Wal-Mart - - LoriMorales's Blog - Tehachapi News

Jul 22, 2007 at 10:07 AM : I think the big reason...

I think the big reason the city loves strip malls is because you can fit a lot of businesses in a small area. This in turn brings in HUGE tax dollars. Commercial taxes are where the city gets most of its money from. Its way more (or should be in a healthy local economy) than what the city gets from residential taxes. So I can understand the huge drive to bring in business.

Personally, I don't mind the influx of commercial interests. I would hate to lose the "small town" atmosphere but that doesn't have to be, especially if they design the zones correctly. If they keep all the big shopping right near the 58, you have the rest of Tehachapi to keep that small town feel. And I entirely agree with you about the "run down looking businesses". Too often "small-town atmosphere" equals "abandoned buildings and junk piles."

Of course I've lived here for a year but loving every minute of it. :)

Jul 22, 2007 at 01:07 PM : Scottso, I love it...

Scottso, I love it here too. But I can't help myself. I see room for improvement.

Jul 22, 2007 at 10:07 PM : I don't want to...

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but I live on the Gulf Coast, and my husband and my best friend is the site manager for the contractor who builds most of the Walmarts and Sam's Clubs out here ... we haven't seen one of these newly redesigned Walmarts, and our friend knows of no plans for any out here anytime soon, and he's got a stack of plans "this thick" that are either waiting to be bid on or for which they've already been awarded. He also proofs the plans for the southeastern region of the Walmart construction division before they send them ... again, no plans for cool landscaping or facades that he's ever seen.

I dunno ... maybe they're out there, just not in our area.

Jul 23, 2007 at 12:07 AM : I'm passing out...

I'm passing out umbrellas....LOL
The following article is from USA Today and talks about how Wal-Mart is considering an urban look and downtown locations for two of its Gulf Coast stores destroyed by Hurricane Katrina:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-11-14-walmart-designs_x.htm

Sooooooooo, maybe there IS hope.

Jul 23, 2007 at 07:07 AM : Beamer - That's...

Beamer - That's what I'm talking about.

How can we lobby our city officials - who "encourage Wal-Mart," - to improve their look for Tehachapi?

Jul 23, 2007 at 08:07 AM : Did you know that...

Did you know that Tehachapi City had Home Depot change it's look for Tehachapi? Well they did! Can't you tell? I know I can't. It will be the same for Wal-mart they will paint a few extra stripes down the side and call it good. I hate to see what Home Depot would have looked like without the City improved changes.....................

Jul 23, 2007 at 08:07 AM : Can you buy a pretty...

Can you buy a pretty dress at Walmart? I haven't seen to many... most of their merchandise is cheep junk from China. From what I hear Walmart will come in lower its prices~~ they will even take a profit loss for a time ~~ driving out smaller business who just can't compete with the corporate world, so then when the little guy is out of business they raise the prices. How will Tehachapi's landscape look when the only store in town is Walmart?

As far as landscape goes for the store, I would guess that the contract will call for something decent, it just seems to me the new things going up around town lately have tried to make the exteriors look nice.

I just don't think we need one especially a Super Center, I would rather see some smaller businesses with a variety of different clothing choices come in to town, I still don't mind driving to Bakes or Lancaster for the Costco style shopping.

Jul 23, 2007 at 11:07 AM : I have lived in...

I have lived in Tehachapi for a year now and agree with your statements regarding the towns 3 blocks of "historic district." It's unfortunate because it has so much potential.    I guess, coming from St. Augustine, FL...I do have high expectations of what a historic district can look like. Of course, St. Augustine is much larger than Tehachapi, but it does have a similar vibe. The city council there is very particular about the types of businesses allowed into the city, too. They are also criticized for being against big business. The comparisions stop there. I guess my first observation of Tehachapi is that I am not completely sure that the leadership in the city is qualified and/or has the experience to handle this sort of change. (Which is relevant in the Home Depot not looking any different than any other Home Depot in America despite Tehachapi leadership's interventions). We were attracted to the quaintness of the town and really enjoy living here. However, once you take a deeper look, one does quickly realize that the "historic" area downtown is a little worn and in need of update. Which leads me to this....change is inevitable.

