Meet Your New Neighbors

Yolanda and Richard Durham moved to Tehachapi in May to be closer to their son and his family who are living in Tehachapi. For the last ten years the Durhams lived in Sherman Oaks in the San Fernando Valley where they both were teachers. Now retired, sort of, Richard is working as a substitute teacher at Tehachapi High School while Yolanda has taken up sewing and knitting.

Both Yolanda and Richard were raised in Manteca in Northern California. They were high school sweethearts and attended University of the Pacific in Stockton together. They were married in the chapel on campus and both became teachers. Yolanda taught first grade through high school where she was also a P.E. teacher. Richard taught History and coached basketball and baseball. They both coached golf.

When their son Jonathan decided to attend film school in Los Angeles, they moved to the San Fernando Valley where Richard taught golf, coached sports teams and was an administrator for a local driving school. Yolanda worked for a local country club, coached golf and taught in private schools.

However, not wanting to compromise his values, Jonathan and his family moved to Tehachapi and he is now a special needs teacher in Palmdale and is in the process of getting his credential.

The Durhams love their new surroundings, the four seasons and are really looking forward living close to their 15-month-old granddaughter. Yolanda said she is looking forward to making apple pies now that she knows that they grow so well in Tehachapi.

Welcome to Tehachapi Yolanda and Richard and "Happy Retirement."

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.