Meet Your New Neighbors

Bruce Houghtaling moved into his Tehachapi home in November following his retirement from the "best part-time job in the world."

For the last 23 years, Bruce had been a stagehand at most of the major studios in Hollywood. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work many TV shows and game shows, as well as concerts and conventions in Los Angeles. Then everything became digital and work was harder to find, so it was time to "call it quits." He had visited Tehachapi in the past with his parents and currently had a friend living in the area who kept telling him he should move here, so he decided to check it out.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Hollywood, Bruce has a brother who is a retired computer technician and a sister who is a bookkeeper. He attended school in Hollywood and graduated from Hollywood High School. He loved the town. For the last several years he had been living in the family's home in North Hollywood, in the San Fernando Valley, where he had helped take care of his parents.

Bruce is an avid reader and collector of trivia as well. He said he always loves a good argument, including politics. His new home came with a workshop and the last owner left a collection of tools, as well as a lot of furniture that Bruce now has to dispose of or use. As a result, he knows he needs to get out in the shop and learn how to use those tools.

It looks like Bruce has his work cut out for himself; but at least he now has the time he needs to learn new things and get to know his new community.

Welcome to Tehachapi, Bruce.

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.