Is there any reason to feel passionate about your community? - Development in Cummings Valley - Washburn's Blog - Tehachapi News

Feb 3, 2008 at 11:02 AM : I think it's...

I think it's supremely important to be involved in your community. I came here because I really liked it here. I want to have a hand in keeping it a nice place to live.

I've been trying to get out more and do some volunteering. It's a little more difficult than I thought it would be though.

Feb 3, 2008 at 11:02 AM : The last two years...

The last two years have left me with a sour taste in my mouth towards our local government. I used to attend council meetings and speak out on things I felt were important, but after realizing that our council is going to do whatever they want to do regardless of how the public feel I got fed up. Now I just want to move away from town. We won't leave Tehachapi, but I WILL NOT be buying a house in town that is for sure. I do volunteer work here and there,but oddly enough like Madkow said it's harder than it sounds.

Feb 3, 2008 at 02:02 PM : If either of you are...

If either of you are pet lovers, and would like to help Tehachapi's homeless animals, the new STOP group (Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets) will be needing volunteers very shortly.... to assist with a membership drive, general fundraising, pet fostering, adoption days, etc. Passionate volunteers are hard to come by, and we'd love to have you join us. If you're interested, please email me at info@caninecreek.com and I'll pass on your info to the membership chair. Thank you. Susie

Feb 3, 2008 at 04:02 PM : I moved here to...

I moved here to Tehachapi from the coast after 23 years because I wanted to get a life-for me. I began to do foster care for the Tehachapi Humane Society when I arrived. I'd always been a cat person and now I rescue dogs. After a few years of small group politics I went out on my own. It is immensely satisfying to help local people who need to surrender a dog, sometimes because they didn't plan well, or the dog just isn't happy or, unfortunately, sometimes just because they are flakes. I really enjoy helping people find a new companion dog for their family but working with people who share your motivation is easy. I find that I get more satifaction taking in strays and making people feel a little better about making a difficult decision to surrender an animal. I'm tough on those people but I've become a good judge of character and can usually tell when they really can't keep a dog and are trying to dp the right thing. Anyway, long segue but I have joined Susie and some others in the new STOP group. What a great group of determined, organized, motivated people!! And no small group politics-one agenda-to help Tehachapi's stray animals get another choice besides a one-way ticket to the animal shelter.

Anyone who wants to share their passion with us is welcome! We'd be happy to put you to work and you'll know you ae making a difference in your community. And Countrygirl-we'll never ask you to go to a City Council meeting, O.K? Been there, done that too.

Feb 5, 2008 at 10:02 AM : Well, you guys have...

Well, you guys have all my info and I'm hoping to help at some point. It's just unfortunate I can't do any fostering... At least our current foster dog is finally recovering after a long, rough weekend (she got spayed and was feeling awful). Unfortunately we haven't seen our cat in a few days :( I guess she finally got fed up with being chased by our foster dog all the time. Hopefully she comes around soon- it's cold out there!

Feb 5, 2008 at 08:02 PM : I had actually looked...

I had actually looked into starting a YWCA a few years back and then soon found out that it takes a community that would help with fundraising and other things in order to come up with the over $200K you need plus volunteers to help out. I had talked to a few business owners and other people and there were no takers. It's a sad fact that the only things for kids to do in the town outside of AYSO and football is nothing. They soon find drugs and other nonsense to fill their days. This town really needs to think about a future for the kids in it. I was so upset finding out that this town would rather have paintings on the sides of their buildings.

Feb 6, 2008 at 12:02 PM : I love Tehachapi,...

I love Tehachapi, especially the people. The only thing I am very good at is making websites. Thus, I donate free websites and hosting to non-profit orgs and local musicians and artists. I want all of Tehachapi to get online, whether rich or poor. Sure, I also donate money to local charities such as the Tehachapi Community Theater, but donating my time to help people in Tehachapi get online is more difficult for me than handing over money because I like to travel and I enjoy my free time. Yet, I still volunteer. I respect any and all who volunteer their time to help our community, because I know it's easier to just send a check.