Also, I have personally seen modified Wal-mart stores in Jackson, Wyoming. They blended into the landscape much more than the traditional structures.   Again, it takes strong sity leadership to make this a reality.

LuvMyKatz-Wouldn't you rather not spend the money on gas to drive all the way to Bakersfield to do your shopping? Also, wouldn't you rather consumer spending stay in Tehachapi? As it is now, since the majority of residents do the majority of their shopping in Bakersfield or Palmdale, those revenue dollars are going to improve Bakersfield and Palmdale....not Tehachapi. Also, I am not sure what businesses would really suffer at the hand of Wal-mart since many of the small businesses in town are niche' businesses.    Which again, those businesses are unable to meet the needs of Tehachapi shoppers. Again, change is inevitable and all small businesses should understand that they must also change to keep up with the changing market in order to survive. If the small businesses only business plan is that they are the only one in town...then, yes, I do think they should be concerned about the prospect of a Wal-mart.

Also, St. Augustine...the oldest city in America, has a historic district that is thriving and flocked by 1,000's of tourists daily. St. Augustine is known for their small businesses, restaturants and bed and breakfasts. St. Augustine also has a Super Walmart, a Target and a Home Depot and the small businesses with smart business plans are doing just fine. St. Augustine did not get to where it is today without some growth and more importantly smart growth managment by it's city's leaders. That is what Tehachpi needs: Leadership that can handle managing change.

My last thought is this....I think it is ironic that I would see a "Preserve Tehachapi...stop Wal-Mart" bumper sticker on a car parked in the Home Depot parking lot. Big business is big business. You don't think Home Depot has driven small businesses out of towns? Of course they have! It is just not as well documented in the media as Wal-mart.

Jul 23, 2007 at 02:07 PM : I HOPE THIS WALMART...

I HOPE THIS WALMART AND OTHER STORES WILL BRING JOBS TO OUR CHILDREN WHO NEED THEM. SOME CHILDREN WANT JOBS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT HANDED EVERYTHING. WHEN I WAS OF AGE TO WORK TEHACHAPI DIDN'T HAVE MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE TOWN HAS GROWN AND THE CHILDREN HAVE MORE TO DO. SO IF WALMART IS COMING I HOPE IT HELPS SOME OF THE KIDS THAT NEED HELP!!!

Jul 23, 2007 at 03:07 PM : In my opinion the kids...

In my opinion the kids that REALLY want to work are working already. Many teens don't want to take certain jobs because they are not "cool" enough or they have to wear an ugly uniform or their weekends are disrupted. They don't understand the botttom of the barrel concept and that you have to prove yourself and put in time to move up the ladder. I had no problems getting my first job when I was 16. At the age of 18 I was working 3 jobs! I don't understand how people say it is so hard to get jobs here. Anyone that I have known that REALLY wanted to work and wasn't picky about where they were working GOT a job. I'm talking 16,18,20+ years old. So I'm sorry but I just don't believe the whole "kids can't find work here!" story.

Jul 23, 2007 at 03:07 PM : I would rather a...

I would rather a Target but will take a Wal-mart. You can't predict the future. Kmart may or may not close at the hand of Wal-mart. The company (K-Mart) does not have a strong record of financial stability. Who knows? Maybe the Wal-mart will do so well that it will attract a Best Buy or Mervyn's to the potentially vacated K-mart building.

Either way, the Wal-mart will provide jobs to more than just the kids in the community. They will need deparment managers, customer service managers, store managers etc. There are many adult members of our community that have benefited from the new jobs provided by Home Depot. These same adults, who are concerned with the livelihood of their families will also benefit from the jobs at a Wal-mart and will not let humility stop them from providing for their families.

Also, has anyone ever thought that the reason Home Depot does not have certain items in stock is because they sell out due to the high demand??? One more reason, we need more shopping options here.

Jul 23, 2007 at 03:07 PM : I agree with...

I agree with Lovemycats about finding nice things at Wal-mart. It just doesn't happen. The thing is people will still be going to Bakes., Lancaster, and Palmdale all the time. If we get a Wal-mart will you no longer shop at Costco? Will you buy all your clothes at Wal-mart? I bet our city manager will still drive to Bakersfield to buy his "special" shoes. Your trips to these places will still continue and we will have a HUGE , ugly building and several empty stores for what??? So I can save 50 cents on my paper towels. Woohoo, I can't wait.

