Meet Your New Neighbors

Sergio and Charisma Villanueva moved to Tehachapi in September from Antelope Acres near Palmdale where they had lived for the last six years. With them are their three children Monica, Titus and Silas. The three will soon be joined by Matthias when he enters the world. The couple have friends in Tehachapi and were attracted by the beauty and culture of the community here as well as its small town feel.

Sergio was born in Guatamala but raised along with his brother in Los Angeles. He currently works at Antelope Valley High School were he is head of campus security. His brother also works as a coach at AVHS, working with the girls soccer, track and cross country teams.

Charisma was born at Antelope Valley Hospital and has lived there all her life. She is recently retired from Edwards Air Force Base where she worked in Human Resources. She is now a full time mom to their growing family. She met Sergio through a bible study group in the Antelope Valley. He and his brother became acquainted with Charisma's brother and the rest is history.

Sergio said they had a plan to downsize from the large house they had in the AV when they moved to Tehachapi, but what they had in mind never seemed to be available. However, when they found the house on the hill with the perfect view of the entire Tehachapi Valley, they knew that was it. It was being remodeled so they lived with friends until it was completed.

The Villanuevas both enjoy camping and Sergio said they all go camping with Charisma's family every year to Sequoia National Park. Something her family has done for 30 years. Sergio is a DIY fan as well, so is looking forward to working on the house and the surrounding four acres.

"Welcome to Tehachapi" to the entire Villanueva family. We know you will enjoy your new home with its stunning view for years to come.

Also new from Lancaster is Jessica Brinkley who moved to California and the Antelope Valley a year ago from Missouri to work at Plant 42 in Palmdale, a classified facility that works with the Air Force and other aviation companies. After being robbed twice in one year, she felt Tehachapi would be a safer and more secure environment, for herself and her two dogs Danica and Kidagakash (yes, that is a Native American name). She found the perfect house and moved in during the month of September.

Jessica was raised in St. Louis, Missouri with her older sister and twin brother. She received degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri. After graduation, she submitted several employment applications to companies in Colorado and California to see who would come back with the best offer. Northrup Grumman was the company that met her asking salary and she was hired as a systems test engineer. She said she is hoping to be able to qualify as a test pilot in the future.

Jessica loves both hiking and gardening. Since moving here she has joined the local search and rescue unit and the Native Plant Society. She has a few woodworking projects in mind as well for her new house, including a desk and a shelving/storage system.

Welcome to Tehachapi, Jessica! I have a feeling that you will never be without a project for your new home and community.

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.