Feb 6, 2008 at 02:02 PM : I love the small town...

I love the small town feeling here even with all the bickering and differences of opinions. When I moved here not quite two years ago, I brought with me the big city suspicions of those who waved or smiled at me for no obvious reasons, lol. "Neighbors" don't exist in Las Vegas.

I was involved for quite a while with the SCVFD and the SCVFD Auxiliary. I recently put my name on the list to volunteer with STOP, just waiting for the phone call. I offered to volunteer for TCT, but Annette never responded to my email :(

Tehachapi is where I plan on spending the rest of my life, hopefully. The "crik" done rose just this week and I survived that!

Feb 6, 2008 at 02:02 PM : I help out with an...

I help out with an organization that many may not have heard of, it is called high Spirits Equestrian group. This organization provides horse riding/lessons for the Mentally handicapp, Physically handicapp, and other disorders. Two of my 3 children and my older Brother all ride and participate in the yearly Horse Show at Hansen Dam. This organization does not charge anything for the riding/lessons and is all funded by donations or non profit grants. It has been a great experience for my children/brother to be able to participate in something like this. There is NOTHING else in our community for them to do because they are not NORMAL.

Feb 8, 2008 at 08:02 AM : Joty and anyone else...

Joty and anyone else who is interested in volunteering for STOP (Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets) should register on the STOP general information Yahoo message board located here:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/STOPMemberInfo

As many of you know, the first fundraiser for STOP is Petals for Pets... the bare root rose sale from Susie Hubbard's award-winning garden here in Tehachapi. (Which, by the way, has already raised nearly $1,000 and it doesn't even end until February 16th!) I believe we have the manpower needed to complete this event. The next STOP fundraiser will be in conjunction with the Canine Creek 4th annual Birthday Bash and Charity Fundraiser on April 5th at our new location on Tehachapi Blvd. We will mostly likely need volunteers for that, so please sign up on the Yahoo group. We'll announce the needs as it gets closer. Thanks for offering to help.

Feb 10, 2008 at 04:02 PM : I forgot another great...

I forgot another great thing to do for your community! Whenever you go out for a walk or a hike, bring some plastic grocery bags and pick up trash along the way! Just today I filled up two large bags in the dirt pathways south of Cherry St in town. There's always trash that has been blown into those fields (and sadly some that has just been dropped). It's so nice to walk along clean streets and pathways! When the weather is nice enough, I like to walk to do my errands, and I pick up trash on the way back. Just don't forget to bring a glove (I use a latex glove) so you don't have to touch some of the nasty stuff with bare hands!

Feb 10, 2008 at 04:02 PM : Hurray for you madkow!...

Hurray for you madkow! Even though it's a never ending battle - you are making a difference. I would love to get a group together and clean Tehachapi Blvd east of town. I think Lehigh should do a road cleanup, but it doesn't look like that'll ever happen.

We do a road cleanup twice a year in Sand Canyon. I hate to bend over so I bought me one of those grabber things. :)

Feb 10, 2008 at 07:02 PM : Hey Joty- if you ever...

Hey Joty- if you ever get a clean-up organized, let me know and I'll come help :)

Feb 11, 2008 at 08:02 AM : Thanks madkow, I will....

Thanks madkow, I will. Once spring gets here for real, I think I will approach Lehigh (ok, that spelling doesn't look right). It's the nastiest along there in front of the plant. It's not them, it's all the idiots going to the dump who don't know how to cover their loads correctly.

I love T'pi and it is so disheartening to see trash like that anywhere in or outside our little town.

Feb 13, 2008 at 06:02 AM : ...

Hey Joty....

I honestly don't remember getting an email from you about TCT. I know we corresponded during my first run with "The Vagina Monologues", if it was during that time, it probably went on the "I'll get to it when I can take a breath" list! I'm truly sorry.