Jul 23, 2007 at 03:07 PM : Most of the employees...

Most of the employees at Home Depot were brought in by the company from out of town.

Jul 23, 2007 at 06:07 PM : That was a personal...

That was a personal attack? You've got to be kidding me.

You have no idea who I am. MY name is on my profile. Some people on here know me.(I posted my pic awhile back) They know my family. They know I am not a liar. I"ll agree with you that I put up a good fight over the city fire dept. I did that because I believed with all my heart that it wasn't what was best for our city. The reason TFD is gone now is because what I believed and many others beside me believed was true. It wasn't the best for our town.

To be honest I feel embarrassed for you. You are making a total fool out of yourself over these false accusations and statements. Also, I'd refrain from using the phrase "we all". If you have an opinion fine but don't force it on other people.

Jul 23, 2007 at 07:07 PM : Just to clarify .......

Just to clarify .... I'm in agreement that no pretty dresses will be purchased at Wal-Mart. I can't believe I have to address that. My point - you can't buy a pretty dress currently in Tehachapi. I frequent Leisure but the stock limited.

Now, for you gals in an argument over, whatever - could you pick another location? All the red hot screaming is annoying.

And again, what's small town or attractive about the Albertsons center? It isn't horrible, but I certainly wouldn't classify "small town." Now we really have a mess when you talk about Rite-Aid and Save Mart. That center is flat out ugly. And, don't try to make me go into the smoke filled, stinking paint store in Historic Downtown. Ugh ....

I'm not making these statements for just the fun of it. I shop in the locations I've just complained about ---- well, not the paint store. My point ..... what horror will Wal-Mart bring that isn't already here?

Can't resources be pooled and city officials convinced that an improved, upgraded looking Wal-Mart would be a good thing? It would maybe be a step UP from the examples I've given.

In agreement with above statements - Wal-Mart employs the elderly and the handicapped. You don't see that often.

Jul 23, 2007 at 08:07 PM : Lori- I'm sorry....

Lori- I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to change the subject or fight, I just felt the need to defend myself.

That being said I agree with you about Wal-mart hiring the elderly. It is true you don't see that often.

My point ..... what horror will Wal-Mart bring that isn't already here?

So are you saying you feel like we already have two ugly centers so what difference will a third make? If you realy feel like we already have to many "horrors" in this town already how can you want a third? You've seen the picture. It is not going to be "pretty".

The fact is it is coming and I find it funny that people think adding rocks or certian colors will give a SUPERCENTER( It's not called that for any ol' reason) a "small town feel" to it, but hey I guess I'm all for trying(I use this very loosely) to make it look pretty if we can!

Jul 23, 2007 at 08:07 PM : I will not wear...

I will not wear WalMart clothing, so the only thing I would get from our new WalMart would be cheep house hold stuff. I can get that same cheep crap from KMart. I say no to WalMart. You can put lipstick on a pig and it will still be a pig.

Jul 23, 2007 at 10:07 PM : Lori -...

Lori - "...All the red hot screaming is annoying." Couldn't have been better spoken...same with the pig-WalMart analogy...

Jul 25, 2007 at 12:07 AM : Why would a huge...

Why would a huge corporation like Wal Mart go out of their way to "blend" into our town? It's being built for ONE reason
and we all know it's for Money$. Wal mart can Never make enough Money, and the City of Tehachapi wants the revenue.
So it really makes no difference what the citizens of this town say or want regarding this issue.
I personally am not concerned with how "Ugly" it will be...I know exactly what it will look like. The point is: When the
new Wal Mart is completed in a few short years; Tehachapi will turn into a town just like any other.
It was unique and quiet for awhile; but our small town is changing.
I'm going to pray that that the crime doesn't move in with Wal Mart and the other large businesses
that will inevitably follow.

Jul 28, 2007 at 11:07 PM : I'm saddened that...

I'm saddened that no one seems willing to even try to make an improved Wal-Mart for Tehachapi. I'm also sorry my points are not heard in the light in which I thought I presented them.

