City of Tehachapi receives two awards from CALED

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) in Sacramento recognized the City of Tehachapi and the Tehachapi Police Department for two separate awards on February 10, 2020.

The City of Tehachapi received the Award of Merit for the Collaborations category. The recognition is for the public-private collaboration in the repurposing of a vacant building, which is now the home of World Wind & Solar at 228 W. Tehachapi Blvd. The property, which was the oldest commercial structure in the City of Tehachapi was purchased by Buddy and Nikki Cummings of Mountaintop Holdings LLC and renovated as the headquarters and training center for WWS, bringing new life into downtown.

“This project underwent a variety of ideas and visions before the final purpose was decided upon,” said Corey Costelloe Economic Development Coordinator. “The Mountaintop Holdings group was very receptive to City input while we worked closely with them to help address needs within the community and other business downtown; this project was a winner for everyone, including for the preservation of downtown and the business community.”

CALED honored the Tehachapi Police and Economic Development departments with an Award of Merit for the Tehachapi Neighborhood Improvement Project.

The Neighborhood Improvement Project focused on improving the quality of life for the oldest residential neighborhood in Tehachapi. Chief Kent Kroeger along with Officers Aaron Price and Anthony Bonelli organized the program which included collaboration with the City’s economic development team, local faith-based organizations, private businesses and the people residing in those neighborhoods. Major cleanup efforts for individual properties by volunteers led to neighbors helping neighbors. The economic development department helped organize the community volunteers and served as the contact person for residents to schedule bulky item pickups within the neighborhood.

The award presentation will take place on March 26 in Sacramento at the 40th Annual CALED Conference.