Meet Your New Neighbors

Olivia Parkinson and Robert Nagle moved to Tehachapi last October to escape the crazy hours they had both been working since they moved to Northridge from Downtown L.A. during the pandemic. Both of them were working on video series at the time, Olivia on "Mayans" and Robert on "The Mandalorian." When production ended, it was time to move.

The couple met five years ago when both were working for Fox VFX, a company involved in virtual film-making. Robert was working with facial capture for animation and Olivia worked in accounting. When the company was purchased by Disney, they moved to Northridge.

Both were born in Los Angeles County. Olivia was born at Cedar Sinai and has a sister living in Kansas. She said her father will soon be moving to Hawaii after spending the last year and a half building a home there. Robert was born in Acton but grew up in Lake Los Angeles. He has two brothers, one living in San Francisco. His parents live in Tehachapi and over the last couple of years, he help his parents build what was intended to be a vacation home for them. It has now become their home in Tehachapi.

When they moved here, Robert had the idea that he was going to build vans while waiting for work in L.A. However, his parents' house flooded during the winter, so there was that to repair. In the meantime, there had been no work in L.A. for six months. One day, while hiking the Oak Trail in Bear Valley, they heard that Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company was looking for help in their tasting room, so they dropped by to check it out. They met Mike and Beth, the tasting room owners, and asked about a job. Olivia was hired as a server and Robert helped out around the ranch until it was discovered that he had a knack for smoking ribs and was hired on the spot.

Their vacation house is now their home and when they are not at the vineyard they can be found at home. Olivia loves cooking, particularly baking, and has a new barbecue to play with. Robert continues to work on his digital art and t-shirt designs. Both of them practice yoga and like to go hiking, a perfect activity in Tehachapi.

Robert and Olivia have found their niche in Tehachapi. Stop by and visit them at Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company and taste some great wines while you're there. Welcome to Tehachapi, Robert and Olivia.

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.