First - Wal Mart clothes. By all means don't buy them. Buy the clothes from JC Penney - or whatever - but please understand they have been made in the same third world countries as those sold in Wal- Mart. That would also be true for Talbots, Chicos, Ann Taylor, etc. If it doesn't say "Made in America," it wasn't.

Second - I'm really, really not understanding the drive to preserve our "small town" atmosphere. That's why I cite the examples of what we have that isn't the least bit small town. If Wal-Mart is build in its usual format, it will not be attractive - just like our other shopping areas are not attractive. What would hurt us to try and make some improvements? If the improvements are are too small for your liking, they will, at a minimum, be one small step up. I don't see a down side to that.

Third - does anyone believe for one nanno of a second that, oh let's say Taco Bell, does not exist because it wants to make money? Or Kelcey's? Or Benz" Or Coldwall Banker? Who on this site is currently working? I'm pretty sure you do it for the money. To criticize a "for-profit" organization for making a profit makes no sense to me. BUT Bunee, if you feel strongly enough about the evil money makers, you need to turn down your next raise.

Fourth - honestly, this could go on forever, but THSpride has forced my hand. Why do you buy cheep crap from anyone? What hidden force is there driving you to put your dollars down on anything you feel is cheep, and crap to boot?

So, I've received another article about Wal-Mart committing to charrette in Mississippi. In another post I'm gonna go "sam" on you and re-write the entire thing for everyone's reading pleasure. Look for it.

Jul 29, 2007 at 10:07 AM : Lori, there is still...

Lori, there is still another alternative to these people who profess not to want to buy at Wal-Mart.

They can always drive to Beverly Hills and do their shopping there! Of course I haven't seen many trees or parks or rocks or other ecological amenities there either. Just a lot of traffic, no place to park (including the "parking lots") and high prices for things made in Second World countries. But, it's their prerogative and then they can stop complaining here, eh?

Jul 30, 2007 at 09:07 PM : Let Wal-mart come You...

Let Wal-mart come You think clearview and kb homes have not already runed the small town feel? Wal mart may not have pretty dresses but they have a whole heck of a lot more than K-mart. Which is ugly and not very well kept up. Even with the "remodel" what is with the orange and brown? (off subject I know but the color choich has driven me crazy!) Wal mart is coming and we just have to make the best of it.

Jul 30, 2007 at 11:07 PM : I don't like the...

I don't like the "We have junk already, so what will it hurt to add more" way of thinking. That's like saying we have crooks running around town now, what will a couple more hurt! If Wal-mart is allowed to build in town, I hope we can make them build a nice looking building at lest!

Jul 31, 2007 at 07:07 AM : Countrygirl,...

Countrygirl,

Obviously, you have a personal vendetta against Wal-Mart. "Will people still shop at Costco?" Well yes and no, if you give the public a choice then they will change their shopping habits. It amazes me that you "put up a good fight over the city Fire Dept." because you believed "with all your heart" is wasn’t best for the city. And now you’re making assumptions and half truths about Wal-Mart.

Did you read the poll placed last week on this very Web site? If not let me explain that 80% of the people voted that Wal-Mart was welcome in the city of Tehachapi. At this point you’re in the minority, maybe you should curb your opinions because they stick out like a sore thumb.

If you do not want progress and capitalism then there are many foreign countries you could migrate to. Alternatively, maybe just keeping moving north, there are no plans for a Wal-Mart in Kernville.

Jul 31, 2007 at 08:07 AM : WOW Marty I thought...

WOW Marty I thought you were gone for good, Sorry to see your sarcasm and negative post have returned. Are you referring to the poll that anyone could vote on as many times as they liked?

Jul 31, 2007 at 08:07 AM : It's funny how...

It's funny how you can turn a dislike for Wal Mart into a blanket hatred for capitalism in general. Try not to jump from A to Z.
BTW, no one should curb their opinions simply because they are the minority, that's what makes interesting discussions.

Jul 31, 2007 at 09:07 AM : Marty-Can you please...

Marty-Can you please show me these assumptions and half truths you speak of?

Did I read the poll last week? Well, yes I did. I found it quite amusing that none of the polls before it have surpassed 200-maybe 300 votes ( I'm saying 300 to cover myself but I don't recall seeing any that high) and yet this poll had over a thousand votes. Makes you wonder!