Here's how anyone can help out and be come a member of TCT:

Student Membership

$15.00

Designed for junior high and high school level students that want to become a part of the theatre family in Tehachapi. This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of a civic organization and help shape and mold the future and direction of the arts in Tehachapi. Students may vote on board members, but cannot hold office until after the age of 18.

Director’s Membership

$25.00

Enjoy our base membership and help support our community theatre. Your membership will help build the base we need to prosper long into the future. In addition, our base membership will allow you to attend our monthly meetings and cast vital decision making votes that effect the course and focus of the theatre.

These are the two most popular levels of membership. Please come to our next regular meeting on Monday 2/18/08 at 6:30 at Kelcy's. Dinner is no-host and optional. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month, same time, same place.

There are so many ways to volunteer right now. Fundraising is at the top of the list; with the Beekay construction about to get going, TCT needs to raise about $35-40,000 (TCT already has $20,000 of the estimasted $60,000 needed) to turn the building the city (with grant money) is going to finish into a beautiful theater! A REAL THEATER...It still gives me chills to think about it!

There are already shows being planned, I expect the first show to be a big "family-friendly-fare" musical. I plan on resuming rehearsals for "Nuts", Kenny Chugg will be doing "Catfish Moon". "Nuts" was already cast when we lost our space at TAPA, but I'm not sure about "Catfish..". 2008-2009 will be a banner season for TCT...it's about time, they've been chugging along for 40 years come this fall!

Call the Tehachapi Community Theatre Hotline at 822-4037 for information on what is going on, or leave a message with your name and phone number and someone will get back to you ASAP.

In Peace,

Annette Kirby

Feb 13, 2008 at 08:02 AM : Annette, it was during...

Annette, it was during the time of VM's first run. You were excited, nervous and probably a little nuts. :) I chalked it up to that, and figured when the time was right, we'd reconnect.

It is exciting news about the Beekay! I know the residents of Tehachapi will step up to the plate - they always do!

Feb 13, 2008 at 08:02 AM : I don't get on...

I don't get on the 58 hardly at all. But maybe I should contact Benz too about them doing a clean-up at least along the part that goes by town.

Feb 13, 2008 at 08:02 AM : I came here almost 25...

I came here almost 25 years ago and am involved in the Tehachapi Humane Society and the Citizen Service Unit for the Kern County Sheriff's Department. Both are great for the ego of knowing you are helping your community. I know there are a number of organizations that are always looking for volunteers to help in their various causes and most keep it local which is what I like.

The Tehachapi Humane Society needs foster care, but we can always use help with the feral cat program, our spay/neuter voucher program, the Teen program, our Education program etc. not to mention any and all of our fund raising projects. This is a very worthy group to work with.

The Citizens' Service Unit patrols vacation homes and residential and business areas and reports to the deputies any suspicious activities, we help with traffic control at large events and accidents, we transport vehicles, evidence etc. down to Bakersfield in order to keep the deputies up here rather than spending 2 hours round trip. We transport children to Jameson Center when they are put into protective custody, and we perform as actors in scenarios for the Academy and SWAT practices. Even though we are a unit for Tehachapi, we go all over the County to help at various events.

Don't give up, you'll find your niche.

Feb 13, 2008 at 06:02 PM : Joty--drive down 58...

Joty--drive down 58 and all you see is Benz trash area for all the world to see. Makes a great first impression as people drive by....not! They have been there for years and should by now have some full evergreens there to create a screen. Instead you see poor water and fertilizer deprived "shrubs" that should be full and green trees.

Feb 16, 2008 at 02:02 AM : I don't rememer...

I don't rememer Tehachapi as being a dirty town. What is happening there? I remember it being such a nice place to stay. Are the democrats taking over??

Feb 16, 2008 at 12:02 PM : Driving through...

