as well as going hiking and traveling. Derek collects antiques and loves watching old movies, particularly those on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). In the meantime, both Derek and Dena have their work cut out for them working on their new home.

Welcome to Tehachapi, Derek and Dena. We are so glad you were finally able to make the move.

George Salazar and Angel Morris Graysen Salazar began moving into their new Tehachapi home in the middle of October along with their 2-and-a-half-year-old son Graysen and an American Staffordshire Terrier named Migo (short for Amigo). They had lived in Bakersfield for two years where George worked for Terrio Physical Therapy. Terrio transferred him to their Tehachapi facility where he will be taking over the management of the facility. Angel is still attending college in Bakersfield where she will soon get her degree in Childhood Education. It is her dream to work with childhood autism. Until then she will be commuting from Tehachapi.

George was born in Texas and raised in Arkansas. Angel was born in Virginia and raised in Arkansas. They met while George was a student at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

“Angel has a passion for kids,” said George. That passion shows as one of her major interests is meeting other mothers, arranging playdates and childcare. She and George both enjoy spending time outdoors. George said that he particularly enjoys playing sports, hiking and fishing.

George calls 5-year-old Migo his fur baby. George said that when he found the pup at the shelter, Migo and his littermates were in terrible shape. All of them had mange and the rest of the litter eventually died. For a while, there was a question as to whether Migo would pull through, but he did and they have been best buds ever since.

The Salazars are looking forward to having their first holiday in Tehachapi. They love the idea of having four seasons and perhaps a little bit of snow for the holidays.

“Welcome to Tehachapi,” to George, Angel, Graysen and Migo. And if any of you happen to be heading to Terrio Physical Therapy for any reason, be sure to say “Hi!” to George.

If you have moved to Tehachapi within the last six months, Hilltop Welcoming Service has a bag of information about the Greater Tehachapi area, its activities, events, government and facilities. There are always a few coupons and gifts, as well. It is a great way to learn about your new community. Being part of this column is strictly optional. If you would like a visit from the Welcome Hostess contact our office at (661) 822-8188.