Sorry to burst your bubble, but my thumb is staying even though I hear Kernville is actually quite nice.

Jul 31, 2007 at 10:07 AM : Shane, I am just...

Shane,

I am just stating the obvious in my opinion. Hopefully since WalMart is coming and their is nothing we can do about it it will be nice. Anything as big a "super center" will look out of place. As a precious post was speaking about them trying to be "green" that is a plus even if they can't make it look like a "Pine Tree".

Jul 31, 2007 at 10:07 AM : Okay I meant...

Okay I meant previous not precious

Jul 31, 2007 at 07:07 PM : Yes, Shane I am back,...

Yes, Shane I am back, although briefly I must admit. You see it takes all the energy I can muster to peak down from my perch high atop the bustling city lights. Fortunately, for both of us my sarcasm and negative comments are intact. I take pride in reading the squabbling that goes on in your community, it is almost as if in some way you’re thinking all this blogging is going to change something. I am sure Shane you have found out that yours in particular does not.

In addition, yes GregL, even stupid people should have the right to an opinion. Just look at George Bush

Jul 31, 2007 at 08:07 PM : Well to tell you the...

Well to tell you the truth blogging got the City to do a study concerning an issue we were upset about. I have been to many City Council meetings where the Council Members talked about what had been blogged. I feel this blogg thing has been very effective getting the word out to our City Leaders. My post in particular got me many one on one meetings with local leaders.

Jul 31, 2007 at 09:07 PM : For those of you that...

For those of you that believe the blog forced the city to commission a study of fire protection you are mistaken. The city leadership had been considering the study long before any fuss was made here. They were considering a study because they learned the value of such while in the process of studying the police issue. Bury your egos people the city did this on their own advice.

City employee

Jul 31, 2007 at 09:07 PM : Yeah right! The City...

Yeah right! The City didn't want a fire study. I was also at a meeting with the Mayor when he asked me what it would take to make the blogging go away. I suggested a fire study. He agreed and then he brought it up at the next Council meeting. They were under the impression that the study would show a need for a fire department and were surprised by its findings. So once again a city employee with only 1/2 the story! The city lied to us the tax payer and to its own employees. They wasted millions before they did the study. Will we get that back? Caudle and McLaughlin lied to the City Council as well, and the Council didn't use their own minds and study the issue until we blogged them to death.

Now back to the topic: The City will lie to us once again, they will tell us they have no power to make Wal-Mart go away or even change the way they build the store! It's time to say goodbye to the liars that lead our city.

Jul 31, 2007 at 10:07 PM : City Employee-...

City Employee- "The city leadership had been considering the study long before any fuss was made here."

Not true. I have 1st hand knowledge how the study came to be. I also have heard Hand and the others talk about what we are saying on the bloggs. They have changed a lot about how things are done, due in part to this forum. We also organized walks, mailers as well as getting supporters to the meetings with the use of this blogg.

Jul 31, 2007 at 10:07 PM : Shane - I love the...

Shane - I love the activity this site has received in the last couple days, but not exactly sure it's going in the right direction.

I believe we have a possibility to make some difference regarding Wal-Mart. You say this blog site is helpful and is able to make an impact. I want that to be true and will work to make it so. Tell me how? I don't think Wal-Mart is any worse than K-Mart or Rite-Aid, etc. I've already given my sworn statement on that part of the discussion. But - I really, really, really think we might be able to get a Wal-Mart that is more attractive than what everyone I know dislikes - some dislike in the extreme.

I can write like crazy here or elsewhere and I'd be glad to help with flyers or off site meetings, etc. But, I'm not a Tehachapi resident. So, I don't think "the boys" on Robinson Street are gonna give me an audience. That doesn't mean I don't feel pretty passionate on this subject. What can we do as a group of concerned citizens? Can you help me on this subject?

Jul 31, 2007 at 11:07 PM : Lori, I will go to a...

Lori, I will go to a City Council meeting with you and bring up are concerns. Let's see what they have to say at that meeting, then go from there. Maybe we can get Jim and Countygirl to go as well. The looks of this building is a Greater Tehachapi issue not just a City issue. I will be in Alaska for the next few weeks, I will mesg you when I get back.