Meet Your New Neighbors

Alicen Schneider and Ben Eshbach have been living in Tehachapi for about a year. Like many others during the pandemic, they wanted to get away from the LA area. Ben had family living in Tehachapi, so it seemed an ideal place to look. As head of TV Music at NBC Universal, Alicen felt she could still commute to her job three days a week or so. They found a house that they liked but it was a bit of a fixer-upper. While they were considering the purchase, their house in Burbank sold. The real estate inventory in Tehachapi had diminished considerably so they grabbed the house. It wasn't long before Alicen realized that the commute was too much while working on the house. She decided that after 28 years at NBC, it was time to retire. She and Ben have spent most of the last year turning their house into a dream home.

Alicen was born in Las Vegas, Nevada while her father was attending UNLV. She said the family moved around a lot and she was always the "new kid" in school. She has a brother living is Missouri and one living in Escondido. She has a daughter, Marin, who went through school in Burbank and is currently a student at UCLA.

Ben was born in Burbank. He has a sister in Boise, Idaho and one living in Tehachapi. His parents also live here. His family owns a business in Rosamond at Willow Springs making engine components for racing motorcycles. They have been at that location for 20 years. Ben is a machinist there and says the business is currently working at seven racetracks.

However, Ben is more than a machinist. He sings and plays guitar. During the 1990s he was under contract with Geffen Records and toured as part of "The Sugarplastic" rock group. He now writes orchestral music for TV and movies and has won two Emmys for his work. He lists music as one of his hobbies. The other is chess. Ben said he tried online dating only once and it didn't work out but his one date introduced him to her friend Alicen and the rest is history.

Both Ben and Alicen are becoming well-known around Tehachapi. Ben has a YouTube channel called "Tehachapi Now" and is highlighting spots and stories about local businesses, like the spot he did recently on the Tehachapi Community Theatre and the BeeKay. Alicen has become the newest face behind the bar at Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company and is a volunteer docent at the Tehachapi Visitor Center. She is also finalizing plans to start a cottage style bakery in her home called Catron's Vintage Cakery that will feature vegan and gluten-free items.

Welcome to Tehachapi, Alicen and Ben. I'm certain we'll be hearing more from both of you in the future.

If you have moved to Tehachapi within the last six months, Hilltop Welcoming Service has a bag of information about the Greater Tehachapi area, including local 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.