Driving through Tehachapi on the '58', it's true - the typical traveler doesn't see Tehachapi's 'good side'. Just the sewer ponds, the Benz garbage eyesore and Home Depot. Personally, that suits me just fine. I hope the typical traveler will say to themselves "Ewww.. I would never want to live here!" and just keep on driving! We have too many new people here already and thanks to them, we are becoming just what they moved here to escape! They complain about no shopping, no night life, no hospital, no "whatever".. well, I say, "Go back to where you came from and leave Tehachapi alone!"

Feb 16, 2008 at 01:02 PM : It was wonderful to...

It was wonderful to hear from all the Tehachapi residents helping out to create a better community. If you haven't heard it lately, well, I sure thank you all.

Hearing the comments about the view of Tehachapi from the 58 freeway brings back one of my personal pet peeves. How does Benz get away with it? I mean - that is an unlicensed garbage dump! What do our community leaders owe Benz - and why - to let that disgrace stay as is? I remember the news about the home that required lilac bushes to be cut because of the problem they created. Doesn't our Benz disgrace deserve some personal attention from the lilac bush nazis?

P.S. Spell check thought I should capatlize nazis ..... I decided against it.

Feb 16, 2008 at 10:02 PM : How does Benz get away...

How does Benz get away with putting BLUE dumpsters and BLUE portapotties in Bear Valley where they regulate the color of everything! Even realtor and construction signs are color regulated...yet his dumpters/potties are blue and have colorful signs on them....I guess $$$$$$$$$$$ talks!

Feb 17, 2008 at 12:02 AM : yea ragmop I...

yea ragmop I completely agree with you, it kind of ticks me off when I hear people that have come here in the past few years proceed to complain that there's no shopping choice here or "kmart's too expensive, we need a walmart," or the health care sucks or whatever...awsmom, if bvs tried to regulate the color of Benz's dumpsters and portapotties he'd just pull out and then everyone in bv would have to drive all the way to the landfill, which I think would make for a lot of pissed off residents.

Feb 17, 2008 at 09:02 PM : A representative from...

A representative from TCT spoke to the Women's Club this week about the Beekay Theatre project and handed out flyers showing areas where citizens or groups can sponsor and support the project by donating money for various components of the theatre, ie. seats, murals, stage equipment, etc. This is a very worthwhile project. Our town needs a venue for local talent to perform. I urge everyone who cares about the arts and cares about Tehachapi to support this project and dig deep into your wallet to help it move forward.

Feb 17, 2008 at 10:02 PM : ragmop are you...

ragmop are you a Friend of Bill W.

Feb 17, 2008 at 10:02 PM : Since I don't...

Since I don't know who you are referring to - (Bill W?????) I would have to say, no I'm not a friend of someone I don't know. Why do you ask? Who is Bill W? Huh??

Feb 18, 2008 at 07:02 AM : lmao...

lmao...

Feb 18, 2008 at 09:02 AM : Joty take your morning...

Joty take your morning shot, and drowned your day in another bottle of wine!! Your crude comments should be left for chat rooms. This is the Tehachapi news papers blog!! Step it up!!!!

Feb 18, 2008 at 09:02 AM : states are you an...

states are you an alcoholic? are you a Friend of Bill W.

TAKING A TRIP NOT TAKING A TRIP

Feb 18, 2008 at 09:02 AM : So, states, spend a...

So, states, spend a lot of time in chat rooms? Does your spouse know?

"Joty take your morning shot, and drowned your day in another bottle of wine!!" lol, at least you don't pretend to be smart, gotta hand it to you there...

Feb 18, 2008 at 09:02 AM : joty I like your...

joty I like your ''crude'' comments they make me laugh. Keep up the crude work.

Feb 18, 2008 at 10:02 AM : OK, I'll ask one...

OK, I'll ask one more time. Who is Bill W and why the reference? Why won't anyone answer the question?

Feb 18, 2008 at 10:02 AM : Bill W was the founder...

Bill W was the founder of AA

Feb 18, 2008 at 10:02 AM : Thank you for...

