Meet Your New Neighbors

Carmen Rae moved into her new home in Tehachapi in October, 2023. Her home is adjacent to that of her son and daughter-in-law Robert and Debra who built the home to accommodate a space for her. Robert and Debra moved to Tehachapi in 2021 with plans to build the home and were a part of a Meet your new Neighbors article in November 2021.

For the last several years, Carmen had been living in Palmdale, where her son Scott was living. Other than her two sons in California, she has a son, a daughter and one grandchild living in the state of Washington.

Carmen was born in Glendale, California and raised in Burbank with her three sisters and one brother. One of her sisters is now also living in Tehachapi. She met her husband Dwight in school and they began dating when she was 13. They were married right after high school. Dwight worked for the Los Angeles City Fire Department before deciding to become a missionary and pastor. He received his degree at Theological Education by Extension (TEE), and he and Carmen spent many years traveling the world as missionaries. Their work enabled them to visit Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Panama and the Azores among others. Carmen said that one of the most memorable assignments was the four years they spent in Shell Mera, Equador. Dwight passed away 12 years ago in Washington, where they were living after their retirement.

Carmen said that since moving to California, she still travels to Washington by train once a year to see her nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

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.