Tehachapi News

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The Aug. 23 concert fundraiser held at Marx Central Park was an overwhelming success, netting over $3,700 for the completion of the Tehachapi Depot. Those attending were treated to a concert by local musicians joined by special guests.

Speakers such as Del Troy, local historian, related the history of the railroad and the Depot and added their memories of the days when Tehachapi depended on the passengers and freight that passed through the Depot doors. Donations, drawings for door prizes, and T-shirt sales all helped raise funds.

The event was emceed by City Councilman Ed Grimes. The musical program was put together by Tehachapi Mayor Debby Hand and the logistics were handled by Larry Barrett, of Coldwell Banker Realty. Many other volunteers helped, particularly Claudia Henson, Shane Reed and Holly Hart.

The funds raised at the concert will go to help in the rebuilding and to complete the Railroad Museum to be housed in the Depot. The Museum and park surrounding the Depot will showcase the Stokoe Collection of Railroad items, including the signals that were featured by Huell Howser in a segment of California Gold. Howser plans a return visit the once the Stokoe items are on display in the rebuilt Depot.

Several misconceptions about the funds needed to complete the Depot have been heard lately. While it is true that the City of Tehachapi had insurance on the building, the policy is for replacement value, not for $I million dollars as some have heard. At replacement value, the insurance will help rebuild the Depot to a level of completion at the time of the fire. There is no easy calculation as to what level of completion was reached, although there have been estimates ranging from 85 to 90 percent.

As the planning progresses, the level of completion will be determined. Once the insurance company pays its portion to help rebuild the Depot, RDA funds previously budgeted by the City will be used towards the project.

The “Back on Track” committee, formed to help make up the shortfall in funds, is made up of a of volunteers from the Friends of The Tehachapi Depot (FOTD), the Tehachapi Heritage League, Main Street Tehachapi and other individuals. Collected funds will be transferred to the City of Tehachapi, which is acting as the lead agency in rebuilding the Depot. Funds may be used for construction, landscaping, and installing the Railroad Museum in the rebuilt Depot. The goal for completion is to have the Depot open in time for the 2009 Tehachapi Centennial Celebration.

Donations are tax deductible under the IRS nonprofit status of the FOTD. To make a donation or to plan a fundraiser, contact Charles White, “Back on Track” chairperson at 972-0958.