Thank you for clarifying that.

Feb 18, 2008 at 10:02 AM : I don't...

I don't understand it. Why do these posts go off on tangents that have nothing to do with the subject? I know you are allowed to do that, but I don't know why people do it. If you want to rant - shouldn't you write that down and post it? I'll be glad to join anyone's rant, if I'm so inclined and I'll be kind enough to keep it to the subject. I'm not even sure how you keep finding your place back here - I mean you kinda have to work at it.

So, in response to my little irritation at bloggers going off in all directions - visit my new blog site about that subject.

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : Next...

Next question. Why did anonnymous ask if I was a friend of Bill W? What part of any of my posts prompted that question? Will you clarify that for me, anonnymous?

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : How can you help the...

How can you help the community with this? Stay on the subject twitts!!! Put people like you on PROZAC!! LMBO!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't be a button pusher!! RAwrhh!!!!

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : Are you misspelling...

Are you misspelling anonymous for any particular reason?

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : People are easily...

People are easily distracted. Every blog is subject to rabbit trails, don't get your panties in a bunch. You have a good subject and I did post 'on subject' earlier. I hope you can regain control, washburn

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : If you are referring...

If you are referring to my spelling of 'anonnymous' - I was responding to "anonnymous" (the poster) and that is how he/she spells it. I do know how to spell anonymous, FYI. Woops, this was "off subject" but you did ask the question.

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : "Control&...

"Control" is not my issue. I just prefer to open a site (mine, yours, someone else's) based on the subject, and read what people have to say about that subject. I don't want to slog thru non-sensical insults. I just don't get it.

As far as ragmop hoping I can "regain" control: it is not possible because those individuals who go off subject don't seem to understand the simplest of conversation techniques and common courtesies. Gee - that really sounds old fashioned. But, I'm sticking with it. This policy of very specific individuals just going off is something I'll live with. Like so many other problems that degenerate our society and relationships.

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : WOW - thanks for the...

WOW - thanks for the great info anonymouser!! Now I know you know how to spell?? And you are clever???? Some of the entries were from anonnymous ..... are you one in the same? Seems so.

Can't you just make up a name .... like for instance .... imnuttyasafruitcake?

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : now you sound like...

now you sound like your whining

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : While you are...

While you are on the subject of spelling, your blog needs a correction. It's "passionate", not passonate. I know you are picky about spelling, I'm just trying to help.

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : Shane - were you once...

Shane - were you once a pain? If not, ignore this question. My old friend "shane" will understand and not take offense.

Feb 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM : ragmop - where did you...

ragmop - where did you go this time? Do you get blog sites mixed up? I couldn't find the misspelling of "passionate" on this site? I tried - not too hard - but I did try to find it because I thought you may have been addressing me.

Feb 18, 2008 at 12:02 PM : anonnymous in pink -...

anonnymous in pink - not whining - just interested and asked the question. Or were you referring to someone else?

I'm getting sleepy now. Toooooooooooooo boringgggggggg

Feb 18, 2008 at 12:02 PM : washburn, if you...

washburn, if you scroll up to the top of this blog, there is a wide green line that says "Is there any reason to feel passonate about your community?" It's right by your 'no-photo'. Since this is your blog, you can probably fix it.

Feb 18, 2008 at 12:02 PM : Thanks...

Thanks ragmop. Been repaired - and I truly appreciate that. I think we should all try our best to spell correctly and construct sentences properly. I was a school teacher in my previous life.

Feb 18, 2008 at 02:02 PM : washburn are you an...

washburn are you an alcoholic? Are you a friend of Bill W.

Feb 18, 2008 at 02:02 PM : ANONYMOUSER YOU ARE A...

ANONYMOUSER YOU ARE A FRUITCAKE.

Feb 18, 2008 at 03:02 PM : anonymouser when i...

anonymouser when i call you a fruitcake what i'm really saying is your kool in my book