City of Tehachapi adds umbrellas to downtown

The City of Tehachapi added 14 new umbrellas to downtown picnic tables in public spaces to help local eateries with outdoor seating.

Tehachapi Economic Development Coordinator Corey Costelloe talked with local business owners and found a common issue regarding not having enough outdoor seating areas for curbside and take out customers.

"They've (restaurants) struggled with finding enough outdoor seating to accommodate customers and comply with COVID-19 directives," said Costelloe.

Costelloe identified multiple public spaces in the Downtown Tehachapi area that are within walking distance of several restaurants and designed a guide for customers to find a place to sit down outside and eat nearby.

City Manager Greg Garrett recognized adding umbrellas to the already installed picnic tables in city maintained spaces would offer an enhanced experience for those supporting local businesses.

Within an hour of the umbrellas being installed by the Public Works Department in three different locations, more than half of the newly shaded tables were being used during the lunch hour. Tehachapi Mayor Susan Wiggins stopped by Centennial Plaza to see the umbrellas and said, "I am so happy we can help our local restaurants and let the public enjoy some of our beautiful spaces in downtown. Whatever we are able to do to show support for businesses is a great thing."

The shaded tables are located at Centennial Plaza on Green St., and at Railroad Park and Freedom Plaza on Tehachapi Blvd.

The Historic Train Depot also has outdoor picnic tables, but umbrellas could not be installed due to the style of the tables.